Racism: We Need a Biblical Definition & Alternative
- Bryan Hudson
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
By: Dr. Charles Ware
Addressing racism in the church during a time of increasing political polarization and ethnic division within the culture is confusing and sometimes discouraging. Agreement across ethnic groups concerning the definition, extent, and relevancy of racism is lacking. Constructive conversations are difficult when the definition of terms differ significantly between communicators.
After delivering what I believed to be an encouraging and unifying message, One Race One Blood, the response of one middle-aged White woman surprised me: “Stop talking about this! We never talk about race in my house,” was her passionate plea. Obviously, I failed to encourage this woman!
Reflecting on the fact that ethnic groups often define racism differently can be discouraging. My feelings may fluctuate, but my faith in God’s grace remains strong. We need in-depth conversations seeking biblical understanding of and resolutions to racism.
Prayerfully, we all agree with the Apostle Peter’s statement to Cornelius: “…You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean” (Acts 10:28).
Who better to wrestle with the issue of racism than biblical counselors? Sybrand de Swardt from South Africa believes we need a biblical counseling track dedicated to global racism. I agree with him! Together we can discover mutually edifying solutions to the racial divide.
Words Are Powerful
Words are powerful! As biblical counselors, we know the importance of the accurate and contextual meaning of words. We also understand how the meaning of words often changes over time or within different cultures. What is racism, personal racism, structural racism, scientific racism, and social racism? What is white privilege? Can a minority be racist? What is reverse racism? How do we biblically define these concepts?
Conversations about racism can either be edifying or alarming. Much of the public discourse is alarming. Reported hate crimes in the U.S. have risen from 6,121 in 2016 to 7,175 in 2017! The recent mass shooting in a Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA left eleven dead and others injured. The gunman, Robert Bowers, yelled, “All Jews must die,” as he began shooting. Many Americans are feeling less safe due in part to the bold actions of extreme racists.
Less extreme attitudes and words are still concerning. A White mother of adopted African-American boys expressed concern for them due to conversations in her mostly White neighborhood. A Black pastor expressed his concern about the unbiblical attitudes and words he has observed in his primarily Black church.
We must model conversations and relationships that inspire hope. Some minorities are leaving what some call “white evangelicalism!”
Leaving “White Evangelicalism”
We need “us and us” versus “them and us” solutions to centuries of divisions. The simple answer is the gospel! The complex question remains: if Jesus is the answer, why are there still ethnic divisions within the church? How long will minorities endure in an environment they believe is racist?
The diverse body of Christ needs to develop a deeper knowledge of and love for each other. Sitting, singing, and studying together does not mean that we are growing in unity.
Lecrae, the 38-year-old hip-hop artist known for his Christ-centered message recently announced that he was distancing himself from “white evangelicalism.” Lecrae believes his identity and heritage as a black man was being suppressed in the white evangelical world. He created a firestorm when he began to speak out about social justice and police shootings of black males. His record sales and speaking requests dropped significantly after speaking out. John Piper seeks to understand Lecrae’s decision and sees a reason for hope.[1]
Brian Loritts, a gifted young African-American preacher, writes about his struggle to fit into white evangelicalism in his recent book, “Insider Outsider: My Journey as a Stranger in White Evangelicalism.” Ed Stetzer’s interview with Brian is insightful.[2] In his article, Open Letter to John Piper on White Evangelicalism and Multiethnic Relations, Raymond Chang says minorities have been leaving “white evangelicalism” before LeCrae.[3]
We need to contextualize the Apostle’s Paul’s exhortation, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4). We need the mind of Christ.
Renewing the Mind
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2).
It seems unlikely that a single culture will develop a biblically-balanced, “us and us,” gospel-centered, reconciled community. Together we must resist conformity to the world and pursue the renewing of our minds through biblical wisdom. Together we must think and communicate compassionately and critically about biblical gospel-centered reconciliation. Together we must create more grace relations models that display our love for one another.
Together we must inspire hope. My hope is in Grace (God’s Reconciliation At Christ’s Expense) Relations. We need biblically-grounded, gospel-centered, and others-focused communities to break the stronghold of racism and become models of loving and diverse relationships advancing God’s kingdom. Will you join me?
Questions for Reflection
Do you believe we need a biblical counseling track focused on racism?
What is the best biblical definition of racism you have heard?
Are you in a diverse group seeking practical and relevant definitions?
What are the best models of biblical unity among believers of different ethnic backgrounds you know?
