In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi and Brandon Boatner speak on a heavy heart wrenching topic of racism in America.
Is there truly such a thing as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race? How did Jesus respond to different race based on different belief? How should I respond against people who show superior towards certain racial groups?
Some highlights from today’s episode;
- What we need right now is more conversations on this topic of racism and prejudice. We need to get rid of the stigma that says, “Let’s not talk about that.” Idea.
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The sin of willful ignorance. Now, ignorance is not necessarily a put down. It simply means, you just don’t know.
- Most white people will never dare to get in a black man’s shoes. Most white people are willing to jus be ignorant.
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Most white people don’t have a close friend that’s just not white. That’s reality and that’s sad. Therefore, we allow segregation in our lives, country, and our legal system.
- As America, we have a huge log sticking out of our eye in the area of racism.
- There is this notion, “Black people are guilty until prove as innocent” in our country. When did we stop seeing people as created in the image of God? Why see them as criminals?
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“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- “Every person bears the divine image so when anyone is injured the heart of God is wounded.” – John Calvin
- I like the word unity and diversity. We are united yet so very different and colorful, like heaven. It is a concept of heaven on earth.
- “Daddy, show me how to love people who will not love me.”
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Jesus doesn’t just see people from afar in a distance and preach love. He incarnates the love of God and comes in close proximity.
- I go back to the Word of God. I look back to the image of God. I go back to the actions of Jesus. I want to be like Jesus.
- “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Here’s an outline from today’s conversation;
1. Story: Conversation with his son Isaac, “Son, you can’t go on a jog in the evening.”
– Ahmaud Arbery: Feb 23rd (Georgia)
– Breonna Taylor: March 13th (Kentucky)
– George Floyd: March 25th (Minneapolis)
– Everywhere we look, there seems to be post on this particular issue.
2. Death of George Floyd
– Mission Trip: “I don’t see any color!”
– “Black Lives Matter” vs. “All Lives Matter”
– Serve in the north side of inner-city urban ministry.
– The sinful ignorance of many white people. Ignorance = do not know.
– Some say, “Racism is not the issue!” Ultimately, racism a gospel issue and is a sin issue.
3. Racism is simply plain wrong.
– Creation: Adam and Eve were ethnic groups (Gen 1:27 – 2:24).
– The Tower of Babel: Language divided and scattered (Gen 11:1-32).
– White Supremacy: Racial discrimination against black minority (America: 1700 – 1800s)
– Arian-race with Nazi Germany led by Adolf Hitler (WW2: 1931 – 1945)
– “Do you not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matt 7:3-5)
– “I wonder what was the reason that led the police officer to… etc” WHAT?!!
– Inward Prejudice / Bias: All people have the pre-conceived pre-supposition of race.
– All people are created in the image of God (Gen 1:27).
– “To love people, we must first admit that we don’t.” Trillia Newbell
– Asian police officer committed the sin of omission (Rom 7:19).
– “Learn to do good; seek justice, cored oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isa 1:17).
– Jesus and the Woman of Samaria: Grew up in a multi-ethnic culture (John 4:1-54).
4. Practical Advice and Words of Encouragement
– Sit down and just listen to people.
– Romans 13:1-2 vs. Acts 5:29: We must listen to God rather than man.
– White people can turn off the news and move on. That’s not the case for black people.
– The Parable of the Good Samaritan: “Who is my neighbor” (Luke 10:25-37).
– Jesus doesn’t only want us to know the narrative. He enters into our narrative (Phil 2:1-11).
– The distinction between protestors & rioters.
– Don’t express, don’t suppress, don’t regress but confess to the Lord (Phil 4:6-7).
– “Weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15-18).
– To see unity in churches, racism be ended, and have heaven down on earth.
– The Great Commandment: Love our neighbor (Matt 22:34-40).
– Be rooted and grounded in God’s Love: “For God so loved….” (John 3:16).
– “Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jam 1:9).
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
- The Rule of Law and the Demands of Justice: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the Questions that Must Be Answered
- We Need to Be Uncomfortable
- “I Can’t Breathe” 4 Minneapolis Police Officers Fired After Black Man Died
- Former Minneapolis police officer charged with 3rd-degree-murder
- “Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith” by Trillia Newbell
- Looters ransack Target near Minneapolis amid Floyd Protest
- Minneapolis pastor leads in peaceful protests after Floyd’s death
- “These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd” Tweet by President Trump
- If the President Tells You to Shoot Looters, You have a Duty to Disobey
- Crossway: How to Grieve Racial Violence through Lament
- Ahmaud Arbery and the image of God
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