Editors are constantly encouraging me to develop a catchy introduction that captures readers’ attention right away to encourage further reading. And so when I was thinking through sharing thoughts about why writing on race and ethnicity can be difficult, I literally thought I’d just skip the introduction and get straight to the facts. Why do that? Because writing about race is so incredibly hard. Some even go so far as to question the need to read and process material about race.
I have been told that speaking and writing about race could hurt my ministry. That publishers may not be able to publish me because my “platform” would be hindered by my communication on the topic of race. But for me, it’s more than a topic. Race, racial reconciliation, racial harmony, you name it, is about people made in the image of God. It’s not a topic that I can just ignore. And, as a black female in predominantly white spaces, I face the reality of my ethnicity every single day. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s simply reality.
“We are in 2017 and, surely, we are all past the race issue,” I’ve heard. My short answer is “No,” we aren’t past these issues. People are still quite unaware of the struggles of various members of our society. Even just recently, I shared a picture of my husband and I as we both lamented and celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the legalization of interracial marriage. Many of my friends didn’t know that something so precious as interracial marriage was illegal in our country at one point in time (and as recently as 50 years ago). I imagine that for those who became aware, they also gained a deeper understanding as to the pain that many African Americans continue to feel in this country. Fifty years wasn’t that long ago.
So, I continue to speak and write about this topic not because it’s near and dear to my heart alone, although it is so important to me, but because I believe wholeheartedly that this “topic” is a gospel issue and that the church, which I’m a member of, must speak up about it.
God cares: The Word addresses ethnicity extensively. Genesis 1 through 11 seems to focus rather intently on developing creation and establishing cultures. We see God rebuking racism in Numbers. Head over to the New Testament and God establishes that the gospel is for all nations and on the last day all nations will be present worshipping Him. I am only scratching the surface of God’s Word about his love and thoughtful creation for all people. He cares deeply about all nations and tribes and tongues. This is a great motivator to continue to write about the subject of race (and I would say for those who aren’t writing, to read). God does not discriminate.
It’s important to Jesus: There are probably several verses I could draw our attention to in order to demonstrate the importance to Jesus, but I can’t help but think of the most overused, but oh so rich, verse in the Bible. John 3:16 is rich because it sums up the gospel and includes the profound words, “God so loved the world.” Jesus died for anyone, specifically for “whoever” believes in Him and places their faith and trust in His finished work on the cross. Jesus gave his life for the nations, for anyone and everyone who believes! Go on and read the gospels, Ephesians, Galatians, Revelation; shall I go on? You will find the gospel–you will find Jesus. You will also find the wall of hostility has been broken down in the body of Christ– there is one new man. Jesus does not discriminate.
I write and speak, even in hard places, because I am convinced this is important to God. I write and address these topics because, until Christ’s return, strife among nations and people will continue. And maybe in some small way, writing will help advance understanding. It’s not easy but my prayer is that it might inspire others to move and speak because so much is at stake. Perhaps a catchy introduction will help hook readers, but I believe it is the gospel that will cause our hearts to be knit together in a way that only God can do.
An Invitation
I’d like to invite you to join the conversation. How can we all learn to gain a better understanding of each other? How do you think the gospel applies to this conversation?
This isn’t a topic left to the public, news sources, and/or politics, rather this is a topic that the church must not only take up, but be on the forefront of engagement. It’s about people – all who have been bestowed with the gift and honor of being made in the image of our God.
Keep talking about it Sister! I am blessed to be part of a multicultural church, with people who have come from many different parts of the world, and who speak several different native languages. Our church has a deep and rich heritage, and I cherish that.
I really even hate the word “race” when most people really mean “ethnicity”, because we are ALL part of one RACE, the human-race. I believe that “race” can be demeaning to some people, as if they are something less than HUMAN. There is no “master-race”…
The Church should be at the forefront of ethnic-reconciliation, not huddled somewhere in our often-segregated “holy-huddles”. We are called to be SALT and LIGHT!!!
