Your article was interesting until it turned into the usual "hate Trump" diatribe that comes from the Left, which calls anyone who doesn't agree with them a "racist." I don't know of any policies of Trump that are racist, but I do know he is on the side of the pro-life movement and is appointing Justices accordingly. Abortion disproportionately kills blacks, so we ought to opposing abortion since "black lives matter" even in the womb. I'm writing this from the perspective of a Catholic. It's very confusing to me to divide a denomination according to race, since there is no "white Catholic church."
Trump is racist. Please educate yourself about him. I am not a leftist. I am a Christian and Black. He IS racist. Realize that bad people can do a lot of things that appear good. The pharisees were enacting a lot of "good policies," like enforcing the Sabbath, fighting against adultery, etc., in the time of Jesus. However, Jesus could NOT excuse their wickedness, hypocrisy, and lack of empathy because of all their "good policies." What would Jesus say about Trump: He's a good guy because of his policies? Please read your Bible again.
You need to educate people why you say such horrible things about our President. I don't see that Trump is a racist, so that's on you. Prove that he is a racist instead of making accusations. And yes, policy does matter. Whatever personal sins Trump has affect a few, but his policies affect millions. Do you think Hillary or Biden are paragons of virtue? They're not. Biden is up to his eyeballs in corruption. You say you are not a "leftist" and I apologize for labeling you as such if you are not, but you use the same arguments they do and you seem to align with them politically. I do read the Bible every day. It's not telling me to be a Trump-hater. And abortion is so much more than a "pet peeve." It's a grave injustice. My Bible and my Church tell me to oppose it and not support it by voting for pro-abortion Democrats. Trump is on the side of the unborn, and that's a good thing.
I stand by my comment.Trump is a horrible person. You are clearly motivated by politics not Christ's ways. Your answer is to compare Trump to other politicians as a way to justify him. Jesus did not do that. Imagine Jesus saying to the Pharisees: You brood of vipers. And the Pharisees saying to Jesus: At least we are better than Herod. Who cares? That's not the way of Christ. The people that engage is such relativism are not following Christ. Trump is a horrible person. The notion that his sins affect a few is clearly your way of making yourself sleep well at night. Please keep it up and say that to Jesus when you meet him. Is that not what the Pharisees used to justify their false accusations of Jesus in John 11:50? Somehow, to you, sin is a numbers game. Let me tell you one other thing. Policies are like rules in a family. I can say to my kids that my "policy" is to not insult their siblings or mom. However, if I insult them and their mom, my kids will end up doing what I do not what I say. Trump's actions are at least as powerful as his policies. When he lies like Satan (the Father of Lies), he inadvertently encourages many others, including Christians, to lie. When he insults others in vicious ways (In Matt 5:22, Jesus compares such insults to murder), he is teaching the whole country to be like that. My brother, you are misled. Get you head out of politics and focus on Christ. I don't hear Christ in your words. Instead I see cheap political labels. The article above is calling us to Christ not to politics. Please try again to tell me that someone that lies like Satan or insults people like the Devil is not a horrible person. If so, then please kneel down and pray that your son (if you have one) grows up to be someone like Trump or that your daughter (if you have one) marries someone like Trump. I will not wish that on anyone. Therefore, I stand by my comment.
Trump is not a religious leader. He's a servant of the people. A policeman is not a preacher or a priest. He might be a horrible sinner, but he could still be a good cop and his arrests are still valid. People in positions in government are not our pastors or Sunday school teachers. I concede that Trump is a sinner. So am I. So is Hillary Clinton. So is Biden (more so since he professes to be a Catholic but sides with the abortion clinics). We only have two choices for President. Do you believe Joe Biden has been appointed by Christ? Do you believe his is a godly man? Anyway, I know you think Trump is a racist and a horrible person. (I think Joe Biden is a horrible person, but I'd vote for him if I liked his policies). I don't see that he is a racist. I know he has committed serious sins, but that's between him and God (as are my sins and yours). His policies more align with my political objectives as a practicing Catholic than those of any of his opponents. It's not even close. Your analogy regarding policy doesn't work because these good policies and excellent appointments to the courts will be in place long after Trump is gone.
