All of us are made in the image of God- male and female He created us (Gen. 1:27). Every one of us is made in this image, our skin colour included. Nevertheless, we are not all to be the same, look the same or talk the same. Each one of us distinctively represents a part of the image of God and that is how God created it. God’s great goal in all of history is to uphold and display the glory of His name for the enjoyment of his people from all nations. There is a solid biblical conviction that ethnic diversity in the church is a beautiful thing, and part of God’s ultimate design for his people.
All one in the body
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Paul explains how each body part is important to the whole body, illustrating the symmetry with us as Christians. As unique as our features are to our body, is how each individual is to God’s family (v.27). Every member with a different yet vital role to play belonging to this body. We are all part of the church, the body of Christ (Col. 1:18). God designed it that each member of our body functions conjointly with the other (v.18). As a puzzle that fits precisely together once completed is the semblance of the body of Christ when working together as one.
If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
1 Corinthians 12:16-17
Puzzle with missing piece
Similarly, the gifts we have been given by the Spirit for use in the body are different for each person. Although the gifts are distinguishable, they collectively work in harmony for the glory of God (1 Cor. 12:11). Regardless of the differences, we all function under one Spirit, being united in our diversity.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
This is the same with our community as Christians. All of our talents, gifts, personalities and characteristics are joined together to share and preach the Gospel of Christ. And all people, creed, nation and body is connected to reflect and be His body, the Church, to the world. We are united under one name, Jesus Christ, with one indwelling Holy Spirit serving one God, in three Persons.
All nations to be saved
The Gospel is for all people, for the Jews first then the Gentiles, everyone not a Jew (Rom. 1:16). Saying that, under Christ, we are all one, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female (Gal. 3:28). There is no exclusion of salvation for any one race, nation or people, God desires that everyone should be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). For us to then to try to exclude anyone from receiving the Gospel or spreading a message that some groups are not included is incorrect and false. No one is left out. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says he has become all things to all people in order to share the Gospel. He expresses the need to understand and relate personally to the different personalities and cultures of the people he wishes to share the Gospel with.
A person holding a globe
As Christians, we can never look down on any other group because of our place in Gods family. Although we are now part of the family, we did not always have this position. We are saved by grace alone, through our faith in Christ Jesus alone (Eph. 2:8). Once we were like the ones who did not know God, but now that we do, we should have even more grace for those yet to find Him. Our faith should not drive us to pride in any capacity, if anything, it should lead us towards more humility. As salvation is something we did not earn and did not deserve, however, God chose us, loved us and welcomed us into His family (Eph. 1:4-5). And He can do the same for the person next to us, or in a different country or someone who does not even speak our language. Salvation transcends all boundaries, it is for all mankind.
What does it mean when God is presented as male? What does it mean when – from our internal assumptions to our shared cultural imaginings – God is presented as white?
These are the urgent questions Chine McDonald asks in a searing look at her experience of being a Black woman in the white-majority space that is the UK church – a church that is being abandoned by Black women no longer able to grin and bear its casual racism, colonialist narratives and lack of urgency on issues of racial justice.
Part memoir, part social and theological commentary, God Is Not a White Man is a must-read for anyone troubled by a culture that insists everyone is equal in God’s sight yet fails to confront white supremacy; a lament about the state of race and faith, and a clarion call for us all to do better.
I felt a personal connection to this book because I could relate to many of the experiences vulnerably shared, in some cases, it was like I was reading my own life story. Being a memoir, the writing was vulnerable and intimate yet also being social/theological commentary gave a very holistic view to faith, race, and the church, which helped to challenge readers. What I think the author did particularly well highlighted a range of issues related to white supremacy, be it in art, politics colonialism, music, or the media. Painting the picture through her words and research and allowing us as engaged readers to connect the dots and come to our own conclusion.
“Imago Dei – the idea that every human, no matter their colour, has a special quality that resembles the divine beauty of God.” She provides countless examples of where black is considered inferior and as a result undermined e.g., in childbirth, sport, education and in interracial relationships. This quote is a reminder that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, that regardless of how Jesus or God are depicted we are His creation, fearfully and wonderfully made.
A section that stood out to me was in the chapter “Africa is not a country” where she wrote the lyrics to the Igbo Christian song “Imela” in a cathedral rather than giving a speech just indicating that some emotions can’t be articulated but are better sung. Not necessarily a critique but a part I lost a bit of interest was extensive chapters on the “other revelations” such as discussions on the treatment of young black children in education, childbirth for black women, Africa is not a country, black death, black sisterhood. Whilst these are profound topics, they have been covered excessively by other authors and for me personally, the most striking part of this whole book is how Chine McDonald craftily and meticulously demonstrated to us that the Kingdom of God is a mosaic, bursting a lot of myths and reaffirming a lot of readers who may have felt inferior within church settings. Contributions from pastors with multicultural or all-white/ all-black congregations would have been an interesting addition to the book content.
