Biblical Perspective on "Systemic Racism"

One topic gaining incredible momentum in our culture since protests began across the United States recently is systemic racism. Wikipedia defines it as "a form of racism (i.e. institutional racism) that is embedded as normal practice within society or an organisation which can lead to such issues as discrimination in criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, political power, and education, among other issues."  It is a complicated issue to unpack for many reasons, and even more so because our nation has collectively endorsed this cultural diagnosis without fully understanding whether the rhetoric behind it is credible. The more I research, listen, study and discern the pervasive narratives on display throughout various media forums and platforms on this issue, the more I realize how easily swayed Christians have become when there is a far greater lesson to be learned from God's perspective. In essence, we have lost focus on what is most important, just as Jesus' disciples once did when they misplaced their attention on the practical issue before them, rather than the deeper, spiritual ramifications Jesus sought to warn them about.

"When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, 'Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, 'We brought no bread.' But Jesus, aware of this, said, 'O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:5–12).

In many ways, our culture has MISDIAGNOSED systemic racism through the statistical manipulation of numbers, charts and graphs which appeal to emotional sensibilities and are strategically designed to illicit indignation (i.e. anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment). Unfortunately, many statistics used to support systemic racism are purposely selective and highly subjective to support biased narratives, often lacking complete anthropological and sociological perspective. In other words, following the unfortunate events surrounding George Floyd, our liberal media quickly perpetuated a universal diagnosis (i.e. systemic racism) to not only justify his death but capitalize on the opportunity to exploit greater, perceived injustices concerning blacks, without necessarily identifying the fundamental, underlying factors which negatively impact the black community. The challenge is systemic racism PRESUPPOSES who are the victims (blacks) and oppressors (whites) in the United States, and lays blame solely based on statistical gaps in data. However, it is counter-intuitive to remedy social disparities attributed to prejudicial attitudes by simply remedying statistics and not addressing (literally) the heart of the problem. The logic used is simply backwards. Scripture teaches, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Moreover, "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person" (Mark 7:21–23). Therefore, in order to correctly diagnose the problem, we must understand our sin nature was derived from Adam and therefore, racial prejudice has ample opportunity to flourish in our hearts if we do not surrender our lives to Christ and experience heart regeneration through confession and repentance of sin. If we correctly diagnose the root problem in our society as SIN and not systemic racism, then consequently the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only cure we need to enact change in our world. However, proponents of systemic racism would wholeheartedly disagree. They would argue that to fix statistical gaps of racial inequality in society, we must implement PARTIALITY (ironically, reverse-racism) to balance the playing field and penalize whites in particular, regardless of whether they are even to blame for the racial disparities in question.

Keep in mind, partiality is NOT biblical, "For God shows no partiality" (Romans 2:11). Therefore, attempts to cure systemic racism with further prejudice and discrimination is sinful and destructive. The Bible is clear on this issue. "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors" (James 2:8–9). Therefore, we cannot endorse systemic racism as absolute truth because the cause of injustice and inequality in this world is not based upon race but our SIN NATURE. Practically every statistic across the internet used to justify systemic racism in the United States points directly to race, and specifically identifies "whites," "whiteness," and "white privilege" as the root cause of all black sufferings. However, in no way is our fallen sin nature ever taken into account. Why? Because taking personal responsibility requires self-examination, and it is far easier to accuse and judge an entire race for the sufferings of another rather than exhaustively research the context surrounding the issues at hand and resolve them wisely. Jesus said, "Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:32–33). Oh, how prophetic! For indeed we have allowed our minds to be enticed by mainstream media and scattered by radical organizations such as Black Lives Matter and major corporations propagating statistics to further the systemic racism agenda. However, as Christians, we take heart knowing Christ overcame sin and death for the salvation of ALL PEOPLE/RACES who place their eternal faith and trust in Him. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). Therefore, we can rejoice in trials and tribulations and endure persecution and suffering because we know this world is ultimately not our home as Bible-believing, born-again, Christ-followers. "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18–19).

