In my view, Critical Race Theory is neither primary nor necessary for followers of Christ to formulate a comprehensive, effective ministry that addresses the evils of white supremacy and racism in American society. God’s Word is the true lamp to our feet and light to our path. Nevertheless, we have a Christian and moral responsibility to do everything we can to eradicate racism from every area of the church and within each community where our churches are located.
Holy Scripture is our first and highest authority to be consulted in overcoming any sin in the church and the world. Our SBC seminaries do not need to study CRT or utilize it as a tool in order to effectively dismantle the sin of racism from our thinking and practices as a Christian denomination. However, I believe CRT can help some of our SBC leaders and laypeople broaden their understanding of racism as being more than an individual sin. It can, therefore, be consulted to help identify and remove racist structures and systems from all SBC entities and agencies.
I do not believe most African American pastors in the SBC are asking our seminaries to endorse every aspect of CRT, and I don’t have a problem with using CRT as a sociological or analytical tool to assist us in understanding how American institutions have been impacted by racism. I disagree with our seminary presidents that there is nothing in CRT that is helpful for limiting racism in the SBC. I would also ask these brothers to clarify what is meant by CRT “not being compatible with the teaching of our Baptist Faith and Message.” Do our seminary presidents really believe there is nothing in CRT that can help us address institutional racism within our Convention?
The underlying issue is not Critical Race Theory at all. This controversy has simply drawn attention to the issue of racism within our Convention that remains unresolved, even after all these years. The recent statement condemning CRT has merely served to divert our attention and keep us from acting on the real matter at hand.
If it took more than one hundred and fifty years for leaders of the Southern Baptist Church to even admit that their sins flowing from the ideology of white supremacy were, in fact, violations of the Book we all agree serves as our Supreme Court on all matters, let us not be surprised by the November 30th statement by our presidents. When it comes to racial equality and justice concerns, white men have always found reasons to oppose any effort that can potentially help right the injustices of the past if they perceive the cost is too much. The real question for me is “Why wasn’t there at least one Black president at the table when this decision was made?” African American pastors must bear some of the blame here in that too many of us have been quick to applaud SBC verbal apologies without holding our leaders to meaningful, strategic racial accountability plans to ensure that significant changes are implemented.
For decades now, Southern Baptists have utilized the practical methods of corporate America in their church planting and church growth efforts. Business models from McDonald’s, Walmart, and other major American companies have governed everything from the number of miles a new church should be planted from another Southern Baptist church to how many acres should be purchased for the new work and how many cars the parking lot should hold. Marketing and branding philosophies abound in our North American and International Mission Board work. Why, then, do we think we cannot use the same spiritual discernment to harvest the grain from Critical Race Theory while discarding the chaff?
I am convinced that our Christian faith is more than able to handle the concerns of CRT, just as our faith has held under the assault of other secular and liberal Christian influences from the past. Our seminaries have more than adequately withstood the impacts made by the JEPD Documentary Hypothesis of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the Secular Humanist push of the ‘80s and early ‘90s and the Postmodernist influences of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. As defenders of our faith “that has been once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3), let us be fearless in our interactions with secular ideologies as long as they help strengthen our witness and do not compromise God’s truth. God’s Word will keep marching and triumphing in history.
If I had any influence on African American pastors like Ralph West and Charlie Dates, I would respectfully request that they hold off departing the SBC for at least another six months so that we can question the statement of these presidents together in various forums between January and the next Southern Baptist Convention. I would encourage them to continue to work with us to address the racial shortcomings of our convention. I certainly understand our brothers’ decisions to leave the SBC, but I believe more can be done to effect positive change from being affiliated than withdrawing from the convention.
Rick Armstrong is the pastor of Great Redeemer Church in Arlington, Texas.
