Author’s Summary
- For some Christians critical race theory is part of a dangerous ‘woke’ agenda threatening the church; for others it holds valuable insights into biblical themes of justice and reconciliation.
- This paper takes a careful look at critical race theory through the work of Derrick Bell, one of its founders, before contrasting it to classical liberalism, which is often seen as the default alternative.
- It is argued that the biblical pattern of creation, fall, redemption and consummation stakes out a position on race, oppression and freedom that is different to both critical race theory and liberalism, from which they both borrow, which they both distort, and which alone offers concrete hope for the future of race relations.
- Dr Christopher Watkin lectures at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. He has written extensively on modern and contemporary European thought, atheism, and the relationship between the Bible and philosophy. Chris blogs about his academic work at Christopher Watkin: Home Page, and posts reflections on the Bible and culture at Thinking Through The Bible.
Sections
- Introduction
- Why does critical race theory matter?
- What is critical race theory?
- Racism is structural and permanent
- There is no neutrality
- White people are incapable of helping black people
- Only black people have the right to speak about racism
- Only white people can be racist
- Change must be revolutionary
- Equality is measured by outcome; affirmative action
- Final victory is impossible
- Is liberalism the answer?
- Racism is a result of individual ignorance, greed or lust for power, and is temporary
- There is broad consensus and substantial neutrality
- Everyone can work together to help black people
- Everyone has the right to speak about racism
- Anyone can be a racist
- Change is incremental
- Equality is measured by opportunity; ‘colour-blind’ policies
- Society is gradually progressing towards ever greater perfection
- Paul on Greek ‘wisdom’ and Jewish ‘signs’
- Augustine on Roman glory
- The Bible on contemporary social justice
- Guiding principles
Comment:
See Watkin - Christianity and critical race theory.
Text Colour Conventions (see disclaimer)
- Blue: Text by me; © Theo Todman, 2023
- Mauve: Text by correspondent(s) or other author(s); © the author(s)