NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020 Religion and the Presidents NURTURING Jimmy Carter: Part Two FAITH goodfaithmedia.org Journal & Bible Studies WHEN WORDS AREN’T ENOUGH Artist encourages seeing through the eyes of others
FACING OUR INDICTMENT It’s right there — in black and white
FAITH & POLITICS A mix or a mess?
FAITH/SCIENCE Does science change the way you read the Bible? Newfrom Nurturing Faith Books
• How can Christians follow Jesus’ command to love our neighbor in the political realm? • How can the local church help form members for responsible Christian citizenship? • How can your church engage in advocacy issues and work for justice?
•••
The Mission of Advocacy: A Toolkit for Congregations, based on a partner- ship between the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Wilshire Baptist Church, provides guidance on modeling an effective and positive public witness in divisive times.
Focusing on issues such as predatory lending, immigration and racial justice work, veteran advocates Stephen K. Reeves and Katie Ferguson Murray offer concrete suggestions to help ministers and laity recognize advocacy as a natural extension of church ministry.
Available now at goodfaithmedia.org/bookstore Feature 2 Great Bible Study NF IS IN YOUR HANDS!J
Nurturing Faith Bible Studies by Tony Cartledge are scholarly, yet applicable, and conveniently placed in the center of this journal. Simply provide a copy of the journal to each class participant, and take advantage of the abundant online teach- ing materials at teachers.nurturingfaith.net. These include video overviews for teacher preparation or to be shown in class. See page 21 for more information.
FOR SHORT!TERM BIBLE STUDIES NURTURING FAITH BIBLE STUDY SERIES
Revelation: All Things New Ephesians: Upward Faith Psalming the Blues: At the Intersection of Praise and Pain A Place for Praise: Ancient Psalms for Modern Times Five Scrolls for All Times: Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Eccelesiates, and Esther
Orders: goodfaithmedia.org/bookstore or (615) 627-7763 Ideal for groups seeking insightful, applicable Bible studies: Sunday school classes, weekday gatherings, Wednesday prayer meetings, retreats, annual Bible study emphases. Bulk discounts available.
Nurturing Faith Journal & Bible Studies are now part of Good Faith Media. OUR TEAM OUR MISSION JOURNAL STAFF N John D. Pierce, Executive Editor F Nurturing Faith Journal provides relevant Bruce T. Gourley, Managing Editor J Tony W. Cartledge, Contributing Editor/Curriculum Writer and trusted information, thoughtful analysis Jackie B. Riley, Copyeditor/Print Coordinator Vickie Frayne, Creative Director and inspiring features, rooted in the historic David Cassady, Church Resources Editor Baptist tradition of freedom of conscience, for Walker L. Knight (1924–2019) Publisher Emeritus Christians seeking to live out a mature faith in Jack U. Harwell (1932–2019) Editor Emeritus a fast-changing culture. Directors Emeriti: Thomas E. Boland, R. Kirby Godsey, Ann B. Roebuck, Guy Rutland III, Mary Etta Sanders, Mel Williams, Winnie V. Williams
GOOD FAITH MEDIA Nurturing Faith Bible Studies, found inside the journal with teaching resources online, provide weekly R. Mitch Randall, Chief Executive O!cer lessons by Tony Cartledge that are both scholarly and [email protected] applicable to faithful living. John D. Pierce, Executive Editor/Publisher [email protected] Good Faith Media (goodfaithmedia.org), our new Autumn R. Lockett, Executive Director of and expanded parent organization, fulfills the larger Development/Marketing mission of providing reflection and resources at the [email protected] intersection of culture and faith through an inclusive Cli" Vaughn, Media Producer Christian lens. cli"@goodfaithmedia.org Zach Dawes Jr., Managing Editor, News and Opinion [email protected] GOVERNING BOARD Bruce T. Gourley, Managing Editor, Publications Jack Glasgow, Zebulon, NC (Chair) [email protected] Renée Lloyd Owen, Marietta, GA (Chair-Elect) Bill McConnell, Knoxville, TN (Treasurer) Tony W. Cartledge, Contributing Editor/Curriculum Writer Michael Cheuk, Charlottesville, VA (Secretary) [email protected] Kevin Heifner, Little Rock, AR Cynthia Holmes, St. Louis, MO Jackie B. Riley, Chief Book Editor Cory Jones, Burlington, NJ [email protected] Rob Marus, Washington, DC Jackie Baugh Moore, San Antonio, TX Missy Randall, Program Director Mica Stother, Little Rock, AR [email protected] David Turner, Richmond, VA Vickie Frayne, Creative Director [email protected] ADVISORY COUNCIL CHAIRS Marv Knox, Dallas, TX (News & Opinion) William Neal, Fayetteville, GA (Publishing) Gary Skeen, Duluth, GA (Development & Marketing) Ronnie Brewer, Miramar Beach, FL (Experiences) Starlette Thomas, Washington, DC (Videos & Podcasts)
For a complete listing of the Strategic Advisory Board, visit goodfaithmedia.org.
