Resource Round Up: Black Lives Matter, Racism, and Truth
I tried to wait a lengthy portion of time before posting on this issue. Wisdom dictates careful analysis and patient prayer, not rash activism and emotional outbursts.
I am not sure I have waited long enough. But here are some resources that myself have found helpful during this time. Right action must be preceded by right thinking. Right thinking is always preceded by God’s truth.
The Whole in Our Holiness | Ligon Duncan | T4G
If I had to recommend only one sermon about how Christians ought to respond to racism, I would recommend this one. Be patient; the power comes at the end, after 45 minutes of foundational work. As Duncan says, we Christians ought to be known most of all by our love and compassion.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass | Frederick Douglass
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl | Harriet Jacobs
At the recommendation of Mark Dever, I read Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. The edition I borrowed was combined with Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs, so I read that, too. These are both slave accounts written by Christians, and in my opinion, they ought to be required reading for every American—period. If you want to rightly understand modern-day racism and #blacklivesmatter, you must first understand American slavery.
Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters: Racism and our Need for Repentance | David Platt | T4G
I do not agree with Platt’s exegesis or all of his conclusions and leanings. Yet, I think he helpfully encapsulates how many white evangelicals have failed to think about racism in the past, and demonstrates that they are experiencing a very rude awakening.
What Does it Mean to “Love Thy Neighbor” in a World of Inclusiveness? | T4G
A T4G 2018 panel. More than what they said, I appreciate how these men said it—with humility, carefulness, and grace.
A Q&A about how to biblically process Ahmaud Aubrey’s case last month. It is just a few weeks old, and about a different scenario, but helpful nonetheless.
John Piper’s prayer & Kevin DeYoung’s prayer
Prayer, above all else, ought to be our first and foundational response to all things.
Statement Concerning Killing of George Floyd | Dr. Paul Felix | Fairview Heights Baptist Church
This is a measured, wise, pastoral response.
The Briefing | Albert Mohler
In part 1 of The Briefing from Friday, May 29, 2020 and part 1 and 2 of The Briefing from Monday, June 1, 2020, Mohler attempts to analyze the unfolding situation. He does not do it perfectly. He doesn’t have any good solutions. But he does faithfully bring the Scriptures to bear on understand such a complicated issue.
5 truths to remember while the police station burns | Jesse Johnson | The Cripplegate
It’s nothing you don’t know. But it’s a solid reminder amidst the chaos of the times.
Many Ethnicities, One Race | Thabiti Anyabwile | The Gospel Coalition
We have heard a lot about race and racism. But is the concept of different races even compatible with Scripture? With history? I say, no.
A Few Words About Justice | Darrell B. Harrison | Just Thinking
I am of the opinion that the church must recover a biblical understanding of both justice and injustice so that each is discerned objectively—as God’s Word defines those terms—by God’s people through the universal lens of the Imago Dei (Image of God) so that, consequently, any indignation we may feel over a perceived injustice is borne from a purely righteous desire that God—not we—will be vindicated for the sinful violence carried out against those who, like you and I, have been created in His image (Genesis 1:27; 5:2; Psalm 10:18; 82:3).
Photo by Dawn Armfield on Unsplash