Overall, this book was immaculately written, well researched and heartfelt. Chine McDonald through her command of the English language takes us on a journey of faith, self-discovery and personal revelation. I think anyone who has ever doubted their place in the church due to their race should read this book but also pastors of interracial/all-white/all-black churches, however, anyone looking for an insightful read would enjoy this book.
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say
Luke 12:11-12
In this life on earth, we can find ourselves asking many questions but also being asked many questions to which we may fail to have answers. Sometimes as Christians, we may think once we “say yes to Jesus” that we suddenly gain premium access to all the answers to life’s mystery. I can confirm that this is not the case. These burning questions can cause fear, doubt, and frustration to stir up within us. However, a big part of being a Christian is living a surrendered life, where we trust God but most importantly, we partner with Him; doing our part and allowing God to be God in our lives. We aren’t called to understand or agree with everything that we see or experience on this earth, but we are called into intimate fellowship with God and obedience to His commands. So how do we navigate a world full of questions?
We are not All-knowing
Only God is omniscient, He is all-knowing. This is an important fact to remember, which sets God apart from us humble humans! Part of the Great Commission is to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” Mark 16:15; however, sometimes we can be afraid about being asked difficult questions and so avoid evangelism altogether. The very idea of it can seem intimidating because how can you share the gospel, whilst you’re also grappling with questions of your own?
Another instance is where something happens in your life which shakes the foundations of your faith for example a death in the family, natural disasters, losing your job etc. These are not light matters at all and can challenge your personal walk with God; you may wonder why God let these things happen.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight
Proverbs 3:5-6
It is impossible to have all the answers
Let me tell you this, we were never meant to be all-knowing and seeing, this revelation is reassuring, and I’ll tell you why. There is a burden and a responsibility that comes with being all-knowing, that we were not built for. Instead, we are encouraged to cast our cares unto God (1 Peter 5:7). This was God’s intended purpose, for us to lean into Him and depend on Him. Furthermore, another reason that it is good for us not to have all the answers, is that it allows us to rely on Holy Spirit even more. When we lean on our own understanding, it can rob us of our peace.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen
Hebrews 11:1
What do I do with my doubts/questions?
Whilst it is easy to say that we can’t know everything and are not required to have all the answers, it doesn’t stop questions or doubt arising. Yet again in the bible, there are examples where biblical teachers asked questions (John 3:1-15), even when a question was asked and answered incorrectly (Matthew 8:28-30). There are even examples where people wrestled with doubt whilst having faith (John 20:24-29, Mark 9:24). And the beautiful conclusion from all of this is that Jesus met them at their point of faith, He responded in love and guided them. God is not afraid of our questions or doubt, He will not disown you or abandon you, He understands that we are human and we can be fickle! He created us after all. Yet He promises that He is faithful, even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). Below are some suggestions on how we can process our questions/doubt in a healthy and God honouring way:-
Fasting and Prayer > what is the root of these questions i.e. think about your circumstance/people around you
Find a trusted friend, family member or elder in church who can help unpack your question further and help you navigate your emotions
Write your questions down on paper/in a journal, sometimes it is good to just get it out of your head!
Remind yourself of why you became a Christian, was it to have all your questions answered? Or to follow Christ and glorify Him on earth. Sometimes we also need to know when our questions/doubt is consuming us and derailing us from our faith
We are limited and finite as human beings, we must recognise and accept that. It is not our duty to have all the answers to our own or other people’s questions, we do what we can and give room for God to move. We are His ambassadors on this earth to be a beacon and carry out His mission on earth, we make ourselves available to be used to carry out His good works. Whilst we may not always know what the future holds, we know who holds our future and that my friend, is enough.
We are in the world but not of the world. Though we are not of the world that does not exempt us from pressures to act like people of the world. And we are also called to minister to people in the world. So, how does one do that without compromising when we are exposed to all kinds of pressures that go against our belief system. How do we manage that pressure and our reverence to Gods word?
We are in the world
To reach the people of the world, we may have to enter the places we would not usually go. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says he has become all things to all people so that he might save them. Even so, Paul never allowed himself to be pressured into living or behaving contradictory to what he believed. People will often ask us to do things that go against what we believe and at times, what they ask from us can be appealing, seem easy and appear to be without consequences. However, we must remember that though we are in the world, we are not of the world, just as Jesus is not of the world (Jn. 17:14).
You may be thinking then what is the point? The point is to show there is a better way – the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6). Jesus Christ, who came to this earth, not of the world but in it, as we are. He displayed exactly how to live and we are blessed to have His example in the Word. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14) so we could see that living in this world is possible. It is not easy, but attainable. Jesus said in this world we will have trouble but to take heart, He has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). He has overcome. Our hope is a saviour who overcame the pressures of life for our sake.
We are not of the world
The pressures of the world may not appear as obvious and the compromises we make do not often seem damaging. In fact, sometimes the offer is not appealing to us yet the pressure is high – our friends ask us to lie to our parents about our whereabouts, we indulge in something we don’t particularly like to avoid looking different. We choose the path of least resistance to fit in. Whatever it may be, in the world we can face pressure that causes us to compromise or go against our beliefs. And when we do not conform, we risk being ostracised or looked at differently.
