I am beyond heartbroken over the injustice and cruelty displayed in our country over the past few weeks. Racism is evil, and unity and love is Christ like. As your pastor, I am committed to being on the forefront of difficult and necessary conversations regarding racism in America and the world.
Today I am joined by Pastor Anthony Hendricks to discuss systematic racism. My prayer is that this episode would provide further education and next steps for us all on how to fight against racism.
RESOURCES:
For a powerful letter by today’s guest, Anthony Hendricks, click HERE.
For a recommended list of books, documentaries, and podcasts to learn more about racial unity and the history of racism in America, click here.
For a list of key terms in any discussion on race, click here.
Pastor Rusty, thank you for making space to speak truth with Pastor Anthony Hendricks. So, so much can be said, but allow me to simply say thank you. We must move forward with humility and grace, breaking open systemic racism, making room for all.
Thanks so much for this, Rusty. This took a lot of courage from both you and Anthony. These times are difficult for those of us who want Christ to be associated with true justice and not the hate spewed by those in government and sadly by many of those in the church. This was a great message and I will share it with as many as I can.
Wow!! Thank you so much Rusty! This did take enormous courage from both of you. God has given us the challenge of loving each other unconditionally and He doesn’t give us any wiggle room here. I hope that difficult conversations like this, will help us to identify the how to’s of loving beyond our comfort zones. It sure would be great if the church would take a leading, healing and unifying role in moving beyond our racial barriers.
Reading the fullness of our US history is a great place to begin:) Thank you again
Thank you Rusty for helping to educate us.
Thank you for this podcast with this point of view. I really liked the end where Anthony gives three things we can do.
But I’m going to push back on a few points. I don’t agree with the premise of the title. There are other points of view from other black people such as Thomas Sowell and Larry Elder who site data to back of their view against systemic racism. I suggest people search them on the internet to hear their opposing point of view.
I didn’t like that Anthony seemed to stereotype all non-black people by saying we are uniformed for simply disagreeing with his opinion, as understandable as his opinion may be.
I’d also like to know if he feels as blown away and heart broken when reading of the plight of Jewish people who have gone through more in more recent times than black Americans?
I disagree with the foundation of our country needing to be “jack hammered” as he said. Our foundation, despite it being from fallen white men, is aspirational. So much so that Dr King quoted those slave holding white men, “all men are created equal.” We are not a perfect nation, no nation will ever be. But our foundation is what drives us to continually become a better nation. And it’s become a better nation than it was at its founding with the help of many brave people of all color. This was one of King’s messages, we as a nation inherited the promissory note of the founding fathers that all men are created equal, the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
He also seemed to insinuate that people of a certain political viewpoint don’t agree with his point of view. I would say that there are good people from all political view points that believe in justice and righteousness. Yes, Jesus talks about those things, but to me he seems to be speaking directly to people, not governments and those in political power of those governments. When Jesus speaks of generosity, to me he seems to be speaking of individual generosity, not coerced generosity from people in power of a government. So when he mentions reputations, is he taking about our government forcing people generations removed, or immigrant people who had nothing to do with slavery, to pay him money from our pockets? Or is he talking about the Church’s work of generosity? To some, reparations means to repatriate people to the land for which they were taken from. But other than African immigrants, I doubt there are many blacks people here who believe they should go back to the land from which their fathers were taken from.
I do agree with him that if you start preaching these things, you will lose members. I appreciate that you brought someone on your podcast to show is another point of view. But please also show us the counter point of view from prominent Christian black men that I mentioned earlier. Just as you did when inviting Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe for him to give us the old earth point of view of the Bible.
Thank you and God bless us all
Thank you so much for your honest feedback, we so appreciate it!
Thank you so much Rusty. By using these resources I feel like I am back in a history class learning things I was never taught. Thank you so much for this awakening into Black History in June vs February. I will definitely be spending time in these resources.
WOW !!! A huge round of applause and thank you to Rusty for stepping up and addressing such a touchy subject. I appreciated your honesty and transparency and truly hope that other Christians will take the time to listen to this important message (and let it sink in).