We are launching a series on Critical Race Theory. It’s an important conversation today, since many are using the description and meaning different things. At the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, we are committed to help Christians know and engage the culture with biblical discernment, so we are launching a conversation with, well, different views. As Christians, we want to think through these things together, and the series will include not just one opinion, but several.
We started with a positive framing, and will include others who are more negative, and some in the middle. All will come from evangelicals. And, it is important that we hear from people of color, and, in this series, not all people of color will agree. It’s a conversation—mature, Christ-like, and God-honoring. We hope it serves you and your church well.
To start it off, I asked Sitara Roden from my team to give us a framing article. Now, we are dropping articles, pro, con, and others on a continuum, modeling Christian dialogue and learning. Our first contributor, who will be sharing a three-part article, was Dr. Pat Sawyer, with references to be shared at the conclusion. You can read part one here, part two here, and part three here. Now, we will be hearing from D.A. Horton, as he shares a four-part article of his examination of CRT. You can read part one here and part two here. Pastor Horton is a Latino missiologist, academic and author, and his latest book Intensional, delves into ethnic reconciliation. I will share my thoughts at the end of the series. -Ed Stetzer
A Missiological Assessment of Critical Race Theory III
by D.A. Horton
In part-one, I shared a brief history and the basic heart of Critical Race Theory (CRT). In parts two and three, I will provide a biblical analysis of claims CRT makes in its themes. In part-four, I will highlight some blessings and burdens the Evangelical interaction with CRT offers. I pray these articles provide clarity, challenge, and a greater conviction for us as the Body of Christ to move forward in living on Jesus’ mission through gospel proclamation and demonstration.
Counterstories of the Marginalized are Needed
Claim: Those who have experienced discrimination should be listened to, learned from, and centered.
Biblical Response: Counterstories are the communicated life experiences of the marginalized. The New Testament is full of counterstorytelling. All of the recorded healings during Christ’s incarnational ministry are counterstories (e.g., Matt 8:1-4; 9:1-8; 32-34; 12:9-14; 26:51-56; Mark 1:21-34; 40-45; 6:53-56; 8:1-10; 10:46-2; Luke 13:10-17; 17:11-19; John 4:1-45) since they involve marginalized people seeking help. Jesus’ ministry towards them was documented by eyewitnesses.