The Absence of Injustice Is Not Justice

Acting affirmatively on the side of racial justice affirms the truth of the gospel.

Invariably, when grave injustice is exposed in American society, people ask, “Where’s the church?” Maybe there’s something flattering about the question. It’s an acknowledgement of the extraordinary life and words of Jesus Christ and the otherworldly principles of the Christian faith articulated in commands such as “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). However, the question is more likely intended to shame Christians into action by revealing the stark contrast between our beliefs and practices. Sadly, the question has become mostly rhetorical because there seems to be little to no expectation that churches will do what’s necessary to lead the country toward a more just society on racial issues.

Chance the Rapper, a Grammy Award–winning hip-hop artist, repeated this query in light of recent deaths from racialized violence. Some contend that the question unfairly ignores the tireless work some churches are doing in the community. For example, Christians in Chicago have been feeding low-income residents since the COVID-19 crisis began as well as hosting and participating in demonstrations in response to racialized violence.

But in another way, it’s the right question when you consider the American church as a whole, especially those parts of the church who wield the most power in society. At best, many white evangelicals treat racial justice like an extracurricular activity. At worst, racial justice is framed as a distraction to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. When mentions of race and justice surface, too many evangelical leaders roll out distorted and extreme examples to make the case against Christian participation in justice ...

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from Christianity Today Magazine https://ift.tt/2ZnLS9p