Tag: race
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Unoffendable
As someone that regularly speaks on race and religion (somehow politics seems to sneak its way in too), I often find myself facilitating very polarized arguments. Our society is increasingly embracing the opposite of James 1:19 and instead embracing stubbornness in listening to others, and quickness in getting angry. In the middle of these discussions,…
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3 Ways to Celebrate Black History All Year Long!
In Why Black History Month? I affirmed that: Because of the plight of African-Americans, designating a month to focus on our legacy and achievements is good and right. Black History should be celebrated all year long Black History Month is a good thing AND Black history should not be contained to February. Below are three…
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Recommendation: Caste
Few books have the ability to educate very deeply on a particular topic, inspire readers to change their perspective, and provide a framework for action. This is especially true regarding the topic of race. Yet, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents accomplishes all of these. Isabel Wilkerson’s experience as a New York Times and Pulitzer…
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Recommendation: Who’s Black and Why?
Who’s Black and Why?: A Hidden Chapter from the Eighteenth-Century Invention of Race is without a doubt one of the most insightful books I’ve ever read. In my post addressing the question What is Race?, I list a few works that have helped form my understanding of race. This book has been quite influential in…
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3 Tips for Successful Diversity Efforts
Is your organization or ministry looking to start an initiative geared towards diversity? That’s a good thing! But, navigating the waters of diversity and inclusion efforts has great potential for miscommunication which can snowball and create more problems than solutions. Here are three thoughts on rolling out diversity efforts in ways that are clear, respectful,…
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What is Race?
Several years ago I was conversing with a friend about issues pertaining to race and culture. As we were getting deep into our discussion he asked me a question that I had never seriously thought through before, “You know that race is a social construct, right?” It took me aback to the point where the…
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So, You Want to Be an Ally?
As a pastor and nonprofit leader in St. Louis, I speak regularly on racial reconciliation from a Christian worldview. When people outside of the Black community learn about the racial disparities regarding quality of life and the caste system of American history, it often breaks their hearts. The weightiness of these realizations stirs a desire…
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Good Trouble (Sermon)
February 4, 2024 sermon from John 2:13-22 on Jesus Cleansing the Temple Also a tribute to Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis and his encouragement to get in, “good trouble, necessary trouble.”
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The Root of Peace
On the night that Jesus was born, angels appeared to a group of shepherds. They announced: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14 ESV World peace has been dreamed about for as long as people have existed. Yet, wherever you have people, you have conflict, chaos, and…
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Know Your “Why” for Diversity
Unity and partnerships across ethnic and racial lines should be the mark of every church.
