Host Veritéetfeu discusses civil rights activist Shaun King’s recent call to remove all depictions of “white Jesus” and why she's seriously thinking about revoking her own "Black Card".
"Black Lives Matter! Wait...Where is the Church?"
Anytime the world experiences the unfortunate consequences of sin or the effects of its fallen state, one of the first questions posed is, “Where is the Church?” :
As a Christian, it’s tempting to be flattered by this inquiry, as one could surmise it means the world actually cares for our input. But, considering the world is also quick to tell the Church to “shut up” whenever we do speak, I perceive “Where is the Church?” is meant to be more of a scoff than an invitation.
Fast forward to today, when the national and global discourse concerns not only racism, but “systemic racism”, “police brutality”, and so forth. With the ongoing protests, marches and civil unrest since the death of George Floyd, “Where is the Church?” has rang out yet again! But this query is not only coming from those in the world. Professing Christians are also posing this question, and they are indignant in their demand for a response.
To be fair, wherever the Church is falling short, it is necessary for us to hold one another accountable to ensure we remain on task with what God would have us do. But that’s just it: Oftentimes, “Where is the Church?” comes not because the Church is altogether missing or silent in the things of God, but because the Church isn’t in the places the world would have us go or speaking the words the world would have us speak. And, frankly, I’m afraid there is a growing trend among some in the Church to hold the Body of Christ to these lesser, earthly standards. Sadly, in an increasing number of cases, these standards are actually panning out to be unbiblical and atheistic. (Critical Race Theory, Marxism, and Black Liberation Theology have entered the chat.)
But if they truly want to know where they can find the Church in the midst of earthly affairs, I hope the foregoing is a sufficient response. I also offer this piece as an encouragement to those in the Body who choose to set our eyes on things above, not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2).
S2E6: 'Unrefined' Musings to the Black Community, the Church + the Police
Social Justice: Why Jesus Didn't Pursue It + Why the Church Shouldn't Fight for It
“Social justice” is a term often thrown around, but very rarely defined, explained or even clearly understood in daily discourse. Yet a clear definition of this concept is necessary because there is indeed a such thing as social justice - and then there is justice. Contrary to popular delusion, there is a difference between the two, for if they were indeed one and the same, the term “justice” would be sufficient. No qualifier or modifier would be necessary. But I've found that most often conflate these two concepts, which causes much confusion, contention and debate amongst Believers regarding our charge as Christians. One might argue that it’s just semantics, but I’d passionately beg to differ. And I am sincerely alarmed when professed Christians not only claim “social justice” is what the Body of Christ is charged to pursue, but that they’d dare argue it’s what Jesus preached or supported during His earthly ministry.
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Self-Segregation / When the Gospel Is Enuf
I truly appreciated the diversity I witnessed at The Gospel Coalition’s Women’s Conference this year. Granted, this was the first TGC conference I’ve ever attended, so I’m not sure what the attendee and speaker demographics looked like in years past. But I was honestly blessed to see women of a myriad of backgrounds all up and through that place - speaking on the main stage, facilitating workshops, walking through the halls, leading praise and worship, checking in at registration, volunteering - all over. I saw a beautiful tapestry of women who varied in age, ethnicity, marital and parental status, education and vocation, ministries, and time in Christ. Yet, as I basked in the beauty of the diversity in the sisters around me, ironically, I found myself quite disturbed by an event the conference held for women of color.
The Great Awokening: On Black Panther, Black Identity & the Black Christian
Black Panther did well to bring black representation to the big screen, and I was delighted to see men and women who look like me playing roles that weren't of the “thug” or “slave” variety. Black despondence nor dejection were on the menu for this film, and I am 100% here for it. I’m also here for the diversity this film brings to media and entertainment. As far as film productions go, Black Panther was quality all around, and I sincerely believe it is Oscar-worthy. It really was THAT good!
But as other moviegoers across social media have shared their feedback on the film these past few days, the hype has reached a level that has caused me concern for my people - my Family in Christ.
We Just Lost One: Bye Lecrae
Since Ferguson, Lecrae’s been much more vocal about racial injustice, and he’s taken some heat for that. In recent interviews he’s implied this backlash has come because American Christians are just too privileged to “get it”. According to him, the American Christian culture sees a black man speaking on such matters as being “too black”.
But as a Black Christian, I’ve have to interject and say, NO, my brotha! That is NOT the heart of the issue.
To Haters, With Love: Why #IStandWithParis + #BlackLivesMatter Are the Same Thing
I stand with Paris 100%...it's my most beloved international city! Those close to me know that I am a lifelong francophile - a lover of all things french, but Paris has my heart. My bedroom decor is Parisian-themed. I’ve traveled to, dined and shopped in Paris all alone but, in my awe of such a gorgeous city with amazingly friendly people, I was never lonely...
Again, I LOVE PARIS!!! But here is my issue with the “Twitter Twits”, as I’ve coined them, who DARE compare the terrorism Paris has experience to the racism experienced in the US (and in Africa and other parts of the world, for that matter): WHY ARE YOU ONLY #prayingforparis?