What would happen if we stopped taking about “racism”–trading insults back and forth–and took up matters of the just and loving treatment of human beings, according to their different backgrounds, ethnicity, and abilities? Is there a perspective that unfairly assesses and treats people? Of course. Can social systems partake of this, consciously or even unconsciously, Yes.

But instead of hurling invective, how about thinking hard about our common life as citizens, whether we are poor, rich, politics, community organizers, teachers, politicians, “red and yellow, black and white (and brown)”? Instead of throwing stones and toppling statues (some need to be peaceably removed), pick up some books and build your knowledge unto justice and compassion. And if you don’t know what to think, don’t open your mouth. Ponder, then speak when ready, Then act when the time is right.

Here are some things I am doing.

1. Talking to African American friends about what they think of what is going on and asking them if they have been discriminated against because of their race. I should also talk to Latinos and Latinas, etc.
2. Reading on the subject, such as Howard Thurman, Jesus and the Dispossessed and “Deep River: The Negro Spiritual Speaks to Life and Death. (I am quoting the later in the 2nd. edition of Christian Apologetics).
3. Changing my syllabus for Apologetics and Ethics to include a book called Urban Apologetics, written by a black evangelical named Christopher Brooks.
4. Praying for justice, peace, and love to prevail.