I have often thought about tracing my genealogy just to see exactly where my family came from and to see where they might be today but I’ve never been quite motivated enough to do so. I only know that my grandmother on the Saturday side came form Poland and my grandfather on the Saturday side came from Russia. I often say that they met at Ellis Island but I don’t really think that they did; I just like to believe that sometimes. My family genealogy has been kept somewhat secret. Neither of my grandparents ever wanted to talk about the “Old Country.” I guess it’s not that important to me.
When I read the Bible I find that genealogy is important because it verifies the ancestry of Jesus Christ. Abraham was told to look up at the sky and to county the stars. God told him that his offspring would be a numerous as the stars in the sky. Of course we know that Abraham wasn’t able to count the stars. I can envision the conversation God had with Abraham and how God made sure the skies were full His creation.
God was true to his word. Abraham’s descendants were as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham’s lineage (at least in the Bible and for our sakes) is recorded to the time of Jesus. Within this lineage mentioned in the Bible is found a prostitute named Rahab. She was also a woman of a different culture, and Tamar who was an adulteress (had an affair with Judah – her father in law – but unbeknownst to Judah), also a woman of a different culture. God in the midst of that still used them for his kingdom and glory. We also find another woman mentioned by the name of Ruth. Ruth was also a woman from a different culture (from the country of Moab) and yet we find that she was the great grandmother of King David and subsequently mentioned by Matthew in the lineage of Jesus.
If you’ve never read the book of Ruth in the Old Testament may I encourage you to do so. In chapter 4 you will read where a wealthy man of Jerusalem name Boaz takes Ruth who was a Moabite (different culture) as his wife and has a son by her. Within chapter 4 we read where the women of the area praise God for leaving Naomi without a kinsman. Naomi was the mother in law of Ruth. Naomi and her husband went to Moab because of the difficult times in Judah. While in Moab Naomi’s husband and her two sons die before the sons have any children. While in Moab both sons of Naomi married women of that region. One of the women, when Naomi decided to return to Jerusalem, went with her (Ruth). Ruth declared “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). At this point Naomi no longer considered Ruth her daughter in law but rather her daughter. This is why the women of the area declare that God did not leave Naomi without a kinsman.
In a male dominated culture, the women of the area declared to Naomi that her daughter in law is better than seven sons. In addition, she now has a grandson who will take care of her for the rest of her life. With that, Naomi takes an active role in the upbringing of her grandson, treating him as a son, to the delight of both Boaz and Ruth. Raising children is a challenge, and the help of grandparents can make it much easier.
The name given to Boaz and Ruth’s son is Obed. In the Old Testament there are five different men by this name. Obed means “servant” and “worshipper.” Obed is the grandfather of King David who considered himself to be a servant and is known as a writer of many of the Psalms and considered a worshipper of the Most High God.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew writes of the “book of the generation of Jesus Christ. Matthew’s Jewish readers immediately recognized the expression “the book of the generation,” taken from Genesis 2:4 where God introduced the “generations of the heavens and of the earth,” the creation of the world. The phrases 2nd occurrence is at Genesis 5:1 to introduce the genealogy of Adam. In Matthew 1:1 he gives us the three keys to understanding the genealogy of Jesus Christ. First, Jesus is Christ. He is the promised anointed one of the Jewish nation. The Greek word Christ means the same as the Hebrew word Messiah. Second, he is the son of David. It was promised to David that his throne would be eternal. The designation “son of David” is distinctly messianic. Third, Jesus is the “son of Abraham.” In this, He fulfills the promise given to the father of Hebrews (Abraham) that his descendant would be a blessing to all the families of the earth (including us Gentiles). Matthew continues on with the genealogy of Abraham having a son Isaac who had a son Jacob who had a son Judah. This continues to King David, who Matthew designates as a king (no other royal designation given until Jesus, who is declared the Christ.
