Culture Blog

Understanding Critical Race Theory

Written by Dr. Owen Strachan | Jul 12, 2024 5:15:00 PM
The world we live in sometimes appears quiet and tame. We drink our morning coffee and rightly enjoy a few moments of peace. For a brief spell, all seems well in the world.

Enjoying a simple life is good. However, Christians must stay aware of the Bible's teaching that ideologies are, at all times, warring to take people captive (Colossians 2:8). Therefore, we must live in a state of readiness, watching our lives and doctrine closely and, indeed, the sin patterns we battle. The same is true regarding our ideas.

One of the most potently destructive ideologies that has taken hold in America is Critical Race Theory (CRT). For some time, the concept languished in obscurity, a matter kicked around in legal journals read by scholars. But, in mid-2010, CRT became prominent as the supposedly "neutral" lens for diagnosing American culture.

The philosophy has many applications but mainly focuses on "race." CRT's critical teaching is this: the world is structured by power dynamics, and majority groups (particularly in the West) are oppressing minority groups. The premise holds that the American majority, "white" people, oppress people of color whether or not they are aware of doing so. This evil is so pervasive that all of America is considered a "white supremacist" nation.

America does indeed have a complicated past concerning personal prejudice. Partiality of any kind is wickedness (see James 2:1-13). Great injustices have occurred against people of non-white color in this country. For example, slavery, the slave trade, and Jim Crow laws represent a real specter in our nation's past. But, CRT does not offer any means of healing, hope, or unity. In tone, the theory speaks of peace but only yields division, teaching that people are victimizers if "white" and victims if not. This argument has no biblical basis and must be rejected.

Sadly, CRT's Marxist ideology has crept into the church and created many baleful effects. For this reason, Dr. James Dobson interviewed me on the Family Talk program in 2021. We discussed my book Christianity and Wokeness. Currently, Family Talk is re-airing the broadcasts.

The world may seem tame as we enjoy our morning coffee. Yet, regardless of those few moments of peace, there are ideologies that seek to take us captive. CRT must be torn down to preserve a proper understanding of humanity. By the power of God, we must oppose false doctrines and stand on the solid rock of Scripture. Remember that sin divides, and the gospel seeks to unite and reconcile all people to the Creator.