I think the article is divisive. What's this business about "white evangelicals"? That's very perplexing to me as a Catholic. There are no "white Catholic" doctrines or "black Catholic" doctrines. We all believe the same things. We have the same liturgy and the same doctrines and dogmas. What does skin color have to do with it? Are evangelical churches segregated? Do white evangelicals have different beliefs than black evangelicals?
Articles like this force me to talk about politics. Calling Trump a racist and a horrible person is just one step away from calling his supporters the same thing, and many go down that road and will not give Trump supporters the benefit of the doubt or will not attempt to understand their motives (but instead unfairly accuse them of being racists or being ignorant).
I realize that our time here is very short and we all have to face God. That is my focus. My prayer life is much more important to me than politics. But I still have to vote according to what is just, and from my perspective that's much more on the side of Republican policies than those of Democrats, and I vote and support accordingly, knowing that these polices don't perfectly align with my Christian beliefs, and that many in politics regardless of party are there for selfish reasons.
So Trump is a servant? Who is he serving? Don't servants display humility? Have you seen that trait in him?
Also, why is it hateful for someone else to refer to him as a horrible person but fine for you to describe Joe Biden in the same way. Sounds like you are a Biden hater. Just my observations.
I was just trying to make a point. What is so great about (pro-abortion) Biden? At any rate, Trump is a billionaire. He doesn't need this grief and hard work. He gave up much freedom and what could have been a very easy life to serve our country.
Sir, thank you very much for your thoughts. I appreciate them because I see that they are candid. I have heard similar thoughts from my Christian brothers and sisters. However, I think that many of your arguments are fallacious.
Everyone is a sinner... but there is a difference, isn't there? Let's take lying for instance. Have I lied? Absolutely. Have you lied? Very likely. Would I be characterized as a liar? Not really, because I try my best to not lie and repent immediately I do. I would guess the same for you. I think you know this difference. So please let's not use that trite statement of that we are all sinners to make ourselves sleep better at night.
Sir, you do not know that the impact of Trump's example for the Nation will not outlive his policies. We saw in ancient Israel how the bad examples of leaders (beyond their policies) often led God's people astray. It is not only pastors that lead God's people astray. We should do the right thing now. These other excuses we make to justify things for ourselves are dangerous. I would never vote for a horrible person. Period. Not every sinner is a horrible person (as explained above). I wish you could give me a Biblical justification for separating a person from their policies. Jesus would often address people's motives not just what they did because he knew that motives mattered more to God. Please give me something from the Bible to help me see why we should do something different in our politics.
Sir, I think you are naive about your understanding of race in the Church. As people have said, Sunday morning is one of the most segregated times in America. Yes, we may have the same doctrines and scripture. However, when I walk into a predominantly white church and walk into a predominantly black church, sometimes if feels like night and day. To suggest that the author is wrong to point this out is simply sad. The author mentioned how some white Christians were gleeful at the assassination of MLK. I bet you that no black Christians had the same reaction. Same scriptures. Same doctrines. Different reactions. I really ask you to re-assess this understanding. It does not hold up to reality.
Again, you've put words in my mouth. I don't agree that calling Trump what he is - a horrible human being in terms of his moral standards - means that his supporters are necessarily so. In my first comment, I mentioned how I have friends whom I respect and believe are good people who support Trump. I think good people can be misled. That doesn't make them bad people. If someone tells me that Trump is a born again Christian or somehow really cares about Christ, I'd think that they are misled by a fraudster. When someone tells me that Trump cares about the life of the unborn (beyond how it helps him politically), I'd say that person is misled by a fraudster. Good people are misled every day.
Sir, lastly, I'll challenge your general characterization that the politics of the Right is more aligned with Christ than the politics of the Left. God's work and Satan's work are present in both. Many times, the difference is embodied by the person running for office. The notion that all politicians are selfish is flawed. Just like there are good Trump followers and good Biden followers, there are also good politicians on both sides of the aisle. I think your notion that the Right is better is based on cultural or religious indoctrination.