Rick, I applaud your courage in writing this. It’s likely critics will unfairly jump to saying that you (and SBC Voices) is advocating CRT. This in spite of the fact you’ve been clear you are only saying that some limited insights from it can help us identity problems that we might otherwise be blind to. This careful, reasonable engagement is not a problem. And we as a convention need to stop cowering in fear that some extreme opponents are going to label us unfairly. That goes for the seminary presidents and for all of us. We should speak the truth… Read more »
Brent, you are absolute right. Our Evangelical beliefs can more than handle any concerns we might have about CRT. In my interactions with some of my white SBC brethren, they don’t realize how blind they are to racist thinking and segregationist practices in their churches and our convention. If CRT or any other tool can be used to aid in opening eyes and correcting thinking and behavior in the area of race then I am all for it.
Thanks for this Rick. Very well argued and reasoned.
Praying your voice is heard over the clanging gongs and symbols that are afraid of losing their power and position.
Thanks Ryan for your encouragement. I just don’t see the need for all the fuss about this perspective on race, especially from a Biblical and Academic evaluation. Jesus call his followers “to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
The Bible should be our only guide as Christians, but unfortunately too many leaders have used the Bible to justify racist tendencies. They have interpreted the Bible to suit their views instead of using it to form their views. Also unfortunately, the secular world is right and we are wrong on so many issues, the matter of race being one. Critical race theory is correct in many ways as well as it is wrong in many ways. There is systemic racism, which was thought to be overcome in our organization when we passed the resolutions. CRT is a tool and… Read more »
Thanks Debbie. I love your wisdom and perspective. While we appreciate the guidance we receive from our Seminary Presidents, our ultimate guide is the “Holy Spirit” who “leads us into all truth.” It is insulting to us as Holy Spirit led believers to feel the need to keep CRT away from us as if we lack spiritual discernment to detect the errors in it that should be avoided. Debbie, I think you are so right about our SBC leaders need to be doing a lot more listening to African American pastors ones racial issues so that we can keep our… Read more »
Well said.
The terrible decision to present and pass Resolution 9 at the convention is still having a downhill effect. Resolution 9 has only created division, conflict and a never ending discussion/debate about CRT as evidenced by the many articles and comments on this site about the issue. Resolution 9 served no purpose but to do what has happened, make CRT the issue. There is no putting the genie back into the bottle and it should have not been passed. Can someone explain and give me a concrete example of systemic racism? It seems to me if racism is systemic that either… Read more »
I have cited numerous personal examples of systemic racism in several entries on this blog over the past month or so, all in response to someone demaning concrete examples. Oddly enough, no one has chosen to interact with those, yet some people keep demanding concrete examples.
John Fariss, sorry I missed your previous post but I did.
I appreciate the spirit in which you responded. Here is what I said on Dec. 4: A. The fact that the great majority of SBC churches are either 100% white, or close too it, is “prima facie” evidence of systemic racism, and that includes many that are in non-white neighborhoods. B. The church I retired from a couple of years ago had the largest percentage of minority members in the whole association. But one member left in a huff, saying, “It’s fine for ‘them’ to come, but if they do, they need to learn to worship the way we worship.”… Read more »
“Worship the way we worship” says a lot about where many of our white evangelical siblings are in their commitment to learn to appreciate our cultural differences in the area of worship.
Thanks John. Sometimes it is just plain hard for us to admit to even the possibility of being blind to various aspects of racism in us and in our families and churches. Sometimes the blindness is self imposed.
Steve, we can agree to disagree on the issue as to whether Resolution 9 should have been passed at the previous SBC meeting. Let’s get to know each other as brothers in Christ so we can continue to put our energy into glorifying Christ in our witness as we debate the pros and cons of CRT or Resolution 9. I agree with you that too much time and energy has been directed to this current issue rather than putting our energy into a strategic and effective practical plan to address racism at its’ roots. I welcome your comments and look… Read more »
Thanks Joe. Just my two cent on the matter.
Pastor Rick can you please give me an example of institutional racism in the SBC entities you mention that the CRT could help us identify? I am truly wanting to learn.
CRT could help us identify exactly why no minorities have ever have been invited to serve as an entity head.
Excellent point Pastor McKissic.
CRT could IF racism is the cause.
