Counsels on Social Issue

Counsel #8 — Confronting Systemic Racism

Picture: Counsel #8 — Confronting Systemic Racism CSI 27.1

Systemic racism’s greatest insult is indifference. Often, people say, “Why do I need to do anything? I’m not racist!” But when needs are denied based on people’s skin color, it affects your access to share the gospel. Aren’t you your brother’s keeper? How will your “neighbor” hear your Good News if you can't hear their cry? CSI 27.2

In Bible times, Jews practiced systemic racism against Samaritans. To convict and convert hard hearts, Jesus told His famous "Good Samaritan" parable, revealing the racist mindset of Jewish leaders toward their "half-breed" neighbors. The Samaritans, excluded from Jewish society, had limited access to Jesus and the gospel. Jesus needed His countrymen (and us) to see that failing to act against systemic racism makes it harder for the marginalized to receive and share the Good News of salvation. CSI 27.3

Since Samaritans couldn’t come to Him, Jesus brought the gospel to them. By speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well and staying in their city, Jesus showed that our eternal interests are bound with the marginalized.^[62] CSI 27.4

"Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy." Proverbs 31:8, 9 HCSB CSI 27.5

“Sin rests upon us as a church because we have not made greater effort for the salvation of souls among the colored people. … Every effort should be made to wipe out the terrible wrong which has been done them.” Ellen White in The Southern Work, p. 15 CSI 27.6

Reflect: How can learning about systemic racism help in speaking out against racial oppression? CSI 27.7