Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a term that originated in the 1980s. It is built upon the work of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Georg Friedrich Hegel and his best known disciple, Karl Marx. CRT makes what they call race the lens through which they analyze all aspects of American life. There are three foundational truths that CRT embraces. First, there is no absolute truth. Lived experiences are more important than facts. Secondly, individuals are either an oppressor or victim. Culture is defined by groups exercising power over each other. Thirdly, America is systemically racist and must be dismantled. Capitalism is racist and must be eliminated.
CRT affirms a non-Biblical category of race, promotes ethnic discrimination, and promotes a false religion opposed to Biblical Christianity. Popular concepts like “wokeness,” the social justice movement, Cultural Marxism, and the Black Lives Matter organizations are all tied to Critical Race Theory. While most Americans oppose racial discrimination, CRT embraces it. Marxist socialism, the root of CRT, promotes division, animosity, and hatred between races and people groups. They believe that America was founded on and defined by racism. CRT promotes a false narrative that America was founded upon and defined by racism, and that the Constitution, and way of life must be overthrown.
As Christians, God’s Word teaches His people to avoid false philosophies. Colossians 2:8 says this, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Christians are to reject ethnic superiority. It is a real sin that should be repudiated by all Christians.
The Bible does not acknowledge race as a category. Instead, we acknowledge that we are all descended from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Acts 17:26 says this, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.” God made two people, and from those two people, every other human being descended. We are all members of one race, the human race. Ever since the Tower of Babel people groups have been scattered across the globe. The Bible does not describe them as “races,” like CRT does, but people groups. The Gospel unites people from all people groups in Christ. It does not divide and discriminate as CRT does.
CRT and its associated movements stand in opposition to Biblical Christianity because it is a false religion. They insist on ethnic superiority and discrimination against white people. Sadly, many proponents of CRT admit that this is true. Many “Evangelical Churches” are buying into this movement. There is a pastor of an evangelical church in a town close to where I live who repented for being white! CRT is an attack on the true Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is energized by the evil one himself.
The Church of our Lord Jesus must confront CRT with the truth of God’s Word. The divisions that CRT promotes are between ethnic groups and the color of one’s skin. The only way to defeat CRT is through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. The Gospel unites people of different backgrounds. Listen to what Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Reconciliation can only come about by repentance and faith in the finished work of our Savior upon the cross. For God’s people, it is a duty to be reconciled to believers of different ethnic groups. The Gospel creates a love for God’s people regardless of your ethnic background.
I John 4:20-21 says this about the love that God’s people are to have for each other. “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”
Truth is very important, and truth is only found in God’s Word. But we must also teach and promote the true story of America. Genuine American history is rich with stories of achievements and sacrifices made by our forefathers. It is in stark contrast to the hatred and animosity of CRT. The world must see the truth of fervent love, unity, oneness, and care in the lives of God’s people. They need to see that the Lord God really does change the lives of people through His Son the Lord Jesus.
The Church of our Lord Jesus Christ is to confront CRT with the truth of God’s Word. May we all have boldness to confront the heresy of CRT. It is another attempt of the evil one to tear apart the Church of Christ. The Church has the power of the Holy Spirit to defeat the error of CRT. As the Scripture says in I John 4:4. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
TE Dr Jeff Sheely
Vanguard Presbyterian Church
January 30, 2023