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7-7-1968 Hatred is Only Skin Deep - Transcript John Allen Chalk

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Program #858

CHALK: ~r/Jz John ·Allen Chalk. In just a minute I will be discussing the Racial 1 4/e Revolution . •••• what it . means to you. p(~a-g-eVct- 1(2t'tJtJt.J/ED -- t<.h lET11£1? yot/ J..J/!1:- 1T o,,e11./oT.I ~~ ~,¥- ~ -fl-~- =e ~- efl--wJ~::e-

MUSIC: A WONDERFULSAVIOR

ALLISON: Churches of Christ welcome you t *r~Jo

the 858th broadcast of Herald . of Truth.

Produced by the Highland Church of J

Christ, Abilene, Texas, each Herald

of Truth broadcast is designed to

proclaim the eternal Word of Christ for

a changing world of crisis.

MUSIC: LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT

ALLISON: Throughout this summer on Herald of

Truth~ you can hear a

special series called "Three American

Revolutions." Today's discussion

begins a July series on the Racial

Revolution. Information on how

to receive a free copy of this and other

messages will follow shortly. Now here

is John Allen Chalk to speak on the subject

"HAT~IS ONLY SKIN DEEP." 'l) · CHALK: Sermon ,., I. ..' i . l ! _.J,1USIC

-=-CHALK: ~~---(Music up for one verse and under . -~ ..· ~ . -~ -· £or Chalk's insert--then up to -..,:: ....1 f - close of hymn.) . -~q ·I i . -:~ l . . ..-::--:- .. .· 'ALLISON: ·- you have heard a message by John

--·Allen Chalk entitled "HAT1t!~s ONLY

; ·sKIN DEEP." Printed copies of --~ . ~ -=today's message are available' without ! ~cost. Just write us a card or letter

-and ask for program number 858. That's

number eight-five-eight. Also, we

invite you to enroll in our free Bible

correspondence course, available in ! ____.English, .Spanish, French, and Germa11:;

. and, iJ ~f$ available in B~aille. We

invite your Bible-related questions

which will receive immediate personal

attention. Please address all cor-

respondence to John Allen Chalk, Box

-- --- ,..--2001, - -Abilene, Texas. That's John -· -----

' -· -Allen Chalk, Box 2001, Abilene, Texas. 79&ot./ lI ~THE LORD BLESS YOU I

I-

f·'

. .,...·· ..... - ·- --·------· - -- .- - ·---····---- ·- ! · . WOULDYOU LIKE TO KNOWMORE ABOUT THE · ONEEFFECTIVE ANSWER TO RACISMIN AMERICA? l WANTYOU TO WRITEME TODAYFOR A SERIES OF BIBLE STUDIESTHAT WILL EFFECTIVELYINTRODUCE YOU TO FIRST CENTURYCHRISTIANITY, THESESTUDIES, OFFEREDAT NO COSTTO YOU, WILL SHOWTHE VICTORIESTHAT CAN BE WONBY FAITH IN CHRISTAFTER THE NEWTESTAMENT ORDER, YouMAY HAVE BEEN THE OBJECTOF RACISM1 S SCORNAND ABUSE, . . . .. - lF SO, I WOULDLIKE TO KNOWABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES, SHOULD YOU CARETO RECALLTHEM, OR RACISMIN YOUROWN HEART MAY HAVE CAUSED YOUTO INJURESOMEONE OF A DIFFERENTRACE, WOULDYOU SHARE THAT WITHME? OTHERSCAN PROFIT FROMOUR SUFFERING AND OUR SIN, IF WEWILL ONLYALLOW IT TO BE KNOWN,ALSO DON'T FORGETTO WRITE . ' .· . . FORYOUR FREE COPYOF TODAY'SLESSON NUMBER 858, WRITE TO ME: JOHNALLEN CHALK, P.O. Box 2001, ABILENE,TEXAS 79604. .. _,

No. 858

HATREDIS QNLYSK1N I2.E.IT JULY1, 1968 JOHNALLEN CHALK

"OURNATION IS MOVINGTOWARD TWO SOCIETIES, ONEBLACK, ONE WHITE--SEPARATEAND UNEQUAL,,, ,DISCRIMINATION AND SEGREGATION HAVE LONGPERMEATED MUCH OF AMERICANLIFE; THEYNOW THREATEN THE FUTURE

OF EVERYAMERICAN, I I I -~

'- . SEGREGATIONAND POVERTYHAVE CREATED IN THE RACIALGHETTO A DESTRUCTIVEENVIRONMENT TOTALLYUNKNOWN TO MOSTWHITE AMERICANS, WHAT WHITE AMERICANS HAVENEVER FULLY UNDERSTOOD--BUT WHAT THE NEGROCAN NEVER FORGET-­ IS THATWHITE SOCIETY IS DEEPLYIMPLICATED IN THE GHETTO, WHITE INSTITUTIONSCREATED IT, WHITEINSTITUTIONS MAINTAIN IT, AND WHITESOCIETY CONDONES IT," (pp, 1-2, REPORTQE 1.1:iE.NATIONAL ADVISORY ...... COMMISSIONQ.N. CIVIL DISORDERS, NEWYORK: BANTAMBOOKS, 1968). You PROBABLYRECOGNIZE THESE WORDS AS PARTOF THE CONTROVERSIAL · REPORTGIVEN PRESIDENT JOHNSON EARLIER THIS YEARBY THE NATIONAL ADVISORYCOMMISSION ON CIVIL DISORDERS, l HAVEJUST TAKENANOTHER LOOKAT THE LIST OF DISTINGUISHEDAMERICANS WHO SERVED ON THAT COMMISSION.You ANDI WOULDDO WELLTO THINKTWICE BEFORE WE, FORANY REASON, DISMISS THEIR GRAVEINDICTMENT OF RACISMIN AMERICA, !F YOUARE LISTENINGTO ME IN A PHILADELPHIAGHETTO YOU PROBABLYARE INCENSEDTHA~ THE COMMISSIONDIDN'T S~EAKMORE PLAINLY, DIDN'T "TELL IT LIKE IT IS," IF YOUARE A LISTENERIN A COMFORTABLE SOUTHERNCALIFORNIA SUBURB YOU PROBABLY HAVE ALREADY STARTED FOR THE PAGE2

