Mail & Guardian race issue – and us?
I just read through the Mail & Guardian’s special
edition on race.
I found the articles interesting. Also disturbing.
What disturbed me was the lack of imaginative possibilities and
specifically the total ignorance of the
role religion can play in bringing possibilities into the race debate in
South Africa. I can’t speak for
the other religions, but as a Christian I think we as followers of Jesus have
an immense role to play in terms of the race debate in South Africa.
Firstly, we should have a posture of humility brought on by
confession. We need to confess
that a major part of the racial mess we’re in is not in spite of our Christianity but because of our Christianity.
Secondly, this should lead us into a time of learning from our past – of rehashing the stories of how we
got ourselves into this situation.
Also, learning from those who got us out of the mess. We live in a time where we simply
cannot afford to drive on Beyers Naude without living with the same convictions
he and others did – we need to learn from the Luthuli’s, the Tutu’s and the
other leaders who inspired us.
Thirdly, we have an opportunity to add to the race debate by
living lives of alternative rhythms.
Of creating wild spaces where race matters, yet where Jesus matters
more. We can create inclusive
communities across racial spaces.
Then we will have stories that we can point to. People with actual names and situations
that have changed. It is this kind
of thing I missed in the Race issue of the Mail & Guardian – it wasn’t
their fault. It is ours.
About the Author
Tom loves life and enjoys exploring as much of it as he can. He is sharing life with Lollie, Tayla and Liam as well as friends and family. He is passionate about the kingdom and how it takes expression in South Africa.
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Last week, I wrote "Beyers Naude" on my piece of paper when asked to write a famous person's name down during an ice-breaker session. The facilitator collected & randomly handed it back – we each had to stick the paper we got on our head without looking and ask others to give us clues until we could guess the name.
The young girl who got mine surprised me when she gave up and was told whose name she had: "But Beyers Naude is a road, not a person!"
We certainly do need some rehashing!
I LOVE that: "Wild space, where race matters, yet where Jesus matters more." You nailed it, Tom.
This is a critical conversation.I listened to 'kommentaar' on Sunday nite at RSG and the various profs agreed: the 'race issue' debate is now more raw and critical as ever.
I agree, 'wild space' also sort of stand out for me.. unpack it a bit (?)
Reggie,
I unpacked wild spaces here: http://www.soulgardeners.com/2009/08/jesus-followers-have-always-been-called-to-be-in-this-world–but-not-of-this-world-we-have–been-challenged-to-not-c.html
"it wasnt their fault… it is ours" i consider your last sentence an important confession to enter this conversation. it is sad that our churches are still reflecting the very problem, and that addressing the problem of racism is absent from too many conversations in local congregations
Iom I agree that the those who follow Jesus should have an immense role to play. We do not have a immense role though because we have failed to engage. So it doesn't surprise me that there was no mention in the Race issue of M&G. I have heard many comments where folks feel like people are much more advanced in there thinking about the issue of race in the world place. The problem with that is that is leaves out the economic disparity that runs along the race lines. Thanks for you thinking in this area.
Some excellent thoughts Tom. I like that you point out that race is important and Jesus even more so. The life of Jesus becomes the lens through which we look at race. I'm reminded of a recent online conversation where we bemoaned the gnostic character of phrases like "religion and politics don't mix". Has this kept the church silent? Why are the church in South-Africa so absent?