Race In America: Why Are People Angry?
Over the last few weeks, we have continued the conversation on TirzahMag.com about racial injustice by sharing helpful resources on racial reconciliation (like this podcast), how we can promote diversity and inclusion in our workplaces, and delving into Scripture to see what the Bible has to say about social injustice and racism.
To continue this series, I wanted to share this video by the creator of Veggie Tales on race in America. This 17-minute video goes through the history of laws and movements in the United States regarding race and, in my opinion, helps explain where systematic racism may continue to exist in the United States (and why!).
Please note, our intent is not about supporting the Black Lives Movement, promoting a liberal agenda or trying to bring in social issues into the church. The Black Lives Movement is just one movement of many movements, organizations, activists and political issues focusing on anti-racisim. You can speak out against injustices without being part of a movement.
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. -Psalm 82:3
You can and should educate yourself on social and political issues. Racism is a national - and global - conversation that is happening and it is vital that Christians are not merely parroting what a political party or a social movement is saying, but that we take the time to learn the issues discussed and approach it from a perspective of those who carry the name of Jesus.
I know race is an uncomfortable topic for many. Maybe you don’t know what to say or you’re scared of offending someone when tensions are so high. Maybe it’s easier to just choose a side and repeat what someone else says. Or better yet, to ignore it until this dies down and another social issue takes the stage. But, we are called to more.
Yes, we are citizens of heaven, not of any country or political party. But as ambassadors of Christ on this earth, we can’t hide from the hard things. We can’t hide behind our Christianity, calling racism a social or political issue, when at its core, it’s a human rights issue. This isn’t Democrats versus Republicans, liberals versus conservatives.
To quote Phylicia Masonheimer:
“Progressive politics and progressive theology have long dominated the race conversation, and since conservatives depart from those two camps on myriad issues, it can feel like - how can we unite with them on this?! But what they miss is that speaking out about racism and injustice, studying the history of it from all angle (especially the ones that make you uncomfortable), and listening to black brothers and sisters is not the same as endorsing BLM’s mission statement (which includes endorsement of LGBTQ legislation, abolition of police and other principles). Nuance is permissible.”
We hope this series on racial reconciliation is a helpful resource for you. We won’t tell you what to believe, which way to lean on any issue, how to vote, or what to do. But we will continue to point you to Jesus and to address the issues young women face today through the lens of Scripture, alongside testimonies of our sisters in Christ in the Tirzah community and through other helpful resources.
At the end of the day though, remember that your spiritual life is your first priority - before work, before politics, before social activism. If you are first and foremost walking in the Spirit and rooted in the Word of God, the Lord will tell you which way to go.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. -Romans 12:15-18
With love,
Yelena Bosovik, Founder + Editor in Chief
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yelena is the founder and editor in chief Tirzah. Yelena works as an attorney in tax and in her spare time, she is working on her first book for unmarried twenty-something women in extended waiting seasons and running Tirzah. She has a passion for pointing young women to Christ, and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.