Let us be clear, there is ample room for improvement in society to help and serve others less fortunate than ourselves, but to conclude systemic racism is the ultimate cause for every statistical disparity between blacks and whites in the United States is irresponsible, dangerous, and simply inexcusable. For instance, a popular statistic based on 2010 U.S. Bureau of Justice data used to defend the systemic racism argument contends that blacks comprise 13% of the total U.S population but 40% of prison incarcerations. However, despite being 10-year-old data, what is NOT mentioned is that the percentage of blacks incarcerated has actually DECREASED from 40% in 2010 to 33% in 2018 [CLICK HERE]. Moreover, as we dive deeper into the data, how many crimes committed (theft, homicide, gang violence, etc.) were by blacks against other blacks? Or perhaps delving even further into the cause and effect consideration, what impact does fatherlessness have on these statistics which has devastated the black community from within? Single-parent households face incredible economic and sociological challenges which unfortunately impact the rates of poverty, education, unemployment, crime, police interaction, incarcerations, etc., in our country. How then should we remedy these statistical disparities? Provide reparations? Unlimited welfare? Reduce police patrol of high crime areas? Defund the police? Release prisoners based solely on ethnicity to even out the statistical gaps with whites? The problem is that without realizing it, we can argue partiality is necessary to manipulate statistical disparities in an attempt to "cure" systemic racism, but it only exacerbates the problem further because the sinful heart of man has not been remedied whatsoever as the true source of the problem. Paul wrote, "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive" (Romans 16:17–18). Therefore, we must be wise to avoid embracing cultural narratives which falsely preach partiality as the cure to societal issues which originate in the heart of sinful man and require reconciliation with God, first and foremost.

It is interesting that across the myriad of statistics used to defend systemic racism, there is virtually no mention of the chasm which exists between whites and blacks regarding children (ages 0-17) living in single-parent homes vs. 2-married-parent homes. According to historical U.S. Census data through 2018, 74% of white children and 36% of black children live in 2-married-parent households, compared to 19% of white children and 53% of black children living in single-parent (mother-only or father-only) households. These are staggering statistical comparisons omitted from the rhetoric of systemic racism because they do not fit the racial injustice narrative. However, these household statistics provide context and perspective regarding why there is such a disparity in some of the statistics used to propagate systemic racism. Undoubtedly, there is a profound behavioral, social, educational and economic impact on children of all races who live in homes where fathers especially are physically absent. This cannot be denied. However, a traditional, nuclear family where both parents are present in the home provides not a guarantee, but the greatest opportunity for establishing the structure, discipline and boundaries needed for healthy development, education, and provision. Therefore, the Bible instructs parents, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6), because the natural inclination to sin resides in the heart of a child, and a parent is tasked by God to foster a child's development according to the precepts of His Word and provide for that child's needs inside the home (not away from it).

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.' Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1–4).

One additional problem with the systemic racism narrative is that it fails to highlight the impact of tribalism deeply entrenched within the heart of the black community. A tribalistic mindset teaches, first and foremost, that ethnicity should drive every aspect of an individual's behavior and attitudes. In other words, one's identity is solely based on ethnicity. Therefore, racial identity should be the most important factor guiding personal decisions, not spiritual conviction. However, this belief contradicts Scriptural teaching for Christians because our identity is in Christ alone if we have been born-again and saved by grace through faith in Jesus. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). It begs the question: How can blacks not be judged according to the color of their skin by other races when their own respective community holds them accountable to identify themselves racially above all else? Jesus taught, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1–2). However, autonomous decision-making within tribalistic culture is highly discouraged, typically resulting in ridicule, rejection, retribution and ultimately, ostracization for those who refuse to fall in line. Consider the perspective of Darrell B. Harrison, a highly respected, spiritual leader in the black community and Dean of Social Media at Grace To You ministries, for further perspective in his article entitled, The Minds of Black Folk.

"Why is it that black people, unlike any other ethnic voting bloc in America, hold one another to a collectivist ethos regarding politics, while treating other aspects of their existence as self-determining and autonomous (e.g. religion, vocation, education, etc.)?

In other words, why is it that so many black people continue to propagate the notion that merely because they are black, they are somehow obligated to support only political candidates who are either black and/or Democrat? It is this kind of ethno-tribalist mindset that serves to perpetuate the stereotypical narrative that blacks are politically monolithic, that their votes are cast primarily in terms of what is best for their “race” as a collective group as opposed to what is in their best interest as individuals, while at the same time decrying anyone who would dare accuse them of being so politically tunnel-visioned (though historical exit polling data proves that that’s exactly the case).

