The Southern Baptists Unbiblical Condemnation of the Alt-Right

By Shane Kastler

Many Southern Baptists this week are practically breaking their arms by patting themselves on the back for passing a resolution at their annual convention condemning racism.  This might be great if they actually condemned racism, in all forms against all races.  But they did nothing of the sort.  They singled out ONE RACE to condemn (whites), and they singled out ONE GROUP within that race (the Alt-Right).  And even in this, they exaggerated, caricatured, and flat out lied about what that particular group believes.  Some Southern Baptists are calling the resolution heroic.  I call it ridiculous, divisive, politically-motivated, and unbiblical.  And here’s why.

First some background.  The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has passed numerous resolutions over the years “apologizing” for slavery, racism, bigotry, etc. etc. etc.  That’s all well and good; but one has to wonder, when will enough be enough?  How many times must a 21^st century, white SBC member apologize for a slave trade that he NEVER TOOK PART IN!  The combination of leftist, black, race-baiters and emasculated, white, guilt-ridden Southern Baptists leads to annual apologies for what happened in 1855 or 1955.  This year, yet again, the SBC “Holier-Than-Thous” brought forth YET ANOTHER resolution on race in which they condemned the “Alt-Right” for their “white supremacy.”  The problems with this are numerous.

First of all, this whole debacle was caused by the SBC leadership’s attempt to put a positive spin on a potential embarrassment.  The original delegate who brought the resolution was a black pastor, who made known his disdain for Donald Trump.  He then put forth a resolution denouncing the Alt-Right, Xenophobia, racism, and a whole host of other political ills.  That resolution was shot down in committee because of the “wording” (or so it was reported).  But the mainstream press jumped on it and ran headlines such as, “SBC Refused to Condemn White Supremacy.”  At this point, the SBC leaders should have stood up to the press and told them they were completely misinterpreting the events and (as usual) trying to stir up strife.  Instead, the SBC leadership took the bait, and kowtowed to the media by bringing forth a “better-worded” resolution condemning, in particular the “Alt-Right” for its “white supremacy.”  The problem with this is that the “Alt-Right” is not “white supremacist” in nature.  While some may be, certainly not all are.  But the SBC painted with broad strokes, condemned all those who are considered “Alt-Right” as racists, then promptly condemned them.  They might as well have condemned Bigfoot, because he exists almost as much as white supremacy does. 

The SBC also received an assist from the once reputable group known as “The Gospel Coalition” (TGC) who put out a slanderous article on what the “Alt-Right” is.  An article that was full of misleading exaggerations, but that many SBC leaders began hastily posting on social media.  It is quite an elaborate political ploy they’ve engaged in.  With bogus resolutions, a made-up enemy, and phony propaganda provided by TGC. And in case you're unaware of how stellar TGC is....they are the one's who posted an article last year encouraging Christians to vote for Hillary Clinton, a vote which would have bordered on diabolical.

Are there racists in America today? Of course, but they are not all white.  I’m not even convinced they are mostly white.  The black supremacy movement is far more prevalent, vocal, and dangerous in this day and age.  Many within that movement have led riots, destroyed cities, intimidated political opponents, and called for violence against the President and others they deem as enemies.  White supremacy is not a major problem today.  Black supremacy very much is.  But the SBC has nothing to say about that because it doesn’t serve their political purposes.

The phrase “Alt-Right” is an extremely vague phrase to begin with.  While there undoubtedly are white supremacists who would be labeled “Alt-Right” the phrase has also been used to label libertarians, paleo-conservatives, and independents.  If you believe America should have stronger border security, then you would be labeled as “Alt-Right.”  They would ALSO call you “Xenophobic.”  While the phrase “Alt-Right” sounds like a fringe element of the political right, it is in fact used by many in the press to describe a whole host of political positions that most conservatives hold to.  It’s a pejorative term, flung by liberals to silence conservatives.  And now the SBC is playing into liberal hands by “condemning” the “Alt-Right.”  But some SBC leaders are merely political liberals in sheep’s clothing.  They are self-styled progressives who mock, ridicule, and attack those on the political right.  These tactics are fresh out of the liberal playbook on how to destroy your enemies.  Push resolutions against “white supremacy” even when they don’t need to be addressed.  Then castigate anyone who speaks out against the resolution as being a “racist.”  A sure way to gain support and media favor is to sling mud and call names.  Another way is to manufacture problems and present yourself as the solution.  Politicians are famous for doing this, including SBC politicians like  Steve Gaines and Russell Moore; who I’ve written of in the past.

