Black History Sunday

Take a moment to centre yourself in prayer:


O God, you call us to stand up for righteousness, to stand up for truth.  We try, and yet sometimes we do not understand.  We reach out a hand to help, it always casts a shadow.  We need you, O God, to be at our side forever.  To challenge our stubbornness, break through our fears.  To bring wisdom to our reading of scripture, and understanding to our times of light and darkness.  O God, you call us to stand up.  Stand with us and give us strength, we pray, Amen

What are the biblical theological roots of racism?

On example of scripture and Christian theology being used to justify racism is 20th century South Africa, and the  (Boer) Afrikaner Calvinist beliefs that led to apartheid.

1. Omnipotence – if it is so, then God has ordained it
2. Biblical literalism – proof-texting to prove Africans were inferior
3. Predestination – some are destined to suffer and cannot be saved

The Afrikaners were an isolated group, they had drawn close for self-defense (against both African tribes and other European influences), they tended to interpret Calvin’s doctrine of individual predestination as communal.  "We are the chosen/they are condemned."

Biblical interpretation – from Genesis:  The indigenous African peoples were “the descendants of Ham”

READ Genesis 9:18-27 - the scripture has nothing to do with Africa, but was used to justify the domination of other groups, in this case, all people of colour.

When England took over South Africa, many British settlers came to the southern provinces (near Cape Town.) They were too liberal for the Afrikaners, who moved North, in a time called the Great Trek. They likened this to the Exodus, and the resident African tribes were the Canaanites.

READ Joshua 6:20-21 – destruction of Jericho: again not about Africa, but used to rationalize the extermination of indigenous peoples.   

The Afrikaner belief grew that they were the Chosen, and anyone who opposed them was disposable.

More contemporary issue is the theology where white is light is right – an interpretation or distortion of scripture.  The implication is not always intended, but often heard by people of colour.

Biblical images are mixed: 

            Genesis 1:2

            Psalm 17:8

            Psalm 51:7

            Psalm 91:1

            Psalm 139:12

            Song of Solomon 1:5

            Isaiah 9:2

            Luke 12:3

            John 1:5

            2 Corinthians 11:14-15

            1 John 1:5-7

            Rev 21:23-25

 READ an article by Anthony Bailey “Light and Dark Imagery in the Bible” (link www.united-church.ca/files/intercultural/light-and-dark-imagery.pdf)

Closing Prayer: 

 Gracious and loving God, we thank you for being a companion on our journey. In a world where there is a great deal of indifference, we thank you for welcoming all us just as we are and making us feel at home. We pray that you will transform us and make us the people you want us to be. We pray all this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.