Blessings,
Steve
This is a tough topic and something that I really find hard to navigate as a believer. At times I wonder how the Gospel message does apply to this discussion in practice – because in theory of course it does.
Galatians 3:28 tells us that we are all one in Christ, but the reality is people don’t necessarily walk into the kingdom automatically believing and grasping that truth. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind and I think that is the very thing that needs to happen. People walk into the church with their prejudices, racist ideas, ignorance – you name it! These things don’t necessarily go away ‘just because’ we are now saved. Racism exists in the church too!
What needs to happen is a daily renewal of the mind, daily accepting and acknowledging our prejudices and humbly submitting them before God. Next, education. Read about the history, read what has been done to African-Americans for instance and develop some compassion for the pain. Ask people questions about their experience and what it feels like to experience racism or know that your own are constantly being killed with no justice served. The Church has got to open the conversation and also acknowledge its shortcomings.
Lastly, for those of us affected by racism or marginalized or overlooked because of our race, we also need to be real with God about our pain. Be completely honest with God about it and literally ask Jesus to step into that pain. Too often we nurse the pain ourselves which only makes it grow deeper but I think we have to be willing to let go of the pain – not to forget, not to ignore, but to allow God to heal us so that we can help liberate others who are experiencing the same.
Thank you for speaking about race. We need to hear your voice!
Thank you for addressing this issue. I am in my fifties and have lived most of my life in places where everyone around me was white like me. A few years ago I felt the Lord moving me to think about what life was like for those who constantly faced disdain and avoidance because of the color of their skin. Even though the issues are bigger than feelings and self-esteem, I was brought to a great awareness of the hurt that people experience every day, even in the church.
Two years ago I went back to school to get my masters, and found that one of the best things about it was the mixture of races and cultures among my classmates. I didn’t know what I had been missing all these years! Upon graduating I began an internship in a church that is very diverse, and am excited to see how the Lord wants to use the example of this church and others like it to bring believers together worldwide.
I think that believers, especially those like me need to be willing to step out of their places of safety and seek out and support our brothers and sisters who are different from us. We also can learn a great deal through listening to worship music that differs from what we are used to and must try to use all kinds of music in our churches. We need to seek the Lord’s guidance in speaking the truth in love, as you are doing here, Trillia, rather than avoiding these very necessary conversations. We are the body of Christ and we must be an example and inspiration to this world as we join with each other in bringing glory to God.
And I’m convinced that when black people talk about “diversity” that the real message is just anti-white. White people are not the devil. We have a right to exist. For too long we’ve had this burden of white guilt hanging around our necks. Every time I see an article about race, every time I have to go to some mandatory ‘diversity awareness’ training at work, every time I read about black criminals terrorizing people – I just get more and more resolved to fight for my race. I’m done apologizing to you. And I’m not alone. You guys are making more racists every day you try to cram your white guilt mantra down our throats.
Deus,
It is ironic to read in your comments an irritated and exasperated attitude towards people who express sorrow, disgust and passion over the issue of racism; while at the same time expressing some sort of “burden” you carry because of your race you wish people of color would care about? You can’t be serious?
Done apologizing?
1. She never asked for an apology. All this talk of white guilt and some burden around your neck has nothing to do with what Newbell wrote.
2. You can’t be done with something you’ve never done. She and others talk about their real experiences and the actual racism they face, and you’re determined to see it as an attack,no matter the actual content or actual motives.
Also, for you to claim that whenever blacks talk about diversity that they “really mean” white guilt, you are acting out of a racial prejudice you claim doesn’t exist.
And if you’re a racist, that’s on you, not black people. Why would you let people you don’t respect control your thinking? Doesn’t make much sense to me.
