Christianity & White Supremacy | Courageous Conversations ’21
Jul 28, 2022
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Scholar, theologian, historian, and activist discuss Christianity & white supremacy at Courageous Conversations '21. Topics include impact on theology, challenges in multiracial churches, power dynamics, black concerns, and the power of history in addressing racism & white supremacy.
White supremacy distorts narratives about human dignity along racial lines, impacting society and culture.
White supremacy erases ethnic diversity among white individuals, reinforcing racial hierarchies.
White supremacist Christianity prioritizes thinking over ethical actions, hindering genuine faith expressions.
Deep dives
Understanding White Supremacy as a Spiritual Principality
White supremacy is described as a spiritual principality manifested economically, legislated politically, and impacting relationships. It is rooted in historical contexts that established racial hierarchies, perpetuating a belief in the superiority of white people. White supremacy distorts narratives about human dignity along racial lines and has pervasive effects on society and culture.
Effects of White Supremacy on Ethnicity and Superiority
White supremacy erases ethnic diversity among white individuals, reducing identities to a homogenized 'white' category. This erasure stifles cultural heritage and individual histories, reinforcing a racial hierarchy that classifies non-white groups as inferior. The narrative of white supremacy distorts the concept of racial difference, perpetuating ideas of a normative 'whiteness' and an inferior 'blackness'.
Manifestations of White Supremacy Today
White supremacy manifests through economic disparities, housing inequalities, health disparities, and impacts on self-perception among non-white individuals. It subtly influences societal structures and legal norms, often requiring explicit displays of racism for acknowledgment. Examples like the Capitol insurrection and lack of anti-lynching laws illustrate systemic racism and white supremacist ideology still prevalent in modern society.
Examining White Supremacy in Multi-ethnic Churches
White supremacist Christianity often prioritizes thinking over ethical actions, allowing for harmful beliefs while neglecting the importance of treating others with decency. In contrast, black Christianity historically emphasized the critical nature of ethical behavior, challenging the status quo by valuing treating everyone right as a central tenet. The discussion delves into the dangers of white supremacy within multi-ethnic churches, highlighting how power dynamics, economic influences, and misconceptions about kingdom finances perpetuate inequality and hinder genuine faith expressions.
Detangling White Supremacy from Christianity
The conversation stresses the importance of contextualization versus syncretism within Christianity, advocating for a nuanced approach that considers the diverse perspectives and experiences within black communities. Encouraging self-examination, studying history, and engaging with diverse voices, the panelists urge individuals to dismantle white supremacy by focusing on genuine faith practices, deepening spiritual connections, and seeking a thorough understanding of the historic roots of racial injustices. Embracing hope, personal growth, and transformative faith, the call to action is to confront white supremacy through rigorous self-reflection and meaningful engagement.
An excerpt from the 2021 Courageous Conversations conference. Dr. Leslie Callahan, David Bailey, Ekemini Uwan, & Dr. Jemar Tisby, moderated by Watson Jones, discussed Christianity & white supremacy.