It might be, it not be.
If its not, CRT is of no help.
Would you identify the racist that made these choices. Seems a pretty large hand grenade to toss.
Thanks Brother Johnny for your spirit of “wanting to learn.” CRT may help some of our Southern Baptist brethren see the wrong in our convention having over 1200 Associations across the country but only three of these Associations have seen fit to employ an African American leader or Director of Missions. This does not take into consideration the many other Associational jobs that could be and I would say should be held by African American men and women.
I think racism had something to do with the choosing of SEC entity heads within the last two years. Anyway, that’s my opinion knowing some of the players involved.
I agree with the first five sentences and disagree with the next two. Since the Bible provides all we need for life and godliness, no additional insights from Critical Theory are available or necessary to address any problem, whether racial, societal, political, or economic. If a so-called insight from CT agrees with the Bible, it is redundant, for the Bible was here first. And if it does not agree with the Bible, it must be discarded. Sola Scriptura is perfectly capable of addressing institutional racism. We should certainly apply biblical insights in doing so. Those of us opposing Critical Theory… Read more »
So Rick, to be clear, would you also repudiate “libertarian justice” that promotes individual freedom as one of the highest goods in society. It seems like this has saturated much more of the church than CRT, and one could argue has much more in it that is anti-gospel. I’m just trying to see if this is true for any secular system or tool, in your eyes OR if there is something specific about CRT that makes it more dangerous in your eyes.
They are competing approaches to radical individualism. The “C” of CRT seeks radical individualism through socialized use of force. The point of all this “criticism” is to find ways that “overcome all the circumstances that limit human freedom.” Circumstances like gender and pregnancy.
Yes, liberty needs restraint (which is why I’m not a libertarian). But CRT says we will be liberated when we do what’s necessary to make sure no one has more choices, authority, and power than anyone else. Including musty old books, preachers, and churches.
Well, our conversation here is not really about Libertarian Justice Theory. I have never heard that LJT is being taught in our seminaries. If we are talking about man’s free will, or even the civic right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, I believe these are biblically based concepts. Furthermore, I view the doctrine of Man’s Responsibility to be sorely lacking in our current theological anthropology. But to play along, if LJT is some kind of secular philosophy rooted in something other than Scripture, then it is likewise unnecessary. I would rather teach people about individual freedom using… Read more »
You are correct. It isn’t being taught in our seminaries because it’s already been adopted all the way down to our church members. I’ve seen this idea countless times that free markets and expressive individualism will lead to just outcomes. Even worse, this theory downplays any idea that sin can be embedded in systems. I think the apostle Paul makes clear that sin in not just on an individual level but is moving on a systemic level (see rulers, powers, principalities, etc in Ephesians 6) The pastors and thought leaders that I see in the SBC are not advocating CRT… Read more »
Free markets do indeed lead to better outcomes than socialism. I do indeed hope this idea is as wildly popular in our churches as you seem to think it is. When people become dependent upon the government, society suffers. “He who does not work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Having said that, I agree with you and the Apostle Paul that systemic sin exists and is wrought by Satan. I simply believe we should talk about both individual freedom and systemic sin from the framework of biblical exegesis rather than secular philosophy. I accept that these Pastors are not… Read more »
Thanks for the clarification. I think that’s helpful to hear your perspective so thank you for explaining. Your response actually reinforces my belief that this isn’t actually about CRT at all. When you “see something that lines up with Scripture, just teach it from Scripture.” I totally agree and I’m not seeing anyone doing it differently. I’m sure there is an exception somewhere but I’ve never seen or heard of an sbc pastor preach CRT from the pulpit. They may preach a passage that echoes something from it but they aren’t saying “As we know from CRT…” They are, however,… Read more »
Thanks Rick. I have always found it concerning that those who advocate that “Scripture is perfectly capable of addressing institutional racism” never or “extremely rarely” get around to addressing the sin of racism as a priority in their ministries. I tend to embrace the teachings of the Reformation and appreciated my D.Min studies with R.C. Sproul some years ago. But regardless of our theological camps, the God of the Bible is not a respecter of persons and neither is He a segregationist. This kind of thinking sinfully hinders our missions and witness to a multiracial world. I believe we can… Read more »
“Sola Scriptura is perfectly capable of addressing institutional racism.” Rick, I can agree with that. Yet, the age old problem is that the issue has not been addressed from biblical preaching and teaching as it should have been for well over a hundred years. Had it been, Resolution 9 would never have been presented in Birmingham. “Those of us opposing Critical Theory are not advocating racism,. . . ” Rick, I do wish that were true of all who oppose CRT. However, I know it is not and if you think about it for a moment you know it also.… Read more »
Thank you for this CB. Your honesty and forth rightness continue to be a blessing to all of us. There are many who0 deny this exists. You make it even harder for their denials to be believable with your testimony here.
