All of the resources that address racism. Visit our racism guided learning paths page to download our guides.
Top five commonly asked questions about racism. Does racism still exist? Is colorblindness enough? Why is there a disconnect between white Americans and Americans of color? Is racism an individual or systemic issue? What are critical race theory and intersectionality?
At first glace LA 92 is a history lesson about the 1992 Los Angeles riots, but just below the surface is a warning and a call for Americans to wake up. For hundreds of years Black people and people of color have complained about police brutality and, unfortunately, most of the time white people have ignored or dismissed the calls for help or justice. This indifference and callousness combined with other issues such as high unemployment, underfunded schools, and aggressive policing tactics has led to frustration which manifests itself in violence.
Almost every Christian is familiar with the Samaritan women at the well story in John, but few see it as a blueprint for how to cross racial divisions. Preaching from John 4:1-42 Oakcliff Bible Fellowship (Dallas, TX) pastor Tony Evans says Jesus first meets the woman as a person and then speaks to her soul.
Does white privilege exist? If it does exist, why is the idea repulsive to so many people? What are we supposed to do about it? Pastor Tim Cain of Kaleo Church (Lakeside, CA) answers those questions and more in a convicting sermon full of wisdom. Cain believes that we must first acknowledge that advantages exist, realize that everything we have is a gift from God, and then steward our privilege for the oppressed.
A history of another brutal part of America’s past that is glossed over Worse Than Slavery tells the story of convict leasing, a thinly veiled system of slavery, through the songs of convicts, court documents, and local newspapers.
Weaving current and historical events while preaching from Luke 18:1-8 pastor Taurus Montgomery of Pioneer Memorial Church (Benton Harbor, MI) lists five things white Christians can do to fight racism. One, educate yourself to understand the problems of injustice. Two, feel the pain of justice in and out of the church. Three, protest the pattern persistently. Four, be a partner for progress. Five, pray to be purged of prejudice persistently.
Critical race theory is being used by many people as a weapon and many people are not taking the time to dig into what CRT actually is. Is critical race theory a tool that Christians can use? Absolutely. Is it a tool that Christians will use to direct church doctrine? No. As Christians we must be nuanced and distinct in our response to CRT.
In a nuanced, informative, and kind sermon, pastor Jon Tyson defines privilege as “when you do nothing and you get something.” Tyson then proceeds to give the history of the modern understanding of privilege saying that most people land on the rights side or the responsibility side on the privilege spectrum. Using Philippians 2:1-11 as his basis he says that Christians need a distinct approach to privilege – a redirection that elevates and benefits those who need help in our society.
Lamont English tells it like it is by stating that Christians are treating critical race theory in the 2020’s the same way white Christians treated racism and white supremacy in the 1960’s by blanket labeling it communist and Marxist. Sure, there are parts of critical race theory that Christians should reject, but there are also useful parts. At the very least Christians should do their homework and not parrot platitudes.
Priest Tish Harrison Warren argues that the church’s response to racism should be different then the worlds – we should be able to admit systemic racism while also moving past the guilt and shaming of others and ourselves. We love the both/and worldview of this article.
