Right Racism

As we all know, racism is a problem. The belief that a particular race is inherently superior to other races (the standard definition of the term) causes no end of problems, and that's if you define it that way. Our later definition is now "white people." Which causes more problems. But let's stick, for a moment, with the original notion. Are some races superior to others? If we say the human race is superior to other nonhumans races, I think that's a pretty safe bet. But, of course, no one is willing to go with that. And, if we're fair, all subraces among the human race are of equal value simply on the basis of being human. In that sense, then, the answer is that racism by that definition is foolishness. Or is it?

I think there is one version that is not. I think there is one version in which a particular race among humans is demonstrably superior. Peter, writing to believers, wrote, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Peter declares believers a "chosen race" and goes on to illucidate the superiorities of that "race." They are uniquely a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, declaring God's excellencies.

There is, of course, one other key component in this particular version of race that makes it different. In this and only this version of race anyone can join. In fact, the urgent command of the Lord of this race is "Go and make disciples." The plea for people to join is broadcast wide. And none of us get to claim personal superiority for having become part of this race because none of us did anything to obtain it. It is a gift (Eph 2:8-9). So while the general error of the human race to subdivide and then declare superiority of one subdivision over another is an ongoing problem, this version of race is, quite literally, a Godsend.