The Bible and Critical Race Theory

FRONTLINE Volume 32 • Number 2

A Biblical Perspective on Critical Race Theory

The word “woke” has acquired an entirely new definition in recent years. Formerly the word was recognizable as the past tense of “wake.” But in recent years the connotation of the word has been amplified to refer to an awareness of important issues, especially racism and the concept of “social justice.”

As believers, we understand the spiritual significance of “awakening.” Paul encouraged the congregation at Rome to awaken from sleep, “for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11). He exhorted the congregation at Thessalonica. “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thess. 5:6). So we understand the need to be awake and aware of important issues.

But there is a significant difference between the Scriptures and the social justice theories of our day. There is a disagreement about what is being ignored. What is the root problem in humanity? Is it the sinful rebellion of mankind, or the need to relieve those who are miserable and oppressed? Is the real problem systemic racism or systemic, sinful self-deception? To answer these questions, we must all resort to some final authority. Some choose leading sociologists as their ultimate source. We choose the lessons of the Scriptures, believing that they rightly frame the most significant issues for all of humanity. This is the reason we have entitled this edition of FrontLine magazine, “The Bible and Critical Race Theory.”

In the first article, also entitled “The Bible and Critical Race Theory,” Ben Hicks explains Critical Race Theory (CRT) as part of a larger group of critical theories. According to these, racism is not merely one person showing prejudice; instead it is about entire racial groups exerting power over other groups. They aren’t merely appealing for some small changes; they are appealing for a radical overturning of society in order to bring oppression to an end. But as recent news articles have demonstrated, those who insisted they had been oppressed have become entitled oppressors.

Kristopher Schaal’s article, “Christian Responses to CRT,” demonstrates how various evangelical leaders have responded to CRT. As you will see, some leaders have rejected the use of Scripture as the final authority. That position is wreaking havoc in churches and institutions which once preached the gospel according to the Bible alone.

In his review of A Biblical Answer for Racial Unity, Carl Wood analyzes the perspective of various Christian authors on this issue. He writes, “This book is a good old-fashioned look at personal sanctification” and that a right response to every racial group is based on personal, spiritual growth. Recent generations are not the first to deal with racial problems. The Scriptures are replete with illustrations that show us how to apply the ministry of reconciliation to heal racial divides.

David Saxon’s article, “Getting the Kingdom Wrong,” explores the theology of the social gospel as explained by Walter Rauschenbusch in 1917. As Dr. Saxon notes, from that perspective “what good is a religion, Rauschenbusch is asking, that does not address the great social evils of the day?” Much of the philosophy of the social gospel is being fleshed out today in the social justice movement. This article highlights the connection between the perspective of Rauschenbusch in his Yale lectures and another mid-twentieth century work. “In an interesting foreshadowing of Carl Henry’s The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism, an evangelical book that castigated mid-twentieth century conservatives for failing to take broader cultural concerns seriously, Rauschenbusch speaks of the social gospel as ‘the accusing conscience’ of modern theology, peeling back its veneer of spirituality by showing its complicity in capitalism, racism, and other social evils.”

In the article “Systemic Self-Deception,” this author raises the question posed by the term “systemic racism.” The term implies self-deception, a concept that would be familiar to anyone who has read the Bible. Proponents of CRT insist that Caucasians are deceived by their whiteness. The Scriptures demonstrate that every sinner is deceived by his wickedness. So, if we are to get at the root problems in humanity, we must address man’s rebellion with the understanding that racism is only an outgrowth of that. Only by God’s grace laboring in us will we be able to awaken to a whole series of issues including prejudice against others.

Along the way, it will be essential to understand the impact of Walter Rauschenbusch on men such as Martin Luther King Jr. It will also be helpful to study the remarkable contributions of Black leaders such as Robert Smalls, Peter Salem, and Phillis Wheatley. For instance, why do the folks in Indiana call themselves “Hoosiers”? To answer that question, one must study the remarkable ministry of a notable Black evangelist, known throughout the American colonies.

Chaplain Wayne Keast analyzes Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) in this edition. It is essential to understand this phenomenon from a biblical perspective. Over the last one hundred and fifty years, this syndrome was referred to as “soldier’s heart,” “shell shock,” and “combat fatigue,” among other names. But seventy percent of PTSD cases occur in the civilian population among those who have never served in the military. Chaplain Keast uses material from his book Biblical Cures for the Wounded Spirit to explain scriptural answers for this syndrome. With our fractured society in upheaval, it will help all of us to know how to recognize and address PTSD.

In this edition of FrontLine magazine our authors have attempted to cover some the basic differences between the Bible and Critical Race Theory. We believe that this edition will help you address the social justice movement from a biblical perspective.

Gordon Dickson

Features

REGARDING CHRISTIANS, RACE, AND ETHNICITY
FBFI 21:02 Position Statement

THE BIBLE AND CRITICAL RACE THEORY
Ben Hicks

While the lies may look different today, the danger of Christians’ being carried away captive by shallow, deceptive philosophy has not gone away.

CHRISTIAN RESPONSES TO CRT
Kristopher Schaal

When it comes to Critical Race Theory (CRT), which is right: embrace CRT, use CRT to understand racism, or reject CRT?

BOOK REVIEW: A BIBLICAL ANSWER FOR RACIAL UNITY
Carl Wood

The authors’ aim is to provide a succinct resource aimed at anchoring the minds of readers in the authority of Scripture while dealing with this growing concern.

GETTING THE KINGDOM WRONG
David Saxon

Once we lift our eyes on the multitudes as Jesus did, we will see the soul-crushing forces of racism, class conflict, and oppression that entrap them.

SYSTEMIC SELF-DECEPTION
Gordon Dickson

Advocates of CRT training insist that they can recognize self-deception and correct it, but their view is far too narrow.

PTSD AND MY JOURNEY WITH GOD
Wayne Keast

Sound Words: Inspiration for the Pastor’s Study

First Partaker: The Primacy of the Preached Word of Christ in His Church
Ethan Hamilton

Bring … the Books: Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification
Ken Casillas

Straight Cuts: This Man, Melchizedek
Frank Jones

Windows: Prison Ministry in Light of Matthew 25:45
John Vaughn

Departments

MAILBAG

HEART TO HEART: The Highest Calling
Katie Pitts

AT A GLANCE: “Embarrassing” Prayer Promises?
Layton Talbert WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Choice, Not Chance
Jim Tillotson

ON THE HOME FRONT

NEWS FROM ALL OVER

REGIONAL REPORTS

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: Unexpected Ministry on Top of the World
Alan Findley

EVANGELIST’S PERSPECTIVE: When Spiritual Exertion Leads to Physical Exhaustion
Jerry Sivnksty

(Originally published in FrontLine • March/April 2022. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)