"LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF SOCIAL CHANGE"

During the past several years human sin prevalent in our culture exhibited in prejudice on the basis of race, sex, gender, and sexual identity has been brought out into the open. More than anything, it has vilified white men in power who are heterosexual and cisgender. In response we have witnessed how the dominant power of previous times will do anything to hold on to their power. As a matter of fact, despite movements such as #Me Too and #Black Lives Matter they have done quite well in maintaining that control.

As a heterosexual white male married to a female myself, the prevailing power challenges my personal ethic. It leads me to ask questions like: “what have I done to perpetuate the system(s) that has (have) created such a society? How can I respond to the movements that work toward change(s) in our society that will lead to a better society for all? How can I lead a life that is consistent with my Christian principles while living within a system which perpetuates sin through its very existence countering equality? In other words, as theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once wrote, “how can I be a moral man (person) in an immoral society?”

I believe change begins with repenting of my willingness to be a privileged person who has gone along with the powers and principalities in the world. Even though I have often been ignorant of the role have played in the subjugation of others, that does not exculpate me. I have often been aware of wanting to “hang on” to power and control, even when I have not identified it as such. Second, as a moral person I need to identify places in my own life where I can act in such a way that I value others as equals in all ways. This should lead me to exhibit humility in my own views, not being caught up in the belief that because of who I am my view is right. Third, I will take all opportunities to counter any recitation and practice of the “old creed of white male privilege” in my life. Fourth, I will seek through my actions of persuasion and practice to help to remove the passing order that continues to dominate our society from its position of power.

In the midst of the last several weeks leading into the 2020 presidential election, these ethical approaches to contemporary life are not just private or personal affairs. The very shape of a future based on these principles is at stake. As long as there are sinful human beings in power, it is clear this change will not happen without a great deal of “blood, sweat, and tears.” Even if the power(s} that be is (are) put aside in November, there are no guarantees that the new world will be less prejudiced in reality. However, there is hope because social change begins with the awareness of how one has cooperated with immoral powers in this world. Change can only take place when both parts of repentance are engaged: turning away from sin and turning toward God. I commit myself toward this goal, and invite you to do so as well.