Nurturing Faith Journal (ISSN 1072-7787) is published bimonthly by: Baptists Today, Inc., 988 1/2 Bond Street, Macon, GA, 31201-1902 Subscription rates: 1 year, $24; 2 years, $42; 1 year groups of 25 or more, $18; 1 year groups of less than 25, $24; 1 year Canada, $42; 1 year foreign, $100. Periodical postage paid at Macon, Ga. 31208 and additional mailing o#ces. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318 • (615) 627-7763 • © 2020 Nurturing Faith • All rights reserved. PATROL & CONTROL Storytelling has long shaped the practice of policing INSIDE By Terrell Carter VOL. 38, ISSUE 6 44 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020
FEATURES 6 WHEN WORDS AREN’T ENOUGH PEACE ON EARTH Artist encourages seeing Dave Combs brings through the eyes of others soothing music By Rebekah Gordon videos to new audience 10 FACING OUR INDICTMENT By John D. Pierce Ignoring white supremacy within American Christianity is costly 56 By John D. Pierce 50 RELIGION AND THE THOUGHTS AMERICAN PRESIDENTS 5 Whether a lost year, or a year 41 Reconsidering expectations: Part Two: Jimmy Carter of losses, 2020 will have ministers or managers? (1977–1981) ‘lasting e!ects’ By Christopher Adams By Bruce Gourley By John D. Pierce 42 A MIX OR A MESS? 59 GETTING WET 9 More than a voice on the phone, Words of caution about the A Baptist preacher ruminates on Jannie is a friend relationship between faith the holy waters of baptism By John D. Pierce and politics By Lamar Wadsworth By J. Brent Walker 13 Second Thoughts: Kudzu, kinfolks and me 46 COMMON GOOD By John D. Pierce The Bible teaches us to live communally, not selfishly 14 White supremacy and theology By A. Roy Medley By John R. Franke 58 Lipscomb University salvages 17 In memory of Robert buried archaeology program By Larry Hovis By Tony W. Cartledge Welcome Ernest 18 God works through 60 Embracing, advancing good C. Hynds Jr. Interns! honest conversations faith in face of a bad year 8 By Patrick DeVane By Mitch Randall
Worth Repeating ...... 4 Lighter Side ...... 20 Diggin’ It ...... 58 Editorial ...... 5 Classifieds ...... 40 Faith & Science ...... 62
Cover image: Evie, by Susan Baker Cartledge. See story on page 6.
3 “For that rare friend who wants to see and understand all sides, I advise: ‘Read widely. Don’t leave cable news Worth or talk radio on in the background all day.’” Repeating Lay leader Ella Prichard of Corpus Christi, Texas (BNG)
“There is a power in knowing that you and “It’s almost impossible to be a Christian in a culture your feelings and desires are not at the where Christians are in power.” center of the universe.” Pastor and author Brian Zahnd (Twitter) Norris Frederick, retired ethics professor from Queens University of Charlotte, N.C., blogging at philosophyforlivingtoday.org. “Although this movement is still fringe, it is likely that someone in your church or social-media circles has “On social media right now, people of conscience either already bought into the conspiracy or thinks it’s are deluged with opportunities to speak up or speak plausible and worth exploring.” out. In this frenzy, we must choose what to ignore, Executive Pastor Joe Carter of McLean Bible Church in Arlington, Va., what ethically demands response and what can be who published a FAQ on QAnon in The Gospel Coalition constructively engaged.” (MIT Technology Review) Amanda Hiley of Birmingham, Ala., on making wise social media choices (GFM Opinion) “Conscience was and remains an internal guide by which citizens determine and act in response to good “Good news isn’t good if it isn’t true. In this age of and evil, right and wrong, freedom and oppression. conspiracy theories and fake news, church leaders All persons, especially Christian persons, are to can empower parishioners, giving them tools to be function as citizens on the basis of their consciences.” tenacious truth-seekers.” Church historian Bill Leonard of Wake Forest University (BNG) Rhonda Abbott Blevins, pastor of Chapel by the Sea in Clearwater, Fla. (BNG) “When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your “QAnon is predatory drivel that undermines the generation who laid down the heavy burdens of authority of Scripture and pilfers trust we owe only to hate at last and that peace finally triumphed Christ. American Christians have a responsibility to over violence, aggression and war.” learn to identify it — and flee.” John Lewis, in an essay written just before his July 17 death and Columnist Bonnie Kristian, writing in Christianity Today published just after in the New York Times
The expectations of Advent and blessings of Christmas are especially needed during this unique and challenging year. The Board members and team of Good Faith Media appreciate making this journey with you. We wish for you all the hope, joy, love and peace this season might bring.
