Nearly twenty years ago, I taught a World Religion Course. One of the terms this class covered was Relativism. At this time in America’s history, following the events of September 11th, 2001, right, wrong, and evil was able to defined without being Cancelled or offending someone in the Woke Community. However, now the age of relativism has arrived, altering our language and vocabulary.
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord, Romans 12:18-19.
One of the best sermons I ever heard on this topic was by Lee Strobel. Strobel was doing a sermon series at Willow Creek on What would God say to. This particular message was about the life of Dennis Rodman was who playing for the Chicago Bulls at the time. Lee spoke about the first time Dennis was disciplined in life, as a sophomore in college by the father of his host family. Dennis stole something from the farm and was spanked to teach him right from wrong, defining evil for the first time in his life.
But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. 21 Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good, Romans 12:20-21.
In today’s politically charged world, discipline is considered racist according to CRT, critical race theory. Rather than use the words of Hebrews 12:5-7 to define earthly boundaries, a generation of children raised in public schools aren’t being taught the difference between right, wrong or evil. Like a politician caught doing the exact opposite of the policy they forced their voters to follow, excuses are made to exempt them. May God send a spirit of revival worldwide so that right, wrong and evil is clearly understood.
Critical Race Theory is one of those hot button issues that many people try to avoid. As a former high school teacher, I try to keep up with trends in education. As I looked for an article explaining CRT so I could grasp its premise, the majority of online posts are politically one-sided. After several search requests, I discovered that CRT is built on the intellectual framework of identity-based Marxism.
Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.
Critical Race Theory has evolved over the past hundred years as educators have adapted and progressed with changing societal trends. One aspect of CRT claims that discipline is racist. Perhaps, this is the motive behind the recent political move to close prisons, eliminate cash bail, and for district attorneys to stop prosecuting criminals. If CRT continues to spread in America, CRT and discipline can’t co-exist.
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God], Hebrews 12:11.
As a former educator, I struggled with classroom discipline in my early years. When disruptions are allowed to occur daily, chaos reigns and education is stunted or ceases completely. While I don’t claim to be an expert on CRT, I do know the importance of discipline inside a classroom and in the real world. According to the passage above, discipline is used by God to shape and mold individuals into the people the Lord wants us to become. Without discipline, prodigals will continue down their wayward journeys.
Critical Race Theory is analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour. This philosophy began in the 1970, but officially was organized in1989 at the first annual Workshop on Critical Race Theory. Today, you will find curriculum for Critical Race Theory in businesses, colleges, and public education.
[In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person], Colossians 3:11.
While there will always be isolated pockets of racism in any city, state or nation, pushing Critical Race Theory endangers Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s dream and vision for America. Quoting his 1963 speech, Dr. King longed for a day when his “four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Since Critical Race Theory stresses victimology rather than personal responsibility, character has been de-emphasized by this movement.
In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. 2 Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit (advantage, avail) to you [[a]for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him], Galatians 5:1-2.
The weakness of Critical Race Theory is that it takes God and faith out of the equation. If you listen to Dr. King, one of his most famous quotes is, “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.” Perhaps, Martin was referring to one of the two Bible passages listed above. Part of the apostles teaching in the first century includes a church body where all distinctions vanish. As people enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, radical grace transforms individuals to become color blind. This is the radical grace theory that all nations should embrace and practice.
Following the unfortunate death of George Floyd, a new movement was spawned. White Millennials began to attend Black Lives Matter protests. Whether convicted from Critical Race Theory or White Privilege seminars, a large number of white women have publicly confessed their sins of racism, bowing down to the BLM Movement. This sign of allegiance has emboldened BLM leaders to publicly demand other white people to bow at their feet. Using peer pressure and force on some occasions, many are looking in the wrong place for conviction.
And how can men [be expected to] preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! [How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things!] 16 But they have not all heeded the Gospel; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed (had faith in) what he has heard from us? 17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself), Romans 10:15-17.
More than 2 decades ago I attended a 2 day Promise Keepers event at Soldier Field. The opening night was amazing, headlined by a moving speech from founder Bill McCartney. McCartney inspired the 65,000 men who attended with a call to become leaders in their family and community. Day 2 was focused on unity, addressing the topic of racism in the church. Instead of focusing on an individual basis, the Key Note speaker assumed that every white man in attendance was racist. As some one who attended public schools, spending 3 years in inner city Wilmington, I was offended.
Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name. 15 And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working], James 5:14-16.
God designed human beings with a conscience, serving as a regulating force to convict wayward souls. Meanwhile, the Bible is the only book in human history that has been deemed living and active, Hebrews 4:12. This code of conduct was designed to be a source of light, providing direction and guidance to our feet, Psalm 119:105. You shouldn’t have to go to church, a protest, or rally to be convicted. Rather, the apostle Paul reminded first century Christians that the more you read, study and listen to God’s Word, hearts and minds can change. Therefore, don’t allow peer pressure to alter your beliefs. Instead, meditate upon God’s Word day and night, Joshua 1:8. When you practice spiritual disciplines, conviction will come via the Holy Spirit.
According to Rick Hess, a resident scholar and director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, Common Core standards have roots in President George W. Bush’ No Child Left Behind Act in 2002. Like so many education reform initiatives that seem to arise out of nowhere, Common Core Curriculum is another example of invisible human beings endowed with inordinate power to impose their ideas on public education. If case you were wondering, you can thank the National Governors Association for Common Core Standards. This attempt to re-invent the wheel for public education has left states and students well behind. When you add new curriculum such as the 1619 Project, Critical Race Theory, and White Privilege, America’s history is being erased before our very eyes.
David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of this Philistine; your servant will go out and fight with him. 33 And Saul said to David, You are not able to go to fight against this Philistine. You are only an adolescent, and he has been a warrior from his youth. 34 And David said to Saul, Your servant kept his father’s sheep. And when there came a lion or again a bear and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and smote it and delivered the lamb out of its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard and smote it and killed it, 1 Samuel 18:32-35.
As people and societies evolve, moments arise often via technology to find a faster, more efficient and quicker way of doing things. Instead of focusing on the basics: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, those in charge want to place their own stamp on how things are done. Take for example the passage below as the king and military leader is trying to instruct a shepherd boy on how defeat a giant. Initially, David appeases King Saul, trying on a heavy suit of armor. After moving around, this equipment was too bulky, preventing David from using his agility and quickness. Although the conversation between these two is brief, it appears that David convinces King Saul to let him use what he’s good at. While the odds were against him, David trades in a suit of armor for five stones and a slingshot.
David said, The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Go, and the Lord be with you! 38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword over his armor. Then he tried to go, but could not, for he was not used to it. And David said to Saul, I cannot go with these, for I am not used to them. And David took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in his shepherd’s [lunch] bag [a whole kid’s skin slung from his shoulder], in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand, and he drew near the Philistine, 1 Samuel 17:37-40.
In 1993, the Christian artist Wes King released the Robe, one of his best albums. While other songs from this collection receive most of the attention, one struck a chord with my soul. The lyrics of Second String begins with an 8th grade football player whose girl friend is a cheerleader. The only problem is this individual rides the bench, praying to get into the game. The second stanza fast forwards to high school to an embarrassing moment on his first date. The third and final stanza refers back to David’s battle with Goliath. Like a tee ball player who is being over coached by every parent in the crowd, David stops listening to everyone else by turning an attentive ear to God. When push comes to shove, you have to trust in your God given gifts and talents. Although you may be tempted to try something outside your comfort zones, five stones and a slingshot led a shepherd boy into the king’s castle.
ExpressYourself4Him 