Racism for Jesus: Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Louie Giglio is facing criticism after arguing that slavery should be seen as a “white blessing” because it provided “the framework for the world that white people live in and lived in.”
The Ledger-Enquirer reports:
Georgia pastor draws backlash after suggesting slavery was a ‘white blessing’
Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, was met with criticism this week after citing “the blessing of slavery” for providing the framework for the privileges white Americans enjoy today. Giglio also suggested using the phrase “white blessings” instead of “white privilege.”
Giglio, speaking with Christian rapper Lecrae and Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy, argued that the term ”white privilege” should be replaced with “white blessing,” because, according to Giglio, slavery was a blessing for white people. Giglio said:
We understand the curse that was slavery, white people do, and we say, “That was bad.” But we miss the blessing of slavery, that it actually built up the framework for the world that white people live in and lived in.
And so a lot of people call this “white privilege.” And when you say those two words, it just is like a fuse goes off for a lot of white people, because they don’t want somebody telling them to check their privilege.
And so I know that you and I both have struggled in these days with, “Hey, if the phrase is the trip-up, let’s get over the phrase and let’s get down to the heart. Let’s get down to what, then, do you want to call it?”
And I think, maybe, a great thing for me is to call it “white blessing,” that I’m living in the blessing of the curse…
Pastor Louie Giglio, rapper Lecrae and Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy “had an honest conversation about race and the Church” on June 14.
Here’s an example of why words and their meanings matter.
“White Privilege” vs. “White Blessings” pic.twitter.com/VkSP6RP0t1
— Nicola A. Menzie (@namenzie) June 16, 2020
As one might imagine, Giglio’s suggestion that slavery was a “white blessing” was met with outrage and disbelief. The following is a sample of reactions via Twitter:
Toxicity of white supremacy right here. They’re uncomfortable with the term “white privilege” so they want to call it “white blessings.” GTFOH!#WhiteSupremacy‘s insidiousness on display. Go slither back from whence you came. @dancathy @ChickfilA
— Welansa Asrat, MD (@Dr_Asrat) June 16, 2020
Atlanta megachurch pastor Louie Giglio wants to use the phrase “white blessing” instead of “white privilege.”
“We understand the curse that was slavery … but we miss the blessing of slavery that it actually built up the framework for the world that white people live in.” https://t.co/eZ49N85Ae6
— Sarah Pulliam Bailey (@spulliam) June 16, 2020
“White privilege” accurately describes the unfair benefits that society gives white people. The phrase calls out a societal problem.
“White blessing” makes it sound like God blessed white people for being white. It implies white supremacy. What an absurd and offensive phrase.
— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) June 16, 2020
White people: Yes, we enslaved human beings. Yes, we abused them. Yes, we destroyed their lives. But at least we got a nice country!!#AlsoWhitePeople: Call it “White Blessing”, “White Privilege” hurts my feelings. https://t.co/Ud6nU6Ach4
— Raul Torres (@uz88) June 16, 2020
Using the term “white blessing” instead of “white privilege” erases reality. “White blessing” implies that white advantages in society are ordained by God and allows white people to absolve themselves of responsibility for their own creation and perpetuation of white supremacy. https://t.co/uCzsnRKVIV
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) June 16, 2020
After the backlash, Giglio issued a non-apology apology on Twitter, admitting that his “word choice wasn’t great” –
@spulliam not seeking to refer to slavery as blessing-but that we are privileged because of the curse of slavery. In calling it a privilege/benefit/blessing— word choice wasn’t great. Trying to help us see society is built on the dehumanization of others. My apology, I failed.
— Louie Giglio (@louiegiglio) June 16, 2020
Bottom line: Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Louie Giglio argues that slavery should be seen as a “white blessing” because it provided “the framework for the world that white people live in.”
