Pure Church

So far I have read most of the articles. Pretty much of the same stuff we have heard down through the years on this subject, although Carter was quite provocative regarding his plan for harmony among the different "ethnicities" in our country in particular (you got me scared to use the term "race").

However I did find a couple of things that made me pause. One was a statement by Carson and the other was a statement by you. I am really turning these two statements over in my mind.


Carson said:
"...we must reflect on both creation and the fall. Creation tells us that the human race was made imago Dei, in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). From the first man and woman came every nation of human beings (Acts 17:26)."

Thabiti said:
"Ironically, denying that "races" exist doesn't lead to the denial of all differences. It leads to the affirmative action of seeking the multitudes who as one man bow together to the risen Lamb."

Race and Racism: "That's The Way of the World" and obscures the real "Reasons" that we are here. If we continue to think this way we will never be Christ's "Shining Star" no matter who we are. We need some spend some time in "Devotion" to the Scriptures. My fault man, but all that talk about Earth Wind and Fire (real music) got me going.

Maybe you can do a piece on "Many Ethnicities, One Race" in one of our Doctrinal Booklets.

Thought provoking stuff, my Brother.

Lou,
Now you're a brother that knows his Elements :-). I need to get you and Jonathan talking music.

Peace,
T

For those of us who haven't heard this stuff (or much of anything biblical on the topic) down through the years, this edition of 9News was a great introduction.

It (and particularly YOU Thabiti Anyabwile) convicted me of my own eagerness to wrongly ignore ethnicity in my relationships with brothers in Christ.

Thank you. Even though it stung.

Thabiti, yours is the FIRST writing I've ever seen that puts the final bullet to the whole issue or "race" by showing, conclusively, that it is a man-originated and centred construct. I've been frustrated by all the crying and moaning over the "racism" card for years..knowing it has no basis in God's economy. So, why can't we just reckon it so, and move on? Well, there's this matter of the fall, isn't there. Well, then, as you show so plainly, the work of the church (in part) is to work toward bringing the reign of God to bear on this, as well.

Seeing "race" as a man-made social construct is the more clear when one considers situations such as "the troubles" in Ireland..same people, culture, languages (english and gaelic), same ancestors, foods, names, cities...yet the "cathlicks" and "prods" hate each other bitterly. Rwanda, a decade or so back, was nearly destroyed by those who stirred up two tribes against each other. Millions died. Again, little real difference between the two peoples.
SO--what now? Your solution, accurate and thorough teaching from God's Word on these matters, is the ONLY one with promise. What most adherents of the "race" concept lose out on, though, is the wonderful experiences denied to any local church which maintains a monoethnic melieu. Our lives are SO enriched when we are with, and experience the varied aspects of, other cultures. Just consider the amazing and tasty varieties of foods amongst different peoples...Mexican, Szechuan Chinese, Cuban, Creole, French Provençale, Tuscan Italian, Indian, Jamaican....oh my, I must stop, I am salivating now!!

I knew of no other way to contact you than to leave a comment on your blog.
I wanted to encourage you to prayerfully consider beginning an educational ministry for race issues much like 9Marks is for ecclesiological issues. The Lord's church despartely needs such a ministry I fear.

We had the pleasure of keeping our hispanic nephew this summer and were disheartened by some of the racist comments church members would casually say and not even recognize what they were saying. Similarly, just last week my wife reported her dismay at the ladies WMU meeting that before the night was over she had heard racist remarks from different individuals covering the spectrum literally from Asians to Hispanics. Most likely as in the case with my nephew, many don't even realize what they are saying is racist.
It pains us to hear such talk from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Again, I'd encourage you to prayerfully consider if this might be an area that the Lord would have you develop a ministry to edify the body of His church.

God's Blessings on you and your family and your service at Grand Cayman. I look forward to hearing your address at T4G08.

Mark

I am looking forward to a post from you about Bill Cosby's new book, "Come on People"

I'm anxious to hear your thoughts. He was on meet the press last Sunday (I listened via podcast) and I thought the interview was excellent.

Sorry I missed you at the Dowd and Tanner wedding.

G. Spraul