Biblical View on Issues

Front Page Article
"The Lenses of Reformation Concerning Critical Race Theory"
by Dr. Patti Amsden

Even a cursory view of biblical history reinforces the idea that the purposes and plans of God are opposed by ideologies and beliefs that originate from demonic influence upon the hearts and minds of men, who are not aligned in a faithful covenantal relationship with Jehovah. This rebellion narrative begins with Adam and Eve at the Tree of Knowledge, continues through the lineage of Cain, advances in the old world through all the pagan nations, and asserts itself repeatedly within the nation of Israel. Jesus entered history to destroy the works of the devil in the earth and on men’s souls and to empower His church to enforce His victory over evil beings and systems until the culmination of time.
Reformation lens #1 – The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy but Jesus came that we might have life and life abundantly. (Jn. 10:10)

Liberation of souls from the power of the devil and from the evil systems inspired by demonic influence is accomplished by Christ’s redemption and is made accessible by the mediatorial work of godly people through godly practices. Liberation is not a biproduct of revolution. The devil rebelled against God; Adam rebelled against God’s instruction; Cain rebelled against God’s set parameters of brotherly love; and old-world nations rebelled against worship of the Most High. In every case, revolution led to further spiritual and natural bondages. Jesus appeared to liberate the people, the nations, and the earth.
Reformation lens #2 – Philosophies that promote liberation through revolution are inspired by the demonic realm and bring further bondage to the people of the earth.

Adam and Eve are the fountainhead of all humanity and all races. In Adam, all humans have the ability to reflect the image of God. Every person is endowed with gifts, aptitudes, and powers by which to live in and work with the earth. These God-granted rights make all persons equal in the eyes of God, forbid men to treat other men with bias or favoritism, command justice to be distributed without partiality, and afford all who wish an opportunity to steward their assets and receive a just reward for their stewardship. In terms of God’s Word and His standards, equality guarantees equal opportunity while stewardship determines differences in reward. Equality of outcome is nowhere guaranteed within the scriptures while equality of opportunity is based upon God’s providential love and care for His creation.
Reformation lens #3 –Men who attempt to enforce equal outcome inevitably steal the reward of one man or people group to illegitimately reward or empower another man or people group, thus turning equality into inequality.

As reformers, we must love all individuals and seek the just and fair treatment of all people groups. Critical Race Theory starts with the premise that America has a history of slavery, racism, better advantages for some groups over others (i.e. men over women, whites over blacks), and injustices that advanced through politics, economics, and social strata. Certainly, many of these accusations are true and historically validated. Any valuable change and all true redemption must be based upon an honest appraisal, repentance for past or current transgressions, and then the application of wisdom to correct the problem and bring about a better and more biblical result. Although the premise of CRT has, at least in part, this solid premise, its conclusions are often erroneous. Early slavery and even continuing evidence of racist attitudes do not equal an American culture that is unredeemable and systemically racist. The nation does not need a political, moral, and economical revolution through repackaged Marxism to experience liberation. Amendments 14 and 15 as well as the civil rights act and the voting rights act are historical testimonies that liberation can be codified into law. Children in classrooms don’t need to be made to feel guilty for being white. Caucasian males do not need to be forced to atone for covert male supremacy. The privileged must not be compelled into bankruptcy in acknowledgement of a perceived thieved inheritance. Ethic identities do not need to be deconstructed to provide a solid footing upon which the honor of another ethnic group can emerge. Reformers should align all thoughts and words with God, practice loving one’s neighbor as scripture defines, and stand for people and policies that advance true redemption rather than revolution. Above many practical steps that reformers should do, the minds and hearts of children must be protected by ensuring that their education is based upon a biblical worldview.