Read this story about Laurence Jones, a black educator from the early 20th century, who was miraculously delivered from a lynching in the South. The rope was around his neck, yet he was set free. Even if you don't read the rest of my post, go there and read the story now.
Many Southrons will claim "Christian" as a necessary element of Southern identity. But how much of it is genuine and how much is racism disguised as hollow posturing? How many of these modern "southern Christians" would have spoken up for Laurence Jones?
Even up into the 1950s, whites would come out by the hundreds to watch a black man being lynched. It was a kind of twisted, demonic entertainment. Look for the photos on google. Those people were proud to be there. They smiled about it. Its sick. A lot of those people are still alive, aren't they? What whites stood up for justice? Where were (are) the whites with guts enough to be servants to the black community? You know, to be servants in the way Jesus commanded.
What should be the Southern response to the Black community? Well, if you're a real Christian it should be this...
Many Southrons will claim "Christian" as a necessary element of Southern identity. But how much of it is genuine and how much is racism disguised as hollow posturing? How many of these modern "southern Christians" would have spoken up for Laurence Jones?
Even up into the 1950s, whites would come out by the hundreds to watch a black man being lynched. It was a kind of twisted, demonic entertainment. Look for the photos on google. Those people were proud to be there. They smiled about it. Its sick. A lot of those people are still alive, aren't they? What whites stood up for justice? Where were (are) the whites with guts enough to be servants to the black community? You know, to be servants in the way Jesus commanded.
What should be the Southern response to the Black community? Well, if you're a real Christian it should be this...
- But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Mark 9:34, 35)
- But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23: 11-12)
- Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:13-15)
There are no special exceptions in the case of Southerners. There are no exceptions in the event someone complains about the Confederate battle flag. If Southrons cannot live out what Jesus demands of his followers, if they cannot become servants to their Black neighbors, then they have brought upon the Confederate flag the reputation that history now gives it. And history has condemned it as a symbol of hate.
Ask yourself, where did the indignance come from? Why was it so important to be socially separate? Why was it so important to be angry at a people that never hurt you? Where is the gratitude that Southern whites owe the ancestors of African Americans for their contributions to the South?
I'm fortunate to come from a family that has tried to understand this. But the kind of spirituality that built the ancient church, that was born out of tears and fasting... THAT SAME spirituality has been lived out in African American Christianity to an extent that folks like me simply cannot comprehend. Searching for authentic Christianity will require more than just reading old books, it will require learning at the feet of people who lived the experience... and those people are closer than most realize. Can Southern people find the guts to become intimate with the elders in the Black community and make African American wisdom a part of their own spiritual life?
Ask yourself, where did the indignance come from? Why was it so important to be socially separate? Why was it so important to be angry at a people that never hurt you? Where is the gratitude that Southern whites owe the ancestors of African Americans for their contributions to the South?
I'm fortunate to come from a family that has tried to understand this. But the kind of spirituality that built the ancient church, that was born out of tears and fasting... THAT SAME spirituality has been lived out in African American Christianity to an extent that folks like me simply cannot comprehend. Searching for authentic Christianity will require more than just reading old books, it will require learning at the feet of people who lived the experience... and those people are closer than most realize. Can Southern people find the guts to become intimate with the elders in the Black community and make African American wisdom a part of their own spiritual life?