Yes, we should pray but praying is not enough. Like my Pastor once said. When the Greeks were complaining about unfairness in the distribution of food (in the book of Acts), the disciples did something tangible to help, in addition to dedication of themselves to prayer and the Word of God. Christians must act not just pray. It sounds pious but it is wrong. Slavery ended not only because of prayers but because of action. Segregation ended not only because of prayer but because of action. Indiscriminate killing of Blacks will not end only because you and I pray but because we support leaders that will change things. Again, this brings me to my first point, if we claim to love life so much does it make sense that we emphasize the life of the unborn whom we do not see over those of the born whom we see? God bless you Sir. Good night.
BTW: Note that the Bible, for good reason, speaks much, much more against injustices to the born than the unborn. Again, I am not condoning injustices against the unborn. However, I am seriously skeptical of someone (or a church) who over amplifies the plight of the unborn over that of the born. It is easier to say you love someone you cannot see than someone you can see (again, from the Bible which you and I read).
BTW: Note that the Bible, for good reason, speaks much, much more against injustices to the born than the unborn. Again, I am not condoning injustices against the unborn. However, I am seriously skeptical of someone (or a church) who over amplifies the plight of the unborn over that of the born. It is easier to say you love someone you cannot see than someone you can see (again, from the Bible which you and I read).
Darel, I have been an evangelical all my life. If you believe that I am mistaken, please pray to our Lord that He help me see more clearly. My deepest desire is to be more like Jesus. Ron Sider
WWJD? I submit that He would be leading the marches. The key line in this candid assessment is ...”-white evangelicalism loses whatever credibility it still retains.” The so-called white evangelical leaders don’t seem to understand or care that they are hurting the cause of Christ. In the words of Andy Rooney they have a good product but terrible salesmen. America is a great country but she will never reach her true potential until and unless she deals with her original sin: racism.
Please take the time to view the video that was withheld at the time, of the time period immediately preceding Floyd's death for a slightly different view of this"hero." Did his life matter more than the thousands of blacks killed by other blacks? Did it matter more than the children, and innocent blacks who were killed during BLM "peaceful" protests? Why didn't Barack Obama do more to empower black people of today instead of reminding them constantly of their past victimhood and elevating those who profit from that victim mentality. Their view appears to be give a victim a fish and he eats from your hand the rest of his life. Teach him to fish and he might just climb out of that victimhood and think for himself... and pull others up with him! No matter what you think of Trump personally, facts already show far more positive, empowering results for law-abiding black human beings than his predecessor ever accomplished in 8 years. Black unemployment is far lower than during Obama's culture of victimhood and blame. And the Criminal Reform Act gave thousands of blacks (and whites) a second chance to become productive and law- abiding members of society again. Victimhood and blame only obscure real problems that can only be addressed by identifying them... not dangling an all-you-can eat fish buffet. Let's stop the pc-ness and solve the root problems.
Racism IS a very real thing. I think it is part of our sinful nature that we need to guard against always. We always need to guard against hatred of the "other" whomever that "other" happens to be.
I also have to agree that SOME of the history of the Christian Evangelical and race has been horrid. When I watched "Malcom X" I was in agony watching some of the early scenes because I knew they were all too true.
OTOH, to say there has not been dramatic changes is not true. It would have been "Damning with faint praise" saying "made some progress in recent decades" but you went far beyond that. In the very next paragraph you went into serious slander. David Letterman didn't invent "The Top
Ten" That was the Creator's doing. "Bearing False Witness Against your Neighbor" is a very serious thing. Trump and those who support him have been routinely lied about, called racists consistently.
Now I'm sure that SOME racists voted for Trump, but I don't think racial considerations is even a minor factor in most peoples voting decisions. There are a host of reasons why people of good will voted for a flawed but highly effective man for President. We are all flawed, lets not invent flaws.
The lying has to stop.
Every black life is precious and needs to be protected, but the movement that calls itself "Black Life Matters" is NOT a force for unity and healing. They are a part of the problem. You become part of the problem if you help to feed that beast.
Ron, I just read the book you edited on "The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump." Thank you and the other authors for such a humble and passionate warning to the Church. More grease to your elbows. We need more principled and bold leaders like you. I hope we all listen.
Blacks make up 13% of the population so if all was equal Blacks would make up 13% of the killings but instead are much higher. Whites are 65% of the population and yet less than 65% of those killed by police so actually, a White person is less likely to be shot by police according to the statistics. Hope that helps.
Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 429 civilians having been shot, 88 of whom were Black, as of June 4, 2020.
