Black and evangelical. The words may seem incongruous, but
have actually been linked for many, many years.
African-Americans evangelicals have been fighting the good fight of
bridge building between the racial divides for decades in the United States.
Pioneers like Will Pannell was building the foundations for bridges of
understanding in the 60’s as was Tom skinner in the 70’s. Countless others have
followed since, but few are recognized beyond the limits of their organizations
or immediate communities. Even when Black
Evangelicals are recognized on a broader scale, they tend to be viewed from
what I call "Highlander Syndrome" - "there can only be one,” as
in there can only be one minority voice at a time that the Evangelical base is
willing to listen to at one given time, and that one voice had better limit its
expressions of opinion to a very tight range of expression, especially on
matters of race and social justice.
Such limitations rob the larger spectrum of evangelicalism
of the broad tapestry of perspectives and nuances of ideas needed to proclaim
Gospel truth and combat error on a day to day basis. These limitations also
dishearten those who brave taking the path less trod in their willingness to
identify themselves as evangelicals in the face of uncertain acceptance and
sometimes withering criticism when an opinion they express falls outside the
bounds of political acceptability.
The popular artist Lecrae has made it known that as he has
wrestled with the contemporary issues of race and social justice and has sought
to bring his evangelical faith to bear on these issues. In his struggle, he has
encountered disappointment as he has shared his experiences with other
evangelicals who have not welcomed his perspective. His disappointment has been sufficiently
deep, that he is reconsidering his willingness to identify with white
evangelicals. As an evangelical who has
experienced the highs and lows of vocational Christian service as a minority
serving in an organization of majority origin, I can understand his dilemma.
When his stances have seemed more in line with the standard
viewpoints of main evangelicalism, he has been hailed as a hero by the
mainstream of that movement, but denigrated as a “mascot” by other minority Christian
artists who do not openly identify as evangelical thought they would also
identify as “born again.” When his opinions line up more with those of an
oppressed minority he is castigated as “compromising” by the evangelical
mainstream and yet still viewed with suspicion by others because of his
theological perspective. Being seen as less
than faithful by those who supposedly embraced you can cut to the deepest part
of a person’s spirit and can lead some to reconsider their faith community alliances,
and in some cases, lead others to reconsider their faith. Lecrae’s faith remains intact, but he is reconsidering
his alliances.
If those who claim to be one’s brothers and sisters cannot give
enough trust to allow for a divergence of opinion on matters that directly
impact one’s life, but that do not impact their lives to the same degree, what
is family for? The challenge is in the
Christian family, ultimately, the filial relationship is not determined by
opinion, but by blood – the Blood of Jesus.
As the song of old decrees, that Blood “… will never lose its power!” For his reason above all reasons, call
ourselves what we may in terms of labels, all who are called by the Name of
Jesus are part of those “peculiar people” who seek the truth, strive to apply
it, and hope for the consolation that comes from walking with God.
Nevertheless, the divisions persist and the labels
multiply. At this stage in my own life,
if had the opportunity to counsel Lecrae, or anyone else struggling with their Christian
label, I would offer this advice:
- “Do not grow weary in doing good.”
- “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
- “Forgetting what is behind, strain toward what is ahead … press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [you] in Christ …”
- Don’t worry about what others do and say. When they are mean forgive them. If they can’t accept you as you are – move on.
- Find what you have been called to do, and do it. Whatever you call yourself, or the work of your heart, do it for the Lord, and let the chips fall where they may!
- Be true to God. It is He to Whom you will answer – and so will everyone else.
Perhaps the ultimate cure for Highlander Syndrome is to embrace courageous obedience. We must know our calling, pursue it with unrelenting focus and embrace the uncertainty and risks that accompany bold obedience as a follower of Jesus. Such efforts may not help us find a home this side of Heaven, or give us a label that helps people understand who we are, but it can multiply the good work that remains to be done and afford us the peace of mind and satisfaction that accompanies doing the Father's will and finding our joy and peace in Him as we press on doing what He has called us to do.
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