4 Thoughts EDITORIAL Whether a lost year, or a year of losses, 2020 will have ‘lasting e!ects’ By John D. Pierce
Year 2020 has shown us its responsible for managing a national health Fear that the disruptions and devasta- crisis deny reality and seek scapegoats on tion will continue in painful and irreversible destructive and lasting impact. which to project their blame. ways for a long time. And with hope that It came without an appointment Social media fills with crazy conspir- medical science will stabilize our lives to — and stands out unlike any other acy theories and cheap political deflections some manageable degree. year most of us have known. that do nothing to move the nation toward However, we need more hope than healing and hope. And professing Christians that. Much of this year showed little hat was expected to be a rough are not only among those advancing harmful promise that constructive lessons are being spring continued producing misinformation, but also often lead the pack. learned on a large scale. But the possibilities W trauma into the summer and We keep proving ourselves to be less are still there. beyond. Those who survive this pandemic exceptional than long claimed. We could learn to live less selfishly, and in the best of conditions will remember it It’s too soon, not allow fear to drive us away from grati- as the lost year. however, to only be tude, faith, compassion and hopefulness It will be recalled for the disruption looking back. There — those things we hold as markings of a of life as usual — especially rites of passage is a challenging future well-lived life. such as weddings and graduations. The to be shaped by our If the Bible and specifically the life of absence of anticipated vacations, sports, attitudes and actions. Jesus reveal anything, it is that we should family gatherings, church events, and casual Choices we make be open to change. The word “conversion” times with friends will long be recalled. during these continu- — tossed around in church circles — means Historians will use it as a reference ing uncertain times precisely to move from a lesser condition point. A “lost year” is the best of possibili- will determine the extent of our losses — into something better. ties — though pandemics don’t count the as well as how this loss-filled year is shaped Conversion is preceded by confes- days or celebrate new years. and remembered. sion, which requires re-examination. And More tragically, others will remember Will we recall friends rallying to re-examination requires something in short this as the year of losses — much greater support one another or angrily arguing over supply now: honesty. than a missed celebration or social incon- the varied responses to the virus? Was this Honest re-examination calls for veniences. They grieve the deaths of family the time we finally slowed down enough looking into our own hearts to see where members and close friends — compounded to re-evaluate our priorities, and think self-interest, self-preservation and self- by the inability to gather and remember in about our mortality in ways that make our service reside. Surely, some Sunday school comforting ways. remaining time more faithful and fruitful? teacher once pointed out that at the center Others suffer the loss of income, insur- Grave markers with chiseled dates are of “sin” is the letter “I.” ance and the simple expected meeting of stark reminders that each of us is given a “Lasting effects” apply both to the life’s most basic needs. The continuing defined slice of history that is uniquely ours. virus’ long-term impact on health and stress on healthcare workers takes its toll Those of us with the latter date still blank economics — as well as to the ways we on those who face daily risks in a seemingly should consider how best to use those limited choose (or don’t choose) to live differently uphill battle against the virus that doesn’t go but undefined days, months and years. as a result of this unfolding lost year or year away. For them and others, it is not merely a Whether this unusual time becomes of losses. lost year but a year of losses. the Great Disruptor or Great Destroyer Perhaps the most defining question Compounding this challenging time for us personally, it will surely have lasting is not whether this trying time was full of is the lack of unity and compassion in effects. We look ahead with both fear and losses or just seemingly lost — but whether confronting a common enemy. Those most hope: it was also wasted. NFJ
Thoughts 5 Artist captures real feelings, encourages seeing through the eyes of someone else
BY REBEKAH GORDON
PEX, N.C. — As a young girl, Susan Baker Cartledge was pulled A out of church one Sunday for being too loud. Outside her father said, “OK, buddy, when we go back in there you are going to be quiet as a mouse.” With a hand on her hip, she quickly responded, “My name’s not Buddy, and I’m not a mouse!” Today, Susan is a gifted painter with the same passion and spunk she had as a little girl in church. In her impressive self- portrait, she even painted a small mouse earring on herself as a reminder to always keep that fierce spirit. In addition to her moxie, Susan has a love of stories, an active faith life and a deep desire to care for others.
EXPRESSIONS For 30 years, Susan has used her deep compassion as a nurse in both hospitals and homes. As she cared for patients, she learned their stories — and saw into their faces. Each story revealed an individual life with meaning. And in each face Susan saw a myriad of expressions: joy, grief and humor. She grew more attuned to when a patient was in pain or experiencing relief as she cared for them. Now Susan brings those perspectives frazzled hair of a hardworking nurse who Evie, showing not only sorrow and fatigue and skills to painting detailed, expressive recently lost her grandmother back home in but also strength, poise and endurance. portraits. Down to the muscles, the grin, Vietnam. During the pandemic Susan has and the glimmer in the eyes, each painting Susan based the work on a moment she painted portraits of other dedicated nursing is intricately crafted. shared with Evie, who expressed frustration colleagues, for example, Justin and Mia. It is She insists on getting the presence of and guilt for not having been there when a way to honor their commitments and hard the person right, weaving their personal her grandmother died. In doing so, Susan work, and to show their humanity. stories into the specifics of the painting. captured her friend’s grim determination. Susan struggled to fully describe these In the striking piece on the cover of Often it is challenging to find the right paintings of her heroic friends, adding with this journal, Susan painted her colleague words to empathize with someone else’s a shrug and a laugh: “I paint them because I and friend, Evie. The painting shows a grief. But Susan captured it beautifully in can’t think of the right words.” strong sense of resolve — the tired eyes and her painting of her friend and colleague However, Susan did speak of these
6 Feature And, she added, bringing a smile to someone’s face is always nice, too. The persistent Palestinian women do not hold positions of status, power or wealth, but have value and beauty. They have within them the strength that all women have, said Susan, like the many who have shaped her life.
