After posting a few articles here and sharing them around social media, I’ve received a variety of negative feedback [from White people, of course], about my tone, or about how they feel attacked or accused by my posts, etc.
One comment to “Dear White Christians, Here’s What You Still Don’t Understand” actually suggested that the “real problem” is not racism or White Privilege at all, but [wait for it] “the breakdown of the Black family.”
Literally, the comment suggested that Ahmaud Arbery wouldn’t have been shotgunned to death while jogging if he had a better family life, and that Breonna Taylor wouldn’t have been shot 8 times by police in her own bed if she had a good home life, and that George Floyd wouldn’t have been choked out by a police officer if he had a better Dad.
So, rather than even attempt to address such stupidity here in this article, I’d like to respond to those who have suggested that my focus is too much on the problem and not enough on the solution.
Fair enough.
One of my favorite quotes is from the great Philosopher, Socrates, who said:
So, in light of this comment, let’s try to focus on building the new rather than fighting the old.
Therefore, let me ask: If we hope to bring about real change in America, what are we committed to focusing our energy on?
Are we committed to stand with our Black brothers and sisters when they grieve another unarmed son or daughter being killed?
Are we willing to say – out loud – that we believe their lives are equally precious and valuable?
Are we devoted to changes in our society that may result in a loss of extended privilege for ourselves in order to share everything equally with people of color?
Are we interested in listening to our Black neighbors and friends when they share their painful experiences of hate and prejudice?
Are we ready to open our eyes and admit that there is another experience of America that we are not aware of; one that favors us and disfavors Black Americans?
Would you be willing to share a meal with Black Christians and just listen to them rather than assuming you already know what their lives are like?
Are we willing to work together with Black people to create a more equal, free and just society for this generation and the one to come?
Here’s the deal: If you don’t want me to point to our past failures, or to remind you of how our system continues to oppress people of color, then I need you to – at a bare minimum – agree to focus your energy on steps that will help us build a future where the equality you claim we all enjoy is actually enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
Can I get an “Amen”?
Otherwise, I think we still need to acknowledge the sins of our past and to face the painful reality that Black people in America have been fighting to be seen and embraced as equal humans for longer than we realize.
I’m willing to focus my energy on building something new, but by doing so that means that we will be steadily dismantling the old, and like it or not, the old system we currently employ favors White people in ways you may not realize today. But once they begin to dissolve, you will most certainly begin to notice it.
Like it or not, I believe this change is inevitable. I am committed to fighting for it. I’m willing to work on it.
Even if you’re not, things are going to change. So, you might as well be part of the solution rather than someone who needs to explain why you didn’t fight for those people that Jesus told you to love as much as He has loved you.
One day, Jesus might look you in the eye and ask you why you refused to put your hands to this work.
I wonder what you’ll say.
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Keith Giles and his wife, Wendy, work with Peace Catalyst International to help build relationships between Christians and Muslims in El Paso, TX. Keith was formerly a licensed and ordained minister who walked away from organized church over a decade ago to start a home fellowship that gave away 100% of the offering to the poor in the community. Today he is the author of several best-selling books, including “Jesus Undefeated: Condemning the False Doctrine of Eternal Torment” which is available now on Amazon.
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