Let’s be honest: this isn't a complicated question. In America, many Christians wonder what they might lose by confronting racism, but the truth is that deep down, many already know the answer. They’re afraid of losing their comfort, control, or approval. And it’s often easier to cling to comfort than to stand by our convictions. For centuries, churches have preached love on Sundays, yet on Mondays, they avoid tough truths. Words like spirituality, unity, and peace often sound encouraging, but too often, they serve as shields that hide silence. And while silence dressed in polite religion may seem harmless, it still echoes loudly to those who are hurting. And some Christians hide behind facades while their true intentions are the very opposite of what they teach.
Some Christians hesitate to speak out against racism because they worry about losing friends, donors, or church members. They might fear that honest conversations could make things tense, challenge long-standing traditions, or reveal uncomfortable truths about America or the church that disrupt the familiar, heroic narratives. But remember, honesty isn't always easy. The truth doesn't wait for permission to shake things up. The Good Samaritan Parable (Luke 10:25-37): Jesus countered prejudice and social injustice by making a despised Samaritan the hero of the story, teaching that "neighbor" includes those marginalized or despised by society.
History honestly shows us that when believers took a stand against slavery, segregation, and injustice, they were often labeled as divisive, troublemakers, or even un-Christian. Interestingly, many of the voices we now honor were once turned away by the same churches that later quote them. This pattern seems familiar: first, there’s resistance; then discomfort; and finally, praise. Often, long after someone else has paid the price.
The real challenge isn't really about society out there, but more about looking in the mirror. Christians say they follow a Savior who once overturned tables, challenged hypocrisy, and shared tough truths with religious folks who valued order more than justice. The real question isn't whether racism exists. It's whether believers are willing to risk their reputation and speak out against it, even when it’s easier to turn a blind eye.
What exactly is being protected? Often, it's nostalgia. The longing to hold onto the past without facing those who may have suffered in it. Sometimes, it's fear. Fear that acknowledging injustice might mean taking personal responsibility. Persecution and rejection are painful, especially when it comes from your family. 1 Peter 4:16-17 says, “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
Sometimes it's just exhaustion, and you hope someone else will step up and show moral courage. But let’s remember, the gospel calls us to more than just convenience. Loving your neighbor isn’t conditional on avoiding awkwardness. Jesus shared the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 to remind us of this. Back then, Jews saw Samaritans as outsiders, foreign, idolatrous, and half-breeds. Yet in the story, it is the Samaritan who stops to help the injured traveler and pays for their care, while a priest and a Levite simply walk past. These were respected men of the cloth. Jesus even challenged the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them “You brood of vipers,” pointing out that words reveal what’s truly in our hearts. They were hypocrites.
Here's the truth: Christians might face some losses when confronting racism. But often, what they lose is what’s been holding them back. They might let go of a superficial peace that only exists because real pain is brushed aside. They could lose the approval of those who favor quiet compliance over standing up for what’s right. And they might shed the illusion that faith can stay neutral while injustice continues to grow.
The stakes are high for Christians who choose to stay silent. Not speaking out can undermine their moral credibility and risk turning faith into just performance rather than true transformation. It can also send confusing messages when reconciliation is preached, but avoidance is practiced. Most importantly, it might unintentionally lead the next generation to see Christianity as only talking about heaven, while remaining silent on the real human suffering happening around us. A church that avoids facing racism isn't neutral. It's taking a side, choosing comfort over courage. The real question is: do Christians believe the Gospel is worth the cost of speaking out against injustices? Would Christians rather conform to the world instead of God’s teachings?
Faith that doesn't question injustice risks becoming nothing more than decoration, something to display rather than truly live by. When the church fears conflict more than valuing truth, it may fill its halls but struggle to touch hearts. Sadly, many Christian churches still perpetuate racist divisions in America, often in direct ways. For example, TBN aired the "All-American Halftime Show,' a conservative counter-event hosted by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), as an alternative to the main NFL broadcast led by Bad Bunny. Interestingly, this was designed as an alternative to the main Bad Bunny-led NFL show, focusing on faith, family, and freedom. This sounds more divisive than fear. This is one way of representing America, even if it doesn’t represent all Americans. Christians face a choice: do they fear the temporary discomfort of conflict, or do they risk losing the integrity of their witness? Sometimes, temporary pain now can prevent eternal damnation.
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