DEVOTION When discussing these paintings, Susan spoke of the details of their lives she could only imagine: They have stories she doesn’t Susan Cartledge paints images of strong know, unlike those of her work friends. women (left) and children in series that highlight Yet, portraying the sense of dignity of those who might be less noticed. these complete strangers was just as impor- tant to her as painting familiar faces. The blog highlights paintings from “Women are change agents, and they scores of women around the world, focus- should not be undervalued,” said Susan, ing on the female figure. The promotion of as she gazed upon her painting of a hard- and advocacy for women is one of the many working Palestinian. ways Alia has influenced Susan’s work. Her passion for the many laboring Inspired by her teacher, Susan began women whose stories she was highlight- a series of paintings featuring women at ing felt like a prayer, one that deserved an work. On one of her many trips to Israel “Amen.” frontline health care workers with devotion and the West Bank with her husband Tony Susan puts her faith into action as she and pride. She intimately knew the stories Cartledge, who teaches at Campbell Univer- tends to patients as a nurse — and cares for of their lives. And she talked about the sity Divinity School and writes for this others as a mother, wife and child. And she meticulous details of the paintings she journal, Susan began photographing Pales- paints to tell people’s stories in ways that worked on for hours in order to capture the tinian women selling produce on the streets words alone can’t express. right essence of her dear friends. of Jerusalem’s Old City. She paints with thoughtfulness and She was proud of her friends who have She was struck by the way these women dedication. She crafts with devotion. shown great courage and toughness despite carried themselves: They were focused, Half of the proceeds from her current the added stress of COVID-19. She reflected diligent and persevering. Some Israelis did series, Children of Hope, is given to Teach on the strength it took for Evie to share her not want them to be in the market, ignoring for America, an organization dedicated to story of grief, which she navigated while the women or at times harassing them. providing educational resources to under- working a 12-hour shift at the hospital. Yet the women continued to work, valued communities. Sales of the paintings of “Women do what’s needed,” said selling grape leaves and other goods, because Palestinian women (available online) will be Susan. “I’ve found that over and over again.” that is what they had to do to survive — given to a charity that benefits these women. women doing what they needed to do, again The living of good faith can look STRONG WOMEN and again. differently for every person. As a painter, Impressive, hardworking women have Each of the women Susan photo- Susan uses her wonderful gift to highlight surrounded Susan during her entire life. graphed had a precious piece of property, a the stories and faces of God’s people. She watched her grandmother work in the valuable item of jewelry or a detailed purse. Each piece is purposefully and carefully kitchen, her mother learn Spanish just so They wore them with a sense of pride, said crafted. In them, she calls attention to a she could teach ESL classes, and countless Susan. deep biblical truth: Imago Dei — all people women work alongside her in the hospital. She was struck yet again by the inher- are made in the image of a good God. NFJ Her art teacher, Alia El-Bermani, is ent dignity that can be found in all people, another one of the tough women in her if only others would take the time to look. —Rebekah Gordon of Raleigh, N.C., is life. The figurative contemporary painter In painting these portraits of oft-neglected an inaugural Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern has works showcased in museums across the women, Susan hopes to help people see with Good Faith Media. More of Susan country and is the co-founder of the blog through the eyes of someone else — to gain Cartledge’s work can be found at Women Painting Women. a new perspective. paintberrystudio.com.
Feature 7 Good Faith Media launches memorial internship REBEKAH GORDON, CHRISTOPHER ADAMS SERVING THIS SEMESTER
A gift by the foundation of First have this internship named for one of its longtime, faithful leaders and examples of Baptist Church of Athens, Ga., Christian commitment,” Granger added. honors the memory of Ernest “And we are proud and excited for one of C. Hynds Jr., a longtime church our own young adults to serve as an Ernest leader and professor emeritus of C. Hynds Jr. Intern.” John Pierce, executive editor/publisher journalism at the University of for Good Faith Media, and longtime editor Georgia, and supports a new intern- of Nurturing Faith Journal, said this new ship program for Good Faith Media. collaboration brings together many positive Cartledge. “She writes with both clarity and factors. e are deeply grateful for the passion, and offers valuable contributions to “More than two decades ago I enjoyed generosity and commit- Good Faith Media.” supervising some of Ernie Hynds’ journal- “W ment of First Baptist, Cartledge was one of Gordon’s profes- ism interns from UGA, and getting to know Athens, to the future of our movement,” said sors at Campbell and is helping supervise him even better when visiting the church,” Mitch Randall. “Through their investment her internship for Good Faith Media where said Pierce. “This internship is a great way we developed an internship program that he serves as contributing editor and curricu- to honor his memory and extend his legacy.” educates and engages young Christian lum writer. Additional gifts are being sought leaders.” Christopher Adams grew up deeply to continue and expand this internship Randall, CEO of Good Faith Media, involved in the First Baptist Church of program for future years as experiential announced that Rebekah Gordon and Athens, Ga., and is a communications training for gifted, young communicators. Christopher Adams are the first two Hynds studies graduate of the University of “To support the next generation of Interns, serving this semester. Georgia. In May, he graduated from Duke journalists of ‘good faith,’ please consider Gordon, a native of Durham, N.C., Divinity School. giving to Good Faith Media,” said Autumn is a graduate of the University of North “Christopher has a deep interest in Lockett, executive director of development Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campbell scripture and theology, and a strong appetite and marketing. University Divinity School. She serves as for learning,” said Frank Granger, minister of For information on supporting this associate pastor to college students and Christian community for the Athens congre- educational and practical experience, please young adults at Trinity Baptist Church in gation. “He is an excellent critical thinker, contact Autumn Lockett at (615) 627-7763 Raleigh. with communication and writing skills.” or [email protected]. “Rebekah is a sharp young woman Granger, a member of the Good Faith Prospective interns may inquire with a keen eye for social justice issues Media Strategic Advisory Board, assists in about upcoming internships by writing to and a special interest in valuing women’s guiding Adams’ internship experience. CEO Mitch Randall at mitch@goodfaith- equality in all aspects of society,” said Tony “First Baptist Church is honored to media.org. NFJ
