Racism and The Church

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

Dr. Martin Luther King said that Sunday morning was the most segregated day of the week, and sadly enough it still is nearly 40 years later. We have made good strides in the area of race relations in America, but some of the demons still persist. We have two types of racism in America: The racism of superiority and the racism of bitterness. Even though white people don’t own blacks anymore and we aren’t lynched with great frequency anymore, and we don’t have to sit in the back of the bus anymore, many whites still feel superior to blacks! This feeling of superiority played itself out publicly when Kenneth Hagin Jr. said he would not want his daughter to marry outside of her race, yet it is OK for thousands of Black folks to support their ministry with their GREEN dollars! But we aren’t good enough to marry their daughters. This publicity caused quite uproar in the Word of Faith Community. Fredrick K. Price confronted the Hagin’s about this comment, but they did not retract or reject their feelings or comments. Now black folks are guilty of the sin of racism / bitterness! We allow their actions and attitudes towards us; make us feel justified in our dislike of them. This is equally wrong because we are guilty of unforgiveness and hatred. The real miracle of salvation through Jesus Christ is not just that our sins are forgiven and we go to heaven, but that we are new creatures in Christ, Well let’s start acting like it! God is a spirit, not a skin tone or a nationality! Both sides have to repent of these feelings and attitudes. Remember Pentecost? There were people of every race and nation at the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings unity! If there is no racial harmony in your church, I doubt if the Holy Spirit is there either.

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

What I AM saying is churches need to examine WHY only one race is in thier church, this is not an inditement on only Black Churches...but ALL churches, no one wants to address this but I am not afraid to, when I go out witnessing I share the Gospel with EVERYONE!

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

The key to Pentecost was the fact that ALL NATIONS were represented there! In our history (America) White slave owners professed to be "Good Christians" or whole country is in denial about race issues, if the church doesn't address it WHO WILL?

[Chaplain Pat Harris]

Bro. Mark, while I truly understand where you are coming from, you have to take into account that it's really a cultural thing with all people.

While I may enjoy attending a ballet performance or a classical music production, it does not mean I want to hangout with Caucasians on a regular basis as I would with my Black brothers and sisters. And, believe me when I tell you that I am not racist. After all, both of my sons date outside of our race and 3 of my grandsons are interracial and I love them dearly.

[Zoey "Zozo" Kassay Solomon]

Nothing at all wrong with segregation in churches.

Why would a white(or non east african) person come to my fathers church when he cant speak the language(even with english they wont be able to follow easily),agree with our portrayal of jesus, know of our customs, or understand where we come from culturally?

Such a person there would be nothing more than a distraction!

[Chaplain Pat Harris]

Zoey,

So, what you are advocating is to keep racism alive - is that it?

[Zoey "Zozo" Kassay Solomon]

There is nothing racist about my statement Mrs.Harris.

Why would somebody who cant speak the language go to that place? Why would somebody not of that culture go to a place unless they have something evil in mind?

If I want to study a new science or learn a new subject than surely I would not pick up a book about that subject in a language I do not understand! There is nothing wrong with aiming a church to a particular demographic(there are ministries within churches that do this too)

[Chaplain Pat Harris]

Zoey,

If I were to visit a church where they didn't speak English, I certainly wouldn't be there with evil in my mind. In fact, I would no doubt be in awe, in spite of the confusion because of not being able to understand the language. But, if the church is praising God, I don't think I would have much difficulty figuring this out.

[Zoey "Zozo" Kassay Solomon]

With many churches that do cater to somebody of your(not you in particular) culture, one would have to be weary of certain things.

I do not believe prefering to worship the way you have for hundreds of years with those you share a common culture/identity with racism. This is not racism because by prefering to be with ourselves is not making an assertion that a race is inferior to us.

[Chaplain Pat Harris]

I understand your point. I'm not implying that you are a racist or anything of the sort.

[Zoey "Zozo" Kassay Solomon]

Nice to see you feel me Mrs.Harris :)

[Hezekiah Ben Israel]

[Zoey "Zozo" Kassay Solomon]

awww come on man...Martin Luther King Jr is the only reason all black americans arent living in slums like detroit and ect.

Saying Martin made blacks docile while blacks sat back without doing jack nil for 200 years before that man was even born.....That video is pure hater/crab in the barrel mentality.