The Real Cure for Racism

The Real Cure for Racism

            This is an open response to Steve Strang of Charisma Magazine. The subject of his article in the Strang Report is “Racial Reconciliation Movement Kicks Into High Gear.” It deals the racial stir in Sanford, FL over the Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin case. As a result, a diverse group of Christian ministers and leaders have drafted “The Sanford Declaration,” which calls for “racial reconciliation, relationship, and Christian cultural reform.”

Steve:

        I think that the pursuit of this "Zimmerman-Trayvon" event in Florida is wedging a further division between the races. Other recent killings, like the murder of the Aussie in CO by blacks, could argue from the opposite side. Where will it end? Whether a man is black or white, he's still is responsible to God. The issue is not "skin" but sin! (That statement was made years ago by a black preacher)

        White people can't live under guilt because of past atrocities against blacks, including slavery. After all, we weren't there to "vote!" It's time that we all stand up and take responsibility for our lives, regardless of race, economic background, etc. Why is there no "affirmative action" for Koreans or Asian Indians? I've lived among blacks for most of my life, and today I work with multi-ethnic men from the inner city, whose greatest need is salvation in Christ. Regardless of color, each man is the same size at the foot of the Cross!

    One black man told me that he was thankful for slavery which brought his ancestors to America. They had a benevolent "master" who ended up giving his family 60 acres of land, most of which is still in their possession today. That's the side of the story that's never told. No one condones the atrocious behavior of many slave owners, but there's an upside to that piece of history. The Biblical Book of Philemon sheds light on this subject.

    Even under the "Jim Crow" days of segregation, there were strong black families who raised their children in the fear of God and His Word. While white ministers increasingly denounced the Bible, black preachers continued to proclaim truth of sin and salvation. In fact, the Church owes a debt of gratitude to these godly Black pastors who helped stem the floodtide of liberalism and apostasy in America.

    What's happened to that mentality now that we're "free?" We even have a black president, who represents the progress of the black caucus in America; yet 73% of black babies are born out of wedlock, and the so-called fathers are basically AWOL, leaving the tax-payers to foot the bill. There's something morally wrong with that picture. Let it also be said that the same trend exists in the white community, revealing a deeper issue than race. 

    We've been lied to by politicians and clergy alike. The "race-baiters," like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, should know better, if they're really men of "the cloth."  The power of the true Gospel of Christ can do more for "civil rights" than any attempt to "unify" the races by conventions and covenants. Indeed, we are candidates for a Sovereign, Heaven -sent invasion by the Holy Spirit similar to the "Great Awakening" of 1730 in New England. Lord, do it again for Your glory and our good! 

Sincerely,

Bill Finnigan

Have We Lost Our Conscience?

It’s not uncommon for my wife and me to travel back roads on a trip, not only for a change of scenery, but to test our sense of direction. We do have GPS capability in our vehicle, but enjoy the challenge of just using the compass. It has never failed to point North, and has saved the day when it appeared that we were absolutely lost in the maze of country roads.

            Thankfully, there is a standard of true direction. This is the case in the spirit of every human being. It’s called a conscience—that inner light or divine voice, which witnesses right from wrong. It’s that mystical, God-given feature that hopefully was trained in infancy, and developed in childhood. A century ago, school curriculums included the McGuffey Reader whereby children could learn to read, while training their conscience with moral truth. Eventually these forms of literature were removed, including the Bible itself, and the results in society are now evident.

            I was particularly interested in the “uproar” regarding a recent indecent performance by Miley Cyrus of Hanna Montana fame. This so-called child role model, now at 20, has raised the dander of mothers who have second thoughts about her influence on their daughters. Initially there was some “noise” of criticism, but it didn’t seem to last long. Fifty years ago such a performance would have been utterly taboo, with serious repercussion. But the Madonnas and Lady Gagas have silenced and deadened the consciences of our young people, who are now adults. There’s nothing shocking anymore!

            With politicians and religious leaders who blatantly lie through their teeth, what hope is there for our younger generation? We’re bombarded everyday with speeches and platitudes that muddle the waters of truth. There’s no standard anymore, and people are simply doing what is right in their own eyes. An Anthony Weiner insists on running for mayor in New York City, despite his blatant sexual and immoral exposure over the Internet. Evidently, there’s no shame on his part or his supporters.

            How far will this perverted thinking go?  The educational tools and conscience-developing teachings of yesteryear are all but lost in the maze of “relativism” and humanism. The moral compass has been changed by an evolutionary religion which makes “truth” whatever you want it to be. The result is confusion, because it counters that “red light” of conscience. Moreover, immorality now becomes the new “morality.”

            If the foundation is removed, what house can stand? The last I heard, two plus two still equals 4; some things never change, and are the basis of our human existence. Likewise, there’s a definite distinction between right and wrong. Stealing and adultery are moral sins, never becoming anything else. To build young lives on “relative” precepts, with no absolutes, is an exercise in futility; the results are coming in rapidly, with parents and teachers racking their brains to curb the rising epidemic of rebellion among our children.

            If we lose the fight to train the conscience of our youth regarding right and wrong, we can only foster greater personal anarchy and lawlessness in adulthood. Children grow up, and the little problems become big ones. Some “prude” once said, “If we paid more attention to the high chair, we might not have to worry about the ‘electric chair.’”

            People don’t usually change drastically, for as adults we are what we have been becoming. Miley Cyrus, and others, are disappointing role models; our children need to be challenged to emulate those who have determined to do right, no matter what the cost. It’s significant that Tim Tebow continues be maintain his convictions amid his football struggles. Lesser men want him to fall, and to compromise his standards. I believe that he is criticized by many who secretly admire him, but are intimidated by his strength of character. His career could be on the line, but so what! Careers and moments of fame come and go, but integrity of character is here to stay.