The place to go between issues of Nurturing Faith Journal is goodfaithmedia.org NEWS • ANALYSIS • BOOKS • RESOURCES • EXPERIENCES • PODCASTS
8 Information More than a voice on the phone, Jannie is everybody’s friend
BY JOHN D. PIERCE job to Jannie. She was genuinely friendly with coworkers, donors, subscribers and or many years those calling the anyone else who might come her way. Nurturing Faith office were greeted “Jannie is probably the easiest person F by the friendly voice of Jannie Lister. I’ve ever worked with,” said longtime Kind and courteous to all, Jannie would managing editor and now senior copyeditor, respond to whatever questions arose — often Jackie Riley, who recruited her to join the patiently guiding a frustrated caller through team about 15 years ago. “She is willing to the web site or updating a subscription. learn whatever is asked of her, and is always
Upon ending such calls, many felt cheerful, optimistic, and supportive of our Jannie Lister with her husband Bub. like they’d spent time talking with a friend mission.” rather than just conducting business. Those In addition to answering the phone the very best for her in the days ahead. managing group subscriptions, especially, and handling customer service matters, A high standard has been set. But be quickly developed personal, trusting Jannie picked up and sorted mail, handled assured that the Good Faith Media team relationships with her. credit card payments, shipped journals and is ready to answer questions and assist Indeed Jannie is a dear friend to those books, updated subscriptions (willingly subscribers, book purchasers, authors, of us privileged to work with her — as well learning new software) and much more. supporters and anyone else interested in or as those who only know her as the voice on Jannie wrapped up her good work at engaged in this expanded work. the other end of a call. the end of September and is missed by all of Again, thanks, Jannie! You are loved “Customer service” was more than a us. We want to publicly thank her and wish and appreciated. NFJ
New from Nurturing Faith Books THE BOOK PUBLISHING IMPRINT OF GOOD FAITH MEDIA
“What would happen if we looked at the opening chapter of this earliest Gospel and let Mark tell the story of Jesus in his way? What if we paid atten- tion not only to the seven last words of Christ but also the seven first?” —Author Jim Somerville, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Richmond, Va.
“I cannot remember when I have seen such a sustained embodiment of the good work of preaching. Greg DeLoach has taken up both the plotline and the specificity of the book of Exodus in order to summon us to fresh faith and to missional living.” —Bible scholar Walter Brueggemann
These volumes, along with many other timely books and resources, are available at goodfaithmedia.org/bookstore.
Thoughts 9 Facing our INDICTMENT Ignoring white supremacy within American Christianity is costly
BY JOHN D. PIERCE ROOTS Jones is not simply a detached researcher It is right there in black and white. Page and observer; he’s intimately familiar with 185. the subject matter. His family roots go deep “To put it more bluntly, if you were into the South. And he grew up actively recruiting for a white supremacist cause on involved in a Southern Baptist congregation a Sunday morning, you’d likely have more in Mississippi. success hanging out in the parking lot of an He graduated from a Southern Baptist average white Christian church — evangeli- of massive resistance to black equality,” college and seminary, before doing doctoral cal Protestant, mainline Protestant or he writes. “But at a deeper level, white work at Emory University. Catholic — than approaching whites sitting churches were the institutions of ultimate Those denominational roots go back out services at a local coffee shop.” legitimization, where white supremacy was to 1845, when Baptists of the South severed Read it again. I dare you. ties with brothers and sisters from the divinely justified via a carefully cultivated North for the express purpose of sending Christian theology.” missionaries who were slaveholders. REALITY Put another way: “White Christian Less than two decades later, Frequent church attendance doesn’t make churches composed the cultural score that Jones records, the American Civil War white Christians less racist. In fact, among made white supremacy sing.” commenced and references in the South- white evangelicals, holding racist views Therefore, it is not surprising that ern Baptist Convention constitution to the increases the predictability of frequent needed societal changes regarding justice United States of America were changed to church attendance. This reality is not and equality have long met the most resis- “the Southern States of North America.” merely someone’s opinion. tance within white Christian churches, “While the South lost the war, the These are the solid findings of Robert denominations and institutions. secessionist religion not only survived, but P. Jones, CEO of the Public Religion It’s not a matter of simply changing thrived,” he writes. “Its powerful role as a Research Institute (PRRI), as conveyed in someone’s mind; it requires admitting religious institution that sacralized white his eye-opening book, White Too Long: The that what one claimed as indisputable supremacy allowed the Southern Baptist Legacy of White Supremacy in American biblical truth does not have such divine Convention to spread its roots during the late Christianity (2020, Simon & Schuster). justification. 19th century to dominate southern culture.” This indictment of the influential and And such confessions open the hard- Though steeped in Southern Baptist widespread Americanized version of Chris- to-admit possibilities of being wrong life — including denominational doctri- tianity that has nurtured so many of us on other tightly-held doctrines of condem- nal teachings in Church Training — Jones cannot — or should not — be ignored. But nation and exclusion. Ironically, the notes that he did not learn the true story it is not easy to face. church seems to have the hardest time with of the convention’s founding until sitting in Jones found American Christianity to confession. Leon McBeth’s church history class at South- be a “conductor” of white supremacy. And Fear and blame are aimed outward western Baptist Theological Seminary. his historical recollections as well as current rather than inward. As Jones notes, when “Slaveholder religion,” as author data back up this claim. history finally reveals the racist under- Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove defines it in “White churches served as connective pinnings of institutionalized Christianity, his book, Reconstructing the Gospel (2018, tissue that brought together leaders from “the culture rather than Christianity takes InterVarsity Press), continues to linger long other social realms to coordinate a campaign the fall.” after the end of slavery.