He claimed in the article blacks were 21 times more likely to be SHOT than whites. That is a false statement and a gross exaggeration according to statistics. Can you verify that his assertion is true?
My guess is he means 2.1x -- which is in the general ballpark with most other information I have seen. So, yes, I would say 21x is wrong, but 2.1x to 3x is accurate (looking at shootings taking into account the proportion of each in the overall population.) I have seen other research indicating unarmed black men are 3.5 x more likely to be killed by police as compared to unarmed white men (again, not in overall numbers, but in proportion to population).
One more comment on that statistic. Various studies/reports have slightly different figures. www.statista.com says the black rate is 2.5 times that for whites.
I appreciate the blog entry, but when you say “the news of Dr. King’s assignation came to the white Los Angeles Baptist College” I think you meant “assassination”.
I could not agree more. I suspect though that we are seeing what Evangelicalism has become, and it is not anything that I choose to be associated with. Evangelicals hate Jesus, although they say the opposite. They have sold their soul to a political ideology and and elitist ideology that is the antithesis of everything that Jesus stood for. According to Franklin Graham, his dad loved Trump, so I have to disagree with your final statement. But thank you for taking this stand... a breath of fresh air coming from the evangelical camp.
i am furious by what the evangelical church perpetrates in the name of God and Jesus. It is completely the opposite of the teachings of Jesus Christ and is harmful to our fellow humankind. It has also made things much harder for people outside the faith to understand that living for Christ is a life of humility not judgement, rejections of materialism not prosperity or greed, grace and open arms to the refugee, the poor, those in prison, respect and a love of creation.
Your article was interesting until it turned into the usual "hate Trump" diatribe that comes from the Left, which calls anyone who doesn't agree with them a "racist." I don't know of any policies of Trump that are racist, but I do know he is on the side of the pro-life movement and is appointing Justices accordingly. Abortion disproportionately kills blacks, so we ought to opposing abortion since "black lives matter" even in the womb. I'm writing this from the perspective of a Catholic. It's very confusing to me to divide a denomination according to race, since there is no "white Catholic church."
Trump is racist. Please educate yourself about him. I am not a leftist. I am a Christian and Black. He IS racist. Realize that bad people can do a lot of things that appear good. The pharisees were enacting a lot of "good policies," like enforcing the Sabbath, fighting against adultery, etc., in the time of Jesus. However, Jesus could NOT excuse their wickedness, hypocrisy, and lack of empathy because of all their "good policies." What would Jesus say about Trump: He's a good guy because of his policies? Please read your Bible again.
You need to educate people why you say such horrible things about our President. I don't see that Trump is a racist, so that's on you. Prove that he is a racist instead of making accusations. And yes, policy does matter. Whatever personal sins Trump has affect a few, but his policies affect millions. Do you think Hillary or Biden are paragons of virtue? They're not. Biden is up to his eyeballs in corruption. You say you are not a "leftist" and I apologize for labeling you as such if you are not, but you use the same arguments they do and you seem to align with them politically. I do read the Bible every day. It's not telling me to be a Trump-hater. And abortion is so much more than a "pet peeve." It's a grave injustice. My Bible and my Church tell me to oppose it and not support it by voting for pro-abortion Democrats. Trump is on the side of the unborn, and that's a good thing.
I stand by my comment.Trump is a horrible person. You are clearly motivated by politics not Christ's ways. Your answer is to compare Trump to other politicians as a way to justify him. Jesus did not do that. Imagine Jesus saying to the Pharisees: You brood of vipers. And the Pharisees saying to Jesus: At least we are better than Herod. Who cares? That's not the way of Christ. The people that engage is such relativism are not following Christ. Trump is a horrible person. The notion that his sins affect a few is clearly your way of making yourself sleep well at night. Please keep it up and say that to Jesus when you meet him. Is that not what the Pharisees used to justify their false accusations of Jesus in John 11:50? Somehow, to you, sin is a numbers game. Let me tell you one other thing. Policies are like rules in a family. I can say to my kids that my "policy" is to not insult their siblings or mom. However, if I insult them and their mom, my kids will end up doing what I do not what I say. Trump's actions are at least as powerful as his policies. When he lies like Satan (the Father of Lies), he inadvertently encourages many others, including Christians, to lie. When he insults others in vicious ways (In Matt 5:22, Jesus compares such insults to murder), he is teaching the whole country to be like that. My brother, you are misled. Get you head out of politics and focus on Christ. I don't hear Christ in your words. Instead I see cheap political labels. The article above is calling us to Christ not to politics. Please try again to tell me that someone that lies like Satan or insults people like the Devil is not a horrible person. If so, then please kneel down and pray that your son (if you have one) grows up to be someone like Trump or that your daughter (if you have one) marries someone like Trump. I will not wish that on anyone. Therefore, I stand by my comment.