Nonetheless, we should remain steadfast in our choices to stand for our faith. When we defy the norms and customs created by the society around us to live according to the word of God, we will most likely experience resistance. People will not understand why we choose to live how we do or make our decisions and they will try to push us to conform but we must not be afraid. We have a choice to make when we are pressured. Will we choose Jesus or the world?
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel will save it. For What will it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul
Mark 8:35-36
Living in but not of the world
In the book of Daniel during the exile and captivity of the children of Israel by King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon, we are introduced to Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These young healthy men and many others were taken to a foreign land with foreign customs to serve in the King’s palace. They were to be given the Kings delicacies and wine then trained to serve before him. However, Daniel and his friends had purposed to not defile themselves with the King’s food and wine. Thankfully, in spite of their choice, they received favour from one of the Kings guards who allowed them to request the type of food they would eat. They made a deal to eat only vegetables and drink water for 10 days (Daniel 1:11-21) while many of their peers enjoyed what the King offered.
Later in the book, in another situation, King Nebuchadnezzar creates a statue of himself and commands everyone to bow down before it (Daniel 3:1-7). The young men refuse to obey the King and the punishment for this defiance is to be thrown into a fiery furnace heated seven times hotter than usual (vs.15,19). Coincidentally, the person who heated the furnace perished but the young men did not. They were unsinged and a fourth figure was revealed to be in the furnace with them which the King saw.
Look, he answered I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire and they are not hurt and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God!
Daniel 3:25
Despite the pressures to go against their belief system, Daniel and his friends were obedient to God over the King of the land who seemed to have their lives in his hands. And at this moment, the young men, by not being conformed to the world proved what was the good and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2).
Lessons we can learn from this story
Know what you believe before you’re challenged and stand on it even if you are the only one – Daniel 1:8
Learn how to say no to the things that go against what you believe in and don’t be afraid to say no – Daniel 3:18
Here is a brief insight, detailing the life of Araminta Harriet Ross, who later changed her name to Harriet around the time of her marriage. She was an American abolitionist and political activist, also known as the ‘Moses of her people.’
Short Biography
Born into slavery in the 1820’s in Maryland.
She escaped to freedom in 1849.
Tubman stole into the woods and, with the help of some members of the Underground Railroad, walked the 90 miles to Philadelphia where slavery was illegal, to freedom.
Tubman devoted her life to racial equality and fought for women’s rights.
Became a famous conductor of the Underground Railroad.
Tubman was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Civil War.
She guided the Combahee River Raid, which liberated more than 700 slave in South Carolina. Dorchester County, Maryland Auburn, New York.
In 1844, Harriet married a free Black man named John Tubman – after separation, In 1869, Tubman married a Civil War veteran named Nelson Davis.
In 1874 Davis and Tubman adopted a baby girl named Gertie.
Tubman quickly became an armed scout and spy for the Union Army.
Tubman died of pneumonia on March 10, 1913, surrounded by friends and family, at around the age of 93.
She was buried with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn.
A 1978 movie, A Woman Called Moses, commemorated her life and career, and the 2019 film Harriet chronicled Tubman’s service as a conductor for the Underground Railroad.
Tubman and Faith
I always tole God, I’m gwine [going] to hole stiddy on you ‘an You’ve got to see me through
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman not only was a woman of faith but a woman of absolute confidence in the voice of God. Abolitionist Thomas Garrett said of her, “I never met any person of any colour who had more confidence in the voice of God.” She was an honourable woman, who refused to go anywhere without first hearing the voice of God. Actively, she showed the fruits of being a follower of Christ, acting selflessly to rescue her fellow people from captivity, notorious for not losing a single person. Regardless of obstacles, she held on to her faith which helped her to become the fearless and brave woman she is known to be.
Tubman grew up during the second Great Awakening, a period of revival in the Christian Church in the United States, where membership flourished. In addition, what solidified her faith was when she came upon a horrific accident that led her to suffer from temporal lobe epilepsy. Upon this accident, she believed that her trances and visions were direct revelations from God and evidence of His involvement in her life. This tragic accident turned out for good as it led to the solidification of her worldview in Christ.
Humility is not antonymous with bravery
Harriet was a perfect display of both humility and bravery. She was humble enough to be selfless, to not neglect her people after she escaped, but to risk her life every single time to save over 700 slaves in North Carolina. Additionally, she was humble enough to not trust alone in her power, but the power of the Almighty and the voice of the Lord. With trusting came a lack of fear and a surplus in bravery.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
There are many things we can learn from Harriet, ranging from not allowing societies standards to diminish or make you shy away from your purpose, or not allowing others to shy you away from the voice of the Lord. But the takeaway I want us to ponder on is trusting in the Lord. When we trust in the Lord, we are empowered. Fear is stripped away because we know that the Author and Founder of the universe is right behind us. Not just for our selfish needs, but for His need, for His glory, to help and save others who are in need of it. Harriet’s work may not have only have saved others physically but spiritually, as her fruits may have acted as evangelism to others. The amalgamation of her spiritual life and her physical work was what resulted in the nickname, ‘Moses of her people.’
