“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:18-19).
Understanding the Past, Confronting the Present, and Envisioning a Just Future
The issue of race and racism has been a persistent thread in the fabric of global and American history. It has been analyzed, debated, and resisted for generations, with moments of progress overshadowed by persistent challenges. While strides have been made toward dismantling systems of oppression, forces remain intent on reversing progress. They often act under the guise of preserving tradition or protecting perceived freedoms. Today’s political and cultural climate shows that racism, politics, and religion are deeply intertwined. These intersections can be weaponized to serve personal and political gain.
The Weaponization of Fear and Division
Racism does not operate in isolation. It thrives in environments where fear, resentment, and misinformation can be manipulated to justify inequity. In recent years, the rhetoric surrounding critical race theory and the education of children has become a flashpoint. Some argue that white children are being taught to “hate themselves.” Others claim they are taught to “hate their country.” These statements have been used as a pretext for rolling back inclusive education reforms. These claims are often not about protecting children. They focus on stoking fear among parents and communities. This tactic is used to mobilize political support and suppress broader social reckoning.
At the heart of this strategy is a calculated effort to obscure the realities of systemic racism. Some political leaders and commentators have chosen to vilify discussions about America’s history as unpatriotic. They avoid confronting the truth about the genocide of Indigenous peoples. They also avoid confronting the enslavement of Africans. By doing so, they aim to uphold the status quo, ensuring that the inequities baked into America’s institutions remain unchallenged.
Racism and the Pursuit of Political Gain
The art of messaging in politics has long been a powerful tool. Over the past decade, we have witnessed how it can be wielded to sow division and garner political capital. Nationalist rhetoric is often used in combination with economic policies such as tariffs. These are framed as ways to serve the “common man.” Yet, when examined closely, these policies frequently benefit a small elite while leaving working-class communities—regardless of race—worse off.
Such tactics rely on creating a perceived “other” to blame for systemic issues. Immigrants, people of color, and marginalized communities are often scapegoated as the source of economic or cultural decline. This strategy diverts attention from the real causes of inequality, which include unjust systems and concentrated power. It keeps voters focused on surface-level divisions rather than the deeper, systemic problems that affect us all.
Christian Nationalism and the Reinforcement of Injustice
Religion has often been a double-edged sword in the fight against racism. On one side, the church has historically been a powerful force for social justice. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. grounded their calls for equality in theological principles. On the other side, religion has also been weaponized to justify oppression and uphold systems of white supremacy.
Christian nationalism, in particular, poses a significant challenge in addressing systemic racism. It blends religious identity with nationalist fervor, creating a worldview where America is seen as a divinely chosen nation. This ideology often centers on preserving a white, Christian heritage. It also frames any challenge to that narrative as an attack on faith itself. Phrases like “taking America back for God” are emblematic of this mindset, which equates political power with spiritual righteousness.
Righteousness as a Way of Life
Righteousness is not a demonstration of power or dominance. Instead, it is the cornerstone of how we are called to live as Christians. To exemplify righteous behavior means to reflect what is “morally justifiable or right” in our daily lives. Such conduct aligns with universally accepted standards of morality, justice, virtue, and uprightness. It calls us to act with integrity, to pursue fairness and compassion, and to embody virtue in all interactions. True righteousness is expressed through humility. It is shown by an unwavering commitment to living a life that honors God and serves others.
Yet, such rhetoric distorts the essence of Christianity. The teachings of Christ emphasize love, justice, and humility. These principles stand in direct opposition to the exclusionary and oppressive practices often linked to Christian nationalism. Many within these circles conflate faith with political power. As a result, they fail to recognize how their actions perpetuate harm. This is particularly true against communities of color.
The Legacy of Structural Racism
To understand the persistence of racism, we must recognize its structural nature. Racism is not just about individual prejudice. It is deeply embedded in the systems and institutions that shape society. Systemic racism affects many areas, from housing and healthcare to education. It ensures that marginalized communities face disproportionate barriers to opportunity. This impacts their success in various spheres.
This reality has deep historical roots. The violence and exploitation that defined America’s colonial and antebellum eras laid the foundation for inequalities. These inequalities persist to this day. The displacement of Native Americans created a legacy of exclusion. The enslavement of Africans also contributed to this legacy. The subsequent Jim Crow laws further entrenched disenfranchisement. These injustices were not merely personal or isolated incidents but deliberate, systemic efforts to maintain white dominance.
Addressing these truths is not about fostering shame or division but about fostering understanding and accountability. We can only dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality by acknowledging the full scope of our history. This includes its darkest chapters.
The Role of Media and Misinformation
In today’s digital age, the role of media in shaping perceptions of race and racism can’t be overstated. Right-wing media outlets and conservative social media platforms often amplify messages of fear. They create division and echo chambers where misinformation thrives. This repetitive, circumscribed messaging fuels personal anxiety and reinforces the narratives that uphold white supremacy and patriarchy.
For many, these platforms offer not only information but also a sense of identity and belonging. Yet, this sense of community often comes at the expense of truth and critical thinking. Lies and conspiracies become the currency of these spaces. These falsehoods allow users to live in alternate realities. In these realities, narratives of “us versus them” dominate.
Charting a Path Forward
Despite the challenges, there is hope for progress. Movements for racial justice have gained unprecedented visibility and support in recent years. This is driven by a new generation of activists and allies. These efforts are not about erasing history or fostering division but about building a more just and inclusive society.
To move forward, we must commit to truth-telling and reconciliation. This involves educating ourselves about the realities of systemic racism. We must also educate others and take concrete actions to address it. Policies that promote equity in education, healthcare, and criminal justice are essential. We must also commit to dismantling the misinformation that fuels division.
Moreover, the church and other faith communities have a unique role to play. They can focus on the core tenets of their faith: love, justice, and service. By doing so, they can become powerful allies in the fight against racism. This requires humility and repentance. It also requires a willingness to confront the ways in which they have been complicit in systems of oppression. To be reconciled to one another is to pursue harmony and understanding, mending broken relationships through empathy, humility, and forgiveness. It is an act of courage and grace. We acknowledge past grievances. We choose to move forward with compassion and mutual respect. Reconciliation goes beyond merely restoring peace. It reaffirms our shared humanity. It is a commitment to unity.
Conclusion
The issue of race and racism is not new, but our responses to it must be continually renewed. As a nation, we stand at a crossroads. We can choose to perpetuate the cycles of fear, division, and injustice. Alternatively, we can choose to confront our past. We must acknowledge our present and work toward a more equitable future. This path is not easy. Yet, it leads to the ideals we claim to hold dear. These ideals include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
May the love of Christ shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 