RADIODIAL TO TURNOFF THIS PROGRAMBECAUSE YOU THINK THE COMMISSION'S REPORTIS NOTAN ACCURATEPICTURE OF EITHERAMERICA OR AMERICANS, ANDTHAT'S THE TWOCAMPS INTO WHICHTHIS COUNTRYIS BEINGDIVIDED TODAY: THE ANGRYBLACK MAN WHO HAS NOTHINGGOOD TO SAYABOUT MATERIALISTIC,SELF-CENTERED, WHITE SOCIETY; ANDTHE BEWILDERED MIDDLE-CLASS,AVERAGE INCOME, WHITE AMERICAN WHO SHRUGS HIS SHOULDERS ANDSAYS: "I'M NOTPREJUDICED, I'VE NEVERDONE ANYTHING TO ANYBODY, WHYSHOULD I BE BLAMEDFOR THE TROUBLEIN THIS COUNTRY?" YET,THIS GROUPOF ELECTEDOFFICIALS, BUSINESSEXECUTIVES,LABOR ANDEDUCATIONAL LEADERS, AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED AMERICANS CHARGED ONE HUNDREDFIFTY MILLIONAMERICANS WITH "WHITE RACISM," "BurI'M NOTA RACIST," YOUOBJECT, THENTAKE THIS FOLLOWING TEST, EXAMINEYOUR OWN HEART, LOOK CAREFULLY AT YOUROWN CONSCIENCE, ANDSEE HOWYOU FARE, WHITERACISM SAYS THAT THE NEGROBELONGS TO A DISTINCTAND SEPARATERACE OF MANKINDTHAT HAS EXISTEDSINCE THE BEGINNINGOF TIME, WHITERACISM BELIEVES THAT THE NEGRORACE HAS NO COMMONANCESTRY WITHOTHER HUMAN BEINGS, THIS RACESTARTED FROM A DISTINCT STOCK THATHAS REMAINEDLARGELY UNCHANGED UNTIL NOW, WHITERACISM HOLDS THAT THE BLACKMAN IS A DISTINCTBIOLOGICAL SPECIES THATFALLS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN WHITE MEN ANDAPES, WHITERACISM TEACHES THAT ALL WHITEMEN IN AMERICAARE PART OF ONECOMMON RACIAL GROUP WHICH GOES BACK TO THE BEGINNINGOF MANKIND, THE WHITEMAN IS SUPERIOR, IN EVERYIMPORTANT RESPECT, FROMTHE BLACK MAN, IT IS CHARGED, ANDWHITE RACISM ALSO BELIEVES THAT REGARDLESS OF PERSONAL ABILITY ANDACHIEVEMENT, EVERY NEGRO IS MORESIMILAR TO ALL OTHER NEGROESTHAN TO A PERSONOF COMPARABLESKILLS ANDINTELLIGENCE WHO PAGE3

HAPPENSTO BE A MEMBEROF THE WHITERACE (fui AMERICAN DILEMMA, NEWYORK: HARPERAND BROTHERS, 1944, PP, 103-104, GUNNARMYRDAL,) - - IN OTHERWORDS, THE BLACKBRAIN SURGEON IS MORELIKE THE BLACK SHARECROPPERTHAN HE IS THE WHITEBRAIN SURGEON, WHO MAY BE HIS - - ASSOCIATEIN MEDICALPRACTICE! BLACKRACISM HAS ALSO TAKEN ITS TOLLON AMERICANSIN RECENT DAYS, THE SAMEIDEAS WE HAVE JUST MENTIONEDARE TURNEDIN THE OPPOSITEDIRECTION, SOME STRANGE RELIGIOUS IDEAS ARE ADDED, AND THE WHITEMAN BECOMES A "DEVIL" WHOHAS A UNIQUEKINSHIP TO "MONKEYS, . . . . . - APES ANDSY./INE," (P, 103, ELIJAH MUHAMMAD,MESSAGE N IliE. BLACKMAN 1N AMERICA, CHICAGO: MUHAMMADMosQUE OF IsLAMNo. 2, 1965.) THEREFORE,TOTAL SEPARATION FROM THE WHITEMAN MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVEDIF THE BLACKMAN IS TO KNOWHIS FULLSTRENGTH AND SUPERIORITY, THIS IRRATIONALFORM OF RACISMDEMANDS, - - l HAVEDETAILED THESE IDOLATROUS TENETS BECAUSE RACISM THREATENS THE VERYHEART OF CHR1STIANITY, STRIKESAT THE ROOTOF ALL BIBLICAL - - . TRUTH,AND DIRECTLY VIOLATES THE CHRISTIANFAITH, .. . RACISM'SCHALLENGE TO CHRISTIANITYIS MORETHAN A THEORETICAL, "WORDBATTLE," DESPERATEMEN HAVE COMMITTED UNIMAGINABLE ATROCITIES IN THE NAMEOF A SUPERIORRACE, Do YOUREMEMBER WHO SAID THESE - .. - . WORDS: "EVERYTHINGWE ADMIRE ON THIS EARTHTODAY--SCIENCE AND ART, TECHNOLOGYAND INVENTIONS--IS ONLY THE CREATIVEPRODUCT OF A FEWPEOPLES AND ORIGINALLY PERHAPS OF illiE. RACE, ON THEMDEPENDS THE EXISTENCEOF THIS WHOLECULTURE, JF THEYPERISH, THE BEAUTYOF THIS EARTHWILL SINK INTOTHE GRAVEWITH THEM," So WROTEADOLF . ·· ·· · .. HITLER IN f1E.lli KA.f1E:E. (p, 288, TRANSLATIONBY RALPHMANHEIM, BOSTON: .. ~IOUGHTONMIFFLIN Co., 1943,) "foR THE FORMATIONOF HIGHERCULTURES," . . . . - HITLEREXPLAINED, "THE EXISTENCEOF LOWERHUMAN TYPES WAS ONE OF THE MOSTESSENTIAL PRECONDITIONS, SINCE THEYALONE WERE ABLE PAGE4