There are very few topics that are discussed in today’s cultural climate that are novel. Whilst the context of these topics such as abortion, spirituality and sexual ethics may differ, the content of such discussions remains largely the same. These topics often raise questions that form new perspectives that may change how a person views the world. For Christians, these questions can strengthen or weaken their faith; especially if the answers to their questions are unanswered or unsatisfactory.
One topic has caused division and identity crises for thousands of years, particularly amongst black Christians. ‘Am I a Christian first or a black person first?’ For some, the Christian faith pits your religion against your race. For others, the Christian faith doesn’t speak to racial issues at all. This topic has led many to leave the faith because they believe that Christianity isn’t for black people. But is this true? Do the scriptures provide answers to the questions that black people have?
The Curse of Ham
Christianity has often been accused of being the “white man’s religion”. These critics point to the events in history that have caused the denigration and the enslavement of black people, particularly at the hands of white “Christians”. In addition to these events, critics point to passages in Scripture that appear to illustrate that black people are cursed. In Genesis 9, after God created a covenant with Noah, he began to work the ground and drank of the wine he produced (Genesis 9:20). He became drunk and fell asleep naked (Genesis 9:21). Ham saw his father’s nakedness and seemingly sought to include his brothers in dishonouring their father (Genesis 9:22). Shem and Japheth instead cover their father’s nakedness (Genesis 9:24). Upon waking from his slumber, Noah realises what Ham has done and curses Ham’s son, Canaan (Genesis 9:25). There are different interpretations as to why Canaan was cursed and not Ham but none support the subjugation of black people.
The curse of Ham states that when Ham sinned, God turned his descendant’s skin black and subjected them to slavery. A careful reading of Genesis 9 is enough to distinguish the lie that the Curse of Ham is a curse upon black people. Here are a few reasons:
1) Ham wasn’t cursed, Canaan was cursed. This is very important to note. A careful reading of Scripture would be able to refute the false claim that Ham was cursed.
2) Being Black is not a curse. Ham had 4 children: Cush, Egypt, Put and Canaan. Cush, Egypt and Put are in what is known today as Africa. Canaan was in the Southwest of Asia. Cush was in what is known as Sudan today and is widely considered as the region in which black people derive.
3) The curse has already been fulfilled. In Genesis 12, God promises Abram the land of Canaan. In the book of Joshua, nearly 500 years later, we see the promise fulfilled. Israel conquered Canaan and entered the land.
4) Don’t believe myths. The curse of Ham finds its origin between the 3rd and 5th centuries and became popularised during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. By holding the view that black people are cursed because of God is to be influenced by white supremacist thought. To interpret the reading of the text in this way is wrong and should be rejected.
Black People are Image Bearers
There is nothing more important than interpreting the Bible rightly. How we read the Bible will determine how we see God and others. Poor interpretation is what led scholars to develop lies that influenced the subjugation and enslavement of millions of black people. As humans we are limited in what we can know; however, we have a duty of getting as close as we can when interpreting what the Scriptures mean. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul exhorts the young pastor to watch his doctrine and his life (1 Timothy 4:16). If we want to be faithful Christians, then whatever we think, feel, or do must be aligned to what the Scriptures teach. The Scriptures do not teach that black people are cursed or are mistakes or that they are subordinate to any other race. Instead, the Scriptures affirm that black people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:28, 9:6), to show forth the glory of God (Psalm 8:5, 1 Peter 2:9) and rest in the presence of God (1 John 4:13).
Black people are no less valuable than any other ethnic group. To state such a thing is to call God a liar. God made black people purposefully and called them good, along with the rest of creation (Genesis 1). The issue that mankind faces is not the varying levels of melanin, but instead that we have sinned against God (Romans 3:23). But in Christ, we have a Redeemer who lived, died and rose again to save the whole world (John 3:16). Now anyone, no matter their ethnicity, who trusts in Christ as their life, will be saved and will be united to God forever (Titus 3:4-7). Then on that day, we will see the fulfilment of the promise that every nation, tongue, and tribe will be united in glory forever (Revelation 5:9-10).
Black Christians, there are some who want you to pit your Christianity against your ethnicity. You don’t have to, it’s a false choice. God didn’t accidentally make you black. In fact, God says your blackness declares His glory. So, the next time someone asks you “Are you a Christian first or Black first?”, let your response be yes. Your blackness is not in competition with Jesus. Instead, God plans to use your blackness along with all other ethnicities as the canvas to declare His Lordship over all.
We all know that representation matters and in celebrating Black History Month- the editorial team has compiled a list of must-read books by Black Christian authors. We hope that these books inform and encourage your faith and spur you further in your pursuit of God.
