What Christian Critics Get Wrong About Critical Race Theory
by, Charles W. Christian

Critique #1: “CRT categorizes people into oppressed and oppressors based upon race.”
TRUTH: CRT simply observes the historical interaction between people, including those who have oppressed and those who have been oppressed. The approach of CRT is to reexamine the way we interpret history, since most popular views of history are written by those in power. So, CRT asks: What would happen if we read history through the lenses of those who are underrepresented? So, CRT is not about a blanket labeling. Rather, it is about a reexamination of the lenses we use. Those who have traditionally been in power are usually uncomfortable with CRT, because CRT uses different lenses to interpret key events and people in history.

Critique #2: “CRT labels sin based upon oppression and race.”
TRUTH: CRT uncovers and exposes how power structures came about in a country/society, and by doing so, it demonstrates who was stepped on when a group in power “climbed the ladder.” So, those currently in power – usually majority groups – are forced to admit that people who looked like them in the past instituted laws and/or policies (written and unwritten) that often have kept other groups from attaining justice or equality. The actions of oppression are, in biblical terms, sinful. So, the sin doesn’t occur from being a certain color or race or status (as critics claim). Rather, CRT simply highlights the journey to where things are now, which often includes sinful oppression.

Critique #3: “CRT breeds a victim mentality.”
TRUTH: Actually, CRT empowers people who as a group have indeed been victimized through racism or other forms of violence and oppression by giving them an actual voice. It also helps paint a clearer picture of more than one view of how history has unfolded. This is not a “victim mentality.” It is an honest assessment of real victimization and its results. By exposing the problem, it is easier to address the problem. It makes one wonder if those who use this critique of CRT actually want the issues exposed.

Critique #4: “CRT is rooted in godless Marxism.”
TRUTH: While Marx did set up frameworks that address oppressed and oppressors, he was not the only one to do so. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (in Matthew and in Luke) also delineates between the “haves” and “have nots” in society. Jesus even argues that those who are oppressed will actually be the “blessed ones,” since God is taking up their cause. So, Jesus Himself demonstrates an awareness of oppression in history and in His context, and He seeks to address it. The reimagining of wealth and power in the Sermon on the Mount can actually be seen as an application of CRT!

Critique #5: “CRT offers an unbiblical model of salvation, since it gives voice to the oppressed and states that addressing social issues can save us.”
TRUTH: CRT simply exposes social issues that need to be addressed if a society seeks to be more just. It does not offer a “solution” as much as it offers a more honest and thorough lens through which to view history, race, and power. For people of faith, this lens can bring into focus the need for individual and corporate repentance. It can also be ignored, of course (which many are glad to do). It seems that if CRT exposes a corporate or individual sin or set of sins, the Christian would want to repent and do what is needed to set things on a better course.