Christianity and Wokeness is a sobering yet helpful introduction to critical race theory and the social justice movement. Churches should have a zero tolerance policy on racism, and eschew any form of partiality or prejudice. Wokeness, however, is not the answer.
In his opening chapter, Strachan lists seven commitments of wokeness that are incompatible with the gospel:
1) the world is fundamentally divided into oppressors and oppressed people.
2) a major form of oppression today comes from whiteness.
3) whiteness is not a neutral system, but creates a culture of white supremacy that benefits white people, and also others who fail to challenge it.
4) the evils of this culture show up in disparities between groups which reveal inequities, which reveal injustices. Disparities lead to inequities, which lead to injustices.
5) white supremacy must be vigorously opposed through social justice, anti-racism, and the targeting of white privilege.
6) more broadly, any form of privilege and oppression stemming from hetero-normative, white capitalist, patriarchal structures must be opposed.
7) we can create a just, fair, diverse, and inclusive society grounded in equality of outcome by targeting the inequities through political, legal, cultural, and fiscal means, so that inequitable authority is de-privileged, and minority groups are empowered.
Strachan recognizes that racism still exists and is utterly evil. Partiality is never OK. We would not deny every part of the statements above. For example it is true that “white supremacy must be vigorously opposed.” But dismantling institutions and heaping guilt on majority culture is not the solution. Christianity provides a redemptive alternative.
Whereas wokeness focuses on systemic injustice, societal guilt, racial inequity, historical revisionism, and identity politics, the Christian gospel focuses on repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, the image of God, and church unity. As Christians continue to grapple through these complex issues and look for new ways to love their neighbor, they would benefit from reading this book.
Ken Ham, founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis, says it well in his endorsement: “Woke teaching, Critical Race Theory, and intersectionality should not be in the toolchest of the Christian. This book is an excellent introduction to these destructive heresies and a powerful presentation of the only truth that brings lasting reconciliation: the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
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Pinch Of Clay 