Speaking only for myself, I have never understood why blacks...see it as virtuous that black voters devote themselves so unquestioningly to one political party. To advocate for such blind loyalty is to suggest black Americans set aside their responsibility as individuals to be ideologically discerning about how their votes are cast, and instead support candidates solely on the basis of socio-cultural tradition. Black voters are the only people, politically speaking, who apply this kind of ideological collectivism to themselves; and who openly castigate each other for refusing to embrace it.

In closing, I want to make it clear that in no way am I arguing that the probity and integrity of the Republican party exceeds that of the Democrat party. Not at all. All politicians, regardless of party affiliation or ideological persuasion, are sinners before they are in office, while they are in office, and after they leave office (Eccl. 7:20; Rom. 3:23). That politicians, regardless of such external characteristics as ethnicity or sex share the same sin nature as the people who elect them to office, is why we must be diligent in exercising both spiritual and ideological discernment in deciding whom to support for political office.

Discernment is a godly virtue (Phil. 1:9-10) and discernment involves the mind (Ps. 119:66)."

We need not look any further for proof that tribalism is ingrained within the black community as evidenced (ironically) by presidential hopeful and former U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, who recently said in a radio interview [CLICK HERE], "If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black." What his stereotypical quote underscores is an acute understanding of tribalism in his dual-term as V.P. to the first black President of the United States (2008-2015), Barack Obama. Former V.P. Biden knew heading into this year's presidential election he could easily exploit black voters to both his and the Democratic party's political benefit because of the "ethno-tribalist mindset" aforementioned by Darrell Harrison, regardless of him being a 77-year-old, white man who is no more "black" than current U.S. President Donald Trump, a 74-year-old, white man. However, it might surprise many of us to learn the extent to which propaganda is being used to further ignite racial tension against white people from within the black community. Consider what the National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC) recently posted on their website [CLICK HERE], further perpetuating tribalism within the systemic racism debate.

There are many thoughts and emotions (not limited to righteous anger) which come to mind reading a caption like this because it is woefully inaccurate, extremely misleading, and blatantly offensive to ALL races. Nevertheless, its greatest travesties are assuming all attributes listed are inherently "white" in origin and that all white people prescribe to the same ideology; not to mention the condescending way this information was stereotyped and complete disregard for Biblical foundations which teach integrity, morality and ethics. The sad truth is racially-motivated attempts like these breed animosity and do nothing more than fuel systemic racism further by driving a wedge of deceit and dissension between blacks and whites in America. Ironically, the NMAAHC removed this caption from its website due to its "controversial" nature, yet the narrative which supports this information still exists in written form on their site and furthers the stereotype. Sadly, the Christian church is not exempt from supporting the false narrative of systemic racism either, demonstrated by many pastors who have used the pulpit to prey upon EMOTIONALISM and stir the masses to embrace a SOCIAL GOSPEL OF LIBERATION. However, that is not Biblical either because Jesus preached a Gospel of freedom from the bondage of sin, not freedom from the bondage of blacks in slavery which is propagated today. "Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed'" (John 8:34–36). Dr. Martin Luther King famously declared, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." However, that dream will never become a reality if we as Christians buy into the cultural narrative of systemic racism by holding firm to our racial identity above and beyond our identity in Christ. Therefore, we must set an example for our lost world by speaking truth in love to one another across racial lines, grounded in Biblical truth, and willing to endure suffering and persecution to fulfill the Great Commission, not merely satisfy social justice initiatives.

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:21–24).

Let us be clear. Jesus endured suffering and did not retaliate against those who ultimately killed Him. Rather, He entrusted Himself to God who judges justly. Virgil L. Walker, Discipleship Pastor at Westside Church in Omaha, Nebraska, sums it up best: "The only way we experience freedom from the penalty of sin, freedom from the power of sin, and freedom from the presence of sin is by and through the blood of Jesus Christ." Therefore, may we recognize how susceptible we have become to embracing the false doctrine of systemic racism in our nation and instead, focus our complete attention on the depravity of our souls where true heart transformation takes place, sins are forgiven, souls redeemed, and lives changed forever...all to the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:1–5).