Here's the Biblical problem with what the SBC did in labeling all “Alt-Right” people as white supremacists.  They unfairly characterized an entire group based on the actions of a very small percentage of that group.  In Titus 1, the Apostle Paul confronts the SBCers of his day by condemning false prophets who trashed a group of people called “Cretans.”  The false prophets said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” (Titus 1:11) This is very similar to the SBC saying “All Alt-Rights are white supremacists.”  But the statement itself is a lie.  Both statements are.  Paul told Titus, “For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith.” (Titus 1:13) In other words, don’t let the race-baiters caricature an entire group of people.  And furthermore, stop talking about “race” and focus on being “sound in the faith.”  The SBC should busy themselves with kingdom work, not distractions over made-up problems.  They should address real world issues like evangelism, Islamic radicals, and abortion rather than dragging up another resolution on race designed to distract from the gospel and kiss up to the political left and the media.  The SBC should stop with the political pandering and the over-obsession with race and proclaim that we are all “one in Christ.”  I have no doubt that this is the desire of many SBCers out in the pews, but some of their leaders are politically motivated and left-leaning.  Others are merely inept reactionaries who want to please the New York Times.  Still others are well-meaning but clueless, unaware of the charlatans that surround them.  Some of their leaders clearly have a political agenda that involves allocating time and resources to the “social gospel” as opposed to the REAL GOSPEL. 

Racial groveling is a waste of time; because next year you can count on YET ANOTHER resolution being brought forth addressing racism and ANOTHER distracting media event ensuing.  The constant apologies are never enough; so the SBC should drop the issue and start pointing people to Christ.  This is what the Apostle Paul did.  He wouldn’t tolerate the Russell Moores of his day slinging mud at those worthless “Cretans” – Instead he severely rebuked the false prophets and encouraged the church to look to Christ.  To Paul, “Jew” meant nothing (even though he was a Jew) and “Gentile” meant nothing (even though he evangelized Gentiles).  All Paul focused on was Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  He didn’t elevate one group at the expense of another; nor did he smear one group to the delight of another.  He exulted Christ and left it at that.

Does the SBC need to be more inclusive toward people of other races? No. They need to shut up about race all together and preach the gospel!  They need to evangelize WHOEVER God sends their way; be they white, black, brown, yellow, or purple.  They need to stop saying, “We need more blacks in our pews.” Because doing this simply turns black people into a political trophy for them to brag on themselves about.  And many Southern Baptists LOVE to brag on themselves.  They give out trophies for churches with the most baptisms.  They never tire of telling you they are "the largest protestant denomination in America."  And many of their churches are called "First Baptist" to let you know they've been around longer than anyone else. And by gosh, you better be impressed!

One final thought.  Many of the SBC leaders bringing forth the resolutions go to predominantly white churches and live in predominantly white neighborhoods.  And they obviously feel guilty about that.  But rather than moving to the inner city to live among blacks, they pass resolutions condemning OTHERS for their racism.  I personally live in a neighborhood that is probably 80 percent black and 15 percent Middle-Eastern Muslim.  The neighborhood mosque can be seen from my back porch.  So when I get lectured by lily-white SBC leaders, who go to lily-white churches, and live in lily-white neighborhoods, I tend to bristle.  Who are THEY to lecture ME on race relations.  I actually LIVE among other races.  I can’t get away with simply passing resolutions that sling mud at others.  I have to learn to live with my black neighbors.  And live I do.  I love them.  And as far as I know, they love me.  We don’t set around talking about racism all day.  We talk about our lives.  We talk about our kids.  And we talk about Jesus.  He’s the only one that really matters anyway.  I hope the SBC figures that out and starts uniting people around Christ instead of dividing them over race.

Comments

[Ben Burlingham]

While I agree with most of what you said, you got the Titus quote wrong, so you should not try to support your argument with it. That passage teaches the opposite of what you argue. The Apostle Paul actually AGREED that all Cretans are lazy and seek sordid gain, and that is why they should be reproved. Here is the full quote:

Titus 1: 10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,.

[Shane Kastler]

I disagree with your interpretation. If Paul really thought "ALL CRETANS are ALWAYS liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons." Then why did he command Titus to appoint CRETANS as elders in the church in vs. 5? While this passage is disputed by many, your view would make Paul very inconsistent, not to mention a racist against Cretans (and we know he was not). In vs. 13 when he says, "This testimony is true." He is talking about the testimony he heard about the false prophets who said, "All Cretans as liars..." Crete was rampant with sin. But not ALL Cretans were this way. Some were saved and became elders in the church..... Contextually speaking, vs. 10-12 are referring to false prophets (empty talkers who must be silenced). This includes vs. 12 "a prophet of their own" -- Whose own? The circumcision's false prophets. And what was he saying that must be silenced? "All Cretans are liars, etc." Something Paul clearly disagreed with based on vs. 5 and following.

[NotYourTypicalNegro]

There is much I could say. But I'll just say I can't believe you are actually someone's pastor.

Your comments are not even worthy of any serious response.

[P Scott Rayburn]

looks like you Judge people even more than the SBC... Watch the video of the resolution as was presented and when voted on. Truth in the Video evidence.

[Dave]

Thanks for posting the TRUTH. Many believers are moving away from the SBC cooperative churches. Long overdue. My wife and I walked out last week. no turning back....no turning back....!! God bless you for exposing the leftist rot within the churches ranks. Now we can serve Christ again....With out being told we're racists...just because.