What is the critical race theory?

Answer

Critical race theory is a contemporary approach to social change, stemming from the broader critical theory, which originated from Marxism. Critical race theory (CRT) addresses issues like justice, racism, and inequality, aiming to reform or reshape society. In practice, this is primarily applied in the United States. Critical race theory is based on several key assumptions. Some of these include:

• The American government, law, culture, and society are inherently and unavoidably racist.

• Everyone, even those without racist beliefs, perpetuates racism by upholding those structures.

• The personal perspective of the oppressed—their “narrative”—holds more weight than the actions or intentions of others.

• Oppressed groups will not overcome disadvantages until the racist structures are replaced.

• Oppressor race or class groups do not change out of altruism; they only change for self-benefit.

• The application of laws and fundamental rights should vary based on the race or class group of the individual(s) involved.

In essence, critical race theory assumes that every aspect of American society is deeply racist, and minority groups will not achieve equality until American society undergoes complete reform. This stance is highly contentious, even within secular circles. Critical race theory is often presented as a response to white supremacy or white nationalism. However, in practice, it essentially only reverses the roles of the oppressed and oppressor groups.

From a political perspective, critical race theory closely relates to concepts such as communism, Marxism, nationalism, progressivism, intersectionality, and the contemporary form of social justice. Strictly speaking, the Bible neither mandates nor prohibits Christians from aligning with specific political parties or philosophies. However, believers should consider their actions and beliefs carefully in light of biblical principles.

Readers are required to reject any aspect of a philosophy that contradicts biblical ideals. Critical race theory is deeply ingrained in worldviews that are completely incompatible with the Bible.

Spiritually, some individuals have tried to apply principles of critical race theory to Christianity. This includes suggestions that the Christian church must embrace the critical race theory approach to society, or else it is not truly proclaiming the gospel. When applying critical race theory to faith, some have gone as far as suggesting that “whiteness,” defined uniquely, is a form of sin and cannot coexist with salvation. In essence, critical race theory suggests that individuals in specific ethnic or socioeconomic groups must “repent” of such status, beyond other sins, to be genuinely Christian. Less provocative uses of critical race theory echo past assertions that biblical faith is often depicted as a “white man’s religion,” or that Christianity should adopt a progressive theology, particularly concerning gender and sexuality.

While not necessarily endorsing critical race theory, certain Christian groups have embraced a contemporary approach to social justice. This raises concerns that non-biblical preferences may overshadow legitimate commands from Scripture. Although critical race theory is not synonymous with social justice, the two ideologies are closely intertwined in modern American culture. Christian organizations discussing social justice should be mindful of the terms and assumptions involved in those conversations.

Regarding its application to faith, Christianity, or spirituality, critical race theory holds no truth whatsoever. This does not imply that individuals who identify as Christians have never engaged in racism. Nor does it suggest that every Christian in America is blameless for disregarding the suffering of others. It certainly does not mean that believers in the United States have no reason to introspect or pursue change.

However, critical race theory blatantly contradicts a biblical worldview by sSuggesting that individuals are primarily identified by their race or class, rather than by their individual actions and attitudes (Jeremiah 31:31-34;Revelation 20:11-13). Critical race theory inaccurately prioritizes intersectional categories like gender, race, sexual orientation, and economic status over a person’s own decisions and accountabilities «There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. », (Galatians 3:28). Critical race theory also contradicts a biblical approach to objective, absolute truth. This includes implying that the emotions of an “oppressed” individual hold more significance than the actions or intentions of the “oppressor” (1 Corinthians 4:4;1 Corinthians 10:29).

When applied to spiritual matters, critical race theory essentially substitutes an individual, intimate connection with God with a tribalistic, ethnocentric, collectivistic structure. It also excessively stresses material and social ideas to the detriment—or even the exclusion—of the genuine gospel. Prejudices within the church should be addressed based on sound doctrine, not through an inherently unscriptural approach like critical race theory.