This next series of essays will be dedicated to the issue of racism. I realize that it is a very uncomfortable subject for many of us, to even talk about. For some of us, it is uncomfortable to talk about because it reminds us and makes us come to grips with the reality that racism is ingrained in our psyche, whether consciously or sub-consciously. For others of us, it is uncomfortable because we tend to think that racism no longer exists. When we are confronted with the reality of its continued existence, our naivete and innocence are exposed and deconstructed. For others of us, the discomfort comes from the fact that it is a divisive issue. My focus on racism will be from a biblical and theological standpoint.
Let me begin my saying that racism is not a new phenomenon. It is as old as humankind itself. It takes on different forms, and manifests itself in a variety of ways. It exists in individuals and in social institutions and systems, including, but not limited to, communities of faith. In the Church, the Bible has been used and misused to justify racism. Even the first-century Church experienced episodes of ethnic and racial discrimination. In the book of Acts we have two such incidents. One was where the Gentile (Greek) members of the Church were complaining that their widows were not being as well taken care of or provided for as were the Jewish widows in the Church. The other episode had to do with the Apostle Peter being shown a vision by God concerning his view that Gentiles were "unclean."
The Church, as an institution of society, has mirrored and reflected the same racist attitudes and tendencies as the society itself. One would think that the Church would devote itself, in light of the message of the Gospel, to work for the eradication of racism, both individual and systemic. What we have seen throughout history, is that the Church has been, to a certain extent, a harbinger of racism.
I invite you, the reader, to explore this issue with us and to contribute your views and perspectives with us. Your comments will be a great contribution in helping us ameliorate this social ill from the standpoint of the reign of God in Christ. Please feel free to comment on this, or on any of the ensuing essays.
Grace and peace,
Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona
Jesus saw/knew no color or race. God is love. Let us all reflect love. Gerry Coleman
ReplyDeleteBro. Gerry: Thanks for your comment. It is very true that Jesus did not see color or race. It is also very true that God is love. And I agree wholeheartedly that we should all reflect love. Unfortunately in human relations, very,very few of us, if any, are color blind. Even the Apostle Peter (in Acts 10) was still carrying a baggage of ethnic and racial discrimination. God had to show him a vision so that he could come to grips with his discriminatory tendencies. We are still living in the flesh, and subsequently, are suject to its weaknesses and frailties, including, but not limited to the tendency to relate to people on the basis of ethnicity and race. But as the hymn says, "In Christ there is no East nor West, in Him no North or South. We need the input and work of people like yourself to break down the barriers of ethnicity and race. Grace and peace. Juan Ayala-Carmona
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