Have Black Churches Forgotten Their Heritage?
In a growing age of “multiculturalism,” many churches with predominantly black memberships are wondering if the emphasis placed on “Black History Month” quite ‘fits’ their mandate to “draw all men.”
The mandate to “draw all men” and the prayer of Jesus “that they be one” was never intended to deny our heritage, religious affiliation or racial identity. It was intended to cancel all claims of arrogance or superiority of one race or religion over another and to invite all of God’s children to sit at the table of brotherhood.
In my humble opinion, it is a perversion of the Gospel to deny color or culture as if there is something wrong with the way God made us. When you fail to see my Godly color, hair, and features, then you fail to see me.
With the chronic crisis of a lack of self-esteem among African Americans, it is imperative that we not only keep Black Heritage Month but make sure that in one way or another it becomes “Black Heritage Year.” We dare not abandon the celebration and acknowledgment of ourselves. God loves diversity. One need only look at creation to see the miracle and blessing that diversity offers. Instead of trying to manage God’s diversity, let’s celebrate it! We can be pro-black without being anti-white or any other color. In essence, that is what multi-cultural means: “out of One, many…” We do not have to wear our color, culture or ethnicity as a badge, but it ought to be a blessing. What I have found on this journey is that the problem is not skin. The problem is sin.
Let’s keep it real and work on the problem by repenting of racial sin and putting our thinking and actions under the blood of Christ who reminds us that “it is not those who cry Lord, Lord, but those who do the will of the Father.” I believe that is one of the most important challenges for the Church in the 21st century.
Tom Benjamin