10 Feature BELOW CONSCIOUSNESS Personal sins — limited to a narrow list on the acceptable individual sins in need of Many church and denominational leaders, often related to sex — are the only failings forgiveness. as well as laity, consider the racist past just in need of repentance. Participating in corpo- that — in the past. There is no acknowl- rate or societal evils is ignored or excused. EVIDENCE edgement that the roots are strong and new You don’t rob a bank, but it’s OK if While overt language of white supremacy growth still finds its way to the surface. the deacon who is bank president charges a has lessened over time, the attitude still “After centuries of complicity, the higher interest rate to African Americans or can find a comfortable home within many norms of white supremacy have become if the real estate agent who teaches Sunday churches. It simply gets cast in cultural deeply and broadly integrated into white School doesn’t show people of color the and political terms such as protecting one’s Christian identity, operating far below the available houses in her neighborhood. “heritage” or supporting “law and order.” level of consciousness,” Jones writes. Even worse, membership in racist One of the biggest challenges, that Therefore, he notes, many well- organizations and the church were not Jones addresses, is the great denial that meaning white Christians today can’t regarded as being in conflict. And today white supremacy still resides in American distinguish between Christianity, as they white nationalism finds a comfortable home Christianity or in the hearts of its adher- know it, and the cultural norm of white within Americanized Christianity. ents. Having “warms feelings” toward some supremacy. And any criticism of the latter is Preaching and teaching from selective particular African Americans is somehow considered to be an attack on their faith. biblical texts — while avoiding the many considered enough to absolve them of any Jones said that it wasn’t until he was in calls to social justice from the prophets claims of racism. “the full swing of a career steeped in public and Jesus — was an intentional effort to The well-built structures of racial research” that he “realized just how fully keep the focus on individual piety without injustice within the church and larger these attitudes still haunt Christians today.” challenging the societal evils propagated by society are simply dismissed. Yet neither But the evidence is unmistakably clear. the church. denying nor ignoring such injustice makes “In survey after survey, white Chris- Well-crafted doctrinal support of white it go away. And the stark indictment — for tians stand out in their negative attitudes supremacy was an integral part of advancing those willing to face the mounting evidence about racial, ethnic and religious minorities the Lost Cause effort to justify the treason- — is that the problem is not an outside (especially Muslims), the unequal treatment ous role of Southerners and to present those threat, but is clearly present on the inside of of African Americans by police and the who led the failed effort in a heroic light congregational life. criminal justice system, their anxieties about — hence, the statues and monuments that Yet raising the consciousness of congre- the changing face of the country, and their arose throughout the South in highly public gations, as noted, comes at a high risk and longing for a past when white Protestantism places. therefore is usually avoided or softened to was the undisputed cultural power.” In the same way preachers during the point that it doesn’t make the needed Those with eyes to see and ears to hear slavery — with the slaves in the back or point. will not dismiss this rightly applied indict- balcony — were “light on Exodus and However, not facing the reality of ment, but will humbly see the undone heavy on Paul,” the sermons and Sunday inbred white supremacy threatens churches work of conversion well after the waters of School curriculum during the Jim Crow era as well. Historic congregations with some baptism into this expression of Christianity avoided or soft-sold the prophetic calls to of the deepest racist roots often worry have dried. justice. about their future but resist addressing the The fear of losing cultural dominance They watered down Jesus’ calls to love issue that alienates potential members who has led many white Christians to align with neighbors as oneself. Or they simply defined consider the church’s Christian witness to any political effort to protect or restore neighbor as what one sees in a mirror, and be compromised. such a sense of security — regardless of ignored the more sacrificial call to love even Mark Tidsworth, founder of Pinnacle how those politics contrast with Christian one’s enemy. Leadership Associates that often consults values. Hence, as Jones puts it, many white Likewise, sanitized public school text- with congregations in transition, said his Christians have moved from being “value books skipped the wide-ranging atroci- team has seen a pattern to be consistent voters” to “nostalgia voters.” ties that whites carried out against Native enough “to call it a trend now.” people and those of African descent, both A declining, older congregation will during slavery and long after. call a younger pastor in an effort to reach INDIVIDUALISM Even today, many preachers must take people under age 40. In the pulpit the new Jones traces historically what many of us note of which toes listeners are willing to pastor addresses concerns such as racism, know firsthand, that white Americanized be stepped on. Calls for racial justice in the poverty, consumerism, environmentalism Christianity was shaped into a belief system present time have led to loss of membership and gender issues — connecting the gospel that ignores social injustice and concerns and money, and resulted in vacated pulpits. to what people the pastor’s age are actually itself specifically with individual piety. So the temptation is to keep the focus discussing.
Feature 11 “More is required — especially of those who claim to follow Jesus but have ignored his most basic teachings on human value and equality.”