In going back to my genealogy, my pedigree does not matter. My decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ was not dependent upon my lineage. Yes it is helpful if our parents bring us up in a Christian home but each of us must make the personal decision as to whether or not we are going to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I don’t know who my great grandparents were but I do know who I am; I am the King of king’s kid! How about you?
Showing posts with label Multiculturalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Multiculturalism. Show all posts
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Is There Any Room for Racism
I had this big guy come into my brick and mortar Christian bookstore ( Emmaus Road Christian Store )awhile back and asked me if I had the book “Gracism” written by “Anderson.” My first thought was he was looking for books written by Neil Anderson and my second thought was “I didn’t know Neil Anderson wrote a book on ‘Racism.’ My first response, of course, was “yes I do!” In saying that however, I discovered he wasn’t looking for books written by “Neil Anderson” but rather by “David Anderson.” I’m sure my face had a blank expression on it as I had to embarrassingly ask, “Who’s that?” He of course went on to tell me that he was “David Anderson.”
In my conversation with David I found that he is the pastor at Bridgeway Community Church and the host of a nationally syndicated radio show called Reconciliation Live. He and I had a great visit together and in the course of our visit I found out that he owns a vacation home in my area.
David Anderson’s book “Gracism, the Art of Inclusion” is now a part of my store’s library and I must say a very interesting read. In the introductory section of his book, Anderson states, “Gracism, unlike racism, doesn’t focus on race for negative purposes such as discrimination. Gracism focuses on race for the purpose of positive ministry and service.” I like that! Gracism is for the positive and not the negative. It is for ministry and service and not for discrimination.
When you look at someone, anyone, what do you see? What kind of glasses do you have on? We so often look at people and stereotype people by the way they look. We have preconceived ideas when we see someone of a “different” race than what we are? How about those of a different sex, religion, size? Racism is a sin. Most of the time people think that racism is a black/white situation. Racism is far from that. Yes whites are racist towards blacks, blacks towards whites, whites towards Asians, Asians towards Mexicans, yet get the picture. Over the course of time we have made many advances towards bridging the gap but we obviously have a ling way to go. Anderson talks about the “dot” that everyone has. Some are visible and others aren’t, but we still have them. David Anderson believes the answer to racism in the world today is “Gracism.”
Anderson defines racism as speaking, acting or thinking negatively about someone else solely based on that person’s color, class or culture. He states that grace is the unmerited favor of God on humankind. As Christians we are to extend to others favor and kindness. Anderson says that when one merges the definition of racism, which is negative, with the definition of grace, which is positive, a new term emerges – gracism (I think David Anderson should trademark the term). Anderson defines gracism as the positive extension of favor on other humans based on color, class or culture. We are to extend favor onto others and not have favorites. This is backed up by scripture such as James 2:8-9. Does not God show favor on those he chooses to show favor to?
We are living in a rapidly changing world. There are population projections showing a shift in the numbers of minorities rising and the current majority decreasing. The point being is that we live in a multicultural society. David Anderson gives a great insight in this. This insight is reflected in view of 1 Corinthians 12. When people read this passage of scripture, they read it in light of spiritual gifts. David Anderson makes some strong points that yes, spiritual gifts are prevalent in this passage, but so is multiculturalism. Paul preached to the Jew, the Gentile, the free, the slave, the rich and the poor. Take the time to open your Bible and read this passage with the idea of multiculturalism in mind.
How is your church doing in view of multiculturalism? Are your antennas up and are you aware of the diversities that exist within your fold?
1 Corinthians 12 has been one of my favorite scripture references for quite some time. It talks about the gifts that each of us as Christians has. We excite ourselves in discovering our own gifts and using them for the glory and the kingdom of God. Right after the Apostle Paul draws a parallel of the various body parts and the various spiritual gifts given to us, and prior to the close to the close of the chapter, he talks about the “weaker.” It is in this that David Anderson brings insight. In Gracism, the Art of Inclusion, Seven Sayings of a Gracist are examined in light of 1 Corinthians 12.
