I'm reading a lot of books right on "race" and self perception in early childhood. Not only am I intensely interested in it due to our adoption, but I'm also writing a paper for grad. school on it. It's fascinating and has provided so many good insights. I'm reading this book called "Shattering the Myth of Race"
by Dave Unander. I wanted to share some of his thoughts: There are no individuals or people groups ANYWHERE whose existence and culture lack value, because EVERY human being is a bearer of the image of God. The hand of God molded the system of genetic diversity (Psalm 139:13-16), including those characteristics we have falsely distinguished as racial traits. Anyone who disparages the architecture disparages the Architect.There are so many different ways to do culture. Doing culture differently is not wrong or sinful, unless it violates the Bible. God created mankind to be culture creators: to cultivate, create, and be stewards of creation. There are SO MANY amazing ways to do this. Just because it looks different, and just because it is different, doesn't mean it is inferior. Dave Unander also talks about the Bible on race:
Although a complete study of this question would require a book in and of itself, allow me to highlight several points about what the Bible says on the topic of race. First, the Bible carries a message in what is not said: There is a striking lack of physical description being almost totally absent in the New Testament. This "omission" is consistent with God's word to Samuel not to look at outward appearance, but at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). In the New Testament Jesus stressed to the Jews that God's covenant is not based on ethnic heritage. The Jewish followers of Jesus began to welcome Samaritans (Acts 8:4-6), Ethiopians (Acts 8:26-29), Italians (Acts 10:1, 47), Greeks (Acts 11:20), and eventually anyone who came to Christ as Lord (Acts 15). Scriptures final word on national and ethnic identity occurs in Revelation, which describes the vision John saw before the throne of God of "a great multitude that no one could count" (Revelation 7:9).
2 comments:
My friend Marcia (Yamarino) Slagel passed on your blog to me. We plan to adopt through the foster care system sometime in the future. I would love any book recommendations on race. Thanks for sharing your story.
You should read, "why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria?" by beverly tatum. It's a great starting point if you are researching white privilege and institutional racism in america.
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