This post is my personal opinion on Racism. I have a fervent hatred towards it, so this is very biased (as the title states).
I have grown up in the South. I have been exposed to Racism on many levels(however, not as severe as it once was). I was raised in a Christian home, where I was taught to see others equally regardless of color, wealth, or social status.
I believe there are two types of racism, both stem from hatred.
One is nothing but pure hatred. An example of this was Hitlers hatred toward Jews, Gypsies and Slavs (there is no e on the end. It is Slavs not slaves). He was also insane.
The other is ignorance. It's the ignorance, or lack of understanding, of another Ethnic Group's culture and traditions. Ignorance is a breeding ground for fear. Hatred spawns from fear. When this is passed down from generation to generation, Father to Son, is when it becomes illogical. It becomes a way of life. That's the case with racism today, these people hate just because their parents do.
This isn't how it's supposed to be.
Racism in a Church is becoming very infrequent, but I've seen a few Churches that are. It's very sad when a Preacher is racist. I believe if a Preacher is a racist, than he doesn't deserve the title. It puts the mind set in the children coming up in the Church. Because of the changing world they won't be able to fit in. My own Church, I'm sad to say, told a family to leave because they were black. How hypocritical is that? Now they've come back, Thank God. They are some of the nicest people I've ever met. The point is You can't judge someone by the color of their skin.
Today the stereotype is that all White Southerners are racist, and that whites; in general, have better lives. I would definitely have to say that that belief is wrong on some many levels. Whites aren't the only ones who are racist. Blacks, Chinese, Hispanics and just about any Ethnic Group has Racism somewhere in it's culture.
I'm not trying to say that racism isn't around, it is and will be for a while. I'm just saying it's not as bad as some make it out to be.
I'll stay within our borders for a little while. Now that we have a Black President, does it mean the stereotypical white on Black racism is over. I pray it is, I pray everyone could be united, but that's a lot to ask. Will Barack bring everyone together like he promised. I'll believe it when I see it.
I'm going to bring it home for me. I'm from a small town. Racism is still here, I hear it just about everyday. I don't like it, but there isn't anything I can do to stop it. What I dislike most is when people don't even bother to meet someone because they are Black. Why? Where is the logic behind that? There is none. They just judge as their fathers did and their father before them did and their Grandfathers did and so on.
Conclusion
Just to be clear, I AM strongly against racism and always will be. I don't hate racist, just the practice. I believe for Christians, there shouldn't be any hate of any kind in your heart. This is a lot to ask, but we should strive for it. Jesus made an example of this at the Well. We should strive to live like Him.
On the issue of slavery, what happened in the past is done.
The lesson of this blog is, don't hate someone until you get to know them.
If you are a racist who has a problem with this blog please tell me(that way I can laugh at you).
Fighting Evil by day,
-Evan
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There you go Evan. That was awe inspiring. I think everyone needs to bring that mindset; alas, it will never happen. All that we can do is pray and hope that God will change things. 'Tis an ever changing world though, we haven't a clue what tomorrow will bring. All we can do is hope and pray that it does bring happiness.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said in regards to a pastor of a church being racist. You know me personally, so you know I'm not too religious, but it really irks me to know that the leader of a church is a racist bigot. ESPECIALLY the leader of a religious movement whose founder taught to "love each other as I have loved you." Or something along those lines?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, how can someone live with such hypocrisy. Maybe I'm cut from a different mold (actually, I AM, without a doubt.), but I would either step down from my position or commit suicide. I wouldn't be able to step up in front of people and tell them how to live their lives.
Another thought, somewhat unrelated: My favorite thing about Jesus of Nazareth is that he made space for every kind of sinner. Thieves, an adulteress, a prostitute, a ruthless business man (of sorts). Everyone could be his friend.
Oh, with the exception of a few that come to mind. People that demeaned the temple by making it into a place of business, and the holier-than-thou hypocrites like the Scribes and Pharisees. I'm sure racist holy men fit in there somewhere.
Amazing that someone without the Faith can point that out, right? Hm.
I agree, there's one preacher that stood out to me, but I can't say who it is.
ReplyDeleteYes, I found it very hypocritical, and it's stuff like that that makes Christianity look flawed and inncorrect.
Hit the nail on the head with this one, dude. Don't you hate cliches. I digress. You have some really cool thoughts Evan. Keep on keeping on brother.
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