I am absolutely horrified that anyone has told you that writing or speaking about race can hurt your platform. If that does not illustrate the white-centeredness of evangelicalism, I don’t know what does. I applaud you for not listening to those voices. Stay true to the Gospel call we have ALL been given to pursue the ministry of reconciliation.
Well that was even quicker than I anticipated. WTG on white knighting for your black bff.
We live in a more and more technical society. That society requires a certain amount of intelligence in order to thrive. Blacks have a MUCH lower intelligence level than whites. This is why they’re having a harder time getting ahead. But this truth is too much for people to handle – so instead they make up excuses for continued black failure. It’s these excuses that are getting people fed up and it’s causing more whites to have less sympathy for blacks.
Ask yourself this question “Would I be happy to have a bunch of blacks move into my neighborhood?” You know the answer. We all know the answer. The painful truth is that blacks are a massive burden on our society. And if we want to solve this problem, the first thing we have to do is acknowledge the truth.
So what is the solution? I’m not entirely sure. But I do know this – the destruction of white culture will NOT help. Whites are a small minority on this planet, yet basically all advancement in history has been through us. If white culture dies – we go back to the stone age.
Watch this. Listen to the music. See if you aren’t moved.
You prove your theory impossible.
“Blacks have a MUCH lower intelligence level than whites.”
Why do you believe this? In the software industry I’ve met many brown/black engineers who are just as intelligent/capable as I am; and many who exceed my own achievements. What does melanin have to do with intelligence?
“This is why they’re having a harder time getting ahead.”
Again, please provide something substantive here. Have you talked to any black individuals about these issues? I know many white people who are having a hard time getting ahead in life, in spite of their skin tone. Why would you assume that any hardship faced among a community is necessarily caused by genetic predispositions?
“Would I be happy to have a bunch of blacks move into my neighborhood?”
That question is too vague. To give it any weight you’d need to explain a bit more about the individuals. We’re not mixing color swatches; we’re talking about the differences between people, and their lives. Would you prefer your neighbor be a white man who sells meth, or a black man who writes software?
“The painful truth is that blacks are a massive burden on our society.”
Take it up with God, who saw fit to bless us with whites, blacks, and everything in between. The reality is that many people, from all walks, are a burden on society. I doubt very much that you are contributing in a very meaningful way–the type of absurd things you’re suggesting here don’t typically come from somebody with great accomplishments.
“Whites are a small minority on this planet, yet basically all advancement in history has been through us.”
Skin color has absolutely nothing to do with ability. The achievements of man come from all over the globe, in very different cultures, with very different backgrounds. White men have enjoyed quite a bit more liberty in the past, including access to education and resources that black men desired (but were prevented from attaining).
I’ve volunteered my efforts to help teach young black children in the ATL software development. Never did I sit back exhausted over their inability to learn. To the contrary, I found these children to be every bit as capable as my white students. There was, and is, no difference between them.
“If white culture dies…”
Let it die. Whatever it is. Give me the culture of Christ. A culture wherein we see past the superficial things that define us. One where we join one another under the Son, thankful for the breath in our lungs, and the unity we have in Christ.
If the smartest people you know are all white, you may want to get out of your bubble a little. I’ve spent 20 years in the software industry working with whites, blacks, and everybody in between. I’ve worked from the East Coast, to the Southern Border, and in the Pacific North West. In all places, lighter individuals never had a monopoly on intelligence.
I can do nothing more than to pray for you. I’m certain you weren’t reasoned into this position of yours, so I don’t expect to reason you out of it. May the Holy Spirit convict you of this nonsense, and deliver you from this mental bondage.
Actually most advancement has come thru the Jews, white people barely bathed until the 1800’s
Statistics based on prior month’s data — — Last Updated: Saturday, 27 May 2017
Race # of Inmates % of Inmates
Asian 2,767 1.5%
Black 70,849 37.7%
Native American 4,070 2.2%
White 110,224 58.7%
I don’t think further explanation is needed, so I’ll just leave this here.
