GOD’S HISTORY OF SURPRISES
Approaching the problem of racism from the perspective of a redemptive God means acknowledging our sins and being open to God’s saving activity. The Scriptures continually report that, from a human perspective, God is full of surprises.
Redemptive Theology anticipates the exciting possibility that God might use our troubling experience with racism as an opportunity to advance the reconciling possibilities in our world. In taking this path, we are learning to live with the diversity of God’s creation in a way that enhances all of its parts.
Our model is the Trinity. Each part is distinctive, all are equal, and each contributes to the good of the whole. As we evolve in our capacity to live in the rich diversity of the world, we prepare ourselves to experience communion with the God who created all of us and calls us home.
RECOGNIZE THE CHURCH’S SCANDAL
Such confession is done in hope. “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). A congregation that desires to overcome the sin of racism that bogs down and distorts its experience of the faith must begin with a confession. Such a confession can be seen as a positive step. It is a significant step towards healing a major division in humanity.
CONSIDER HOW THIS MIGHT LOOK IN YOUR CONGREGATION.
If your church, with all its members, is the Body of Christ, then, like Jesus, can we take the sins of the world upon us. What if your congregation confessed to being racist. Like the parable of the prodigal son? Could we gather up our courage to return to the Father, confess the racist behavior of which we are aware. Then will we be open to that overwhelming power of healing forgiveness, and , like the disciples, await the empowering of the spirit to send us out in ministry.
REMEMBER, IT BEGINS WITH YOU.
I WILL SOON PUBLISH: LOCAL CHURCH GUIDE: a STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH AND LOCAL PASTOR.
Let me know if you are interested in getting a copy. God is not defeated by racism, we are.
contact me at steve@testlinks.xyz