Black and Reformed by Anthony J Carter
Though from an African American centric view, this book is helpful for the black Christian who is either transitioning from or in white reformed circles. Antony J Carter writes this book with an understanding that the black individual understanding of reformed theology may have been marred by its history. Big figures within reformed circles such as George Whitfield, were supporters and affirmers of grievous sins carried out against black people such as slavery; hence why black reformed individuals may struggle with their with where their loyalties lie. In this book, Carter horns home to the struggling Christian that reformed theology is not encapsulated nor is it defined by what these men did or affirmed by Eurocentricity. He also teaches that there have been prominent black people within church history such as Saint Augustine. Reformed theology does not exist to ostracize black individuals or invalidate their experiences, but it is a display of God of how God uses egregious events for His glory and for our good.
A Young Woman’s Guide to Seeking God by Ayo Awotona
In this honest book, Awotona shares how she has navigated the trials in her faith and dealt with her past to walk into the new life. She speaks openly about her life and shares much-needed encouragement to young women on how to seek God in their daily lives. From waking up at 4 am to setting time in her schedule to meet with God, Awotona clearly explains the practical decisions she has intentionally made to deepen her relationship with God. She further expresses how these decisions have impacted her life in navigating the trials that she has faced. This book is a very encouraging addition to the Christian’s journey and will truly inspire you to be more intentional about seeking God.
Relational Intelligence: The People Skills You Need for the Life of Purpose You Want by Dharius Daniels
This book teaches the importance of defining relationships in our life. Even Jesus Himself was selective over His inner circle yet that didn’t stop Him from loving people. 4 categories are highlighted: Associates, Friends, Assignments and Advisors. In a world where our relationships are quite dynamic/fluid, this book helps us to understand the importance of seasons. In one season a person can serve you in one capacity but may not be able to play that same role in another season. Daniels teaches flexibility and appreciation in the different roles people in our lives life may play. They will not all serve the same purpose and that is okay. Either way, whether people are friends or not, still be kind and loving but don’t be afraid to set healthy boundaries and manage your expectations.
Whole, Competent and Consecrated by Christian Mutyambizi
Conceived from experiences within University campus fellowship and a desire to equip those who are tasked to lead these fellowships- this book is a much-needed guide for fellowship leaders. University Christian fellowships are a beautiful space for young Christians to gather and share life and their love for the Gospel but their leaders are oft unequipped in dealing with their roles and with the problems they may discover within themselves and their attendees. They find themselves plagued with the burden of care but unable to find helpful resources to help them in their leadership journey. In each chapter, Mutyambizi offers portions of wisdom derived from lessons he has learnt as a leader and practical steps for us to follow in the aim of employing healthy, biblical and Christ-like leadership. However, it must be stressed that this book is applicable to many spheres of leadership, not just University fellowships.
What is a Man? by Ira Jackson Jr
“What is a man?” This age-old question is on the minds of many and in a society and a fallen world that so often misses the mark on answering this question, we find broken boys and misled men. This book aims to tackle the epidemic of lost men with missing identities by dismantling myths and rebuilding with the truth. As Jackson rightly puts it, “Most men have never been fathered, some have been fathered but not trained, some have been trained but not in the correct things.” With God and His word as the architects of each principle in this book, Jackson teaches us with a heart that is filled with a zeal for his fellow brethren to come to a true understanding and living confidence of who they are and what God has called them to do.
A Promises of God Series by Kim Cash Tate
If you are a sucker for Christian fiction or have never indulged in any, then this series is for you. Comprised of 5 books titled: Though I Stumble, If I Believe, If You’re with Me, When I am Tempted and As Long As I Cling- this series is a sure oasis to a parched soul grasping to find threads of hope when all seems to be lost. Each book follows the stories of teenage to middle-aged black individuals who are trying to navigate their way through life’s troubles whilst seeking God with every dilemma faced. From insecurities, death, romance, addiction, infidelity, teen pregnancies, church hurt and abuse- Tate sensitively threads each story with a human realism that is oft not realised in many Christian fictional books. Though some parts are predictable, these books will surely shed God’s promises in a greater light and make you wholeheartedly echo the same words as Christ, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!”
This is a short introduction into the life of Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, who later changed his last name to Douglass, after a famous poet. His journey to faith and what we can learn from his life and legacy.
Short biography
Born in the year 1818 into slavery. His mother was of black and Native American ancestry and his father was “almost certainly white”, according to the biographer David Blight.
Douglass was seperated from his mother, Harriet Bailey from a young age.
He first lived with his maternal grandmother, then at the age of 6 moved to Baltimore to live with a couple, Lucretia and Thomas Auld. Then was sent to work for Thomas’ brother, Hugh.
He was taught the alphabet by Sophia, Thomas’ sister-in-law, however Hugh did not want Frederick to learn, as it was forbidden to teach enslaved people to read or write.
Nonetheless, Douglass continued to learn to read and write by trading food for books and lessons from white children. He would later teach other slaves to become literate. He believed knowledge was the path to freedom.
As a result Thomas sent him to Edward Covey who was known for his harsh treatment of slaves.
