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
Tag: systemic racism
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
Critical Race Theory and the Law’s Inability to Change Hearts
by John Ellis Why the Law? In his letter “to the churches of Galatia” (Gal, 1:2), the Apostle Paul offers pastoral-and divinely inspired-counsel to “recovering Pharisees.”[1] Theologian and pastor Philip Ryken goes on to explain, “Most former Pharisees have a problem, however. It’s hard for them to leave their legalism behind. … This means that … Continue reading Critical Race Theory and the Law’s Inability to Change Hearts
Demanding Obeisance to White Culture Is Racism: Code Switching, AAVE, and Double Consciousness
by John Ellis Growing up in the Deep South, I was surrounded by racism, including in my own heart, words, and actions. I was taught that Black people were “those people,” different and damaging to the fabric of our way of life if allowed free rein to be Black. It wasn’t stated in those words, … Continue reading Demanding Obeisance to White Culture Is Racism: Code Switching, AAVE, and Double Consciousness
The Idol of Unity Is Undermining the Evangelical Witness
by John Ellis I speak from experience. As a pastor, I elevated unity above honesty, courage, and integrity. Because therein lies the path of least resistance. For a brief time, I was a pastor in a reformed-ish Southern Baptist affiliated church. And I’ve observed in other pastors what I’m about to write. What’s more, pastor … Continue reading The Idol of Unity Is Undermining the Evangelical Witness
Systemic Racism Is a Millstone Around Our Collective Necks
by John Ellis Many white evangelicals in America approach systemic racism with the perspective of innocent until proven guilty. For them, 21st century America cannot be condemned a priori without evidence that systemic racism is codified in the here and now. For the record, I believe that that evidence exists; many others have written eloquent … Continue reading Systemic Racism Is a Millstone Around Our Collective Necks
As In Heaven: A New Podcast on Christian Conversations on Race and Justice
by John Ellis Not only are race and justice topics that are intertwined, they're topics that are on the forefront of many conversations happening online, in person, and in our local churches. Questions about racism, social justice, Black Lives Matter, and how Christians are to respond to these discussions and, more importantly, how we can … Continue reading As In Heaven: A New Podcast on Christian Conversations on Race and Justice
Systemic Racism Is Exhausting, But Not for Me
by John Ellis With the very first sentence of her powerful book I’m Still Here: Black Dignity In A World Made For Whiteness Austin Channing Brown confesses, “White people can be exhausting.” No doubt, the responses from many white people to that short sentence only serve to underscore Brown’s admission. I must admit, I’m not … Continue reading Systemic Racism Is Exhausting, But Not for Me
Practically Known Theology 