Trump is not a religious leader. He's a servant of the people. A policeman is not a preacher or a priest. He might be a horrible sinner, but he could still be a good cop and his arrests are still valid. People in positions in government are not our pastors or Sunday school teachers. I concede that Trump is a sinner. So am I. So is Hillary Clinton. So is Biden (more so since he professes to be a Catholic but sides with the abortion clinics). We only have two choices for President. Do you believe Joe Biden has been appointed by Christ? Do you believe his is a godly man? Anyway, I know you think Trump is a racist and a horrible person. (I think Joe Biden is a horrible person, but I'd vote for him if I liked his policies). I don't see that he is a racist. I know he has committed serious sins, but that's between him and God (as are my sins and yours). His policies more align with my political objectives as a practicing Catholic than those of any of his opponents. It's not even close. Your analogy regarding policy doesn't work because these good policies and excellent appointments to the courts will be in place long after Trump is gone.
I think the article is divisive. What's this business about "white evangelicals"? That's very perplexing to me as a Catholic. There are no "white Catholic" doctrines or "black Catholic" doctrines. We all believe the same things. We have the same liturgy and the same doctrines and dogmas. What does skin color have to do with it? Are evangelical churches segregated? Do white evangelicals have different beliefs than black evangelicals?
Articles like this force me to talk about politics. Calling Trump a racist and a horrible person is just one step away from calling his supporters the same thing, and many go down that road and will not give Trump supporters the benefit of the doubt or will not attempt to understand their motives (but instead unfairly accuse them of being racists or being ignorant).
I realize that our time here is very short and we all have to face God. That is my focus. My prayer life is much more important to me than politics. But I still have to vote according to what is just, and from my perspective that's much more on the side of Republican policies than those of Democrats, and I vote and support accordingly, knowing that these polices don't perfectly align with my Christian beliefs, and that many in politics regardless of party are there for selfish reasons.
So Trump is a servant? Who is he serving? Don't servants display humility? Have you seen that trait in him?
Also, why is it hateful for someone else to refer to him as a horrible person but fine for you to describe Joe Biden in the same way. Sounds like you are a Biden hater. Just my observations.
I was just trying to make a point. What is so great about (pro-abortion) Biden? At any rate, Trump is a billionaire. He doesn't need this grief and hard work. He gave up much freedom and what could have been a very easy life to serve our country.
Sir, thank you very much for your thoughts. I appreciate them because I see that they are candid. I have heard similar thoughts from my Christian brothers and sisters. However, I think that many of your arguments are fallacious.
Everyone is a sinner... but there is a difference, isn't there? Let's take lying for instance. Have I lied? Absolutely. Have you lied? Very likely. Would I be characterized as a liar? Not really, because I try my best to not lie and repent immediately I do. I would guess the same for you. I think you know this difference. So please let's not use that trite statement of that we are all sinners to make ourselves sleep better at night.
Sir, you do not know that the impact of Trump's example for the Nation will not outlive his policies. We saw in ancient Israel how the bad examples of leaders (beyond their policies) often led God's people astray. It is not only pastors that lead God's people astray. We should do the right thing now. These other excuses we make to justify things for ourselves are dangerous. I would never vote for a horrible person. Period. Not every sinner is a horrible person (as explained above). I wish you could give me a Biblical justification for separating a person from their policies. Jesus would often address people's motives not just what they did because he knew that motives mattered more to God. Please give me something from the Bible to help me see why we should do something different in our politics.