TO COMPENSATEFOR THE LACKOF TECHNICALAIDS WITHOUTWHICH A HIGHER DEVELOPMENTIS NOTCONCEIVABLE, }TIS CERTAINTHAT THE FIRST CULTURE OF HUMANITYWAS BASED LESS ON THE TAMEDANIMAL THAN ON THE USE OF LOWERHUMAN BEINGS," (p, 295, IBID,) HITLER'S JUSTIFICATIONOF NAZI PRETENSIONSTO ARYANSUPERIORITY CENTERED IN THE TWINOBSERVATIONS THAT"EVERY ANIMAL MATES ONLY WITH A MEMBEROF THE SAMESPECIES" (p, 284, IBID,) ANDTHE MIXINGOF THE "BLOODS"OF TWOHUMAN RACES WILLALWAYS BRING ABOUT THE LOSSOF THE SUPERIORRACE'S GREATNESS (pp, 286, 296-297), IF YOUFIND THESEWORDS STRANGELY FAMILIAR, DON'T SIMPLYTHINK OF HITLER'S RADIOBROADCASTS, You MAYHAVE HEARD THESE SAME FALSE IDEASACROSS THE BACKYARDFENCE, IN CHURCHSTUDY GROUPS, AT THE SHOPDURING COFFEE BREAK, OR IN THE OFFICESOF SOMEEDUCATIONAL, POLITICAL,BUSINESS, AND LABOR LEADERS I KNOW, THEREARE AT LEASTTEN REASONSWHY RACISM IS IDOLATRYAND STANDS UNDERTHE JUDGMENTOF Goo ANDTHE BIBLE, T~NETSOF RACISM,WHETHER WHITEOR BLACKRACISM, CONFLICT WITH THE TEACHINGSOF THE GODOF THE BIBLE, LISTEN, THINK, ANDMAKE YOUR CHOICE, OURFIRST GROUPOF REASONSWHY RACISM IS FALSEAND MUST BE REJECTEDCENTER IN THE PROPERUNDERSTANDING OF Goo (MATTHEW22:37). OBSERVATIONNUMBER ONE: RACISMATTACKS THE WISDOMAND GOODNESS OF Goo, THE FATHER, "Goo CREATEDMAN IN HIS OWNIMAGE, IN THE IMAGE OF Goo CREATEDHE HIM; MALEAND FEMALE CREATED HE THEM,"WE READ IN THE VERYFIRST CHAPTEROF THE BIBLE (GENESIS1:27), THE WHITE RACISTSAYS THAT CAUCASIANS ARE Goo's FAVOREDPEOPLE, THE BLACK RACIST, IN REACTION,OR PERHAPS,IN SELF-DEFENSE,INVENTS HIS OWN MYTHSOF Goo's FAVORITISMTOWARD BLACK SKIN, BOTHARE WRONG! EVERY MAN,REGARDLESS OF COLORATIONAND CONDITION BEARS Goo's "IMAGE," THE BIBLE ALSODESCRIBES THE HUMANFAMILY'S ORIGINAL SIN, THE PAGE5

. . . . FALL OF ADAMAND EVE (GENESIS 3:1-8), THROUGHTHEIR TRANSGRESSION, THE APOSTLEPAUL EXPLAINS, SIN ENTEREDINTO THE WORLDUNTIL THIS DAY, CHRIST, HOWEVER,BROUGHT Gan's SOLUTIONTO THIS AGE-OLD HUMANPROBLEM, As THEREWAS ONE ADAM THROUGH WH ~ SIN INVADEDTHE ...... HUMANFAMILY, SO THROUGHTHE SECONDADA M, JESUS CHRIST~THE FINAL SOLUTIONFOR SIN OCCURRED(ROMANS 5:12-21), RACISMCALLS FOR "A SECONDFALL" OF CERTAINGROUPS OR RACESOF MENBY WHICHTHEY BECOME INFERIORMEN, THIS VIOLATESTHE MISSIONAND MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST, OBSERVATIONNUMBER TWO: RACISMOPPOSES GOD, THE SON, JESUS ...... CHRIST IS OURHOPE, HE IS OURANSWER (TITUS 2:14), IN HIM "WE HAVEOUR REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD,THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR TRESPASSES,ACCORDING TO THE RICHESOF HIS GRACE"(EPHESIANS 1:7) , ALL FORMSOF RACISMARE BUILT ON THE ALLEGED"SUPERIOR" BLOOD OF THE DOMINATEGROUP OR RACERATHER THAN ON THE "BLOODOF JESUS CHRIST" WHICH GIVES ALL MENTHEIR HOPEOF Gan's LIFE ANDFORGIVENESS (HEBREWS9:13-15), Page 5a