Dude, if you’re truly seeing a lot of blacks that code just as well as you do, then I would suspect that you aren’t a very good coder. But if I was to bet on it, I think you’re seeing what you desperately want to see. It’s just obvious if you open your eyes. We all do it. Even a race realist like me. Here’s an example…
Our company recently made a big tech purchase and I’ve been dealing with the technical sales rep quite a bit. He’s black. Totally nice guy. I liked him and thought he was good at his work. But then he told us a story about how some Trump supporter yelled at him (supposedly for being black). At that point its like scales fell from my eyes. I suddenly realized that this guy had never actually solved a technical problem for us. All he ever did was throw around some buzzwords and promise to get back with us. He’s actually kind of worthless. I think he has his job just because he’s black. I think he’s riding the white guilt gravy train.
Now regarding white culture and your lack of appreciation for it: what we’re talking about is genocide. Have you seriously thought this one through? Would you be that flippant about the idea of letting Jewish culture die? Or killing black culture? Or any other culture than whites? Do you have any concept of the magnitude of blood that will flow before whites allow themselves to go extinct? And you’ve just got no problem with throwing it all away?
I’ll pray for you too. I’ll pray that you know the forgiveness of sin that came through Jesus and be released from the bondage of guilt that you’re obviously under.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon your comments. I seriously had no idea that there were people left on this earth that were as daft as you. It’s opened my eyes to why many still feels as they do about us all & reaffirms that our work here is not done.
“Dude, if you’re truly seeing a lot of blacks that code just as well as you do, then I would suspect that you aren’t a very good coder.”
Maybe I’m not; I only worked at Microsoft, and sit in the top .05% of engineers on Stack Overflow. You’re right though; maybe I’m rubbish. Either way, your point fails: if my black peers are just as good as me, you’re wrong about them. If I (being white) am less intelligent than them, you’re still wrong about them.
“I suddenly realized that this guy had never actually solved a technical problem for us. All he ever did was throw around some buzzwords and promise to get back with us.”
You do realize that white people can (and do) do this too, right? Goodness, man, you’re making general statements about an entire group of people based on the interactions you’ve had with a few.
“Now regarding white culture and your lack of appreciation for it: what we’re talking about is genocide.”
No, it’s not genocide. Nobody is being murdered, gassed, or hung. The fact that population densities and demographics change over time due to procreation has nothing to do with genocide.
I married a light-brown woman of African descent; together we have 2 beautiful, bright children. If that’s genocide, you’re a mad-man.
“Would you be that flippant about the idea of letting Jewish culture die? Or killing black culture? Or any other culture than whites?”
You would have to define these terms for me. There will be no individual cultures around the throne of God. There won’t be a Jewish culture, Black culture, or White culture. And I can’t wait for that day.
For what it’s worth, I don’t buy into the “cultural appropriation” claims that come from many on the left. I don’t care who you are, or where you’re from, if you like something you saw in another “culture,” you’re free to adopt it in your own life. That’s the Liberty we enjoy.
“Do you have any concept of the magnitude of blood that will flow before whites allow themselves to go extinct?”
Stop worshipping your white-ness. Our skin tone has no value. It gives us no worth. It’s an arbitrary distribution of melanin. Goodness, this is as absurd as freaking out over the extinction of green eyes, or wavy hair. Who on Earth cares?
“I’ll pray that you know the forgiveness of sin that came through Jesus and be released from the bondage of guilt that you’re obviously under.”
I have no guilt. I have no guilt in Christ, and I have no white-guilt. I don’t buy into the idea that I got ahead in life because of my white skin. I don’t buy into the idea that I should be shamed or shunned because people who look like me did horrible things in the past.
I also don’t buy into your equally-obnoxious claims that black people are somehow less intelligent; or that you are in any way superior on account of your skin color.
All you have managed to do in this thread is demonstrate that some white people are less intelligent, and more prone to absurd generalities.
