In The News
RACISM IN RETROSPECT
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"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him" (Rom. 10:12). So I am reminded by the current issue with racism. Initially, racism consists of discrimination or antagonism against those of a different race. This is characteristically by way of asserting that a certain race is inferior or superior.
I was raised in a family that deplored racism. My mother would say, "It is not the color of one’s skin but what comes from within." Moreover, since she was a former rural school teacher, she felt impressed to share her values with her offsprings.
I was engaged in the pastoral ministry when the government constructed a low-income housing project about a mile from our church. We proposed that local churches canvass the project, and welcome persons to our services. Conversely, it was suggested that we leave the task for the Council of Churches. When this did not materialize, our congregation proceeded on its own—with the intent of referring interested persons to the church of their choice. This resulted in about forty persons being bussed from the project to our church, most of which were black American youth. Only three persons opposed this inter-racial ministry, and one couple left the church.
Martin Luther King and I received our doctorates at the same commencement. Since I spent little time on the campus, except to attend classes, I never established a personal relationship. However, this was something that we shared together.
While I was never highly involved in the race issue, I shared in the dedication of a symposium with a black activist. On one occasion, he observed: "I recognize that you are not a blatant racist, such as those associated with the KKK, but all you (white) people are the same." I did not take this to mean that other black Americans necessarily shared his opinion, nor was I in agreement with it.
The time came when I journeyed to Nigeria for a short term missionary assignment. In some ways, it proved to be outside my comfort zone but in other ways it felt like coming home. Perhaps due in some degree to my being raised in a village culture.
Otherwise, I was impressed by the seeming authenticity of those who professed to be Christians. Upon my return, one of our church members asked if it seemed good to be back in a large congregation. When I mentioned that the church I had been attending was not small, he inquired whether they were indeed Christians. "That never occurred to me," I replied, "but whether we were Christians."
While abroad, it was reported that an American black professor would soon arrive. My students were excited to think that one of their own would be joining them. However, they were disappointed to discover that he differed culturally. He was in fact an American black person.
Upon my return, seventeen of my former students enrolled at the college where I was teaching. It was at that time the largest number from an overseas institution to do so. When feeling the culture shock they would sometimes come to our home, where they felt more comfortable. One of them informed me, "When I think of you, it is not as an American but a Nigerian." Our racial difference notwithstanding.
Another of my former Nigerian students alludes to us as his American family. He refers to my wife as mommy, and I am daddy. When our youngest son was visiting him, he would introduce him as his brother, and ask if they could see the resemblance. Then both of them would laugh.
So is it legitimate to play the race card? The rapper Lil Wayne apparently does not think so, given the fact in response to a mostly white audience, he concluded that there is not such a thing as racism. However understood, there is a need to address the problems that exist. On the other hand, it should not agitate them.
It is also tempting to address symptoms rather than the basic causes. As when we fail to consider the importance of fostering a strong family in raising its children. Or a culture focused on entitlements, virtually to the exclusion of obligations.
If there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, it would seem that there is no essential difference between black and white Americans. Certainly not when we think in terms of the same Lord over all. Consequently, it serves as an incentive to call on him.
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