Observation Number Three: Racism denies God, the Holy Spirit. The Racist makes all His value judgments on a fleshly, physical basis. God, however, "seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart" (I Samuel 16:7). With the Apostle Paul, the Christian says to the racist: "Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: ••• " (II Cor. 5:10). As surely as racism openly flaunts God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, so this idolatry also affects and corrupts our relationship with others. Instead of "loving our neighbors", racism invariably promotes human pride, arrogance, and the disruption of any meaningful communication and association with those who differ with us. Observation Number Four: Racism attacks the Church of Jesus PAGE6

CHRIST, RACISTDOCTRINES DEMAND THAT VARYING ETHNIC GROUPS REMAINSEPARATED FROM ONE ANOTHER IN EVERYIMPORTANT AREA OF LIFE, Bur THE CHURCHTHAT IS "A HABITATIONOF Goo IN THE SPIRIT," INCLUDES ALL KINDSOF MEN, BOTHJEWS ANDGENTILES (EPHESIANS 2:11-22), IN JESUS CHRISTAND HIS CHURCHALL KINDSOF MENFIND THIS KINDOF UNITY: "WHERETHERE CANNOT BE GREEKAND JEW, CIRCUMCISIONAND UN- . . CIRCUMCISION,BARBARIAN, SCYTHIAN, BONDMAN, FREEMAN: BUT CHRIST IS ALL, ANDIN ALL" (CoLOSSIANS3:11), ISAIAH, THE OLDTESTAMENT PROPHET,SAID THATGoo's HOUSE,THE CHURCH,WOULD KNOW THE MEMBER­ SHIP OF "ALL NATIONS"AND "MANY PEOPLES" (ISAIAH 2:2-3), THIS TRUTHRACISM DENIES, ON THE VERYFIRST DAYOF THE CHURCH'SEXISTENCE, MEN FROM ALL OVERTHE WORLD,OUT OF VARYINGSOCIAL, NATIONAL,AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS,CAME INTO THE CHURCH(ACTS 2:5-11), ANDLATER WHEN THE APOSTLEeETER PRACTICEDSOCIAL DISCRIMINATION WITHIN THE CHURCH, THE APOSTLEPAUL "RESISTED HIM TO THE FACE, BECAUSEHE STOODCONDEMNEDn (GALATIANS2:11), WHATIF EVERYCHRISTIAN IN AMERICATHIS WEEK CONFRONTEDRACISM IN THE SAMESPIRIT ANDWITH THE SAMEEARNESTNESS AS DID PAUL? OBSERVATIONNUMBER .EJ.Y.E.: RACISMOFTEN MISDIRECTS CHRISTIANS . . WHOARE UNDERTHE ORDERSOF JESUS CHRISTTO "GO INTO ALL THE WORLD,AND PREACH THE GOSPELTO THE WHOLECREATION" (MARK 16:15), EVERYCOMMITTED DISCIPLE OF JESUS KNOWSTHE PRIVILEGEOF BEARING TESTIMONYTO THE GOSPEL'S POWERTO SAVE (ROMANS1:6), RACISMWOULD MODIFYCHRIST'S WORDSTO MEAN,"Go YE THEREFOREAND TEACH YOUR OWNKIND," OR EVENWORSE, "Go YE THEREFOREAND TEACH ALL NATIONS, MAKINGSURE TO KEEPTHEM IN THEIR PLACE" (MATTHEW28:19-20), I CANPAINFULLY TESTIFY THATAS CHRISTIANSDUPED BY RACISM,BOWING BEFORETHE FALSEGOD OF RACISMINSTEAD OF JEHOVAHGoo, WE SET OUT · TO EVANGELIZEAFRICA WHILE SEGREGATING OUR OWN CHURCHES IN AMERICA, PAGE7

