Correction: I have something to correct about my Catch yesterday, though this does not change the central point; I just shot from the hip and overstated something, and that would be this statement: “I honestly don’t think Jesus cares what we think about critical race theory.”
Of course Jesus cares what we think about critical race theory; I was talking here about comparative importance. My point was simply that it should be more important to me what other people think about something like this than what I think. I was taking issue with the many Christian worldview approaches I have come across that don’t seem to go much beyond what we as Christians should think about such-and-such. If it’s only important to know what I think, then I will inevitably be building walls in society. However much I have researched it or however sure I am of my point of view, I am only capable of talking about what I think, and in that case, I will have to be right. I have a biblical worldview on the subject, end of discussion. I do not call that the correct use of a biblical worldview.
There are simply too many people on all sides of the political spectrum insisting on being 100% right, 100% of the time, and everything comes down to a shouting match. And the walls go up.
If you want to build bridges, then you must study what other people think about these issues, too, so that you can engage in a meaningful conversation. Because the relationship is more important than being right. To build bridges, you must not be beyond learning from anyone, even your perceived enemies.
What you or I think about critical race theory or Black Lives Matter pales in importance when it comes to introducing someone to the Gospel of Welcome — grace turned outward. And if I am willing to listen respectfully to what someone else thinks about critical race theory or Black Lives Matter without having to insist on sharing what I think, I just might be able to make that introduction. The right kind of worldview should prepare me to do that.
Insisting on being right rarely, if ever, leads to relationship – God didn’t insist on us being right prior to sending Jesus. But relationship can often move in the direction of becoming “right,” whether that be in theology, coming to know Jesus or any other field. God first brought us into relationship with Himself through the Messiah…then He patiently spends a lifetime moving us in the direction of “right.”
No matter what each of us may think about this and that and its interesting just how many points of view out there. I hope when all said and done what matters most to each of us is one day being in that wonderful place because of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.