(Full text available at Christian Century where it was originally posted). Having an opportunity to peak into the life of the early Church is always intriguing. Doing so is not for the purpose of discovering some pristine perfect community, which never existed, but it is helpful when considering the historical domestications of Church teachings aroundContinue reading “An Early Church theologian that Can Help Us Subvert White Supremacy!: The Epistle to Diognetus and an ancient call to imitate God”
Category Archives: Justice
New Christian Century Post: Hate Crime
We are endlessly being misdirected in search of the crude “hate crime”. After centuries of racial oppression and violence, our society eventually became uncomfortable with the overtness of the racism of the past. Slavery is taken for granted as a horrific thing, something that couldn’t be assumed a few generations ago. For mainstream America, toContinue reading “New Christian Century Post: Hate Crime”
Free Online Conference, Register Now: #MennoNerds on Race, Mutuality & Anabaptist Community
“The myth is that we don’t live in a highly racialized and white-controlled society, and that the Church isn’t complicit. But the truth is that race and racism affect all of us,” says Drew Hart, who blogs at drewgihart.com. What can Christians do and learn about racism? How do we name, explore, and critique violent systems,Continue reading “Free Online Conference, Register Now: #MennoNerds on Race, Mutuality & Anabaptist Community”
An Anabaptist “In House” Discussion: Forming a Non-Racist Approach to Ethics and Social Responsibility
I am concerned that many Anabaptists have unconsciously and unknowingly adopted a model for social action and ethics that is problematic because it cooperates with our racialized and unjust society. Therefore, I figured I would offer an “in house” discussion on the subject. This all flows out of listening to the language and comments ofContinue reading “An Anabaptist “In House” Discussion: Forming a Non-Racist Approach to Ethics and Social Responsibility”
White Fear Is Irrational (And Deadly) – Guest post by Nekeisha Alexis-Baker
“My client did not wait to become that victim,” he said. “My client did not wait to either get assaulted by a weapon or have someone potentially pull a trigger,” he said. “Now, does it sound irrational? Of course it sounds irrational. But have you ever been in that situation?” Strolla asked. — Quoted fromContinue reading “White Fear Is Irrational (And Deadly) – Guest post by Nekeisha Alexis-Baker”
The Didache: Anabaptism & Black Theology?
Most people know that I have been shaped deeply by two Christian traditions and allow those streams to intersect (harmoniously at times, while other times with a bit of tension) in a dialogically manner. Those traditions are Anabaptism and Black Church theology. The reason for this engagement mostly comes from the reality that those twoContinue reading “The Didache: Anabaptism & Black Theology?”
Do You See This Woman?: Renisha McBride and the Imago Dei
In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is invited over to a pharisee’s house for a dinner party. He has a place and space reserved at the table. His presence is welcomed. However, a woman realizes that Jesus will be at this home and decides to come by unannounced. However, the pharisee hosting the party only saw aContinue reading “Do You See This Woman?: Renisha McBride and the Imago Dei”
Pain Medicine: Trayvon, Simon of Cyrene, and Jesus #MennoNerdsOnLoss
For several weeks I have been telling people that Zimmerman would not be found guilty. Silly folks all around me had convinced themselves that the evidence would result in the outcome of a guilty conviction. Most thought 2nd degree murder was possible but figured that Zimmerman at least would be convicted of manslaughter. I insistedContinue reading “Pain Medicine: Trayvon, Simon of Cyrene, and Jesus #MennoNerdsOnLoss”
Why Highlighting Paula Deen’s Offensive Words Are Part of the 21st Century’s Sophisticated Racial System
Yup, you didn’t misread me at all, pointing to Paula Deen’s racially offensive words is nothing spectacular or courageous, but rather it is the expected response within America’s 21st century context. I am not going to debate, argue, or defend Paula Deen, that would be absurd. I am not even suggesting that we consider herContinue reading “Why Highlighting Paula Deen’s Offensive Words Are Part of the 21st Century’s Sophisticated Racial System”
Are We Celebrating Easter Right?
For Easter, many preachers will get into their pulpits and tell their congregations that the appropriate response to Jesus’ death and resurrection is gratitude. We must be thankful for forgiveness (for our individual sins), we must be thankful for assurance (meaning it doesn’t matter how we live), and we must be thankful for salvation (which is interpretedContinue reading “Are We Celebrating Easter Right?”
Drew G. I. Hart 