A: Absolutely not! I’ve been following Jesus since March 31, 1996 and have never strayed from preaching Christ alone saves (John 14:6; 17:3; Rom 1:16-17; 10:9-17; Col 1:28). To me, CRT is filled with gospel conversation starting points, however it’s not the finish line I point to. Let me explain. I begin gospel conversations in Genesis 1 instead of Genesis 3. I affirm every human is made in God’s Image (Gen 1-2) and identify the one time in history when Open Fellowship (or conciliation) between God and humanity (vertically) and man and woman (horizontally cf. Gen 2) were realized. Next, I unpack Genesis 3 demonstrating how Adam’s disobedience caused Sin and death to be introduced to our world and spread every to human equally (Rom 5:12-21). From here I explain why sin comes with a Penalty (Rom 6:23) and Price (Heb 9:22) and this leads to the grand Entrance of Jesus. I boldly share the nuances of His perfect life, mission, and holistic work of redemption (John 1:1-14; Matt 20:28; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 7:26; Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 21-24; John 20-21; Rev 19-22). From here I announce Jesus alone offers Life Everlasting to men and women from every ethnicity and social class globally. While all of this is being shared, when the other person is speaking, I’m listening but also praying for God the Holy Spirit to mobilize them to accept God’s plea bargain in Jesus, who endured God’s just sentence for the penalty and price of sin (John 1:12; 17:3; Rom 4-5; John 5:22-23; Rev 20:11-15). Those who embrace Jesus globally make up the multiethnic population in the City of God, which is the finish line I point to (Rev 21-22)![12] If themes of CRT surface during evangelistic exchanges (e.g., “Christianity is racist” or a “tool of oppression”) I’m not scared to affirm aspects of truth in such claims especially when history holds receipts. If I preach Jesus, who is the personification of truth, why would I in the same breath deny historic facts highlighting times the Church didn’t steward the gospel properly? I have no fear regarding CRT’s truth claims because the gospel of the kingdom is full of eternal truth and is more robust than CRT. Plus, global church history has receipts dating back to Genesis 1 in addition to a future that shows God’s election stands and Jesus makes all things new (Rev 13:8; 17:8; 21-22)! Since I truly believe the gospel, my heart bears an unceasing grieve to proclaim how God’s shalom intersects not just with theology but also the economic, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of humans.
Q: Aren’t you denying the Sufficiency of Scripture by engaging CRT?
A: No. I affirm all Scripture (both Old/New Testaments) is God breathed (2 Tim 3:16-17) and the rule of standard used to correctly measure beliefs and behaviors. I affirm God is the sole source of Scripture’s content, in which we do well to submit all our life experiences to (2 Pet 1:16-21). I affirm the verbal plenary of Scripture meaning, every word of Scripture was spoken by God and is full eternal truth. I affirm Article I of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (BF&M2000)[13] and Article 7 of the Belgic Confession [14]. Upholding the sufficiency of Scripture does not mean other documents written by humans or concepts they develop can’t be interacted with or studied, or that they’re devoid of truth. The sufficiency of Scripture identifies the Bible is enough regarding the global church’s doctrine, preaching, worship, in addition to our source of authority for how we engage interpersonal relationships at home, in our local church, greater community, and world. My engagement with CRT and other systems of human thought, especially regarding Urban Apologetics [15] (where I’ve been working for 24 years), are filtered through Scripture, similar to water and coffee grinds in a filter. Truthful content can be used for evangelism and insights for the multiethnic discipleships rhythms I live in (Matt 28:19-20). What doesn’t filter through Scripture is not consumed rather, refuted with gentleness and respect (1 Pet 3:15). To me, being cynical or a jerk towards image bearers is not a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24) or an effective evangelistic or discipleship method so, I work hard to not allow my apologetic responses distract attention away from the beauty, power, and sufficiency of God’s Word.
Q: As a Southern Baptist, why do you engage CRT since its incompatible with the BF&M2000?
A: There is content regarding CRT (addressed in parts two and three) that is not in alignment with God’s word (as well as the BF&M2000). However, there are truthful claims CRT platforms that are useful for evangelism and discipleship in North America [16]. I try my best to apply balance with my academic freedom and responsibility [17] by leveraging many of the privileges I have to benefit others [18]. My work identifies the will of Christ in my life as well as society at-large. Since I oppose racism (the sin of partiality, rebuke White Supremacy [19], and refute ethnocentric cults [20]), speak out against unholy sexual practices, work with my family to share relief with orphans, widows, and other vulnerable populations, and advocate for the sanctity of life, my behavior patterns are in alignment with Article XV of the BF&M2000.[21] It is possible to engage CRT and walk in submission to Christ and Scripture. As a Southern Baptist pastor and professor, my life and doctrine are not at odds with the BF&M2000. I’m called to stay inside the SBC to help bring Christ exalting and God honoring change from within.[22]