Sir, I think you are naive about your understanding of race in the Church. As people have said, Sunday morning is one of the most segregated times in America. Yes, we may have the same doctrines and scripture. However, when I walk into a predominantly white church and walk into a predominantly black church, sometimes if feels like night and day. To suggest that the author is wrong to point this out is simply sad. The author mentioned how some white Christians were gleeful at the assassination of MLK. I bet you that no black Christians had the same reaction. Same scriptures. Same doctrines. Different reactions. I really ask you to re-assess this understanding. It does not hold up to reality.
Again, you've put words in my mouth. I don't agree that calling Trump what he is - a horrible human being in terms of his moral standards - means that his supporters are necessarily so. In my first comment, I mentioned how I have friends whom I respect and believe are good people who support Trump. I think good people can be misled. That doesn't make them bad people. If someone tells me that Trump is a born again Christian or somehow really cares about Christ, I'd think that they are misled by a fraudster. When someone tells me that Trump cares about the life of the unborn (beyond how it helps him politically), I'd say that person is misled by a fraudster. Good people are misled every day.
Sir, lastly, I'll challenge your general characterization that the politics of the Right is more aligned with Christ than the politics of the Left. God's work and Satan's work are present in both. Many times, the difference is embodied by the person running for office. The notion that all politicians are selfish is flawed. Just like there are good Trump followers and good Biden followers, there are also good politicians on both sides of the aisle. I think your notion that the Right is better is based on cultural or religious indoctrination.
Yes, we should pray but praying is not enough. Like my Pastor once said. When the Greeks were complaining about unfairness in the distribution of food (in the book of Acts), the disciples did something tangible to help, in addition to dedication of themselves to prayer and the Word of God. Christians must act not just pray. It sounds pious but it is wrong. Slavery ended not only because of prayers but because of action. Segregation ended not only because of prayer but because of action. Indiscriminate killing of Blacks will not end only because you and I pray but because we support leaders that will change things. Again, this brings me to my first point, if we claim to love life so much does it make sense that we emphasize the life of the unborn whom we do not see over those of the born whom we see? God bless you Sir. Good night.
BTW: Note that the Bible, for good reason, speaks much, much more against injustices to the born than the unborn. Again, I am not condoning injustices against the unborn. However, I am seriously skeptical of someone (or a church) who over amplifies the plight of the unborn over that of the born. It is easier to say you love someone you cannot see than someone you can see (again, from the Bible which you and I read).
BTW: Note that the Bible, for good reason, speaks much, much more against injustices to the born than the unborn. Again, I am not condoning injustices against the unborn. However, I am seriously skeptical of someone (or a church) who over amplifies the plight of the unborn over that of the born. It is easier to say you love someone you cannot see than someone you can see (again, from the Bible which you and I read).
Satan smiles when he sees this article - devisive- full of hate - definitely not from any evangelical perpective
Darel, I have been an evangelical all my life. If you believe that I am mistaken, please pray to our Lord that He help me see more clearly. My deepest desire is to be more like Jesus. Ron Sider
WWJD? I submit that He would be leading the marches. The key line in this candid assessment is ...”-white evangelicalism loses whatever credibility it still retains.” The so-called white evangelical leaders don’t seem to understand or care that they are hurting the cause of Christ. In the words of Andy Rooney they have a good product but terrible salesmen. America is a great country but she will never reach her true potential until and unless she deals with her original sin: racism.
Please take the time to view the video that was withheld at the time, of the time period immediately preceding Floyd's death for a slightly different view of this"hero." Did his life matter more than the thousands of blacks killed by other blacks? Did it matter more than the children, and innocent blacks who were killed during BLM "peaceful" protests? Why didn't Barack Obama do more to empower black people of today instead of reminding them constantly of their past victimhood and elevating those who profit from that victim mentality. Their view appears to be give a victim a fish and he eats from your hand the rest of his life. Teach him to fish and he might just climb out of that victimhood and think for himself... and pull others up with him! No matter what you think of Trump personally, facts already show far more positive, empowering results for law-abiding black human beings than his predecessor ever accomplished in 8 years. Black unemployment is far lower than during Obama's culture of victimhood and blame. And the Criminal Reform Act gave thousands of blacks (and whites) a second chance to become productive and law- abiding members of society again. Victimhood and blame only obscure real problems that can only be addressed by identifying them... not dangling an all-you-can eat fish buffet. Let's stop the pc-ness and solve the root problems.