OBSERVATIONNUMBER___s_i_x: RACISM REFUSES TO ACCEPTTHE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRISTOVER ALL AREASOF HUMANTHOUGHT AND CONDUCT, "THE GanWHO MADE THE WORLDAND ALL THINGSTHEREIN" IS "THE LORDOF HEAVENAND EARTH," PAULDECLARED TO THE PHILOSOPHERSOF ATHENS (ACTS lT: 24) . WHATTHIS SAYS IS THATTHE CHRISTIANDOESN'T SUPPORT "WHITE­ ONLY110R"BLACK-ONLY" ENTERPRISES SIX DAYSEACH WEEK AND THEN FAITHFULLYWORSHIP Gan ON SUNDAY, THE CHRISTIANCARRIES THE BURDENOF MAN'S DIVINE NATURE,THE UNITYOF THE HUMANFAMILY AS CREATEDBY Gan, WITHHIM WHEREVERHE GOES, INTO ALL KINDSOF RE- - . . . - . . . . LATIONSHIPS--SOCIALLY,PERSONALLY, ECONOMICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, THE CHRISTIAN,THE ONEWHOSE LIFE IS UNDERTHE LORDLYDIRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST, CANNOT TALK ABOUT "LOVING HIS NEIGHBOR"ON SUNDAY ANDTHEN KEEP FROMBEING A NEIGHBORTO ALL MENTHE REST OF THE WEEK, SINCE GanIS NO RESPECTEROF PERSONS,THE BELIEVERIN Gan CANNOT RESPECT PERSONS FOR THEIR RACE(ACTS 10:43), "Bur I'M NOTA RESPECTEROF PERSONS,"YOU SAY, THENWHAT WOULD BE YOUR ATTITUDETOWARD THE FIRST WHITEON YOURBLOCK WHO SOLD HIS HOUSE TO A NEGROFAMILY? WOULDYOU STAY? WOULDYOU SELL? WHAT WOULDYOU VOTE FOR, IF YOURCHURCH DECIDED TO LEAVESUCH A NEIGHBORHOOD? THE COURAGEOUSCHRISTIAN WILL CONTINUETO LIVE IN A RACIALLY CHANGINGNEIGHBORHOOD DEMONSTRATING Gan's RECONCILINGGOSPEL TO HIS WHITEAND BLACK NEIGHBORS, ... . OBSERVATIONNUMBER SEVEN: RACISMDEPENDS ON THE IDOLATRYOF GROUP-PRESERVATIONAND THE ANIMALPRINCIPLE OF SURVIVALOF THE FITTEST, ONEOF THE WORLD'SGREATEST RACISTS SAID: "THOSEWHO WANT TO LIVE, LET THEMFIGHT,AND THOSE rHO DO NOTWANT TO FIGHT IN THIS WORLDOF ~~ ETERNALSTRUGGLE DO NOT~ -I-R-E-rOLIVE," (p, 289, ADOLFHITLER,.r1£.I.N KAMPF, BOSTON: HOUGHTONMIFFLIN COMPANY,1943.) RACISMDEMANDS Page 8 the preservation of blood purity at any cost. This is done only by physically subjugating the weaker races. with allegedly inferior blood . .· Is it necessary to contrast thi s attitude with that Jesus taught regarding our concern for others: "Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you'' (Matthew 5:43-44)? The Apostle Paul instructed Christians: "Be not overcom e of evil, but overcome evil vvith Good" ( Homans 12: 21). Our first three observations exposed racism's at t acks on God. We also have just looked at three ways racism distorts our relationships with others. Racism further threatens man's underst andin g of himself. Let's notice th e following observations. Observation Number Ei ght: Racism destroys a proper Biblical view of one's self. The he althy respect for one's s elf f ost er ed by the Biblical doctrine of creation and human nature is lost in the racist's creed. J esus said that He came that all men, not a racially distinct group but all men, might "have life an d have it abund a.ntly" (John 10:10). God so loved the world (all men) that He "gave His only begotten Son" to die for our sins (John 3:1 6 ). Christianity is individual. Raci sm i s coll e ctiv e . Raci sm sa ys th e ind i vidu al mus t be sa cri f ic ed fo r t h e evolu t io nar y devel opment of th e ma s t er race. Obs er va t ion Number Ni ne: Rac is m des troy s t he univer sa l ch a r a ct er of Chr is t ia n it y. The Ol d Tes t amen t proph et s po inte d to the rei gn of God ove r all men (Isaiah 2:2-3; 42:1-4; J er emiah 31:31-33). Paul trium phan t ly conclud ed: "We are all one man in Christ J esu s '' (Galatians 3: 27). Rac is m is at tr a ctiv e to t hos e who pr efe r a gr oup, herd-li ke, co l l ect i vis t con s ciou snes s th a t br ee ds h ate and violenc e r a th er th an th e stabili ty and pea ce th a t comes wit h God' s per s on al a cc ept an ce of PAGE9

THEM, BuT,ATHE INDIVIDUALWHO KNOWS THAT HE OR SHE HASBEEN MADE "NEW" IN THE BLOODOF CHRIST (II CORINTHIANS5:17-21), RACISMIS A VILE REPUDIATIONOF EVERYTHING HUMAN AND DIVINE, OBSERVATIONNUMBER TEN: RACISM'SFUTURE DEPENDS ON MYATTITUDES ANDYOURS, WILL YOUOPPOSE RACISM IN A LOVING,COURAGEOUS MANNER? .. - . . ONETHING IS CERTAIN: A DAYOF JUDGMENTHAS DAWNED ON AMERICA AS A NATION,AND A DAYOF JUDGMENTIS COMINGTO EVERYMAN, WHEN CHRIST RETURNSTO EXECUTEGoD's DISCERNMENTOF THE CONTRIBUTIONS YOUAND I HAVEMADE TO HUMANITY(II CORINTHIANS5:10), TRADITIONALCHRISTIANITY HAS FAILEDTO ANSWERTHE CHALLENGE OF RACISM, IT IS CONTINUALLYCHARGED FROM ALL QUARTERS: "THE ELEVENO'CLOCK HOUR ON SUNDAYMORNING IS THE MOSTSEGREGATED HOUR . . . OF THE WEEK," MODERN-DAYCHURCHES ARE SO ENCRUSTEDWITH TRADITIONS OF MENAND SO REFLECTIVEOF TODAY'SCULTURE THAT CHRIST'S CONVICTING MESSAGEOF TRUTHAND LOVE GOES UNHEARD, JESUS CHARGEDTHE RELIGIOUS PEOPLEOF HIS DAYWITH "LIP WO~SHIP"INSTEAD OF "HEARTWORSHIP," YouTEACH FOR THE TRUTH"THE PRECEPTS OF MEN," HE TOLDTHE PHARISEES (MATTHEW15:7-9), CHURCHMEMBERS LIKEWISE ARE SO OVERWHELMEDBY THE IDOLATRYOF RACISMTHAT ONE CAN SEE NO DISCERNIBLEDIFFERENCE BETWEENTHE PREJUDICESAND HATREDS OF THOSEIN ANDOUT OF THE CHURCH, WHERERACISM FLOURISHES CHRISTIANITY DIES, ANDWHERE CHRIST RULESTHE HEARTSAND LIVES OF MENRACISM IS DESTROYED,Bur THE CHRISTIANITYTHAT DESTROYS RACISM WILL NOTBE THE WEAK,WATERED- DOWN,RESHAPED CARICATURE OF CHRISTIANITYTHAT FLOURISHES TODAY, EARLY CHRISTIANSLIVING WITHINTHE CHURCH'SFIRST HUNDREDYEARS, FOUGHT RACISMIN ANDOUT OF THE-CHURCH,PETER CONFESSED HIS RACISMAND REPENTEDOF IT (ACTS 10:34-47), PAULALLOWED NO RACIALBARRIERS TO PREVENTHIM FROMPREACHING (HRISl TO ALL MEN(l CORINTHIANS9:19-22), EARLYCONGREGATIONS HAD ALL KINDSOF PEOPLE, FROMALL WALKS,CONDITIONS, PAGE10