The Lord bless you brother.
If what you are saying is true, and some oppose CRT because of their racism, while others oppose CRT because of its Marxist philosophical roots, then this merely highlights what I have been saying all along. We must separate these controversies and address Institutional Racism separately from Critical Theory.
Rick, I think that what you state in this comment holds water. As I stated in my earlier comment, I do not believe you are a racist. I believe you when you state you oppose CRT for philosophical reasons. I believe that to be why the seminary presidents oppose CRT also. I do not believe any of them to be racists. (I do believe/know some in the past were. I also know some state level leaders were when they served and some racists serve now.) I believe that philosophical differences can be negotiated and resolved. I believe the only hope… Read more »
Amen and Amen. BTW, my husband is Asian. He has experienced racism ( but he calls it what it is – sin) by both black and white Christians in the church over many years. As an Asian, he also is the first to admit, Asians have a lot of racial prejudice as they tend to be homogeneous. He calls it all sin and knows he needs no “man made cultural structure “ to figure it out. He has listened a lot to Voddie B. That man of God “gets it” ( though not SBC). This “debate” will split the SBC… Read more »
“Do our seminary presidents really believe there is nothing in CRT that can help us address institutional racism within our Convention?”
Obviously, or else they would have included at least some caveat saying so.
“Marketing and branding philosophies abound”
And that’s not at all a good thing. My goodness, I can’t imagine referencing those worldly methods as being good examples to emulate, and as pretexts to go ahead with the poison of CRT in any of its aspects.
It would be helpful if we had a good working definition of CRT that most people agreed to so we know we are talking about the same thing.
Have the “courage” to listen to Neil Shenvi at Southeastern Seminary. This man is the complete opposite of ignorant on most topics.
Here’s an idea. If you don’t like CRT, don’t use it.
Bill Mac, here is an idea, if you do not want CRT to become a divisive issue to create a problem for the SBC do not make it a passed resolution. Leave CRT to the secular side of society and politics to debate. Resolution 9 is like snow tires in Florida, not needed but you can use them and justify it to yourself and others , if you think it is important to do so.
I didn’t.
The problem with CRT is that it is like the supermarket. You can go to it and seemingly pick up what you like without looking at the whole thing. If you are in favor of CRT, let me ask you to read up on a few things: 1- Who was Max Horkheimer? 2- What was the Frankfurt School of Scholars? 3- How did German Idealists adopt principles from Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud? 4- Who was Jurgen Habermas? 5- What did Paulo Freire contribute to Social Theory? 6- What is Marxist Class Analysis? 7- How does all of this relate… Read more »
Everytime I read of someone asking for examples of systematic racism, the only answer I read is: “I’ve [or Its been] given many times on this forum.” Now granted, I dont read every word on this forum or the other forums where this has been brought up, so certainly I could have missed the actual examples of systemtic racism EVERY TIME. But why dont those in the know simply re-give their previous answer[s]???? Is it hard to give the answer? Convoluted? Time consuming? I’ve also read that though none in the system be racist, the system itself could be racist.… Read more »
So I googled it. Here is what I have found out on one site that they say are examles of systematic racism: [Against black skinned people but not necessaitly all minorities] lower Household wealth lower Household income Under-represented in the higher echelons of government Under-represented in higher academic positions Under-represented in corporate leadership Under-represented in high paying jobs Higher unemployment rates Student loan debt [?] Lower upward income mobility Less advanced course credit in secondaty schools Attainment of college degrees Intergenerational education ability Higher denial of home loans Lower home ownership Lower rates of health insurance -whites twice as likely… Read more »
The website said these are examples of systematic racism. They didnt prove that these are because of racism. Though I have no doubt that these things are true. I dont dispute the veracity of the listed examples. But I do dispute that systamatic racism is the cause for them. At least accrding to this definition of racism: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized. Rather there seems to be a couple of patterns involved that could… Read more »
Mike,
Your comment stream is very thoughtful and shows that you are trying to understand and engage issues and solutions rather than hurl charges against people.