During his time with Covey, Federick was regualrly whipped and treated poorly. After a while the tensions arose until an altercation between him and Covey. They fought and Douglass won. This he recounts, was a life changing moment.
This battle with Mr. Covey was the turning-point in my career as a slave. It rekindled the few expiring embers of freedom, and revived within me a sense of my own manhood. It recalled the departed self-confidence, and inspired me again with a determination to be free
Frederick Douglass
He escaped in 1838 dressed as a sailor with the help of a woman named Anna.
Moved to New York and married the woman who helped him escape, Anna, a free-born African American woman and they had 5 children.
Douglass was instrumental in the abolishment movement in America and social reform.
In his lifetime, he would write three autobiographies and publish multiple writings.
He advocated for womens rights, equality and human rights until his death in 1895.
Journey to Faith
The first interaction Frederick had with Christianity was listening to Sophia Alud read the book of Job one night. Douglass was interested in the story of the man, who even after going through such trials and tribulations to the point of losing everything, would still say “ Blessed be the name of the Lord”. He wanted to find out more about this man. Douglass joined a Methodist church where he was introduced to a Christ that was more than the pro-slavery gospel he had heard his whole life. After this, he continued to battle with the reality of his sin and the hope found in the Gospel. He fully converted to Christianity and found faith in Christ as “Redeemer, Friend and Saviour”.
Later as he worked in the field, he would see how other slaves were exposed to the false Christianity preached by the slave owners. He was one of the few slaves who actually received the true gospel from the Bible. He watched how the slave owners would treat the slaves poorly then attend church on Sundays.
We have men-stealers for ministers, women-whippers for missionaries, and cradle-plunderers for church members. The man who wields the blood-clotted cowskin during the week fills the pulpit on Sunday, and claims to be a minister of the meek and lowly Jesus. . . . Here we have religion and robbery the allies of each other—devils dressed in angels’ robes, and hell presenting the semblance of paradise.
Frederick Douglass
He condemned the hypocrisy, exclaiming, “Between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference.” Frederick was determined to share about the gospel and Christianity of Christ he learnt, not the false one used.
There was a time where he was unsure if God was displeased with the fight he had with Covey but reconciled that the fight against injustice was part of Christian living. A few likened Douglass to Isaiah in his way of preaching the gospel and dispelling the hypocrisy of the slave owners. He was a man on a mission to free the people from the bondage of slavery and the oppressive Christianity of the slaveowners.
Perseverance through suffering
We would agree to say that Frederick Douglass went through tremendous suffering. He was born as a slave with no knowledge or relationship with his mother. His childhood was a mix of being passed between different families and households. Although he was treated well until a point, he was still considered a lower class citizen of his time. He was whipped, beaten and worked to the bone until his escape. Even then, he had to fight for basic human rights and to be seen as an equal amongst his fellow man. During his journey as a Christian, Douglass learnt that the type of oppression he experienced was incompatible with the character and nature of God.
I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ
Frederick Douglass
Douglass saw more how the slaveowners were unable to love as Christ loved as they had been too ingrained and hardened with a system of racial oppression through slavery. They could not see their distorted view and how it dishonoured the word of God. Nevertheless, he implored Christians to walk the path of doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
And we should too. God sees us, he hears our cries as he heard the children of Israel and as he heard Frederick Douglass as well as the countless other believers.
Images are important. The images we see, both mentally and physically, allow us as consumers to understand the narrative an author aims to create. With the images an author chooses, the consumer is drawn to connotations. For example, red signifies danger or blue signifies calm. Images also help the consumer relate to the characters that are depicted in a narrative. So, when a consumer reads or sees a character that looks like them, it produces a deeper affiliation with the story being told. This is important because throughout history Christianity has been falsely purported as the “white man’s religion”. As a result, those from other races, particularly black people, feel alienated from the story written by the hands of God. Yet the scriptures are clear, all ethnicities are derived from one man (Acts 17:26). When you look through the scriptures can you see yourself? If not, allow me to help. Here are 5 black heroes in the Bible.
Simon of Cyrene
Firstly, we have Simon of Cyrene.
Cyrene is understood to be located where modern-day Libya is and as a result, many conclude that Simon would be black. Simon plays a small but important role in the biblical narrative.
As Jesus walks to Calvary, Simon is forced into serving the One who would eventually save him. The soldiers press Simon into carrying the cross that Jesus would die on (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26). In God’s providence, Simon got to play a role in one of the most important moments in human history.
“[The soldiers] seized a man, Simon of Cyrene… and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.”
Luke 23:26
Ethiopian Eunuch
Next, we have the Ethiopian Eunuch.
We meet the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. There is a debate as to whether he is the first gentile convert since it appears he was a God-fearer (Acts 8:28). The Holy Spirit directs Philip to meet the Ethiopian who was en-route to Jerusalem to worship.
Eunuchs at the time were barred from the inner courts, which makes what he was reading more significant (Acts 8:32-33). Philip, by the Spirit, converts the Ethiopian Eunuch and it is widely believed that the Ethiopian Church was birthed out of his conversion.
