Racism and the Church, Overcoming the Idolatry

Started by mariemeyer, June 08, 2020, 03:32:57 PM

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mariemeyer

James writes.....

"No one doubts that these events occurred ... and there is always room for improvement .. my pastor freely admits things are far better than when he was a boy.

Thankfully he looks forward .. forgives the past ... and trusts in the forgiving hand of a loving God.  Rather than reliving the past ... attempting to inflict guilt where the blood of Christ has forgiven all sins, he continues to witness his faith to all he encounters."


I respond...

It is also for Christians to acknowledge the reality of how cultural and institutional racism continues to exists today.  Yes, the CTCR report was written after the sixties.  Sadly, the report did not prompt Lutheran citizens of this country to speak up for change  as racism continued to exists in our midst.

Christ freely forgives sins when sinners come before God asking forgiveness.  Where denial exists, Christ also speaks the Law. 

The Church, the Bride of Christ to whom God has given authority to forgive sins, is also the Church,our Mother, to whom God has given authority to proclaim the Law .  When racism, cultural, institutional or in the hearts of individuals, is denied, the Law must be spoken.  Where self-righteous exists, the Law must be spoken.  Where injustice persists, the Law must be spoken.   

To say there "is always room for improvement" is a an excuse for sin.   To say there "is always room for improvement" as long as the one proclaims faith in the forgiveness of sins perpetuates "cheap grace."

Marie Meyer 


peter_speckhard

Quote from: mariemeyer on June 13, 2020, 11:11:44 AM

It is also for Christians to acknowledge the reality of how cultural and institutional racism continues to exists today.  Yes, the CTCR report was written after the sixties.  Sadly, the report did not prompt Lutheran citizens of this country to speak up for change  as racism continued to exists in our midst.

What change did Lutherans fail to speak up for that would have ended racism in our midst?

James J Eivan

Quote from: mariemeyer on June 13, 2020, 11:11:44 AM
James writes.....

"No one doubts that these events occurred ... and there is always room for improvement .. my pastor freely admits things are far better than when he was a boy.
Then Marie writes ... "Where denial exists, Christ also speaks the Law.". Where is the denial?
Quote
To say there "is always room for improvement" is a an excuse for sin.   To say there "is always room for improvement" as long as the one proclaims faith in the forgiveness of sins perpetuates "cheap grace."
Sounds rather judgmental ... to acknowledge sin is an excuse?? Without faith, I cannot see, much less acknowledge my sin.  A Christian truly acknowledging sin is not making an excuse for sin.


I refuse to acknowledge that the pastor's absolution in the Divine Service is cheap.  In no way does confession of my sins because of my faith in Christ cheapen anything Christ has won for you and me.


Specifically how and when is racialism denied.  A concise answer to this question will go a long way in facilitating future dialogue.



peter_speckhard


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