ANDRACES, WITHINTHEM (ACTS 6:1-6; COLOSSIANS3:11; ROMANS16: 1-15). . THE CHRISTIANBELIEVES THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SOLUTIONTO MAN'SSIN ANDHATRED (EPHESIANS 2:11-22), THE CHRISTIANRESPONDS TO THE LORDSHIPOF JESUS BY CONSCIOUSLYALLOWING THE TRUTHOF CHRISTTO BE HIS STANDARDFOR LIFE (ROMANS10:9-10; 14:7-9), THE CHRISTIANIS THATPERSON WHO HAS REPENTED OF HIS WORSHIPOF ALL IDOLS (ROMANS6:12-14), THE CHRISTIANIS A FAITHFUL,OBEDIENT FOLLOWEROF JESUS CHRIST, WHOIN HIS BAPTISMALUNION WITH CHRIST HAS RECEIVEDGan's FORGIVENESS,LIFE, ANDPOWER (ROMANS 6:1-7; AcTs 2:38; I JoHN 4:11-12; AcTs 5:32). THIS KINDOF PERSON,COMMITTED TO THE CHRISTIANFAITH AS TAUGHTAND LIVED IN THE NEWTESTAMENT, WILL BALANCETHE SCALES IN THE MIGHTYSTRUGGLE BETWEEN THE IDOL OF RACISMAND THE Gan OF ALL MEN, John Al len Chalk, Radio Speaker Prod uced by the High land Chu rch of Christ, P.O. Box 2439, Abilene, Texas 79604

Hatred Is Only Skin Deep No. 858

"O ur nation is moving toward two societ ies, one black, Yet, this group of elected officia ls, business exec ut ives, one white--separate and unequal. . . .Discrimination and labor and educat ional leaders, and other dist inguished segregation have long permeated much of Amer ican life; Americans charged one hundred fifty million Americans they now threaten the future of every American . ... Segre­ with " white racism." gation and poverty have created in the racial ghetto a de­ structive environment totally unknown to most white WHITE RACISM Americans. What white Americans have never fully under­ stood--but what the Negro can never forget--is that white "But I'm not a racist," you object. Then take this follow­ society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institu­ ing test, examine your own heart, look carefully at your tions created it, white institutions maintain it , and white own conscience, and see how you fare . society condones it." (pp. 1-2 Report of the National Ad ­ visory Commission of Civil Disorders. New York: Bantam White racism says that the Negro belongs to a distinct Book , 1968) . and separate race of mankind that has existed since the beginning of time. You probably recognize these words as part of the con­ troversial report given President Johnson earlier this year White racism belie ves that the Negro race has no common by the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorder s. ancestry with other human beings. This race started from I have just taken another look at the list of distinguished a distinct stock that has remained largely unchanged until Americans who served on that commiss ion. You and I now. would do well to think twice before we, for any reason, dismiss their grave indictment of racism in Americ a. White racism ho lds that the black man is a distinct bio­ logical species that falls somewhere between white men and If you are listening to me in a Philadelphia ghetto you apes. probably are incensed that the Commission didn 't speak mor e plainly. Didn't " tell it like it is." If you are a listener White racism teac hes that all white men in America are in a comfortable Southern Californ ia suburb you probably part of one common racial group which goes back to the have already started for the radio dial to turn off this pro­ beginning of mankin d. The white man is superior, in every gram becau se you think the commission's report is not an important respect, from the black man, it is charged. accurate picture of either America or Americans. And that's the two camps into which this country is being divided to­ And white racism also believes that regardless of person ­ day: th e angry black man who has not hing good to say al ability and achievemen t , every Negro is more similar to about the materialistic , self-centered, white society ; and all ot her Negroes th an to a person of comparable skills and the bewilder ed middle-class, average income, white American inte lligence who happens to be a member of the white race who shrugs his shoulders and says: 'Tm not prejudiced. (An American Dilemma. New York: Harper and Brot hers, I've never done anythi ng to anybody . Why should I be 1944, pp . I 03-104, Gunnar Myrdal.) In other words, th e blamed for the troub le in this country?" black brain surgeon is more like the black sharecroppe r than he is the white brain surgeon, who may be his associate in RACISM AND GOD medical practice! Our first group of reasons why racism is false and must Black racism has also taken its toll on Americans in re­ be rejected center in the proper understanding of God (Mat­ cent days. The same ideas we have just mentioned are hew 22:37). turned in the opposite direction, some strange religious ideas are added , and the white man becomes a "devil" who Observation number one: Racism attacks the wisdom has a unique kinship to "monkeys, apes and swine." (p. 103, and goodness of God, the Father. "God created man in·his Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman in America. own image, in the image of God created he him ; male and Chicago : Muhammad Mosque of Islam No. 3, 1965 .) female created he them." We read in the very first chapter Therefore, total separation from the white man must be of the Bible (Genesis 1 :27). The white racist says that strictly observed if the black man is to know his full Caucasians are God's favored people. The black racist, in strength and superiority, this irrational form of racism reaction, or perhaps, in self-defense, invents his own rriyths demands. of God's favoritism toward black skin. Both are wrong! Every man, regardless of coloration and condition bears RACISM AND CHRISTIANITY God's "image."

