Pastoral Perspective: White supremacy is a poison
In the wake of the May 14 racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, New York, President Joe Biden observed that, “White supremacy is a poison.”
Amen! I don't often agree with the rhetoric of politicians, and while I strongly suspect that the antidotes to this poison that they might propose are woefully inadequate and misguided, I can affirm this simple statement: white supremacy is a poison! It is a poison as potent and deadly as any godless and warped doctrine of men. It is a poison of the mind which poisons the well of humanity.
To be clear, I am defining "white supremacy" as "the belief that white people are superior to those of other races and thus should dominate them.” The same article from which that definition was taken later observes that, “white supremacy has roots in the … doctrine of scientific racism.”
In a link to another article, "Scientific racism, sometimes termed biological racism,” is defined as the “belief that empirical evidence exists to support or justify racism (racial discrimination), racial inferiority, or racial superiority. Historically, scientific racism received credence throughout the scientific community, but it is no longer considered scientific. … Modern scientific consensus rejects this view as being irreconcilable with modern genetic research. … Scientific racism was common during the period from the 1600s to the end of World War II" (Wikipedia).
"White supremacy" is a relatively modern concept that seems to have found a foothold in the "science" of the "Enlightenment" and has prevailed for several centuries. Of course, the absurdity of "scientific racism" and the awful consequences of this kind of thinking were ultimately revealed in the extremes of Adolf Hitler and his nationalistic workers party (Nazis).
Yet, I would ask this question: if humans are the product of macro-evolution (which is the prevailing "scientific theory"), then on what basis can anyone oppose an evolution of the races and theories about racial superiority through survival of the fittest? The quote above says it is because "modern scientific consensus rejects this view as being irreconcilable with modern genetic research."
Ah! The reason the world rejects "white supremacy" is because of "scientific consensus" influenced by "genetic research."
Yet, the earliest of Christians — long before the so-called Enlightenment —believed that it was from "one blood" that "every nation of men" came to "dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:26). Of course, this view came from the allegedly "unscientific" belief that God "made the world and everything in it" (v 24). When the so-called "age of enlightenment" came along and deconstructed faith through "science," racism was just one of its natural fruits.
"White supremacy" is a poison because it springs from pride in self which is fueled by the self-deception of a "science" that prioritizes nature over nature's Creator (cf. Romans 1:20-25). Of course, racism is not the only fruit of this obsession with self versus others that plagues our world (e.g. sexual immorality, abortion, divorce, etc.); but, like other issues, racism will not be solved by human ordinances and Supreme Court decisions alone.
Yes, many professing Christians over the last several centuries bought into the lies of "science" because it validated their positions and privileges and racism. Thus, in their pride and selfishness, they likewise twisted the Scriptures to justify their imagined racial superiority. In so doing, they ignored the scriptural admonition, "Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality" (James 2:1).
White supremacy, to again borrow from James, "is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" wherein "we bless our God and Father [for our privilege], and with it we curse men who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouths proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so!” (James 3:8-10 - emphasis mine).
So, while racist distortions of Scripture by some religious individuals and institutions have certainly given occasion for unbelievers to blaspheme God, the solution to racism is just as certainly not to abandon our Creator for "modern scientific consensus." The solution is also not found in the promises or platforms of any political party. The antidote to the poison of "white supremacy" (or any other self-exaltation) is to acknowledge our Creator, repent, and humble ourselves before Him.
Let's keep this perspective as the rhetoric of another political season heats up. Watch your tongue! Let those who identify with Christ rise above the fray, looking unto Jesus and remembering that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty!
Andy Diestelkamp pastors at Pontiac Church of Christ
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Andy Diestelkamp Pastoral Perspective: White supremacy is a poison