Saying One “I Will Lift You Up”
“Those parts of the body that seam to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.” (1 Corinthians 12:22-23)
Special Honor is to be given to the humble. Special Honor is to be given to the down and outers, those living on the fringe, the minority, those who need special attention. These are the ones who go unnoticed, who are overlooked. Everyone is important in the body of Christ, not just those who stand out in the crowd.
Saying Two “I Will Cover You”
“The parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.” (1 Corinthians 12:23-24)
Special Modesty is the way we speak about ethnic groups, genders and classes. Failure to do so and being critical does not develop unity within the body of Christ. We must ensure that we cloth ourselves with grace. The Apostle Paul mentions in Colossians that we must cloth ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to do this in reference to race, religion or ethnicity. As Christians we are to protect the most vulnerable within the body from embarrassment. We must check what we say and protect those who need protected.
Saying Three “I Will Share With You”
“The parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.” (1 Corinthians 12:23-24)
No Special Treatment makes a statement of “I refuse to accept special favors or perks that may hurt you” even if the refusal is emotionally difficult. No Special Treatment says that I will not express my rights, freedoms and privileges if they could hurt you. Perhaps difficult, it will cut to the heart of Gracism. It becomes personal. Gracism simply says that before I allow you to feel put down, less dignified, I will share with you.
Saying Four “I Will Honor You”
“God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it.” (1 Corinthians 12:24)
Greater Honor is given to those parts of the body that lack honor. Anderson writes that those in the body that lack honor are the poor, crippled, blind and lame. It is through grace greater honor to those. The rich, I’m sure, don’t think it’s fair. Those who are physically fit may find it hard to accept the fact that God honors those who lack in the physical. In certain parts of the world people of different ethnicities are the ones who lack honor. In certain parts of the world people with physical or mental handicaps are considered those who lack honor. We often teach our children that life is not fair. I now know that neither is God. God is not fair; and I’m glad he’s not. This is where GRACE comes into play. It is by God’s grace that I am saved and have eternal life. I most certainly didn’t deserve it. James 4:6 says that God gives grace to the humble. Those who are humble realize that they lack honor.
Saying Five “I Will Stand With You”
God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body. (1 Corinthians 12:24-25)
The emphasis of this saying is “no division” within the body of Christ. Division among believers is not of God. God hates division. God is one in his nature, we are called to be one with him, and therefore there is no room for division to exist among followers of Christ. If we allow or if we cling to division within the body of Christ, we align ourselves with the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan. If we align ourselves with God we must align ourselves with unity. In John 17 Jesus prayed that all believers be of oneness. God does not want his children to fight and quarrel. If such is happening, I will be a person of reconciliation. Of which race, social group or culture did Jesus not die for? God, in his infinite wisdom, extended grace to everyone who will accept it. Because we are one in Christ, we must therefore say that there is no division among us and that “I will stand with you.”
Saying Six “I Will Consider You”
“God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25)
This saying says that I will have equal concern for you. I will look at your circumstance, have the compassion of Jesus, and do whatever I can for you. It is being the “Good Samaritan” towards those who are downtrodden. A gracist who considers others does not live in their own world but rather looks for those who are struggling with the hope of showing equal concern for them. Equal concern is treating those who are hurt as if they were you own flesh and blood, your own family; because they are. Having equal concern is stepping out of my house and getting involved with those who are different than me. I will concern myself with your feelings and your dreams no matter what the circumstance or situation. Paul took Peter to task when Peter “removed” himself from the Gentiles when Jews arrived on the scene. By Peter doing this he even led Barnabas astray. In the body of Christ there are no “them” and “us.” I will consider you not only when it is convenient but always.
Saying Seven “I Will Celebrate With You”
“If one part suffers every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, overy part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
As Christians, we must rejoice with others over their successes. When another racial group, ethnic group or gender group succeeds in some area, instead of becoming jealous and resentful, I should celebrate. In all the diversity in which we are a part of, we must rejoice with the successes of others, especially when it is not natural for us to rejoice in this way. Celebrating each other’s successes and wins is critical to unity. Jealousy and covetousness brew the poison that brings dissension to the body.
