Is It Racism?

November 2009

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God."  - I John 4:1  (KJV)

A few months ago race dominated the headlines, and I imagine were the topics of many dinner table conversations and family and friends discussions. This arose mainly because of the strong opinions, and sometimes hostile reactions, to President Obama and his Healthcare Reform bill. There was so much rancor that even a former president spoke up about it. The former president drew the ire of many because he stated that he thought those reactions were racist.

Talking about race in America today is risky. It is not politically correct, and depending on the circle you run in, nor is it socially comfortable. It is the proverbial elephant in the room and lodging any accusation of racism can be costly.

The reason for that can be the offshoot of two extremes. The cause of it emerges from one camp or another. I heard a talk show host on Christian radio say that he thought that whites had put the race problem behind them and had moved on, but that "blacks keep bringing it up and won’t let go.”¹ This is what comes out of one camp. In the other, there are some African Americans who have charged racism for every wrong done by African American themselves.

With these two widely opposing views in America, no wonder it is not politically or socially feasible to talk about anything concerning race. No wonder the elephant is still in the room and is the object of this insidious tug of war. One side denies its existence. The other side blames everything on it.

From a spiritual point of view, we can classify this standoff as the stalemate that emerges from the two-headed monster of self-righteousness that we have created in this country. Denying the existence of racism in a country with such a long and sordid history of it is the fruit or expression of one branch of it. The dependence on racism as a crutch or excuse to cover up shortcomings is the flip side. Neither side can own up to its own weaknesses. As a result, both sides are wallowing in the swamp of self-righteousness.

It is imperative, though, that both come out of this quagmire. Jesus said, that "except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20 KJV) The election of Barack Obama brought out what many already knew existed. (Just take a look at comments left by internet users.) Him being elected as president did not help eradicate racial problems but ferreted it out. However, that is no excuse for drugging and thugging out, no reason for gang-banging, killing or stealing. It is no excuse for not equipping and educating ourselves against the resurrection of Jim Crow mindsets and attitudes.

As a Christian, I question myself: Is my spiritual walk suppressed by my political leanings or social outlook? Can I truthfully say that the hyperbole over President Obama's Healthcare Reform bill is stirred by race? Can I honestly say that this is no excuse for him to fail as president? If I am more politically correct than spiritually-minded, then I guess it would be difficult. Otherwise, I can call a spade a spade and the elephant in the room is just that - an elephant. It is ironic that we are discouraged to honestly talk about race, when after gender, it is one of the most fundamental thing that defines us or distinguishes us one from another. It is ironic that not even Christians want to hold a healthy and honest discussion on the subject, when Jesus said we ought to be "speaking the truth in love" and to "simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'."  (Ephesians 4:15; Matthew 5:37 NIV) To me, the biblical antidote to both forms of self-righteousness - denial and excuses - is to "(KJV) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up,"  remembering that "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper."  (James 4:10 KJV; Proverbs 28:13 KJV)

I pray that we can be honest about how we feel about race, and that we will take time to arm and protect ourselves against this two-headed monster of self-righteousness with "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous [which] availeth much."  (James 5:16) I pray that we will take time to pray against that old spirit of Jim Crow, that it will never prevail again in this country. That the black codes of the Reconstruction Period that relentlessly restricted the rights of some up until the 1960’s is not about to be revisited upon us again.

May God richly bless you, and may you continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

¹ Matt Friedeman, Host of The Matt Friedeman Show on American Family Radio