One of the most consistent and enduring problems within our culture is racial strife—even within the body of Christ. Christian Life School of Theology Global faculty member Dr. Melvin Johnson shares how we can become powerful instruments in God’s service to bring about racial reconciliation and healing.
As Christians, we know that the Bible is the sole source of authority for racial healing, acceptance and unity. Why, then, is this still a pervasive issue within the church? The race issue must be solved through the Word of God as the gospel changes within the body of Christ. The power of God allows us to overcome any obstacles we come up against— including racism.
The origins of racial strife may not be what most people think. In Dr. Johnson’s CLSTG course, Overcoming Racism with the Gospel, he teaches that Darwin’s theory of evolution is actually the foundation for the racial strife we’re experiencing today. In 1859, Charles Darwin published the book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection about the preservation of favored races and the struggle for survival. More than 1,200 copies of this book were distributed throughout England at that time containing pseudo-scientific claims that all other races were inferior to Caucasians. Darwin’s theory of evolution has no roots in biblical truth.
Even early religious teachings have taught that different ethnic origins were inferior. As copies of the Bible became more widely available with the invention of the printing press, Christians began to realize that all people were entitled to hearing the gospel regardless of race. All of the biblically misinterpreted things that were being taught (for example, the curse of Cain as related to race and skin color) began to fade away. Arguments began to rise among the Christian community that salvation was for all people.
When we can understand human behavior, we’ll be more successful at finding solutions to racial friction in America. Dr. Johnson breaks down what is known as the race cult mindset and how it impacts the individual. Cultic systems seek to control those within their sphere of influence, and we see this mentality manifested in our country’s racial divide. Dissenting Blacks who do not follow the status quo of their predominantly white society are subject to name-calling and denigration. The race cult mindset asserts that Black America must be controlled at all costs.
There are obviously many and various reasons behind racial division, but the best way to initiate the process of solving the problem is to address as many of them as we can. The most authoritative source of information designed to improve the state and condition of mankind is the Bible.
The body of Christ must understand that this is not about politics. Socialistic dependency will always require victims, but as God’s people we are called to stand against injustice and be a light in the darkness. Our driving mission must be to save those who are lost and point them toward deliverance through Jesus. You can use the truth of God’s Word to be a successful peacemaker in the body of Christ. {eoa}
Dr. Randal S. Langley is the president and CEO of Christian Life School of Theology Global, a world leader in theological and leadership education, providing online degree programs and customized Christian higher-education solutions for churches, ministries and other organizations. Dr. Langley is also president of the International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries and is a founding partner and certified life coach, teacher and trainer for the John C. Maxwell team. His desire is to help people fulfill their ultimate purpose in life and achieve their God-given dreams. He hosts the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network.
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