Becoming a Gracist is as easy as you want it to be. Central to it all is allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within you and when the Holy Spirit convicts you of your need to extend God’s grace to those who are in need of grace, to do so. Gracism is the positive extension of favor on other human beings based on color, class or culture. Racism can be narrow in its definition. Grace is the opposite. Becoming a Gracist is becoming more like Christ.
David Anderson’s book, Gracism, the Art of Inclusion can be purchased online for only $15.30 at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
In my conversation with David I found that he is the pastor at Bridgeway Community Church and the host of a nationally syndicated radio show called Reconciliation Live. He and I had a great visit together and in the course of our visit I found out that he owns a vacation home in my area.
David Anderson’s book “Gracism, the Art of Inclusion” is now a part of my store’s library and I must say a very interesting read. In the introductory section of his book, Anderson states, “Gracism, unlike racism, doesn’t focus on race for negative purposes such as discrimination. Gracism focuses on race for the purpose of positive ministry and service.” I like that! Gracism is for the positive and not the negative. It is for ministry and service and not for discrimination.
When you look at someone, anyone, what do you see? What kind of glasses do you have on? We so often look at people and stereotype people by the way they look. We have preconceived ideas when we see someone of a “different” race than what we are? How about those of a different sex, religion, size? Racism is a sin. Most of the time people think that racism is a black/white situation. Racism is far from that. Yes whites are racist towards blacks, blacks towards whites, whites towards Asians, Asians towards Mexicans, yet get the picture. Over the course of time we have made many advances towards bridging the gap but we obviously have a ling way to go. Anderson talks about the “dot” that everyone has. Some are visible and others aren’t, but we still have them. David Anderson believes the answer to racism in the world today is “Gracism.”
Anderson defines racism as speaking, acting or thinking negatively about someone else solely based on that person’s color, class or culture. He states that grace is the unmerited favor of God on humankind. As Christians we are to extend to others favor and kindness. Anderson says that when one merges the definition of racism, which is negative, with the definition of grace, which is positive, a new term emerges – gracism (I think David Anderson should trademark the term). Anderson defines gracism as the positive extension of favor on other humans based on color, class or culture. We are to extend favor onto others and not have favorites. This is backed up by scripture such as James 2:8-9. Does not God show favor on those he chooses to show favor to?
We are living in a rapidly changing world. There are population projections showing a shift in the numbers of minorities rising and the current majority decreasing. The point being is that we live in a multicultural society. David Anderson gives a great insight in this. This insight is reflected in view of 1 Corinthians 12. When people read this passage of scripture, they read it in light of spiritual gifts. David Anderson makes some strong points that yes, spiritual gifts are prevalent in this passage, but so is multiculturalism. Paul preached to the Jew, the Gentile, the free, the slave, the rich and the poor. Take the time to open your Bible and read this passage with the idea of multiculturalism in mind.
How is your church doing in view of multiculturalism? Are your antennas up and are you aware of the diversities that exist within your fold?
1 Corinthians 12 has been one of my favorite scripture references for quite some time. It talks about the gifts that each of us as Christians has. We excite ourselves in discovering our own gifts and using them for the glory and the kingdom of God. Right after the Apostle Paul draws a parallel of the various body parts and the various spiritual gifts given to us, and prior to the close to the close of the chapter, he talks about the “weaker.” It is in this that David Anderson brings insight. In Gracism, the Art of Inclusion, Seven Sayings of a Gracist are examined in light of 1 Corinthians 12.
Saying One “I Will Lift You Up”
“Those parts of the body that seam to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.” (1 Corinthians 12:22-23)
Special Honor is to be given to the humble. Special Honor is to be given to the down and outers, those living on the fringe, the minority, those who need special attention. These are the ones who go unnoticed, who are overlooked. Everyone is important in the body of Christ, not just those who stand out in the crowd.