Racism IS a very real thing. I think it is part of our sinful nature that we need to guard against always. We always need to guard against hatred of the "other" whomever that "other" happens to be.
I also have to agree that SOME of the history of the Christian Evangelical and race has been horrid. When I watched "Malcom X" I was in agony watching some of the early scenes because I knew they were all too true.
OTOH, to say there has not been dramatic changes is not true. It would have been "Damning with faint praise" saying "made some progress in recent decades" but you went far beyond that. In the very next paragraph you went into serious slander. David Letterman didn't invent "The Top
Ten" That was the Creator's doing. "Bearing False Witness Against your Neighbor" is a very serious thing. Trump and those who support him have been routinely lied about, called racists consistently.
Now I'm sure that SOME racists voted for Trump, but I don't think racial considerations is even a minor factor in most peoples voting decisions. There are a host of reasons why people of good will voted for a flawed but highly effective man for President. We are all flawed, lets not invent flaws.
The lying has to stop.
Every black life is precious and needs to be protected, but the movement that calls itself "Black Life Matters" is NOT a force for unity and healing. They are a part of the problem. You become part of the problem if you help to feed that beast.
Ron, I just read the book you edited on "The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump." Thank you and the other authors for such a humble and passionate warning to the Church. More grease to your elbows. We need more principled and bold leaders like you. I hope we all listen.
I am reading:. Out of 429 civilians having been shot, only 88 of whom were black ---
The odds are much much higher for the white man -- much less then half actually it is 5 times greater for a white man.
Blacks make up 13% of the population so if all was equal Blacks would make up 13% of the killings but instead are much higher. Whites are 65% of the population and yet less than 65% of those killed by police so actually, a White person is less likely to be shot by police according to the statistics. Hope that helps.
Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 429 civilians having been shot, 88 of whom were Black, as of June 4, 2020.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/585152/people-shot-to-death-by-us-police-by-race/
This statistic does not match your assertion.
Also, note that those statistics are of those "shot." They would not include those killed by a chokehold, etc.
He claimed in the article blacks were 21 times more likely to be SHOT than whites. That is a false statement and a gross exaggeration according to statistics. Can you verify that his assertion is true?
My guess is he means 2.1x -- which is in the general ballpark with most other information I have seen. So, yes, I would say 21x is wrong, but 2.1x to 3x is accurate (looking at shootings taking into account the proportion of each in the overall population.) I have seen other research indicating unarmed black men are 3.5 x more likely to be killed by police as compared to unarmed white men (again, not in overall numbers, but in proportion to population).
Yes, the right statistic is 2.1%, not 21%. I try hard to get my statistics right, but this was a big mistake. Sorry. Ron Sider
One more comment on that statistic. Various studies/reports have slightly different figures. www.statista.com says the black rate is 2.5 times that for whites.
I hope you will take the time to watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtPfoEvNJ74&feature=youtu.be
I appreciate the blog entry, but when you say “the news of Dr. King’s assignation came to the white Los Angeles Baptist College” I think you meant “assassination”.
Yes! In spite of careful proof-reading, I miss mistakes. Embarrassing. Ron
Grateful for your latest post and your call to the evangelical community to truly live out Jesus' call in word and deed.
Thank you for writing this...may Jesus bless you as you continue to open our eyes to the truth.
Excellent piece.
I could not agree more. I suspect though that we are seeing what Evangelicalism has become, and it is not anything that I choose to be associated with. Evangelicals hate Jesus, although they say the opposite. They have sold their soul to a political ideology and and elitist ideology that is the antithesis of everything that Jesus stood for. According to Franklin Graham, his dad loved Trump, so I have to disagree with your final statement. But thank you for taking this stand... a breath of fresh air coming from the evangelical camp.
i am furious by what the evangelical church perpetrates in the name of God and Jesus. It is completely the opposite of the teachings of Jesus Christ and is harmful to our fellow humankind. It has also made things much harder for people outside the faith to understand that living for Christ is a life of humility not judgement, rejections of materialism not prosperity or greed, grace and open arms to the refugee, the poor, those in prison, respect and a love of creation.
these are the kind of men that need to be leading. thank you.