Most Christians in the U.S. , cannot seem to transcend race. Yes, they love to talk about Jesus, and, all the wonderful things that he has done for them, and, that is great. However, one thing that I have noticed, in my studies, of race relations, for more than 26 years, and that is, different racial groups in America, who claim to be Christians, have a tendency to focus on their racial background first, and, being a Christian second. For example, Hispanic Christians, will look out for the interest of Hispanics, and it does not matter, whether the fellow Hispanic is a Christian or not. In other words, Hispanics who happen to be Christians, will stick with Hispanics, who are not Christians, before they will stick with a black, white, or Asian Christian, and, I have seen this same phenomenon, among other racial groups as well, but, not the African American. When many blacks become born again, they try to play down the issue of race, and when they come in contact with other racial groups, they spend so much time trying to please them, and, what I often wonder is, are these blacks engaging in such behavior because they are truly trying to be Christ like, or is it an inferiority complex?  If it is the former, then that is fine, but, if it is the latter, then it is a problem. I have also observed the same behavior, among several African Americans, who claim not to be Christians. For example, if blacks, happen to be  in positions of authority, they have a tendency to go out their way, to help every other racial group, but, their own, because they are so afraid, that if they try to help another African American, other non-blacks on the job, will accuse them of playing favoritism. But yet, other racial groups look out for one another, all the time, and, it doesn’t matter whether members of their group, are Christians, or not.  The objective of every Christian, should be to grow to a spiritual level which can transcend racial prejudices, which exist within our society. However, this is very difficult for many, because prejudice and racism, are addictions like everything else. An addiction,( according to many medical researchers), is the dependence on a behavior or substance, in which an individual, does repetitiously, and, is unable to stop, unless he or she gets some type of counseling or there is divine intervention. The excessive gambler, knows that what he or she is doing, is not right, but, it is very difficult, for him or her to quit, or break the habit, and, the same example can also apply to other addictions, (such as alcoholics, sex addicts, drug addicts, shopping addicts, video games addicts, food addicts, inter-net addicts, and, the like) as well. Now quite naturally, some of the addictions mentioned above, might sound ludicrous, but, if one were to observe the above definition given, when, defining the concept, ”Addiction”, then he or she would notice that the addictions, mentioned above, do make sense. Racism and prejudice, are addictions, which are in grained, deep in one’s psychic, and, they can definitely, be a hindrance, to spiritual development. Many Christians know, that it is biblically wrong, to practice racial discrimination, but, they cannot help it, because it is an addiction. Not only this, but, the Christian must recognize, his or her prejudice and racist attitude. Just as the alcoholic, must admit that he or she is an alcoholic, the Christian must admit, his or her, prejudice and racist attitude. Below are a few biblical scriptures, concerning the issue of prejudice and race:

 (a) Numbers, 12:1-16

 (b) ST. Luke, 10:25-37

 (c) Galatians, 2:11-21.

Racism and prejudice, has no room in the kingdom of God, and, all born again Christians,( including myself) must understand this. Both racism and prejudice, are much harder addictions, for the average individual to grasp, because they are highly embedded in our political culture, through the agents of political socialization, such as the family, the schools and education, the church, and the mass media. No individual, can be totally free, from, these two major elements, because of the imperfection and sin nature of human beings. However, much of our racist and prejudice attitudes, can be eradicated by the power of Jesus Christ. No, multicultural programs, cannot not do it. Multicultural programs, only allows one to develop the theory of “ Tolerance”, meaning, having the ability, to accept different  racial groups and their beliefs, while being in their presence, but, once the individual is no longer, in the presence of that particular person or racial group, he or she will go back home, with the same old prejudice and racist attitude. Multicultural programs, do not work, but Jesus Christ does.

The Bowtie Professor Speaks!

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