Christian, It’s Time To Reject Critical Race Theory

Critical Race Theory (CRT) quietly crept into our workplaces, social circles, families, businesses, social media, and churches while we all turned a blind eye to what was going on right in front of us. If only there had been someone ringing the alarm. If only there had been someone to show us the direction society was moving. Well, there was someone. His name is Voddie Baucham, and he finally released his book, Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe, to warn Christians of the dangers of this cultural movement to our churches, our Christian walk, and the gospel, itself.

I initially intended this post to be book review, but Baucham wrote a 251 page book on an incredibly controversial topic. I could go through it chapter by chapter and discuss his content. However, I would only be saying what he said first and better than I ever could. So, I’d rather share some of what resonated most with me in Fault Lines and give you a taste of this timely and eye-opening book.

What Is Critical Race Theory?

You may have heard of CRT but are still a little fuzzy about what it means. Let’s take a quick look at the foundation of CRT. I’ll be referencing Baucham’s definition because I’m writing in light of his book and his resources are solid and well documented throughout his text. The information on the following list is located on page XV of Fault Lines.

1. Racism is engrained in American society.

2. Institutional racism is pervasive.

3. Our society is based on power structures that are built on white supremacy and white privilege.

4. These power structures are marginalizing people of color (POC).

5. CRT does not affirm, rather it rejects, meritocracy.

6. Law is not neutral or colorblind, as we are led to believe.

Some Problems Here

This list is frightening when you take a closer look. First, there is an assumption that America, as it exists, is inherently racist. How clever it is that CRT supporters have removed the racist person from the conversation of racism and replaced it with institutional racism. The argument that I am not racist no longer matters because the institutions in which I am involved are (allegedly) racist.

Second, it creates an Us versus Them mentality. I have been operating under the assumption that we all have been trying to get closer to a world where character, rather than skin color, inform us about what kind of person someone is and if we want to associate with them. CRT would have us all see the world through a competitive lens. We are either winners or losers. We are either being held back by a group or we hold the other group down.

Third, without meritocracy we are saying that no one can earn something. A hard worker who is good at his job cannot earn a raise or promotion because, in CRT’s reality, he is likely just privileged and someone else was mistreated in order for him to move up. Racism, not hard work and determination, have led to his success.

Finally, the assertion that the justice system is set up to hold down POC is outright dangerous! I remember a time, not so long ago, when cities across the USA were set on fire and vandalized because Black Lives Matter (BLM) touted the narrative that when a person of color was arrested or sadly killed in an altercation with police it had nothing to do with that person’s actions and everything to do with institutional racism. Statistics, however, are not on BLM’s side.

You can find a fantastic breakdown of the stats concerning the claims of racism among the police in the chapter “Seeking True Justice.” Baucham exposes the false narratives that mainstream media, politicians, celebrities, and athletes have pushed with regard to George Floyd, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Michael Brown, and Breonna Taylor. Although tragic cases, the facts have been ignored or altered to fit a CRT narrative. Like Ben Shapiro says, facts don’t care about your feelings.

So What? Church Has Nothing To Do With It

On page 2 of Fault Lines, Baucham calls out Russell Moore, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Gospel Coalition, and Tim Keller among others as taking a stand in favor of CRT. When well-known Christian leaders and large denominational institutions stand with social justice, then you can be sure it is coming to your church.

Case in point, David Platt, a well-known Southern Baptist pastor and former International Mission Board President said, “I want to sacrifice more of my preferences as a white pastor…I need to grow…I do not want to speak from the Bible on issues that are popular among white followers of Christ…And I know, as a white pastor, I have blind spots, so I am part of the problem” (p. 102).

See Platt’s entire sermon below.

David Platt has generally been known as a solid preacher of the Word, but somewhere along the line he fell into CRT. Why? Well, I won’t demonize the man. He probably feels terrible that POC deal with racism in a way he, as a white man, will not. There’s nothing wrong with compassion and empathy, but what does a message like that do to the gospel?

Social Justice Jesus

“Social Justice Jesus” is not new. Many far-left leaning people will claim that Jesus came to earth intending to right social wrongs. These people say Jesus hates racism and would fight to end it. That line of thinking misses the point. Of course, Jesus is not pleased to see people treated poorly. It’s sin, and after about two seconds in the Bible you’ll figure out God’s position on it. It’s not favorable…

Not to mention, Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” God created us, every one of us in His image. God does not see Julie the white woman in Wisconsin. That’s not who I am. I’m His daughter, a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17) And that is just as true for my sisters in Christ with more melanin than me, as well.

But here’s the thing. Jesus didn’t come to earth to be a social justice warrior. He came to save us, and social gospel cannot save. To be blunt, it can’t even enact any real social reform. Without a heart change through salvation, racism doesn’t go away.

What About The Gospel?

After ten chapters filled with current events, statistics, personal stories from his life as a Black man in the United States, and clearly laid agendas from BLM and CRT proponents, Baucham gives us the answer.

The gospel! CRT is antithetical to the gospel message. Simply put, Christ came to earth with the purpose to save us through his perfect sacrifice on the cross. Christians often say their sin in “under the blood.” If you are born-again, then your sins have been forgiven thanks to Jesus’ blood that was shed at the cross.

I don’t carry guilt from my past because I can confess my sins to the Lord, and he is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). CRT supporters, however, want us to feel guilt about not only what we may have done but what was done by people hundreds of years ago because we share the same skin color. Where is the grace, love, and forgiveness that defines our faith? Our God, as displayed through the cross and resurrection, is a God of reconciliation. Jesus endured the horrors of Calvary so we could be with God. So, why would a Christian promote a belief that pits people against each other and shames and guilts particular groups? Shouldn’t the Christian response to a history marred with racism be to reconcile with each other in love and forgiveness?

Final Thought

Fault Lines leaves so much to unpack. It’s the kind of book that can stew in your mind for days at a time while you begin to take notice of what Baucham wrote about in the news, at work, or even at church. Do I recommend this book? Whole-heartedly! I think Christians on both sides of the CRT controversy should read it. At its worst, it will aid you in having educated and profitable conversations about CRT. At its best, you will recognize CRT in the various institutions in your life and be armed against it.

Lastly, Fault Lines will direct you to what’s most important. Jesus Christ. He is still King, and He always will be.

Pray for Christians to turn away from these dangerous teachings and to once again look upon the Lord rather than man for the answers to life’s struggles. And please pray for Voddie Baucham’s message and ministry to continue despite the backlash he has already begun to receive concerning this book.

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Image courtesy of Jon Tyson via Unsplash.