New Commandment Men’s Ministries BlogAn Open Letter to My Black Christian Brother, Pastor Miles McPherson
After hearing Pastor Miles McPherson address racial reconciliation, this open letter argues that dialogue must acknowledge racism and racial pain across communities. Drawing from painful experiences growing up in predominantly Black inner-city Los Angeles, the writer calls Christians to include themselves in the problem, practice forgiveness, and move beyond victimhood.
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6 thoughts on “An Open Letter to My Black Christian Brother, Pastor Miles McPherson”
Herb, I would recommend you read Miles’ book on racial reconciliation. You might have a lot to learn from his message of gracing one anither.
Thanks, Steven. I appreciate the suggestion.
Deeply respect your experiences and also strongly disagree with you. If we define racism as a systemic, historical, and imbalance of POWER in our country, then its impossible to say that reverse racism exists because the minority culture (people of color) has never held the dominant power in our society (white culture). If we are defining racism as hateful acts toward people with a different skin color, then yes, you have experienced racism. But our definition of racism needs to be bigger if we seek to listen to and learn from any minority cultures generational and systemic experiences of racism. Those experiences you had were awful, yet they are different from the daily microagressions, achievement gap, and generational poverty that people of color face. Perhaps you could use your experience living as a minority in an all black neighborhood to relate to people of color living in a white-dominant culture? My perspective has changed on this over time based on reading books and talking to other people. One helpful book from a Christian womans perspective is Im Still Here by Austin Channing Brown. From a white persons perspective, I highly recommend the book White Fragility. Love you and appreciate your thoughts and experiences, just wanted to stir the pot with a different perspective.
Hi, Marietta. Thanks for your thoughtful and insightful comment. Of course, no experience of any group of whites will ever compare with what blacks have gone through in American history. But on an individual level, which is what I was talking about, it is possible for blacks to to treat whites poorly, just as whites can treat blacks poorly. Both races need to be aware of this and deal with it. Also, your perspective might be a little different if you yourself had grown up in a black neighborhood.
Yes, perspectives definitely change if were talking about racism in society vs. racism on an individual level (which might be better defined as discrimination). I think its important to enter these conversations aware of the lens were using. Agree that McPhersan couldve widened his lens by using broader terms like white culture or dominant culture rather than YOU because if we dont have terms and agreed upon definitions to talk about race, its hard to find any common ground and reach the reconciliation were striving for. I really appreciate this dialogue so I can understand your opinion. Overall my opinion is the same- maybe its my personality, but as a white person Id rather take a listening ear than a defensive tone if a person of color is addressing me about issues of race. Again, appreciate the spicy convo
Well said! We must move forward and away from racism. Let’s focus on God’s
commandments, His promises and our purpose as Christians. God bless you for sharing this personal letter. I pray blessings on your ministry.