Diversity in Fellowship

Sure we are called to forgive, but do we have to seek restoration? What does that look like biblically?

The suggested diversity resource for this episode is the book United: Captured by God's Vision for Diversity by Trillia Newbell. 

Should we forgive when it comes to racial reconciliation? What does the Bible command and how can we obey it?

The suggested diversity resources for this are two courtroom instances of forgiveness for perpetrators of horrendous crimes: Rachael Denhollander to Larry Nasser (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/incredible-testimony-former-gymnast-confronts-sexual-abuser-court/) and Emanuel AME survivors to Dylann Roof (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIRcGwBrdbE). 

Is the idea of reparations biblical? Does it apply to racial reconciliation?

The suggested diversity resource for this episode is the article "In Likely First, Chicago Suburb Of Evanston Approves Reparations For Black Residents" from NPR. 

Do we need to repent over sins related to racial reconciliation? How do we think through this biblically?

The suggested diversity resource for this episode is the article "The Sin of Racism" by Timothy Keller. 

Is the fight for racial reconciliation necessary? Is this even a biblical concern?

The suggested diversity resource for this episode is One Body, One Spirit: Principles of Successful Multiracial Churches by George Yancey.

What is Juneteenth? How does it relate to July 4th? Which one should we celebrate as followers of Christ?

The suggested diversity resource for this episode is "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" by Frederick Douglass. 

How should we respond to the current accusations against the SBC Executive Committee? How can we move forward in these discussions at the Annual Convention?

The suggested diversity resource for this episode is the Caring Well Initiative. Find out more at https://caringwell.com/. 

First leaked letter by Russell Moore 

Second leaked letter by Russell Moore

Response from Mike Stone

Response from Ronnie Floyd

Since the episode was recorded, secret recordings were released by Phillip Bethancourt to support the claims in Russell Moore's letters.

With the Annual Convention coming up, how should we think through diversity issues and the Southern Baptist Convention (ethnic unity, CRT, resolution 9, etc.)?

The diversity resource for this episode is the article "What Are Southern Baptists Really Fighting About?" by Trevin Wax. 

Why have we struggled so long to accept interracial marriage? What does the Bible have to say about this topic?

The diversity resource for this episode is the article "Fifty Years After 'Loving v. Virginia': Celebrating the Beauty of Interracial Marriage" from Desiring God. 

What should our public schools be teaching about diversity issues? How should we help in that as the church and as individual followers of Christ?

The diversity resource for this episode is  "The 1619 Project" (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html).