REPRINT OF NOVEMBER 2, 2022
Many of us pursued higher education with the encouragement to always use “critical thinking” in your studies. This admonition applies in all of life. It is checking the definitions of words and phrases used when understanding other views of politics, theology, etc. Take the example: Critical Race Theory (CRT). What race? In the human realm there is only one race— the human race. Any sub-categories are not races, but simple ethnic/cultural differences.
It has been said that “The only ones interested in ‘racism’ are racists. All the rest are interested in content of character” (Anon). The idea of various races of humans is an idea that divides and far too often incites hate. By its very nature it is unable to produce justice and equality or equity. CRT skews truth and reality into a concocted lie that yields more confusion.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis declared, “Florida civics curriculum ... will expressly exclude unsanctioned narratives like critical race theories and unsubstantiated theories. Let me be clear: There’s no room in our classrooms for ... teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other ... so we will invest in actual, solid, true curriculum.”
History is history just as truth is truth. To claim otherwise through re-writing and changing the truth for a lie does no one any good (Romans 1:25). We learn from real history and correct our wrongs for the benefit of the present and the future. Otherwise, it is akin to asking God for salvation without acknowledging that we have ever sinned (Romans 5).
You cannot cure racism with more racism. Sin cannot be erased with more sin (1 John 1:10). History cannot be corrected by rewriting it. All things must be understood for what they are.
Once we have established this, then we are in position for confessing our wrongs and making things right going forward. The Pledge to the American Flag ends with these words— “... with liberty and justice for all.” “For all” means that all are affected correctly all the time. Though this may be very difficult, it certainly does not mean, “for some then and for a different group now, but never for everyone all the time.” Similarly, erasing one’s sin does not happen by covering it over with more or different sin. Sin can only be erased by the perfect sacrifice for sin by the One who is sinless Himself.
Do not make the mistake of getting involved with imperfect solutions that only cause more imperfection and problems. “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God — I say this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).
So, think critically when studying God’s Word, when listening to the pundits of all types, and when considering your own heart and mind. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2). “For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly” (Proverbs 5: 21-23).
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