Critical Race Theory and Racism
Why are we talking about Racism and CRT?
• Help our kids get ready for the world – Create unity within the body of Christ -To act wisely with unbelievers
• What is a race? (new changes made recently to definition)
A group of people identified as distinct from other groups because of supposed physical or genetic traits shared by the group. Most biologists and anthropologists do not recognize race as a biologically valid classification, in part because there is more genetic variation within groups than between them.
A group of people united or classified together on the basis of common history, nationality, or geographic distribution. A genealogical line; a lineage.

What is racism
• What is race and racism—stereotypes based on specific race
• What is not racism –attractions that direct behaviors you are supposedly born with

Definition of racism (Webster’s Dictionary)
1: a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
A. : the systemic oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another
B. : a political or social system founded on racism and designed to execute its principles

The sad reality – racism exists and Christians have participated
• Some have participated and some have suffered because of it
• Racism exists today –not everywhere and maybe not in you but it exists and many have been hurt by it
• Because of it some have started with less than they should have

The worlds solution—The new social justice theory –Critical Race Theory –what is it?
• This theory deals with what is perceived as inequities—unfairness based on prejudice
• The belief that a society is controlled by whomever is the predominate in the culture – (those in power) they set up the rules so that only certain people succeed (those who set up the rules)
• The current Critical Race Theory says that white heterosexual males have set up the rules for who succeeds in our society
• Intersectionality tells us that black, non-heterosexual –of a specific age as well as non-handicapped cannot succeed – especially when they possess multiple abnormal characteristics
• The answer – those in power do not even know they have been prejudice and must allow those in the oppressed group define the problem and remedy

The problem with this theory
• The evolution of Marxism – the answer division and revolution based on the class system
• They attach sexual attraction to the issue of race
• A non-Christian misdiagnosis of the problem and then gives the wrong remedy
• Promotes division is the result – a new kind of prejudice –This so-called remedy causes a new problem –or keeps a problem going – racism against those perceived to be racist in the first place –
• Perpetual revolution –division
• A victim mindset – I have been held back from getting what I should have given – focuses us on the wrong in our past personally or on the wrong done to “our people” in the past
• This leads to a lack of thankfulness and focuses us on what is wrong with the world

The Biblical truth Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
1. God’s Word tells us that all humans were created in His image
• Every person is an image bearer and has value
• The problem with the world rests in every heart – sinful nature
• The enemy helped to put it there and wants to stoke the fires it creates
2. A quick response to common attacks concerning Racism and the bible – slavery on that basis of race was condemned
• Racism (chattel) was not always the kind of slavery that existed
• It was a part of the system to pay back debt (bankruptcy)
• It wasn’t based on race but on crime or war
• The bible doesn’t affirm racism but acknowledges it

Exodus 21:16 (NIV) 1 Timothy 1:8–11 (NIV)
3. What should those who have experienced racism do?
• Don’t swing the pendulum or perpetuate the problem
• We trust God and remain Godly
• We remember who God says we are
• We look for the Lords blessing and focus on that
• We have hope in this life and the next

We Rejoice: Philippians 4:10–13 (NIV) God is bigger than our opposition Romans 8:26–28 (NIV)

We remain Godly in how we fight: Luke 6:27–36 (NIV). – 1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)

Example: Joseph: Genesis 50:18–20 (NIV)
4. What do we do as believers when we see racism?
• We are peacemakers – reconcilers –
• We change things where we can – Isaiah 1:17 (ESV – Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Conclusion – we can get paralyzed by the vastness of the problems – we are so focused at looking at the bigness of all the problems that we miss the opportunities right in front of us in the areas we can make an impact.

For discussion with your small group, family and friends.

Questions to discuss: Passages: Genesis 1:1, 26; James 2:1-12; Revelation 7:9-10.
1. Share something from the sermon that was significant to you.
2. Read Genesis 1:1, 26. What is critical about understanding God as Creator and seeing all human beings as image-bearers of God? How does this passage impact our understanding of the value of all humans?
3. What effect might it have on your relationships and interaction if you looked at each person you encountered this week and first thought, “You are made by God, as his image-bearer, whether you know it or not.”? Try it; share with someone what happened.
4. Read James 2:1-12. What helps you recognize your own prejudiced or judgmental tendencies? A) When have you considered if systems and institutions you are a part of need to be changed to better align to God’s way of treating all people? B) What do you think God’s perspective brings to engaging this topic his way in our world?
5. Try praying this prayer throughout this week: God Almighty, Creator and Lord of all the world, you made humans in your image. All human beings. Every nation, tribe, language, every race of people. We broken humans tend to treat each other, especially those not like us, differently. Give me a heart to see others as you see them, as your creation. We are a nation with many dividing walls. Help me to see my own prejudices and be an ambassador of peace because of your love and what Jesus did. Where there has been hurt, bring healing. Show me how to be an ambassador of your kingdom and your way in the tensions of my world. Give me wisdom, discernment, grace, a heart to forgive, a willingness to repent, and courage to love your way.

For resources on these topics go to https://bit.ly/ControversialResources