There is a human tendency to want to view general criticism as it applies to other people. As a pastor I could always count on hearty “Amens!!!” when preaching about God’s judgment against those people. But it was usually pretty silent, if not hostile, when the focus was turned to how scripture applied to us.
In the opening chapters of the book of 1 Samuel we are told the story of a priest by the name of Eli. Eli had two sons who were also priests set to follow in their father’s steps. Eli dutifully carried out his office but we are told that his sons abused the office and used it in self-serving ways. We are told that God rejected Eli and his family and ended up appointing someone else to follow Eli. I remember being confused by this for some time. Eli was not doing wrong. His sons were. Why was God also rejecting Eli?
Over time and with a closer scrutiny of the scripture it comes clear that, while Eli was not personally abusing the system of the priesthood, he was benefitting from his sons who were. Also, he was doing nothing to confront them.
What if I try to apply this story to my own life? What might it reveal?
Let me introduce the concept of white privilege at this point. I am a white male from southern Virginia. I grew up during the turbulent times of Martin Luther King and the push for civil rights. As a young person and for far, far too long as an adult I always got very defensive about any criticism from people of color about how racist and privileged white people are. I would counter by pointing out how neither I nor any of my living relatives had been a part of the institution of slavery. I came from very humble economic beginnings. I clearly remember as a young child when my mother was reading of the poverty line income level and remarked how we fell below that line.
So, while my defense against charges of racism and privilege are technically correct, they still miss the bigger point. Only a person in denial of the facts can argue against how this country has benefitted from an institution that dehumanized and tortured an entire race of people. Yes, perhaps on paper these people were eventually set free. However, laws, legislation, and practices were almost immediately put into place that kept them in a situation of being abused, disadvantaged, and persecuted. Many, if not most of these same laws and practices are still in place today.
I try to actually listen with both an open mind and heart to what is being said by those speaking of their oppression.
Also, while it is true that many white people are also victims of economic oppression from the the golden rule (that is, the ones with the gold make the rules), we are not also having to overcome an added layer of discrimination that is as bad or even worse than the one of economic oppression.
What if I take this story found in the opening chapters of 1 Samuel to heart? What can I do? There are a few things that have come to mind that I now try to practice.
I try to quit immediately defending my behavior when confronted by a negative criticism but evaluate objectively if it might be accurate. I try to actually listen with both an open mind and heart to what is being said by those speaking of their oppression. I try to quit accepting the “history” that I have believed as gospel and see if there might be evidence of truth suppressed which totally changes the view I have held. I try to find and support candidates and policies that are truly in favor of the proposition that “all [people] are created equal”. I try to quit seeking that which makes life easier for just me and, instead, seek that which truly benefits we.
Think about it.
Comentarios