Saying Two “I Will Cover You”
“The parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.” (1 Corinthians 12:23-24)
Special Modesty is the way we speak about ethnic groups, genders and classes. Failure to do so and being critical does not develop unity within the body of Christ. We must ensure that we cloth ourselves with grace. The Apostle Paul mentions in Colossians that we must cloth ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to do this in reference to race, religion or ethnicity. As Christians we are to protect the most vulnerable within the body from embarrassment. We must check what we say and protect those who need protected.
Saying Three “I Will Share With You”
“The parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.” (1 Corinthians 12:23-24)
No Special Treatment makes a statement of “I refuse to accept special favors or perks that may hurt you” even if the refusal is emotionally difficult. No Special Treatment says that I will not express my rights, freedoms and privileges if they could hurt you. Perhaps difficult, it will cut to the heart of Gracism. It becomes personal. Gracism simply says that before I allow you to feel put down, less dignified, I will share with you.
Saying Four “I Will Honor You”
“God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it.” (1 Corinthians 12:24)
Greater Honor is given to those parts of the body that lack honor. Anderson writes that those in the body that lack honor are the poor, crippled, blind and lame. It is through grace greater honor to those. The rich, I’m sure, don’t think it’s fair. Those who are physically fit may find it hard to accept the fact that God honors those who lack in the physical. In certain parts of the world people of different ethnicities are the ones who lack honor. In certain parts of the world people with physical or mental handicaps are considered those who lack honor. We often teach our children that life is not fair. I now know that neither is God. God is not fair; and I’m glad he’s not. This is where GRACE comes into play. It is by God’s grace that I am saved and have eternal life. I most certainly didn’t deserve it. James 4:6 says that God gives grace to the humble. Those who are humble realize that they lack honor.
Saying Five “I Will Stand With You”
God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body. (1 Corinthians 12:24-25)
The emphasis of this saying is “no division” within the body of Christ. Division among believers is not of God. God hates division. God is one in his nature, we are called to be one with him, and therefore there is no room for division to exist among followers of Christ. If we allow or if we cling to division within the body of Christ, we align ourselves with the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan. If we align ourselves with God we must align ourselves with unity. In John 17 Jesus prayed that all believers be of oneness. God does not want his children to fight and quarrel. If such is happening, I will be a person of reconciliation. Of which race, social group or culture did Jesus not die for? God, in his infinite wisdom, extended grace to everyone who will accept it. Because we are one in Christ, we must therefore say that there is no division among us and that “I will stand with you.”
Saying Six “I Will Consider You”
“God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25)
This saying says that I will have equal concern for you. I will look at your circumstance, have the compassion of Jesus, and do whatever I can for you. It is being the “Good Samaritan” towards those who are downtrodden. A gracist who considers others does not live in their own world but rather looks for those who are struggling with the hope of showing equal concern for them. Equal concern is treating those who are hurt as if they were you own flesh and blood, your own family; because they are. Having equal concern is stepping out of my house and getting involved with those who are different than me. I will concern myself with your feelings and your dreams no matter what the circumstance or situation. Paul took Peter to task when Peter “removed” himself from the Gentiles when Jews arrived on the scene. By Peter doing this he even led Barnabas astray. In the body of Christ there are no “them” and “us.” I will consider you not only when it is convenient but always.
Saying Seven “I Will Celebrate With You”
“If one part suffers every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, overy part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
As Christians, we must rejoice with others over their successes. When another racial group, ethnic group or gender group succeeds in some area, instead of becoming jealous and resentful, I should celebrate. In all the diversity in which we are a part of, we must rejoice with the successes of others, especially when it is not natural for us to rejoice in this way. Celebrating each other’s successes and wins is critical to unity. Jealousy and covetousness brew the poison that brings dissension to the body.