I would add though that some of the results in the list you gave may not be caused by systemic racism today but do flow downstream from systemic racism in the past and we haven’t completely recovered in our day. I may have time this evening or tomorrow to elaborate more but I have to go right now.
Thanks Scott. I agree with you. But no one can change the past. But through hard work and right decisions one can overcome negative influences. When I first got married I wash only working part time. We got food stamps. But I didn’t want to be dependent on the Govt. so I got a2nd job. My wife watched the kids. But what would happen if I had left her? The kids would be on the dole and have not their father. Life’s not easy but you work at it. Or you don’t and be irresponsible. But that has nothing to… Read more »
Again: here are the examples I gave on Dec. 4: A. The fact that the great majority of SBC churches are either 100% white, or close too it, is “prima facie” eidence of systemic racism, and that includes many that are in non-white neighborhoods. B. The church I retired from a couple of years ago had the largest percentage of minority members in the whole association. But one member left in a huff, saying, “It’s fine for ‘them’ to come, but if they do, they need to learn to worship the way we worship.” Another left saying, “I don’t mind… Read more »
Thanks John for your response. Let me go through your examples by your letters. A.)Many people like to worship where they are comfortable. This includes black folk. In my community we have Somalian churches, Korean ones, Indian, Kenyan, and so forth. This is not racism. B.) Not systematic racism. Just racism. Those people are racists. C) Not racism. Greed. If those peyote in the hatred community also included rich black men, he would’ve wanted them as well. D.) No. That person was racist. No system needed. E) again just ugly racism. Not systematic. F) same. ugly. racism. Not systematic. G)… Read more »
And these fail to add up to any sort of systemic racism, even though each individual is part of a community, a system? No offense,but your argument sounds a lot like the way many conservative Christians deal with evolution when presented with intermediate species: that you would have to have an unbroken line of “transitional” animals, parent to offspring, stretching millions of years to “prove” evolution, which is of course impossible given the infrequency of fossilization. (And let’s not go off on a tangent about evolution, regardless of where you and I understand it–it just sounds like the same argument,… Read more »
Rick, I agree with you that the presidents’ statement should have specifically addressed how CRT is ultimately incompatible with the BFM 2000. I appreciate the tone as well. No doubt, racism has been a terrible stain on SBC history. Just as we agree the presidents lack specificity in their statement, could you also clarify specifically what you mean by the “institutional racism within our Convention?” Do you mean simply that there is still not enough black representation in key leadership (like the seminary presidents), or do you have something else in mind, like the people in the pew? Thanks.
Thanks Daryl. We can start with the serious lack of African Americans in leadership positions in our SBC entities, boards and agencies. Also, African American employment in SBC in general is under represented. The curriculum of our seminaries and colleges could do a much better job addressing African American Church concerns since our convention seeks to reach all people groups with the gospel.
