I heard about a "white" only Christian conference at this yahoo link.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/alabama-pastor-hold-whites-only-conference-162845760.html
Just some thoughts as a citizen and Christian.
1. We (Christians and Americans) absolutely must honor the freedom of speech and right to assemble of any group, even the white supremacists (provided the particular group is not gathering with intent to break the law or incite such action). (Non-white) Christians have an even greater call to love and forgive those "white" Christians who won't let them attend the conference. I, kind of, feel my own flesh rebelling against this expectation from God. So "Lord, help my unbelief".
2. We must be reminded that along with freedom of speech and right to assembly comes the responsibility of what we speak about.
3. Simply because one is "free" to do a thing as the pastor is claiming does not mean that it is the best thing to do. It does not seem best to promote "white only" Christian conference unless there is some reason for a "white" evangelism strategy with a legitimate reason to exclude other persons who are not white. The constitution (in comparison to the words of Scripture) does not seem to provide legitimacy for such an event.
4. Just because a group is not breaking the law of the land in the U.S. or elsewhere, that does not mean that they are not breaking spiritual laws or promoting sinful activity. The conference is promoting the sinful activity of partiality--in this case, racism.
5. No Christian has the right to worship how s/he "wants" or we "want". Worship has to be how God wants it. Because we are different, God (in his creative and infinite wisdom) has allowed us to utilize our ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds to provide to him outward expressions of worship. However, there are some basic internal, spiritual principles that need to guide all believers at all times: Here are two that seem to be non-negotiable (Worship must be led by the Holy Ghost/Spirit, worship venues have to be inclusive of all who would come with humility to God). Help me if I have erred in these two.
6. If indeed the Reverend and the whites at the conference are followers of Jesus Christ/Messiah then The "Reverend" is right. He and those followers are part of the chosen race. However, it is not the chosen "white" race they are a part of (because there is no such thing-biologically speaking) but they are a part of the human race. That's right, there is just ONE race. If there is a race at all.
7. In my humble logic (no sarcasm intended) it stands to reason that Jesus, nor His Spirit was at that conference; For Jesus is not white, but Jewish (religiously, culturally and if there was such a biological thing; racially; but there is not). And the Holy Spirit is not a human being, but works through human beings to bring light to Jesus the God-man.
Ultimately, I hope that God's Spirit was at that conference. I hope that he convicted the hearts of the racist/ethnocentric Christ followers who were there, and pierced the heart of the racist/ethnocentric people who think they are Christ followers but are not. Perhaps He would draw them to understand His plan for all persons to worship Him. Perhaps He would (if He did not at that conference) give them a glimpse of heaven so they realize there will be no "white" (nor "black" or other racial) Christians or churches in heaven (again, race is a socially constructed, not biologically genuine, earthly reality that no doubt will burn with other earthly ideologies when tried in the fire -- I Cor. 3). Let's assume they get there--Imagine with me. There will be African-Americans in heaven (and they won't be sitting on the back pews or use different worship centers. In fact they will stand in front of some "white" people [That is, if you picture heaven with a bunch of people standing in one place facing one focal point of God]. They will stand next to European and other Americans, and Europeans, and Africans, and Asians of every brand, and Latinos of every brand, and any other ethnic group from every tribe and nation on the face of the earth all worshipping the same and One True God. Indeed, if any of those supremacists happen to really be Christians and make it into heaven they will be standing next to some of the "black", "latino/hispanic", "asian" and other Christians who lived in their communities who they did not allow in their conference. What's more is that black/latino/asian/indian/etc. person will have forgiven them and will love them in the same way the Father forgave and loved us through Jesus Christ.
And won't they be surprised. Indeed, beautifully surprised.
1 comment:
That is an interesting topic Reverend. From number five, His way should be the basis of worship but man has had their own plan to dominate in the world and in this life. It's sad that the church is more seen as a social gathering of like interests instead of preparing for the Vastness of the Kingdom of God! Hopefully the Holy Spirit was present there at their functions to shine some truth but one would really have to analyse who they are really serving.
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