Racism derives from Culture, which is the means through which ideas are transmitted from generation to generation. Culture is driven largely by Religion, Art, and Language, with also the factors of Geography and Climate.
The simple truth is, most White Christians pray to White Jesus, with either Anglo Saxon or Nordic features, because that is how he has been depicted for Centuries, as in the painting below left. That is the image of the face of God, the Charlton Heston blue eyed strawberry blonde haired Jesus, which has been internalized through their upbringing, with rare exceptions. Compare that to Rembrandt's paintings of the face of Jesus here. Rembrandt represents him as a swarthy, Middle Eastern Semite, dark complected, and with the visage of the Jewish Rabbi that he was. Rembrandt spent time living among the Jews of Amsterdam, learning their Culture, traditions and even Hebrew, which is why he was able to paint Hebrew writing in some of his works. He wanted to know God better, by learning about the people from whence he came. This is hardly an original question, it was asked pointedly by many Black Civil Rights leaders over the years. If children are raised with the idea that we are made in the image and likeness of God, and that likeness appears to be a Scandanavian, what will the child think about his own relationship to God relative to another child of color? Many White people have discussed this with their children and raised them to oppose racism. Some denominations like the Quakers have always opposed Slavery and Racism. Far too many do the opposite, or nothing to counteract this Cultural defect, the pernicious idea that somehow skin pigment defines Intelligence, success, Spiritual development, or one's place in God's pecking order. Given that Religion is such a powerful force in shaping Culture, I think it's worth re-examining our Religious values while we engage in our National dialogue about Race. It's a very personal question for all of us. Do we have the courage and morality to not be smug or self satisfied in our Faith and Beliefs? Growth and progress only come from constantly re-evaluating both what we think we know, and our beliefs. Anytime I write about Religion and Faith, I risk offending some. Please take this in the Spirit of a loving provocation, not a personal attack or generalization.
