Moody Apologizes Over Historical Blackface Photos

Yes, the protests are largely about continuing racial disparity today. It ought to be addressed, and needs to be abandoned. But, Bert, you are the one who said “these issues are not among those addressed by the protesters…”, speaking of reparations, etc. But the evidence shows that they are, very much so. So what do you do? Ignore that your statement was incorrect, and double down. How about, “Sorry. I overstated my case. What I intended to say is…”

Another helpful discussion about racism is in Readings In Christian Ethics, volume 2, pp.261-291. Note that I don’t agree with everything the authors say, but still helpful.

When it comes to Reparations, what you have are political/social opportunists who are using the protests to expand the agenda and a progressive media that is happy to provide the platform. And we need to remember that these George Floyd protests are not under the umbrella of one single group. You have multiple groups including BLM that are competing for power and influence to have the loudest voice for social change in America. The only common thread with the protesting in every region of the country is dealing with police reform. However, there are certain regions of the country where protestors attached the topic of Reparations to the protests. But there are several regions in the country, including the state of Michigan where it is not talked about by the overwhelming majority of its people. It is considered a separate topic. I’ve been at the protests. I’ve watched many of them in their entirety online as well.

I find it ironic that many of us who do not trust the liberal/progressive media and their agenda on so many topics are more than willing to accept and trust the liberal/progressive media when it comes to confirming our beliefs and biases (that reparations are just as much on the agenda of the protestors as protesting police brutality).

[G. N. Barkman]

Yes, the protests are largely about continuing racial disparity today. It ought to be addressed, and needs to be abandoned. But, Bert, you are the one who said “these issues are not among those addressed by the protesters…”, speaking of reparations, etc. But the evidence shows that they are, very much so. So what do you do? Ignore that your statement was incorrect, and double down. How about, “Sorry. I overstated my case. What I intended to say is…”

What says more, GN, is that so many are ignoring what is patently obvious about these protests; they’re about police brutality, not slavery or Jim Crow. And as Joel notes, and as I’ve pointed out, repeatedly, the fact that a minority of people have argued for reparations doesn’t change that fact. Your great-granddaddy’s service with Grant—or possibly Lee—does not absolve you from doing things like what Paul did in Acts 16—rebuke the magistrates for unjust acts.

Say like putting one’s knee on the carotid artery of a guy for minutes after he loses consciousness, ignoring the Narcan on his belt that could have saved George Floyd’s life.

Of course the protests are primarily about police brutality. Have I, or anyone on SI denied that in any way? Furthermore, how do you know that I have failed to rebuke the police who have committed brutality? But that doesn’t change the fact that your statement, “these issues are not among those addressed by the protesters” is untrue. Why is it so hard for you to say, “I was wrong. I unintentionally overstated my case. I intended to say the following.” This latest post amounts to a “tripling down” rather than admitting you misspoke.

Bert, you are a highly intelligent and articulate man, but your inability to admit and own an error is a weakness that hinders your effectiveness in representing your perspectives. But I’m learning from you, and therefore I have accepted my Pauline obligation to call you out for your publicly stated error.

Perhaps most of those protesting initially were concerned about police brutality. And perhaps police brutality is still the concern of some. But now, over 3 weeks later, the focus & purpose have shifted to other issues: defunding/eliminating police departments, removing statues, financial reparations, creating “independent zones” in cities, and creating social & political chaos for electoral purposes. Police brutality has now become a secondary issue for a larger cause.

Christian churches and schools (such as Moody) who make public statements about their “sinful past” and promote race-themed events should be more careful that they don’t give the impression of doing so because of fear or intimidation. Some Christians are naive about how the culture uses them to advance a secular cause.

Thank you to Wally for some good sense.