“Some older people in congregations He adds: “That bitterness is our only think those topics are out of bounds,” said hope. That is the only way we get past it.” Tidsworth. “So they launch a campaign to Drawing on Baldwin’s words, Jones run off the younger pastor and new younger affirms that no truly hopeful future can people, ensuring their demise.” occur without first “coming into fuller Churches also lose their moral author- acknowledgement of the harm we have ity to speak publicly about any ethical done.” That, he writes, “is the beginning of concern when known widely to have never the path to freedom.” faced their own historic role in preserving Jones points to some late but hopeful and advancing white supremacy. signs of steps along that path. He dedicates Americanized Christians might do well the book to the two First Baptist Churches to call a moratorium on moralizing to give of Macon, Ga., where his family has roots. more time and attention to the deep moral In recent years, the neighboring white rot within that creates a breeding ground for and black congregations — with shared white nationalism and other values at odds history going back to slavery that was long with the life and teachings of Jesus. ignored — have been slowing but surely building relationships that get to the deep ANY HOPE? and troubling issues that have kept them Facing such damning evidence can lead to apart. despair and hopelessness. Or, perhaps, just Also, he points to the recent removal of perhaps, it can lead to reckoning and hope. Confederate imagery from the state flag in But it has to be the right kind of hope. Mississippi, and the removal of Confederate Believing that white supremacy will monuments and statues in southern towns simply die out is blind hope, not based in and cities. reality. It ignores what Jones describes as “its But more is required — especially of tenacious ability to endure from generation those who claim to follow Jesus but have to generation.” ignored his most basic teachings on human The legacy of white supremacy, so value and equality. ingrained in institutions and ideology, and “We white Christians must find the finding new adherents in rising nationalism, courage to face the fact that the version of will not go away on its own. Christianity that our ancestors built — ‘the The title of Jones’ book comes from faith of our fathers,’ as the hymns celebrate the New York Times in 1968, when James it — was a cultural force that, by design, Baldwin said he saw little chance of “moral protected and propagated white suprem- rehabilitation” of the “bulk of this country’s acy,” writes Jones in conclusion. white population” because they have been An indictment has been issued. The “white … too long.” witnesses are many, and the evidence is Yet even Baldwin didn’t give in to the clear. Yet the questions remain open: impossibilities for a brighter day. However, Will (or can) white American Chris- he insisted, any real hope is not blind, but tians finally acknowledge and confront the bitter. deep-seated racism — which can’t be fully “If we are going to build a multiracial concealed or easily erased with resolutions society, which is our only hope, then one and warm feelings — and faithfully and has got to accept that I have learned a lot humbly move toward reckoning and repair? from you, and a lot of it is bitter,” testified Or is that beyond the capacity of an Baldwin to a US. House subcommittee in institution so steeped in white supremacy? 1968. “But you have a lot to learn from Has Americanized Christianity simply been me, a lot of that will be bitter.” white too long? NFJ
12 Feature SECOND THOUGHTS Kudzu, kinfolks and me
“That is hard for me to do, for I can read This column first appeared at better than I can hear.” goodfaithmedia.org, where daily news He returned to discussing various and opinion can be found. relatives — including one “that didn’t turn out too well” — and apologizing for any typing errors. Then he concluded the letter: BY JOHN D. PIERCE “If I never see you again, please remem- ber I am expecting to meet you on the other Concluding his book, White Too side. God bless and keep you. Love, Alex.” In just the second paragraph he turned Soon after reading this letter I came Long, Robert P. Jones acknowledged to lamenting current events. Then he upon a yellowed clipping from The Atlanta that his personal narrative of offered this bit of encouragement for my Journal. It was the obituary for Henry growing up white in the South aunt in Chattanooga to not worry about the Alexander Nuckolls, who had died at age Ku Klux Klan. was not unique. 87. The date of his death was two days after “I was a full fledge member of the pecking out the letter to his beloved cousin. any people, he notes, could Twelve Twenty before the KKK was The former schoolteacher was uncover “ways in which white organized,” he wrote. “One of our members memorialized at the First Baptist Church M supremacy, like kudzu, has crept got mad and told the secret and broke up of Decatur, Ga., and buried at the massive its way forward through the family tree.” the lodge…” Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. His story so resonated with mine that Then, without a break, he added: His thoughts and comments on race I went digging through some old files and “…and in a few weeks they met on top of were surely not an outlier opinion within notebooks of family history. Aunt Edith Stone Mountain in Georgia and organized the broader family. He just put his thoughts Nuckolls was the keeper of such informa- the KKK.” into writing. I heard others speak them to tion for my maternal branch of the tree. Hopeful Cousin Alex said he was told one another while eating homemade ice After her death, I gathered some of “some time ago that there would not be any cream on a front porch. those scattered pieces to learn more about negroes left in Georgia.” He reported there It would be easy to excuse such perspec- my roots. Among the items I found was her were “no negroes” in 12 Georgia counties tives on race as being typical of the times. correspondence with a beloved cousin in now, and “there may be more counties But these people had access to better ways Decatur, Ga. without negroes.” of thinking and loving — including the Alex Nuckolls, who had the same name Then he added: “If I am living, I’ll be Gospels in which Jesus so clearly revealed, as my grandfather, died when I was one year glad about that.” in word and deed, the value of every person. old. But there were many warm references In the very next sentence he assured my We should not let anyone off the hook to him I heard over the years. aunt of how much he would enjoy attend- for demeaning or mistreating other human In a typewritten letter, dated Oct. 2, ing a surprise birthday party, to which she beings. And we must never excuse ourselves 1957 and addressed to “My Dear Cousin had apparently invited him, “for the old from acknowledging our own white privi- Edith,” he thanked my aunt for her recent preacher.” lege and seeking to rectify that which correspondence and expressed sorrow that He then joked a bit with his cousin and continually gives us an advantage. “Margaret’s boy has chicken pox.” (That talked about other family members before Like author Robert P. Jones, whose would have been my brother Rob who was returning to the subject that clearly had him story parallels mine and others willing to about to turn three.) in its grasp. face the facts, I am committed to not only His advice was to “just scratch and it “The integration worries me so I listen prune back the inherited, invasive and stran- will soon be over.” I don’t think Cousin Alex to the radio and television very little, and gling evils of racial injustice for a season, but was a dermatologist. decided not to read the papers,” he wrote. also to “kill it, root to stem.” NFJ
We should not let anyone o! the hook for demeaning or mistreating other human beings.
