Local churches studying what the Bible says about racism




SCRIPTURE— Several local churches are having conversations about racism in America and what the Bible has to say about race.

SCRIPTURE— Several local churches are having conversations about racism in America and what the Bible has to say about race.

Christians believe all humankind is created in God’s image, but what does that mean as America grapples with its latest round of racial reckoning?

A weekly Scripture study at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks has been exploring what the Bible says about race and how destructive interpretations of the Bible have contributed to racial injustice. But it also explores the Bible’s “anti-racist” message as seen through the lens of Jesus’ character and the diversity of the early Christian church.

The Rev. Erik Goehner said Scripture can play a crucial role in the conversation about race by reminding us that we are all made in the image of God no matter what race we are.

“One of the most famous verses in Scripture is John 3:16, which states that God so loved the world . . . not just parts of the world, but the whole world,” he said.

The Christian church has come under fire recently for its role in harboring white supremacy within the flock of the faithful, but it is also part of the rich legacy of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, the late congressman from Georgia.

The online Bible study, which was based on the book “The Bible and Racism” and is available on Holy Trinity’s website, explored uncomfortable truths in church history, like its role in supporting slavery and segregation. Goehner said Scripture teaches the importance of naming sin, or “that which causes hurt and brokenness between us and God and us and others.”

“That is a key part of the Jesus story and can be a key tool in dismantling the hurt and hatred that has come from racism,” he said. “By naming the brokenness of racism in our history as a nation and as institutions like the church we take the first steps toward healing, where we can begin to extend to each other the grace first given us by God.”

In one Bible study, Goehner reminded viewers that while humans have a tendency to create God or Christ in our own likeness, “God is more than human and God transcends race or skin color.”

Other local churches are having conversations on race.

In August, Monte Vista Presbyterian Church in Newbury Park held a two-night forum on race in conjunction with the Way Station in Camarillo, “Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community? An Open Conversation on Race.”

Monte Vista Pastor Tom Stephen said he often relies on an MLK quote when considering how and why the church needs to speak openly and publicly about racial injustice and the rising tide of racial tension in America.

“The absence of brutality and unregenerate evil is not the presence of justice. To stay murder is not the same thing as to ordain brotherhood.”

“God calls his people to justice and community in which we address the inequities that exist—which involves moving towards a greater understanding of how we effectively love and care for each other,” Stephen said. “That begins with dialogue which moves toward action.”

On Sept. 8, Godspeak Calvary Chapel held a livestream conversation on race between former Tuscon police officer Brandon Tatum and Bishop Broderick Huggins of Oxnard, whose son was killed in a police shooting. The video is available on Godspeak’s YouTube channel.

On Sept. 19, the Chalice in Newbury Park is hosting a “coffee and conversation” on being Black in America via Zoom. The Unitarian Universalist congregation has a bimonthly “Mindful of Race” book group that meets the first and third Saturdays of the month. For more information, chaliceuu.org.