Commentary: White supremacy at odds with Scripture; time to actively reach across racial divides

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The staff of the Christian Life Commission condemns the hateful and violent ideology and actions put on display by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va. …  We also call Texas Baptists to address the less inflammatory aspects of racial division and rhetoric persistent in our culture.

The people who marched in Charlottesville proclaiming messages of white supremacy and hate toward non-whites are speaking against the truth of God as revealed through Jesus Christ and recorded in Scripture.

The Bible says:

  • All people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27);
  • In Christ, all persons, no matter their differences, are viewed by God as of equal value. (Galatians 3:27-28);
  • The Great Commandment says to love one’s neighbor as oneself, and Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to illustrate that our neighbor is anyone in need, no matter what one’s ethnic or national identity (Luke 10:25-37); and
  • People who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, prosperity, and honor (Proverbs 21:21).

These core principles of Scripture dictate a Christian response to racial hatred. Each Christ follower has a responsibility to bridge the racial gap in the United States. We are responsible because this divide has seeped into our churches and infected how we think about our brothers and sisters in Christ who do not share our skin color, our culture, our language.

Micah 6:8 is the verse that drives the Christian Life Commission in its work. The verse begins with two questions: What is good? What does the Lord require of you? The answer to both questions is the same —

  • Do justice
  • Love kindness
  • Walk humbly with your God

This is good. This is what God requires of his people. Each of these commands begins with an action verb; we must actively pursue what is good.

It is time we actively seek friendships with those of other races. That we listen and seek to understand what life is like for those who are different from us. That we worship together. That we work together to address community needs. That we pray with one another. That we be honest with one another. But, most importantly, that we show love toward each other.

The Christian Life Commission helps Texas Baptists apply their faith to life through Ethics, Public Policy and Community Ministry. The Bible serves as the foundation for the CLC’s work. As the CLC addresses various ethical and policy issues, it does not speak for Texas Baptists. Rather, the CLC speaks to Texas Baptists and to others about issues as determined by its 18 commissioners. 


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