Racism: A Prideful Heart
A Prideful Heart Some people think racism is a black and white issue, but it’s not an issue about the color of a person’s skin or a simple problem to understand. The Declaration of Independence says all men and are created equal. Throughout history, men overlooked this principle and it led them to a horribly mistaken way of thinking and action, racism. Merriem Webster defines rasicm as “a belief that some races are by nature superior to others. Through the definition of racism and the example of Marlow, we learn how to overcome predjudice.
Racism is a form of pride. Having the attitude of that you are better than a particular group of people for any reason. It considers a certain people group as a lower value to society. The implications
of racism can be as small as a broken friendship or as large as a war. There are two major examples of racism to a particular people group. First the persecution of Jews throughout history and second the enslavement of the Africans. Historically, the Jews came under persecution numerous times, the most notible and horrific unfolded under Military Dictator Adolf Hitler. Nearly six million Jews starved or were slaughtered. Over a period of a few centuries, white Europeans and Americans enslaved much the African population for no apparent reasons other than the pursuit of greed and power. In the Novella, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Ship Captain Marlow sails to the heart of Africa. He views himself at a higher value than the Africans and considers them inept. Marlow viewed the killing of innocent Africans repulsive, but did nothing to help or free them. Unfortunately, his flawed thinking earns him the title of racist. Marlow believed the lies his culture taught him. This example should spur us on to use our life and not believe ideologies for the sole reason that everyone else does. How do we fix racism in our culture and country? We need to value each person’s individual qualities. All humans are equal in God’s eyes.Wrong thinking leads to wrong actions. War, Crime, Strife, and most pain cease to exist when people humble themselves and care for the needs of others with compassion. Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Racism will fall away if we love God and love our neighbors with all our hearts.
The only way to fight pride, racism and predjudice, is through a renewed mind. Marlow believed the popular beliefs of his day. “White people are better than Blacks.”We must ask God to show us our flawed thinking. 2 Choronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Jesus offers each of us a personal relationship with Him. If we ask the Lord to change our prideful hearts, God will heal our flawed thinking, actions, and country.
Racism is a form of pride. Having the attitude of that you are better than a particular group of people for any reason. It considers a certain people group as a lower value to society. The implications
of racism can be as small as a broken friendship or as large as a war. There are two major examples of racism to a particular people group. First the persecution of Jews throughout history and second the enslavement of the Africans. Historically, the Jews came under persecution numerous times, the most notible and horrific unfolded under Military Dictator Adolf Hitler. Nearly six million Jews starved or were slaughtered. Over a period of a few centuries, white Europeans and Americans enslaved much the African population for no apparent reasons other than the pursuit of greed and power. In the Novella, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Ship Captain Marlow sails to the heart of Africa. He views himself at a higher value than the Africans and considers them inept. Marlow viewed the killing of innocent Africans repulsive, but did nothing to help or free them. Unfortunately, his flawed thinking earns him the title of racist. Marlow believed the lies his culture taught him. This example should spur us on to use our life and not believe ideologies for the sole reason that everyone else does. How do we fix racism in our culture and country? We need to value each person’s individual qualities. All humans are equal in God’s eyes.Wrong thinking leads to wrong actions. War, Crime, Strife, and most pain cease to exist when people humble themselves and care for the needs of others with compassion. Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Racism will fall away if we love God and love our neighbors with all our hearts.
The only way to fight pride, racism and predjudice, is through a renewed mind. Marlow believed the popular beliefs of his day. “White people are better than Blacks.”We must ask God to show us our flawed thinking. 2 Choronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Jesus offers each of us a personal relationship with Him. If we ask the Lord to change our prideful hearts, God will heal our flawed thinking, actions, and country.