Episode 15. What is Critical Race Theory? Where did it come from, and why is it contrary to biblical teaching? Join Daniel, Joshua Blythe, and Ivan Crissman for this cultural conversation.
Where does CRT come from? Critical Theory.
6:33 Offered as a solution to maladies of society
8:49 Four steps historically in the development of critical theory (which led to CRT)
9:46 (1) Hegel: dialectical process (19th century)
12:10 (2) Marx: economics and materialism (later 19th century)
13:50 (3) Gramsci: cultural hegemony (early 20th century)
15:08 (4) The Frankfurt School: structural inequities in society (early-mid 20th century)
What is CRT?
17:22 CRT is critical theory applied to race
19:01 Places CRT is showing up today
20:32 Cancel culture
Why CRT is not biblical:
21:23 The CRT worldview is based on subjective truth through experience/perception. The biblical worldview is based on objective truth, revealed from God.
23:44 The CRT worldview is based on collectivism and group identity. The biblical worldview is based on individual identity before God.
24:38 The CRT worldview elevates “race” as the primary distinguishing trait between people. In the biblical worldview, ethnic identity is merely a backdrop for God’s storyline of grace and redemption.
26:29 The CRT worldview uses a concept of “distributive justice” to rectify perceived wrongs. The biblical worldview presents justice as based in God’s perfect character as revealed in the truth of Scripture.
28:11 CRT has no clear ends or aims; it is only destructive/negative. The biblical worldview aims toward perfect and ideal ends.
30:27 CRT doesn’t grapple with a person’s sin nature, but attempts to force external compliance. The biblical worldview deals with a person’s sin nature at the heart level, changing a person’s heart through the gospel.
31:08 CRT has no means of forgiveness or justification. In the biblical worldview, forgiveness and justification come through personal repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
34:00 How should Christians respond to CRT? Don’t seek to be divisive; the gospel and God’s Word are sufficient; focus on spiritual ends.
38:53 Ephesians Chapter 2 speaks to these issues exceptionally well. Read and meditate on it.
46:19 Peace to those who were far away, peace to those who were near.
