Race and power: Some biblical conclusions & brief summary

Standing on the shoulders of Old Testament theology combined with the ministry of Jesus bringing the new covenant, New Testament writers, particularly Paul, compile a robust theology of reconciliation, some specifically pertaining to racial relations and others that are applicable. From this corpus of writings we find diversity in the church from the beginning, both by circumstance and by design.

At times, Paul celebrates and encourages diversity among believers, and at other times he (along with James) emphasizes unity and abolishment of external distinctions. As McConnell summarizes, “diversity must not separate or divide, or it becomes an offense to the gospel. There is an inherent tension to be preserved, a celebration of both unity and diversity, which at once acknowledges the unique contribution of people of different races and cultures while maintaining the reality that the differences are brought together by the common faith in Christ.”

We have also examined power in the context of racial reconciliation, and some of the basic tenets of liberation theology placed in a biblical context. As I mentioned before, though liberation theology can be skewed and potentially dangerous, summarily dismissing its concerns would actually be equally dangerous in my estimation.

There are no specific commandments to participate only in mixed-race churches, or to pursue diversity above all else. But based on the biblical data, the current standoffish state of ethnic relations, the rampant (both voluntary and less-than-voluntary) segregation of local churches, and the lack of communication, cooperation, and concern by churches for ethnic and socioeconomic communities other than “their own” all seem to be at least somewhat contrary to the biblical model. It appears that we ought not be perfectly content with the way things are. The question remains as to exactly what we are to do about it.