Becoming a Gracist is as easy as you want it to be. Central to it all is allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within you and when the Holy Spirit convicts you of your need to extend God’s grace to those who are in need of grace, to do so. Gracism is the positive extension of favor on other human beings based on color, class or culture. Racism can be narrow in its definition. Grace is the opposite. Becoming a Gracist is becoming more like Christ.
David Anderson’s book, Gracism, the Art of Inclusion can be purchased online for only $15.30 at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
Multicultural Churches
David Anderson writes about multicultural leadership not from the perspective of an ivory tower intellectual, but as a hands-on practitioner who loves and believes in the body of Christ. . . . If you believe there is no solution to the race problem, I urge you to reconsider and to learn from someone who is on the frontlines of making multicultural ministry a reality in the church today. —Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
Multiculturalism isn’t a trend, it’s a reality. Evidence of this country’s rich racial mix is all around us in our schools, our stores, our neighborhoods, our recreational facilities—everywhere except our churches. Heaven may include every culture, tongue, and tribe, but in the United States, Sunday morning remains one of the last bastions of ethnic separatism. It’s time to stop merely talking about multicultural worship and start living it.
In this groundbreaking book, David Anderson invites us all—African-American, Asian, Caucasian, and Latino—to learn how to dance the dance of multicultural ministry. We’ve all got different moves, but that’s the beauty of diversity: the various gifts we bring, the wisdom of our heritages, the different creative ways we express the same Lord. Think it can’t be done? Think again. As Anderson demonstrates, it is being done successfully by more and more churches. Wherever your church is now on the multicultural continuum, you can join the ranks of those moving toward a diverse and thriving ministry. Combining frontline insights with inspiring stories, Anderson takes you and your church into the strategy-level realities of what it takes to make multicultural ministry work in your setting.
Do you hear the beat of the Spirit? God is calling your church to the dance of unity in diversity. Don’t hold back! Grab this book, get out on the dance floor, and let Multicultural Ministry show you the steps.
Multicultural Ministry can be obtained at Emmaus Road Christian Store for only $13.19 (while supplies last – 5 left)
Multicultural Ministry can be obtained at Emmaus Road Christian Store for only $13.19 (while supplies last – 5 left)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Is There Any Room for Racism? (Part 1 of 3)
I had this big guy come into my brick and mortar Christian bookstore ( Emmaus Road Christian Store )awhile back and asked me if I had the book “Gracism” written by “Anderson.” My first thought was he was looking for books written by Neil Anderson and my second thought was “I didn’t know Neil Anderson wrote a book on ‘Racism.’ My first response, of course, was “yes I do!” In saying that however, I discovered he wasn’t looking for books written by “Neil Anderson” but rather by “David Anderson.” I’m sure my face had a blank expression on it as I had to embarrassingly ask, “Who’s that?” He of course went on to tell me that he was “David Anderson.”
In my conversation with David I found that he is the pastor at Bridgeway Community Church and the host of a nationally syndicated radio show called Reconciliation Live. He and I had a great visit together and in the course of our visit I found out that he owns a vacation home in my area.
David Anderson’s book “Gracism, the Art of Inclusion” is now a part of my store’s library and I must say a very interesting read. In the introductory section of his book, Anderson states, “Gracism, unlike racism, doesn’t focus on race for negative purposes such as discrimination. Gracism focuses on race for the purpose of positive ministry and service.” I like that! Gracism is for the positive and not the negative. It is for ministry and service and not for discrimination.
When you look at someone, anyone, what do you see? What kind of glasses do you have on? We so often look at people and stereotype people by the way they look. We have preconceived ideas when we see someone of a “different” race than what we are? How about those of a different sex, religion, size? Racism is a sin. Most of the time people think that racism is a black/white situation. Racism is far from that. Yes whites are racist towards blacks, blacks towards whites, whites towards Asians, Asians towards Mexicans, yet get the picture. Over the course of time we have made many advances towards bridging the gap but we obviously have a ling way to go. Anderson talks about the “dot” that everyone has. Some are visible and others aren’t, but we still have them. David Anderson believes the answer to racism in the world today is “Gracism.”