Thoughts 13 THEOLOGY IN THE PEWS White supremacy and theology By John R. Franke
n my last column, I wrote about the the narrowness of their experience and the becoming the pseudo-intellectual basis for importance of recasting theology so that particularity of their theological expres- their enslavement or extermination.” I it might be more faithfully anti-racist. sions. They like to think of themselves as Nevertheless, white American theolo- A key idea is the decentering of the universal people.” gians from across the ideological spectrum dominant forms of theology to make space In so doing they fail to understand that from conservative to liberal interpreted the for the voices and perspectives of all people. other people, with different experiences, gospel and the Christian faith from the Another challenge is the disentangle- have thought about Christian faith and have perspective of the dominant white culture ment of theology from the assumptions and something significant to say. and seldom sought to transcend the social intuitions of white supremacy. In his recent Throughout God of the Oppressed, and political interests of this group for the book White Too Long: The Legacy of White Cone provides a tour de force of the devas- sake of the gospel. Supremacy in American Christianity (widely tating consequences of concluding that As Cone remarks, “White theologians, referenced on page 10 of this journal), the white experience is the only normative because of their identity with the dominant Robert Jones, CEO and founder of the perspective for theology. The result is injus- power structure, are largely boxed within Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), tice and indifference to the humiliation and their own cultural identity.” lays bare the deep and longstanding connec- suffering of others. In other words, it’s not that white tions between the two. It is nothing theologians simply intended to serve the For many people, this will come as new less than a form of interests of their own particular constitu- information, finally exposed by a trained oppressive idolatry ency; this means that white theologians historian and sociologist. However, the by which a particular interpreted the gospel in terms of their own effects of white supremacy have long been group is empowered outlooks and interests because they have too the subject of Black theology. by the idols they have readily assumed that their cultural assump- The late African-American theolo- constructed, while tions and interpretations of Christian faith gian James Cone began writing on the others are painfully provided the cultural assumptions and significance of the Black community for disenfranchised. interpretations of Christian faith. theology in the late 1960s. He became the He points out that the dominant theol- In this procedure the gospel is not most prominent figure in the articulation of ogies in North America were so committed only domesticated by the conventions and Black Theology and two of his books, Black to the presumptions of the Enlightenment perspectives of assumed white supremacy, Theology and Black Power (1969) and A that they failed to question its consequences, but it is unwittingly and perversely turned Black Theology of Liberation (1970), stand including notions of cultural superiority into an instrument of oppression of other at the headwaters of the movement in the that led to colonization and slavery. social, ethnic and cultural people groups who North American context. Cone asserts that while it is regularly do not participate in the social, political and Cone’s book, God of the Oppressed claimed that the European Enlightenment ideological “givens” of the dominant culture. (1975), offers a detailed account of the represents a revolution in the thinking and A recent review of White Too Long in challenge of doing theology from the perspec- consciousness of Western man, it is crucial the New York Times concludes that the book tive of the Black experience in the midst of a to remember that not all people are Western “seems to present a stark choice: Hold onto Christian tradition formed by, and commit- — or male — and that not all Western white Christianity or hold onto Jesus. It ted to, the dominant power structures of people experienced the Enlightenment in cannot be both.” white supremacy and cultural privilege. the same way. Black theology has been making this Cone laments that white church leaders He observes that it has not been the point forcefully for more than 50 years. Are “have convinced themselves that only the liberating force that it has so often been we finally ready to listen? NFJ white experience provides the appropriate portrayed to be: “For black and red peoples context for questions and answers concern- in North America, the spirit of Enlighten- —John R. Franke is theologian in residence at ing things divine. They do not recognize ment was socially and politically demonic, Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis.
14 Thoughts “Franke’s reframing of Christian ‘unity’ as ‘solidarity’ is both timely and urgent.” MEGAN K. DEFRANZA Boston University School of Theology
“Theology as traditionally done — by the topics — has been undergoing such changes, shifts and significant alterations that the topics are no longer what they were. We need a theology where the eschatological design of God reshapes Christian theology into its own image. This is it.” SCOT MCKNIGHT Northern Seminary
Columnist and theologian John Franke’s latest book is now available from Baker Academic. Visit bakerpublishinggroup.com to place your order.