We’ve heard the rhetoric that demonizes Critical Race Theory. But should citizens of the Kingdom of God have a different response? David Bailey, executive director of Arrabon, talks with Amy Julia Becker about Critical Race Theory and peacemaking, the removal of Confederate monuments, and the use of history as a means to heal.

Show Notes:

Guest Bio:
David Bailey is the executive director of Arrabon, which exists to “equip Christian leaders and their communities for the work of reconciliation. Our digital study series, worship resources, and Transformational Journey training modules are designed to help you build a reconciling community that brings healing and wholeness to our broken and divided world.”

Connect Online:

• arrabon.com
• Instagram: @wearearrabon
• Facebook: @wearearrabon
• Twitter: @wearearrabon

On the Podcast:

• Arrabon
• Bailey on previous podcast episodes: Waking Up to Privilege and Loving Our Enemies in a Nation Divided
• Race, Class, and the Kingdom of God study series
• Webinar—CRT: How to Respond as Citizens of the Kingdom of God (not yet available)
• Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw
• 1619 Project
• New York Times article with Bailey

Interview Quotes

“I think what’s even more important than what CRT is is our understanding of: What does it mean to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God?”

“What is Critical Race Theory? How would people who engage in that discipline define it? What are some of the image-bearing gifts…And what are the ways that it falls short?…It is our assignment to be peacemakers. It’s our assignment to be people engaging in a ministry of reconciliation.”

“We can use history to hurt. We can use history to hide. We can use history as a means to heal.”

“You see the good, bad, and the ugly of humanity [in the Bible], but when we talk about American history, it’s almost considered you’re being un-American to say anything negative about our history.”

“We can give empathy to folks whether we agree with people or not. I think this is a very important practice to do, particularly as a person who follows Jesus.”

“What’s the right and honorable thing to do to speak the truth in love, to actually engage in the truth…to look at complex, sinful human beings and how we’ve engaged with one another and to actually be agents of peacemaking and reconciliation, not just only for today but for our children and the next generation.”

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Season 5 of the Love Is Stronger Than Fear podcast connects to themes in my newest book, To Be Made Well, releasing Spring 2022...you can pre-order

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