Anderson defines racism as speaking, acting or thinking negatively about someone else solely based on that person’s color, class or culture. He states that grace is the unmerited favor of God on humankind. As Christians we are to extend to others favor and kindness. Anderson says that when one merges the definition of racism, which is negative, with the definition of grace, which is positive, a new term emerges – gracism (I think David Anderson should trademark the term). Anderson defines gracism as the positive extension of favor on other humans based on color, class or culture. We are to extend favor onto others and not have favorites. This is backed up by scripture such as James 2:8-9. Does not God show favor on those he chooses to show favor to?
We are living in a rapidly changing world. There are population projections showing a shift in the numbers of minorities rising and the current majority decreasing. The point being is that we live in a multicultural society. David Anderson gives a great insight in this. This insight is reflected in view of 1 Corinthians 12. When people read this passage of scripture, they read it in light of spiritual gifts. David Anderson makes some strong points that yes, spiritual gifts are prevalent in this passage, but so is multiculturalism. Paul preached to the Jew, the Gentile, the free, the slave, the rich and the poor. Take the time to open your Bible and read this passage with the idea of multiculturalism in mind.
How is your church doing in view of multiculturalism? Are your antennas up and are you aware of the diversities that exist within your fold?
David Anderson’s book: Gracism, the Art of Inclusion can be purchased online for only $15.30 at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
In my conversation with David I found that he is the pastor at Bridgeway Community Church and the host of a nationally syndicated radio show called Reconciliation Live. He and I had a great visit together and in the course of our visit I found out that he owns a vacation home in my area.
David Anderson’s book “Gracism, the Art of Inclusion” is now a part of my store’s library and I must say a very interesting read. In the introductory section of his book, Anderson states, “Gracism, unlike racism, doesn’t focus on race for negative purposes such as discrimination. Gracism focuses on race for the purpose of positive ministry and service.” I like that! Gracism is for the positive and not the negative. It is for ministry and service and not for discrimination.
When you look at someone, anyone, what do you see? What kind of glasses do you have on? We so often look at people and stereotype people by the way they look. We have preconceived ideas when we see someone of a “different” race than what we are? How about those of a different sex, religion, size? Racism is a sin. Most of the time people think that racism is a black/white situation. Racism is far from that. Yes whites are racist towards blacks, blacks towards whites, whites towards Asians, Asians towards Mexicans, yet get the picture. Over the course of time we have made many advances towards bridging the gap but we obviously have a ling way to go. Anderson talks about the “dot” that everyone has. Some are visible and others aren’t, but we still have them. David Anderson believes the answer to racism in the world today is “Gracism.”
Anderson defines racism as speaking, acting or thinking negatively about someone else solely based on that person’s color, class or culture. He states that grace is the unmerited favor of God on humankind. As Christians we are to extend to others favor and kindness. Anderson says that when one merges the definition of racism, which is negative, with the definition of grace, which is positive, a new term emerges – gracism (I think David Anderson should trademark the term). Anderson defines gracism as the positive extension of favor on other humans based on color, class or culture. We are to extend favor onto others and not have favorites. This is backed up by scripture such as James 2:8-9. Does not God show favor on those he chooses to show favor to?
We are living in a rapidly changing world. There are population projections showing a shift in the numbers of minorities rising and the current majority decreasing. The point being is that we live in a multicultural society. David Anderson gives a great insight in this. This insight is reflected in view of 1 Corinthians 12. When people read this passage of scripture, they read it in light of spiritual gifts. David Anderson makes some strong points that yes, spiritual gifts are prevalent in this passage, but so is multiculturalism. Paul preached to the Jew, the Gentile, the free, the slave, the rich and the poor. Take the time to open your Bible and read this passage with the idea of multiculturalism in mind.
How is your church doing in view of multiculturalism? Are your antennas up and are you aware of the diversities that exist within your fold?
David Anderson’s book: Gracism, the Art of Inclusion can be purchased online for only $15.30 at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
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