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Now that we talked about the history and system behind Christianity, I wanted to bring the conversation back to the title, Being Black and Christian. I wanted to take a look at how the two can live in harmony since history between the two has been rooted in so much conflict. Enjoy this last part of the series!
Q: What is the thing you have struggled with the most in being Black & Christian? What has hurt you the most?
A: “If I did not grow up as a Christian and have to sit and watch what is happening in the world, I’m not sure if I would be Christian. (Editor’s note: He’s talking about how some people who have called themselves “Christian” represent Christ.) My goal as someone that identifies as a Christian is to see the faith for what it is--liberating. It is for everyone. We have to “reconstruct the faith.” This means we have to dismantle what we know and read the bible for what it is, not the opinions of other people but finding Christ for ourselves.
Q: That is so true. It can be tough looking at what is going on and still want to follow Christ.
A: We have to realize that Jesus gave UP his power. He was always challenging the power structure. The greatest demonstration of love was giving UP his power. He did not have to do that. He could have kept the power. You have to figure out what does it mean to walk like Jesus? What does it mean to relinquish your own power and not hold it over other people? Jesus gave up his power for the sake of others.
Q: That is so good. Jesus could have walked the earth as anything. To tie everything together in this series, how can we be equally proud to be both? How can we honor God will appreciating and honoring our blackness?
A: Well, the key is about intertwining both. For me, they go hand in hand. Don’t divorce Christianity from its social justice roots. Christianity is rooted in social justice. We serve a God that cares about both: Our soul/spirit and our time while here.
Q: That is so good. How do you think we can go about racial reconciliation in the church and beyond?
A: Expand our capacity of empathy. Love is empathy. It tries to understand how you are in the situation you are in. It is about being “seen.” Black people just want to be SEEN. You want your pastor to understand you are not okay. God is still good but your earthly body is hurting.
Q: How do you feel when well intentioned Christians or people in general say they “don’t see color?”
A: Well, I know I am a child of God but when stopped by the police, no one is looking for my church carrying card. At that point, I am just black. God does not want us to be color blind because he created diversity for a reason. It demonstrates the multifacetedness of who he is
Q: What advice would you give to non-black people that don’t know how to approach race conversations such as police brutality cases?
A: Black people just want to be SEEN. At the end of the day, they just want their pastor/friend/acquaintance to understand they are not okay. You don’t have to have exact words to say. Yes, God is still good but their earthly body is hurting so acknowledge that.
Q: So good. You have such wisdom about this. How did you get to this place of knowledge? Do you have any book or other resources to share with someone who may be on a similar journey of learning?
A: Well, I recommend books such as: Faith in the face of the Empire, God of the Oppressed, and The Cross and the Lynching tree. I encourage you to research liberation theology. There is this amazing preacher named Reverend William Barber who talks about faith and race. And don’t forget that Martin Luther King Jr is the perfect example of someone who promoted change and social justice while also being a Christian pastor. Personally, I also took classes on the history of Christianity.”
Well sis, this concludes the interview/ conversation I had with my brother about faith and race, particularly the roots of Christianity and the African American culture. I understand it can be difficult to have race conversations. My hope is that you not only found this series to be interesting but that you took away something to share with those who may or may not look like you. The key is compassion and empathy. Now, that you are armed with more information--Be proud of your identity. Both spiritually and physically! You are fearfully and wonderfully made, sis!
The interview went a bit longer than what was mentioned in the three part series. Here are a few extra questions that we covered.
Bonus Questions:
Q: What are some words of advice that have helped you grow not just in your faith but as a person?
A: 1. Your voice is the MOST powerful weapon you have. No one can hold anything over your head when you are honest. Others find liberation in your honesty because they can see themselves in you. 2. DO NOT be afraid to ask God questions. We often think our idea of the character of God will not be able to withstand our questions. BUT he was God before we existed and will continue to be God. He can handle our questions. 3. There will always be someone better so if you keep chasing that, you will be exhausted. God will not call us to a purpose that someone else will take from you.
Q: What advice do you have for those who are questioning God?
A: I would say that they must know that they serve a BIG BIG God. He can handle your questions. I think we get afraid to ask God questions because we believe God will be proven less than true or right. But know this---God is real. He was God before. He is God as He is. When you do not understand his hand, TRUST HIS HEART. (aka his character). If he is the embodiment of love, he will not do anything to contradict that.
Q: Why do you think God created us and gave us free will (the ability to make our own decisions) if he knew we would be out here making questionable decisions?
A: He must have known that the final conclusion will be rooted in love and it will come back and make sense.
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