Okay, that’s reasonable. I have seen this improve in my 30+ years in ministry in the SBC. Fred Luter elected president in 2012, Rolland Slade, current Ex. Comm. Chair. I was in KY with Curtis Woods was in the role of Associate Ex. Dir of the KBC. I certainly see more AA profs at seminaries than in my student days. This is not to say that this can’t still improve, of course. I am curious who you think within our convention may be getting passed over for opportunity to lead who should at least be getting the offer. And, what… Read more »
Perhaps we’re asking the wrong questions:
Bill Mac, Agreed those three need to be asked and answered: At the same time we need to ask and answer: Specifically, how would CRT/I bring positive change to what is perceived as racism in the SBC? And how would you get everyone involved in that situation to agree to use this analytical tool? Real examples would be nice How would CRT/I specifically help the SBC see something the Bible does not already deal with? How would CRT/I specifically change racist hearts and systems with-in the SBC? If the loudest proponents are right and only a few can define CRT/I… Read more »
Rick, Your article is very thoughtful. I would like to contribute this thought to yours about ‘the Word of God’ being the ‘true lamp.’ That is true, but I would suggest to concentrating that thought down the simply the Gospel and the cross. Everyone’s problem and solution starts at the cross, regardless of affiliations. 1Cor. 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 1Cor. 1:18 ¶ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are… Read more »
I definitely agree with you Jim. Thanks.
I agree Jim, and it is encouraging to see someone quoting Scripture. There were many political and social ills in Paul’s day (just as it is today), but his main focus was to preach the gospel as you quote in 1 Cor 1:17-18. As believers the greatest sin any of us will ever commit will be failing to to tell people how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was raised again the third day for our justification (Romans 4:25)!
The issue, as I see it, is neither the Word of God nor the Gospel. Both are absolute and sacred Truth which, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, ought to impart truth in our lives. But they don’t. We, as sinners, tend to move in and around the Truth and shape it into a truth of our own. What is insidious is that we don’t acknowledge this truth about our sin. Therein lies the usefulness of CRT, not as an ideology, philosophy, or Marxism, but as a tool for us to see through other’s eyes. For example, let us look at… Read more »
Jim, My church isnt 100% white folk. That doesnt mean there arent closet racists who are members. But if they speak badly of another simply because of skin color, I would call them to repent. We do church discipline. Hopefully, you have called each one to repent, when you have heard such bad conversation in Sunday School or elsewhere. Do you talk that way? Do you condescend and stereotype black folk? Is such talk prevalent in your church? How about other readers of this? Is it orevalent in your churches? I could see how it might be be more prevalent… Read more »
Michael, First let me thank you for your candor and your insight into your church and life. It helps in understanding points of view and outlook. In no particular order, here are some comments: 1. No one makes overtly racist comments anymore in church.. We live in a culture where overtly racist comments can get you roundly criticized and cancelled if you are on social media. I am talking about the language typically used when discussing matters involving African-Americans or “illegal aliens.” Like my comments about Richard Land and Trayvon Martin, much of our language is now more subtle and evinces a stereotypical and, yes,… Read more »
I believe those who claim CRT can be used as a “tool” such as this author are simply trying to find ways to not be forced to fully reject this evil system. They want to be seen as rejecting CRT but at the same time they actually embrace much of it. They often don’t recognize how much this unchristian system has influenced their thinking. They may genuinely think they have rejected unbiblical thinking, but they have not. This is why CRT is so hard to discuss. Most of the people who are favorable toward it won’t admit and/or don’t know… Read more »
Kyle, I’d love to know, how Res 9 has damaged your church? Also, please don’t accuse other brothers of subversive tactics or ignorance just because you don’t agree with them. Respectfully, all of us are deeply influenced by things we may or may not be aware of. That includes you and me, not just people who use CRT or whoever. We’ve gotta work on our own logs before going after the specks.
Thank you, Rick, for your helpful words. Whether or not we listen is on us, but as you said we’re in this current debate over the CRT statement, in part, because we were not listening to any of our Black brothers. So thank you for adding your voice to this forum. I’m encouraged by your call to use the next six months to investigate and effect positive change before taking any drastic action.
Thanks Nathan for your irenic spirit and encouragement. Hopefully most of us can debate the issue without seeing those who disagree with us as an enemy that must be smeared and defeated.