Malcolm Foley: How the Love of Money is the Root of Racism
Mar 4, 2025
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Malcolm Foley, a pastor and historian serving as a special adviser at Baylor University, discusses a provocative view of racism as rooted in greed rather than hate. He explores how economic motivations shaped racial systems, especially during periods like chattel slavery. Foley emphasizes the need for financial morality in faith and advocates for economic justice, urging listeners to act with love and obligation towards the marginalized. His insights challenge the notion of racial capitalism and call for a redefined spiritual engagement with societal issues.
Pastor Malcolm Foley argues that racism is fundamentally tied to greed rather than mere hatred, challenging common perceptions about racial issues.
The podcast introduces the concept of racial capitalism, illustrating how economic motivations have historically shaped racial categorizations and systemic oppression.
A biblical perspective on love is discussed, highlighting the importance of actionable commitments to support marginalized communities in combating inequality.
Deep dives
The Tradition of the Fish Fry
Culver's emphasizes its heritage by celebrating the tradition of the Wisconsin fish fry, which has been a staple for over 40 years. This culinary practice is rooted in the family's ties to the Wisconsin Supper Club, where the iconic fish fry was refined. The hand-battered North Atlantic Cod and lightly breaded butterfly jumbo shrimp are highlighted as fan favorites, showcasing their commitment to quality flavors. Culver's aims to create a family atmosphere, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and cherished, reflecting the essence of their Wisconsin roots.
Understanding Mammon
The discussion on mammon centers around its significance in the context of faith and economics, presenting it as a potent symbol of materialism and greed. The conversation highlights Jesus' teaching that one cannot serve both God and mammon, framing the latter as a personal, almost demonic master that leads to spiritual corruption. The exploration of mammon emphasizes its deep ties to systemic issues such as racism, suggesting that the desire for wealth often drives individuals to oppressive behaviors. This insight reveals that many societal struggles are rooted not solely in hatred, but rather in the pursuit of economic gain.
Historical Insights on Racism and Greed
The podcast presents a compelling argument that greed historically underpins racism, with slavery and exploitation being driven by economic motives rather than merely hatred. It is highlighted that when the Portuguese encountered chattel slavery, their involvement stemmed from a desire to expand markets, not from a pre-existing racist ideology. Evidence from history shows that financial interests often justify brutal systems, suggesting that racial categorizations have been manipulated to facilitate exploitation. This perspective shifts the conversation about race, urging a deeper examination of economic motivations behind historical injustices.
Racialized Capitalism Framework
The concept of racial capitalism is introduced as a framework that connects the history of race with the economic exploitation present in society today. This outlook emphasizes that the economic landscape requires the categorization of individuals into groups, where some are deemed fully human and others as exploitable. The cycle of oppression and lies that perpetuates this system is described as demonic, reinforcing the need to challenge these structures actively. The discussion encourages listeners to recognize their roles in this system and the importance of creating a just economic environment that counters exploitation.
Love as a Material Investment
The definition of love is examined through a biblical lens, suggesting that true love requires a tangible commitment to the well-being of others, especially the marginalized. This perspective shifts the understanding of love from mere feelings to actions that require material investment in the lives of those in need. The example of Jesus feeding his enemies illustrates that love is about meeting needs, regardless of personal feelings, emphasizing substantive actions over sentimentalism. By fostering love that manifests in solidarity and generosity, communities can challenge systemic inequalities and embody the teachings of Christ.
We talked with pastor and historian Malcolm Foley about the not-well-known-enough truth that racism is NOT about hate and ignorance; it's about greed. And it always has been.
Malcom Foley is a pastor, historian, and speaker who serves as special adviser to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. He has written for Christianity Today, The Anxious Bench, and Mere Orthodoxy. Foley co-pastors Mosaic Waco, a multicultural church in Waco, TX, where he lives with his wife Desiree.