Ebed-Melech
Thirdly, we meet another Ethiopian Eunuch – Ebed-Melech. You can read more of his story in Jeremiah 38. Ebed-Melech is a man of great courage unlike the King of Judah at the time Zedekiah. With the prophet Jeremiah facing injustice, Ebed-Melech defends Jeremiah to the King and formulates a plan to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern (Jeremiah 38-7-13). Where the King failed, Ebed-Melech succeeds.
Simeon of Niger
Fourthly, we have Simeon of Niger.
Niger is Latin for black and thus we have the clearest indication for what Simeon’s complexion was. He was a leader in Antioch. He was a Prophet and a Teacher. He was a man of authority and responsibility such that he was among those leaders who commissioned Paul and Barnabas to begin their missionary travels. The Antioch church was a hub for Gentile outreach in its earliest days (Acts 11:19-26).
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
Acts 13:1-3
Lucius of Cyrene
Finally, we have Lucius of Cyrene. Lucius was also one of the prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch. Not only did God dispel the false belief that salvation was merely for the Jews (Acts 10:28,34), He also placed black men in leadership positions to shepherd His sheep (Acts 13:1).
The devil wants you to believe that God doesn’t care about black people. Don’t believe a liar. Throughout human history, God has used people of all ethnicities to show forth His glory. God is saving people from all nations and tongues (Revelation 7:9). Don’t let a lie prevent you from being a part of the story that God has written.
Thank you for taking the time to follow this series. If you haven’t read my first article yet, please consider reading it before you move on. You can read it here: What Is Deconstruction?
Through this three-part series, I have sought to make sense of the so-called ‘deconstruction movement’. It’s no mean feat, my research has spanned three months and whilst I feel I have a reasonable grasp of some of the movements’ main features, this is no definitive article. My only hope is that this serves as a helpful resource for those considering deconstruction or wanting to engage with people who are.
What is our understanding of deconstruction?
The enduring thorn we have sought to address with the articles is how we understand deconstruction. Everything flows from this. What we consider the movement to be. It’s important we hold our working definition firmly in our minds as we consider whether deconstruction is dangerous.
Since the first lockdown and over the last year and a half, most of us can think of people who have walked away from Christianity entirely. In fact as of 2017, according to The Guardian, More than half the UK population [had] no religion. The study found that 53 per cent of the UK population now had no faith, meaning that for the first time in living memory, most of the country was not religious. I suspect the past two years and multiple lockdowns have not helped that. COVID-19 evoked more questions than it solved for many.
The survey found that 53% of all adults had no religious affiliation, up from 48% in 2015. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian
However, not everyone who doubts their faith ends up rejecting it. In fact, many evangelicals and young people are claiming that an in-depth review of their beliefs has strengthened their faith. It’s a story I’ve heard time and time again from friends, acquaintances and even the odd well-known church leader. Whilst COVID-19 has put stress on some people’s faith, for others, this period has been a very sobering one and a great opportunity for growth.
So is deconstruction dangerous?
In the first article, I expressed some hesitancy in adopting the term ‘deconstruction’ into the Christian lexicon and common use. I did this because I think there is already a term for Christians who believe primary Christian doctrines and are asking questions about secondary Christian issues. There is also a term for folks who do not believe in primary truths and are investigating central gospel claims to see if this is something they believe and want to build their life on. Deconstruction seems to create this middle ground, a certain no-ideological space where people can perpetually exist and not have to make any claims.
I explained that:
Orthodox Christianity has always been capacious enough for difficult questions. It’s what we thank the reformers for now. They asked difficult questions and found comfort in some answers. Questions are welcome but the Christian faith is built on some very important foundations.
These are what we may call primary issues, topics like the trinity, salvation by faith alone, Christ’s substitutionary atonement, the virgin birth, the sinlessness of Christ, Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, ascension and future bodily return, the authority of scripture. Christians can question these but must reach a resolution because this forms the foundation for their Christian walk. They cannot live in perpetual limbo on issues like this.
Things are different for secondary issues. If and when we levy pejorative attacks against other Christians or defame their character because they hold a different view, I believe we have climbed over the safety rail established by Scripture. Not only do we do injury to others, but we risk injury to ourselves. There is a warning of loss of rewards (Mt. 12:46). There are also fewer ministry opportunities after being rightly labelled a sour Christian who cannot “play well in the sandbox” with other Christians.
Whilst this is true of secondary issues, tampering with core issues is akin to playing faith Jenga with belief. If enough key pillars are pulled out, then the whole thing topples. This is what many people encounter after ‘deconstructing’. Asking questions as a Christian is one thing, joining a branded movement is another. In many ways, we shouldn’t be too shocked by the fruit from this.
To offer a pastoral note, my fear is that “theological deconstruction” is a slippery term. It’s a catch-all phrase that encompasses thousands of people’s spiritual journeys and so can never communicate the whole story. Anything I write about deconstruction can always be rebutted by someone saying, I don’t really understand the movement or I’m using the term incorrectly. This is exactly the problem. The term is a ghost and so impossible to address or really speak about.