Consider for a moment the range of intelligence among white people. We have some very unintelligent people, some very intelligent people, and everything in between. Clearly their white-ness hasn’t caused all of them to be over-achievers. So what is to blame for the distribution across the spectrum?
Now, why would you assume the answer to the aforementioned question somehow doesn’t apply to the larger group of blacks and whites? Why would you assume that which distinguishes an unintelligent white man from an intelligent white man is different from that which distinguishes an unintelligent black man from an intelligent white man?
You’re viciously arbitrary.
Jon,
Happy father’s day. I hope you had a great time today. Here’s a few points for you to consider.
1. Ok, I understand you’re an awesome coder – top .05% even. Yet you’re telling me that there’s just a ton of black coders that are just as good as you? Dude, we all can’t be in the top .05%. I think you’re just seeing what you really, really want to see. It’s just not there man. I used to be just like you in that regard. I didn’t see it, because I didn’t want to see it. And you’ve got this additional burden because you’re married to a black woman and obviously have emotions clouding your thinking. So take note that I never said there aren’t great black people. I’m sure your wife is super. But she is obviously an outlier. She’s not the average. We’re talking about averages here – not the exceptions. Have the courage to face the truth. As a techy, you know that defining the problem is a large part of getting to the solution. The sooner you get to the seeing the problem, the sooner we can get to find a solution.
2. You keep talking about skin color as if that’s the sum total of the difference between the races. It’s not. Each race is different. Why are most NBA players black? Because they have excellent athleticism. Better than whites. But why do you see mostly white quarterbacks? Because it’s a position that requires more mental acumen. Racial differences are so plainly obvious if you’d just open your eyes. Every race has different strengths and weaknesses. Some are more suited for certain environments, and others are more suited for other environments. I never said one is ‘superior’ to another. On the plains of the Serengeti, blacks are no doubt finely suited. But I will stand by my assertion that in our culture, the average black is a burden on our society. Look at every black section of most any city – it’ll be a run down slum. In the US they have a massively higher crime rate, tons of them are on welfare, and now they have a giant chip on their shoulder where they constantly feel the need to bite the (white) hand that feeds them. It’s not just skin. It’s the lack of intelligence and lack of longer time preferences (forgoing immediate gratification in favor of greater future rewards). And making excuses for them will absolutely not help at all.
3. Genocide is a whole lot more that just gassing and mass graves. What we’re seeing today is weaponized immigration. The policy is to flood white nations (and only white nations) with masses of low IQ, unproductive, often violent people. Whites are taught to accept these invaders or else they are racist. It’s being done on purpose in order to destroy our culture. You’ve got the “be innocent as doves” part down, but you (and the rest of churchians everywhere) need to buckle up on the “Be wise as serpents” part of the passage. Massive immigration is warfare. And it is being conducted against you and me. If you support it, then any resultant bloodshed that arises here in the US will be directly on your shoulders. Remember that hatred of evil (and this invasion is absolutely evil) is perfectly in line with being a good Christian.
4. You gotta stop with this playing dumb thing when I bring up the point of whether you would be happy to have blacks move into your neighborhood. Even black people that live in white neighborhoods don’t want other blacks moving in. Everyone knows that when blacks move in, that pretty soon there’s going to be a bunch of guys hanging around with their pants hanging down under their butt and a stupid hat on sideways. Soon the home prices in that area plummet as yet another neighborhood is ethnically cleansed via white flight.
Here’s my recommendation for black people. Do one of these two things:
1. Go back to Africa and try to help your fellow blacks there.
2. Help white people defend white Christian culture if you want to remain living in white nations of America and Europe. Stand up for white people – the most reviled and despised people in world today. Make whites see you as their friend in this civilizational clash that is coming. Act like a guest in our nation. Treat your host with respect. If that is impossible for you, then go back to Africa to be among your own kind.
“Happy father’s day.”
Thank you.
“…you’re telling me that there’s just a ton of black coders that are just as good as you?”
