Resisting CRT
There’s an ideology sweeping our society that is a major obstacle to the gospel and to the witness of Christ’s bride. It has infiltrated how we educate our children and poses a significant issue for people of faith. If we don’t present a united front against it, it has the potential to damage our nation in ways that will affect generations to come. We’ve already been experiencing its effect. You might have heard of it, it’s known as CRT.
No, not “Critical Race Theory,” I’m referring to “Christians Reacting Terribly”.
The good news of Jesus transforms a disciple’s actions, reactions, and interactions. Of those three, the hardest to fake are our reactions. What is our knee-jerk response to the things we encounter in our day-to-day life and surrounding culture? As we scroll our newsfeeds or hear what is happening in the world around us, what is the thing that flashes in our minds and/or escapes our lips first? Anger? Fear? Sadness? Mercy? Reactions reveal our hearts.
You might’ve had an initial reaction when you read the title of this blog post. For me, when I see or hear “CRT,” depending on the context - I mentally brace myself. I don’t remember the last time three letters stirred such a vitriolic societal response (maybe I wasn’t paying attention). I think if those who proclaimed the name of Jesus loved their neighbors as tenaciously as they opposed an academic concept most probably couldn’t explain if asked, the state of the Church in the United States would be in a different place. While there are numerous worldviews opposed to the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel of Jesus, it’s the witness of the Church that ultimately matters. It’s how we respond to opposition.
The prevailing Christian response to matters of culture wars have been terrible. Rather than the self-giving, sacrificial love of Jesus, it’s been characterized by the self-preserving, self-righteous ways of the flesh. Throughout history, whenever the Church has moved to protect herself, it’s always at the expense of the witness of the good news of Jesus.
How can we resist CRT? What does it look like to “fight the good fight of faith?” (I think it’s worth noting: this 1 Timothy reference has, primarily, personal application in resisting “godliness” for the sake of material gain.) Here are a few thoughts for consideration:
Invite God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24)
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my concerns.
See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way.”
Notice how you’re reacting, prayerfully ask, “why?” Like the Psalmist, invite the One who knows your heart to reveal what your reactions are rooted in. Are you angry because of what it might mean for you? Are you fearful for what something might mean for your kids or grandkids? See if there is “any offensive way” in you, desire to be “lead in the everlasting way.”
Fight against “powers and principalities,” not fellow image-bearers (Eph. 6:12)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.”
What Jesus models towards those who mistreat Him is magnificent. You find it replicated by Stephen as he gets stoned. It is a heart that is FOR other people. The reaction, in both cases, is not, “How dare they!” or “How can they do this?” The knee-jerk response is, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” My heart breaks for the oppressor and the oppressed. As a follower of Christ, I desire to affirm the humanity in both and confront dehumanization in any form.
Share what you wear (Col. 3:12)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another.“
What stands out to you on Paul’s list here? For me, “compassion” and “humility” leap off the page. These two things, motivated by the love of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, seem to be pivotal attributes in displaying God’s work in and through His people. Peter encourages us to have an answer for the hope we have, but to do this with “gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:16) To be able to react to others with compassion and humility automatically - I pray for God’s continued work in my life and lives of my sisters and brothers.
FWIW, it is important for Christians to engage in cultural issues and learn how to address them in the public square. I also think it’s extremely important WHAT we address and HOW we address it. It’s easy to get distracted with “unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words.” (1 Tim. 6:4) My hope is to focus on Christ and have His good news saturate our responses - to then be Christians Responding Tactfully.