by John Ellis It should go without saying that defining terms is essential when engaged in argument/discussion. Sadly, though, it apparently needs to be said, both frequently and loudly. Too many are far too quick to bludgeon those with whom they disagree with definitions of terms that those being bludgeoned don’t agree with nor recognize. … Continue reading CRT Does Not (Most Likely) Define Racism the Same Way You Do
Tag: systemic racism
Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America
by John Ellis Michael Emerson and Christian Smith’s book Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America is one of the seminal books in the conversation about race and evangelicalism in this country. Published in 2000, some would argue that the two sociologists’ book is the genesis for the current iteration … Continue reading Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America
Claiming that Africa Shares Responsibility for the Transatlantic Slave Trade Is Historically Deceptive (Not to Mention Racist)
by John Ellis I met Patrick Buchanan in 1996. He was in Greenville, SC, wooing voters for his bid to become the Republican nominee for the presidential election later that year.[1] A friend and fellow student at Bob Jones University had scored an invitation to a private reception for the paleoconservative stalwart. I tagged along. … Continue reading Claiming that Africa Shares Responsibility for the Transatlantic Slave Trade Is Historically Deceptive (Not to Mention Racist)
Florida: “There’s No Such Thing as Structural Racism!” Also Florida: Codifies Structural Racism
by John Ellis One of the sleights-of-hand utilized by the anti-CRT crowd involves crowing that racism is no longer codified in America. They point to the Civil Rights Acts and SCOTUS decisions of the mid-twentieth century (even while attempting to reverse those Acts and decisions) and huff, “See, racism is now illegal in this country. … Continue reading Florida: “There’s No Such Thing as Structural Racism!” Also Florida: Codifies Structural Racism
A Grad Student Recently Uncovered the Largest Slave Auction in the US Known to Date
by John Ellis I'm not going to attempt to add any thoughts to the article linked below. Please read it. Here's an important quote from the article's conclusion: "But for the 600 people sold and their descendants? Only a stark reminder of how America’s entrenched racial wealth gap was born, Davila said, with repercussions still … Continue reading A Grad Student Recently Uncovered the Largest Slave Auction in the US Known to Date
Critical Race Theory and Christianity Are Not at Odds
by John Ellis As I’ve continued to study Critical Race Theory (CRT), my appreciation and respect for the complex system of theories has deepened. As a Christian who believes in the Fall and the subsequent Curse, I understand that relationships between humans are now a gross perversion of God’s original design. Sin is malignant, and … Continue reading Critical Race Theory and Christianity Are Not at Odds
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ – Thanksgiving Day as Lament
by John Ellis Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens and closes beautifully. As tributes to Chadwick Boseman, the highly anticipated sequel to Marvel’s 2018 smash hit plays all the right notes with its beginning and ending scenes, creating moving bookends for an excellent movie. Even the Marvel title card is a touching sendup of the talented … Continue reading ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ – Thanksgiving Day as Lament
Recommended Juneteenth Reading: ‘A Question of Freedom’ by R. Dwayne Betts
by John Ellis I’ve recently finished reading A Question of Freedom: A Memoir of Learning, Survival, and Coming of Age in Prison, a thought provoking and engaging book. It’s power and truth are of such importance that I believe white people should read it, even (especially) if it makes them uncomfortable. There are many reasons … Continue reading Recommended Juneteenth Reading: ‘A Question of Freedom’ by R. Dwayne Betts
The Whitney Plantation: Learning Hard, Yet Important, Truths About America
by John Ellis As much as I love New Orleans – the food, music, culture, interesting people, legally drinking a hurricane while walking around town – for me, the highlight of my family’s current spring break vacation in the Big Easy happens today. In a few short hours, my wife, kids, and I will tour … Continue reading The Whitney Plantation: Learning Hard, Yet Important, Truths About America
Understanding Systemic Racism and CRT: A Christmas Wish List
by John Ellis With Christmas around the corner, many of us are busy updating our Amazon wish list or simply compiling a “Dear Santa” list the old-fashioned way. To the best of my knowledge, most of my friends stock their lists with books. To help determine some edifying books to include on your list, below … Continue reading Understanding Systemic Racism and CRT: A Christmas Wish List
Practically Known Theology 