I have no reason to believe otherwise. I volunteered at Black Girls Code in Atlanta, and met many talented black women in my field.
“Why are most NBA players black? Because they have excellent athleticism. Better than whites.”
This is simply naïve. I could just as easily claim that whites are more athletic, since most NHL players are white.
“But why do you see mostly white quarterbacks? Because it’s a position that requires more mental acumen.”
In what world does this strike you as an intelligent and well-reasoned argument?
How would you even begin to quantify the mental performance of a white man throwing a football, or a black man throwing a basketball? What about a white man and a black man reading the movements of one another in anticipation of the next punch to be thrown? How exactly is football any more taxing to the mind than basketball, boxing, or golf?
“Some are more suited for certain environments, and others are more suited for other environments.”
No disagreement here; my wife can handle sunlight far better than I can. I will blister-up and burn badly if I’m out for more than an hour or two. But this environmental advantage has no relationship to my wife’s intelligence (an immigrant professor, fluent in multiple languages).
“Look at every black section of most any city – it’ll be a run down slum.”
Irrelevant. Many people suffer for economic reasons. Cities themselves are usually not very pleasant. I just spent a week in San Francisco, where white people can be seen defecating in the streets.
“In the US they have a massively higher crime rate, tons of them are on welfare…”
My uncles and father all bounce in and out of jail and prison, for crimes from public intoxication to murder. All white men. I was raised on welfare, as a white child to a white mother.
Being on welfare doesn’t mean you’re unintelligent. Even as a child raised on welfare I managed to find a passion, and pursue it to a career.
“What we’re seeing today is weaponized immigration.”
Giving it such a silly name makes me want to distance myself from you even further. That being said, I’m in favor of protecting the borders. My wife voted in her first election for Donald Trump primarily for his hard stance against illegal immigration. She insisted I do the same (I was a Carly boy).
“Everyone knows that when blacks move in, that pretty soon there’s going to be a bunch of guys hanging around with their pants hanging down…”
You might as well say “Everyone knows when whites move in there will be broken-down lawn mowers in the front yard, pick-up trucks on blocks, and Lynyrd Skynyrd playing 24/7.”
You think white people can’t lower your property value? Try growing up where I was raised.
“Soon the home prices in that area plummet as yet another neighborhood is ethnically cleansed via white flight.”
I literally just bought a home in a new community. In the office buying homes at the same time were two black families; the fathers were military men, well-dressed and well-spoken. Their children were polite, and kind. Their wives, friendly and winsome. If anything, neighbors like that will drive up my property value.
“Go back to Africa…”
What a profoundly stupid thing to say; the people with whom you are upset were born here. This is as much their home as it is yours.
Would you tell me to go back to Scandinavia?
“Help white people defend white Christian culture…”
You know nothing about “Christian culture,” Sir. You belittle God’s creation and elevate your own ego in the process. How dare you despise brothers and sisters in the Christian faith on the basis of their ethnicity.
“Treat your host with respect.”
How ironic that you would demand such a thing after posting pages of vile nonsense on Trillia’s blog.
Thank you for speaking on this issue, Trillia. I have been wondering about your thoughts about something. I am Hispanic and grew up in a mostly Hispanic community. Something that I noticed is that we were not allowed to make fun of any other race except white people. The thinking was that it was ok because they were racist. It seems that we sometimes talk as if white people are the only ones capable of racism and are the ones constantly addressed in different article. What I don’t see is more of us minorities speaking up about our own racism against one another and against whites. We all struggle to love, trust, and serve anyone different from ourselves. Am I wrong in my assessment? Are there more minorities speaking out about this? I appreciate your article because you wrote it to all of us. Longing for the day when we love one another perfectly and rejoice around our Savior’s throne in perfect unity.
Thank you for writing about race and the gospel! We need to hear this, I am encouraged and my heart has been so moved by these kinds of conversations and truth.