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