I have detailed these idolatrous tenets because racism The Bible also describes the human family's original sin, tlueatens the very heart of Christianity, strikes at the root the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3: 1-8). Through their of all Biblical truth, and directly violates Christian faith. transgression , the Apostle Paul_, explains , sin entered into the world until this day. Christ, however, brought God's Racism's challenge to Christianity is more than a theore­ solution to this age-old human problem . As there was one tical, "word battle." Desperate men have committed un­ Adam through whom sin invaded the human family, so imaginable atrocities in the name of a superior race. Do through the second Adam, Jesus Christ, the final solution you remember who said these words: " Everything we for sin occurred (Romans 5: 12-21.) Racism calls for "a admire on this earth tod ay--science and art, technology second Fall" of certain groups of races of men by which and inventions--is only the creative product of a few peoples they become inferior men . This violates the mission and and originally perhaps · of one race. On them depends the ministry of Jesus Christ. existence of this whole culture . If they perish , the beauty of this earth will sink into the grave with them." Observation number two: Racism opposes God, the So wrote Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf (p. 288, Translation Son . Jesus Christ is our hop e, He is our answer (Titus 2: 14). by Ralph Manheim . Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1943 .) In Him "we have our redemption through his blood, the " For the formation of higher cultures," Hitler explained, forgiveness of our trespasses , according to the riches of his " the existence of lower human types was one of the most grace" (Ephesians 1: 7). All forms of racism are built on essential preconditions, since they alone were able to com­ the alleged "superior" blood the dominate group or race pensate for the lack of technical aids without which a higher rather than on the "blood of Jesus Christ" which gives all development is not conceivable. It is certain that the men their hope of God's life and forgiveness (Hebrews 9: first culture of humanity was based less on the tamed 13-15). animal than _on the use of lower human beings ." (p . 295 , Ibid .) Hitler's justification of Nazi pretensions to Aryan Observation numb er three: Racism denies God, the superiority centered in the twin observations that "every Holy Spirit. The Racist makes all his value judgments on a animal mates only with a member of the same species" Jleshly , physical basis. God, however, " seeth not as man ( p. 284, Ibid.) And the mixing of the "bloods" of two seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but human races will always bring about the loss of the superior Jehovah looketh on the heart " (I Samuel 16:7) . With the race's greatness (pp. 286 , 296-297.) Apostle Paul, the Christian says to the racist: " Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: . . ." (II Corin­ If you find these words strangely familiar, don't simply thians 5: 10). think of Hitler's radio broadcasts. You may have heard these same false ideas across the backyard fence , in church study groups, at the shop during coffee break or in the RACISM AND NEIGHBOR offices of some educational, political, business, and labor leaders I know. As surely as racism openl y flaunts God , the Father, the There are at least ten reasons why racism is idolatry Son. and the Holy Spirit , so this idolatry also affects and and stands under the judgment of God and the Bible. corrupts our relationship with others. Instead of " loving Tenets of racism, whether white or black racism, conflict our neighbors " , racism invariably promotes hum an pride , with the teachings of the God of the Bible. Listen, think , arrogance , and the disruption of any meanin gful communi­ and make your choice. cation and association with those who differ with us. Observation number four: Racism attacks the Church would be your attitude toward the first white on your of Jesus Christ. Racist doctrines demand that varying block who sold his house to a Negro family? Would you ethnic groups remain separated from one another in every stay? Would you sell? What would you vote for, if your important area of life. But the Church that is "a habitation church decided to leave such a neighborhood? The courage­ of God in the Spirit ," includes all kinds of men, both Jews ous Christian will continue to live in a racially changing and Gentiles (Ephesians 2: 11-22). In Jesus Christ and His neighborhood demonstrating God 's reconciling gospel to his Church all kinds of men find this kind of unity: "Where white and black neighbors . there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncir­ cumcision , barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman: but Observation number seven: Racism depends on the Christ is all, and in all" (Colossians 3: 11). Isaiah, the Old idolatry of group-preservation and the animal principle of Testament prophet, said that God's House, the Church , survival of the fittest. One of the world's greatest racists would know the membership of "all nations" and "Many said : "Those who want to live, let them fight, and those people" (Isaiah 2: 2-3). This truth racism denies. who do not want to fight in this world of eternal struggle do not deserve to live." (p . 189, Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf On the very first day of the Church's existence , men Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company ,.1943.) Racism de­ from all over the world, out of varying social, national, and mands the preservation of blood purity at any cost. This cultural backgrounds , came into the Church (Acts 2: 5-11 ). is done only by physically subjugating the weaker races And later when the Apostle Peter practiced social discrimina­ with allegedly inferior blood. Is it necessary to contrast tion within the ·Ghurch, the Apostle Paul "resisted him to this attitude with that Jesus taught regarding our concern the face, because he stood condemned" (Galatians 2: 11). for ·others: "Love your enemies, and pray for them that What if every Christian in America this week confronted persecute you" (Matthew 5 :43-44)? The Apostle Paul in­ racism in the same spirit and with the same earnestness as structed Christians: "Be not overcome of evil, but over­ did Paul? come evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

