RE: Greenway defends seminary presidents’ statement
I agree with the six seminary presidents’ statement, namely, that critical race theory is not compatible with the Baptist Faith and Message. Critical race theory is no different from liberation theology. It must be rejected by the SBC.
The church’s mission to engage society should always be on the basis of sola scriptura, sola Christo, sola fidei, sola gratia—nothing more, nothing else, nothing less. Nothing is more destructive to the church’s message than she becoming a channel of radicalism because of so-called systemic injustice.
Coming from a third-world country, I know what systemic oppression looks and feels like. Before I left my country of origin, some Protestant churches already had been seduced by liberation theology’s analysis of laws and institutions. Consequently, their leaders have become part of the communist politburo. They exchanged the gospel for Marxist theory and practice. They even arrived at the conclusion the gospel is an instrument of American imperialism to solidify its colonial grip.
My personal experience at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary was no different from the white students.
When the subject of race and racism is being discussed, Southern Baptists are like some people on the dance floor. They are too awkward, too anxious and too inhibited. For the most part, they are out of sync, out of rhythm, because they are too self-conscious. They bought into the idea they can’t dance and can’t jump. But they are the most helpful, honest and sincere people I’ve met. If there’s any progress in race relations, I would bet on the SBC to do it right.
Danilo Reyes
California City, Calif.
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