I don’t believe it is appropriate for church leaders to endorse this term, but they can and should commit to creating environments where doubt isn’t a dirty word and where a person who has already crossed the line of faith and committed themselves to Christ can go to discuss difficult subjects. The internet is littered with the blogs of ex-Christians who never found answers to their questions. Surely the onus is on us to make sure our churches are places not only where non-Christians are welcome but also places for Christians who wrestle with doubt to find the answers they’re so desperately looking for.
Asking questions is arguably a sign that a person’s faith is growing, not stagnating. The answers that satisfied us as Christian teenagers may not sustain us as we enter mid-life. We need to think again, and the Bible’s instruction to love God “with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37), means we can’t bury our heads in the sand.
A note on maturing
So to tackle the question head-on, is deconstruction dangerous? Well if we are talking about growing in our faith through structured and intentional questioning, absolutely not. ‘Maturing’ as the bible calls it, is a natural process Christians are encouraged to go on. Throughout the bible, we are told about the merits of maturing and growing in our faith (1 Corinthians 14:20, 1 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 4:14-15, Ephesians 4:13, Hebrews 5:12-13, 2 Peter 3:18, Romans 5:3-4) and the bible doesn’t hold back in making its benefits clear. The process is not a simple or straightforward one. It involves doubt, responding to senseless tragedies or prayers that seem unanswered.
There are all types of growing or coming of age in your faith. I think this point is well made if we consider blogger and creator of the Poema podcast, James Prescott. He said in an online post that he was comfortable wearing the ‘evangelical’ label for many years, but that changed in the year 2000 when his mother passed away. He said “Suddenly the God I had known and grown up with was no longer big enough,” he says. “I had questions and doubts and nowhere to take them. The tragedy in this story is not that the death of his mother rocked his faith. I can empathise with that and I know many people who have gone through similar testing of their faith as a result of death. It’s hard, complicated and sorrowful. A greater tragedy was that he felt he had nowhere to take his doubts. That’s when we need the Christian community the most. When we go through these tough and difficult times.
Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than 200 times in the Bible. I remember a portion of Purpose Driven Life that I read. It said:
“Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you’re polite toward a clerk or waitress. We don’t know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies.”
This short portion captures so well how we are developed by the things we go through. Even though difficult times come to believers, we grow through what we go through. This kind of growth and maturing is actively encouraged in the Bible and nurtured by the Holy Spirit who promises to make His home with us (John 14:23).
It might look cool to be a wandering spiritual nomad forever, but I don’t think that gets you anywhere. Growth through doubt is the aim.
Beware of cultural pop
Deconstructionism is a curious idea. In an odd way, it takes the Babel story a stage further. Instead of the multiplicity of languages and the confusion it creates, we are left, as it were, with no language at all- either in which God could speak to us or in which we can address each other.
There is something to be said about the ‘latest’ evangelical movement, iconoclastic in nature and also kind of cool. This kind of movement is alluring, it feels like you are on the cutting edge of new thinking and new approaches. These aren’t just my speculations, these are some of the ways, ‘members’ of the movement have described it to me. It may not be the case that all who are part of this movement identity with this description, however, there is no denying, there is a sort of electricity surrounding deconstruction circles as they brand themselves as the next new thing.
Christians need to do better
Rather than allowing room for sincere doubt and questions, some Christian communities reject anything more than superficial curiosity. That may extend to carelessly labelling those with doubts as unbelievers or troublemakers. This lends weight to those who falsely claim that valid answers are only found outside the church. Faith communities may obsess over teachings that are secondary or even superficial. They may cement cultural and political preferences into their view of Christianity. Those errors also feed the false narrative driving much of the modern deconstruction movement.
It’s clear to me that some deconstruct in response to deeply personal pain and disappointment. I covered some of these reasons in the first article. Those who have been neglected, rejected, or even abused within a church context struggle to separate unbiblical traumas from legitimate teachings of Scripture. Failures and betrayals from Christian leaders create heartache and embarrassment. Pain felt by those we love becomes a pain in our own lives. Some respond to these struggles by jettisoning doctrines or beliefs; this is partly an attempt to distance themselves from the stigma of another person’s actions.
These are admittedly failures of the modern church and failures of Christians. However, these failures can and should be corrected. There will always be those whose connection to faith is superficial (Matthew 7:21). Others have understanding fragile enough to fail under strain (Hebrews 3:12). Jesus’ parable of the sower includes two groups who demonstrate a response to truth, only to be overcome by worldly pressure or persecution (Matthew 13:20–22). Paul knew people often succumb to attractive lies (2 Timothy 4:3–4). Paul witnessed close friends yielding to popular trends (2 Timothy 4:10). Even Christ saw people walk away because they did not want to accept His message (John 6:65–66).
In the last instalment of this series, we will consider the question, Should I Deconstruct in an interview with one of the writers here at Our God-Given Mission