Observation number fiv e: Racism often misdirects Christians who are under the orders of Jesus Christ to "go RACISM AND SELF into all the \\'orld, and . preach the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16: 15). Every committed disciple of Jesus Our first three observations exposed racism's attacks on knows the privilege of bearing testimony to the Gospel's God. We also have just looked at three ways racism distorts power to save (Romans 1 :6). Racism would modify Christ's our relationship with others. Racism further threatens words to mean , "Go ye therefore and teach your own kind ," man's understanding of himself. Let's notice the following or even worse , "Go ye ther efore and teach all nations, mak­ observations : ing sure to keep them in their place" (Matthew 28 :19-20). I can painfully testify that as Christians duped by racism , Observation number eight: Racism destroys a proper bowing before the false god of racism instead of Jehovah Biblical view of one's self. The healthy respect for one's self God, we set out to evangelize Africa while segregating our fostered by the Biblical doctrine of creation and human own churches in America. nature is lost in the racist's creed. Jesus said that He came that all men, not a racially distinct group but all men , might Observation number six: Racism refuses to accept the " Have life and have it abundantly" (John 10: 10). God so Lordship of Jesus Christ over all areas of human thought and loved the world (all men) that He "gave his only begotten cond,1ct. " The God who made the world and all things Son" to die for our sins (John 3: 16). Christianity is individ­ therein" is "the Lord of heaven and earth," Paul declared ual. Racism is collective . Racism says the individual must to the philosophers of Athens (Acts 17:24). be sacrificed °for the evolutionary development of the master race. What this says is that the Christian doesn 't support "white-only" or "bla ck .1mly" enterprises six days each Observation number nine: Racism destroys the uni­ week and the_n ,faithfu li:, worship God on Sunday .. The versal character of Christianity. The Old Testament proph­ Christian carries the burden of man's divine nature , the ets pointed to the reign of God over all men (Isaiah 2:2-3; unity of the human family as created by God, with him 42 : 1-4; Jeremiah 31 :31-33) . Paul triumphantly concluded ; wherever he goes, into all kinds of relationships--socially, "We are all one man in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3 :27). personally, economically, spiritually. The Christian, the Racism is attractive to those who perfer a group, herd-like , one whose life is under the Lordly direction of Jesus Christ, collectivist consciousness that breeds hate and violence can not talk about "loving his neighbor" on Sunday and rather than the stability and peace that comes with God's then keep from being a neighbor to all men the rest of the personal acceptance of them. But for the individual who week. Since God is no respecter of persons, the believer in knows that he or she has been made " new" in the blood of God can not respect persons for their race (Acts 10:43). Christ (II Corinthians 5: 17-21 ), racism is a vile repudiation "But I'm not a respecter of persons," you say. Then what of every thing human and divine. Observation number ten: Racism's future depends on responds to the Lordship of Jesus by consciously allowing my attitudes and yours. Will you oppose racism in a loving, the truth of Christ to be his standard for life (Romans I 0: courageous manner? One thing is certain : A day of judg­ 9-10; 14:7-9). The Christian is that person who has re­ ment has dawned on America as a nation, and a day of pented of his worship of all idols (Romans 6: 12-14) . The judgment is coming to every man, when Christ returns to Christian is a faithful, obedient follower of Jesus Christ, execute God's discernment of the contributions you and I who in his baptismal union with Christ has received God's have made to humanity (II Corinthians 5:10). forgiveness, life, and power (Romans 6: 1-7; Acts 2: 38 ; I John 4:11-12 ; Acts 5:32). Traditional Christianity has failed to answer the challenge of racism . It is continually charged from all quarters: ''The This kind of person, committed to the Christian faith eleven o'clock hour on Sunday morning is the mos1 segregat­ as taught and lived in the New Testament, will balance the ed hour of the week ." Modern-day churches are so en­ scales in the mighty struggle between the idol of racism and crusted with traditions of men and so reflective of today's the God of all men. culture that Christ's convicting message of truth and love goes unheard. Jesus charged the religious people of His day with "lip worship" instead of "heart worship." You teach for the truth "the precepts of men," He told the Pharisees (Matthew 15:7-9). Church members likewise are so over­ whelmed by the idolatry of racism that one can see no John Allen Chalk is featured speaker on "Herald of Truth. " discernible difference between the prejudices and hatreds which is now a regular part of the Sunday line-up of religious pro ­ gramming on the NBC and Mutual radio networks, as well as hun - of those in and out of the church. dreds of independent radio stations around the world. Chalk had preached for churches in British Columbia , Canada , Where racism flourishes Christianity dies. And where Dayton, Ohio, and Cookeville, Tennessee. During seven years in Christ rules the hearts and lives of men racism is destroyed. Cookeville, his participation in church and community life result ed But the Christianity that destroys racism will not be the in his selection as One of the Outstanding Young Men of America in weak, watered-down, reshaped caricature of Christianity I 965. On the Herald of Truth television series. which is seen on ap ­ that flourishes today . Early Christian living within the proximately 150 TV stations, Chalk has appeared as featured per­ Church's first hundred years, fought racism in and out of sonality, and is a frequent guest on televisi o n discussion sh o ws i11 the Church. Peter confessed his racism and repented of it Ameri ca's major citi es. (Acts I 0: 34-37) . Paul allowed no racial barriers to prevent In addition to his weekly radio broadcasts , Chalk pr each es in special evangelistic efforts , speaks to stud ents 011 numerous co lle[;e him from preaching Christ to all men (I Corinthians 9: 19- and university campus es. speaks at youth ralli es. works with famil y 22). Early congregations had all kinds of people, from all camps and appears on numerous Christian co llege lec tur es hips a­ walks, conditions, and races , within them 1 (Acts 6: 1-6; round the countr y . Colossians 3: 11; Romans 16: 1-15). He has written a bo o k , The Prayin g Ch rist and Oth er Se r1110 11s, and collaborat ed with other authors in thr ee volum es: Jesu s Chri s r. th e Answ er; Great S ermons . I 'H, 7: an d Voi ce s of A c tio 11. The Christian believes that Jesus Christ is the solution to With hi s wif e and two childr en , Chalk makes his hom e i11 .4 /Ji­ man's sin and hatred (Ephesians 2: 11-22) . The Christian lene , Texa s.