I am 43 years old, and I have lived my first 39 years in Nigeria my motherland. I moved to the US and lived in Texas for a while. I was excited about being in finding a church and serving God. I was not prepared to discover that racism is alive and well within the walls of what should be the safest and most secure place for me in this country. I am deeply sensitive and grieve easily. I could not believe that people who were supposed to be my brothers and sisters in Christ, were quick to forget that the God who is love hates racism! I moved from Texas to New Jersey, but I have been so traumatized that I am now afraid to go to church. I have not been in 3 years.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m praying when the time is right you find another home church. In the meantime, are you able to watch some churches online?
@@RuslanKD thank you sir! Yes, there are two men of God I believe I can trust with the Word - Pastor Tony Evans and Rick Warren. I catch their sermons on UA-cam as much as possible.
I recently stopped going to church period because of this! I felt like my pain was being ignored. Or I was being told about my experience by married white millennial women! I was soo exhausted and wounded, I decided to tap out. None of those people that said they “loved me” ever reached out. I have major trust issues with church people that say the love me. I know they are full of it, because the minute I question something or disagree, I’m no longer lovable.
Ruslan KD Thank you for replying! I didn’t expect that! My mission is to allow myself to be open to God healing those broken parts of me, to continue to seek Him, and welcome community wherever I go; even if it looks unconventional. I have a small share group, and a diverse support system. They hear me out, it feels good. Thank you for doing what you do. Discovering your music has been a major blessing this year! Bless you brother! 💚
@@amandajones4681 very encouraged to hear that Amanda. I heard a brother liken the church to a hospital. We are generally a bunch of sick people that are in need of healing, but at times we need to be isolated in the ICU because of the depth of our injury/sickness. But it's only for a season.... Glad you have found the spiritual TLC in and amongst that smaller more intimate group of believers who can and will effectively nurture your soul. But it's only for a season.....
Those people were the Christians. You are loved and our experience do matter; however, I also do know how you feel with some of my white Christian friends not taking Black Christians experiences or struggles as serious or taking it as a joke or ignoring it all together.
I really appreciate the fact that the content of this video will make some folks feel uncomfortable. I grew up in East Nashville TN and my blessing was to be raised along side my brothers and sisters who were not the same skin complexion as I was. I grew up singing at the TPAC center in the Dr. Martin Luther King JR. Choir singing the African American National Anthem and hymns from the days of oppression. Why does this matter to me? Because this made me who I am today. I believe in my heart that I grew up the way I did for a purpose, and it has given me such a great understanding of how different people are but how truly great it is that we are all such a like. I was a white kid who is also mexican that wanted to be black because I knew that different is how God created us and that’s how I want to be. Now the idea of race is a false social construct that was made to segregate and oppress. Ethnicity on the other hand is what life is about. Where you come from, how you speak, how you love, the food you eat, how you worship and so much more. This is what’s important in my opinion. My heart is broken when Preston was talking about growing up and people were staring at him in a hateful way. I can say that I have never walked in his shoes but I do have the gift of compassion and I feel his heart and not guilt. I do feel the pain, and the conviction I get from my words is, what am i doing about the injustice? Well I’m starting with my family and teaching them the way of love. When I walk outside in the world I make sure to say hi to someone that looks different than me like Pastor Pat said. Please tell me if I’m wrong, but i make a point to say hi to folks that are not white not out of guilt, but out of love. I’m trying to break barriers down with acts of love.
I remember talking with Cory Paul about this. He broke it down for me and took time and had patience explaining it to me. Shout out to him for that. Great dialogue.
I would love more open conversations with both sides: white/black. As a mixed person, who was raised by my white mother, there is definitely a disconnect for me since I wasn't raised with the black side of my family. Sometimes I have questions about race that I honestly don't feel safe to ask in this current political climate.
So I’m just watching this video for the first time, and I thought it was a really good conversation. As a Christian black man, I would say I agree with Preston on MOST of the points he made. I do believe that there are a lot of white professed Christians that are either oblivious or apathetic to the issues of black folks who worship the same God. Mr. Perry presented his points in a very clear and understandable way. With that said, I believe there are also a number things that need to be understood as well for ALL saints especially my black brothers and sisters, Perry included. First of all while Perry speaks for I’m sure a majority of black saints, he does not speak for ALL. The truth is not every black person, agrees with the idea or belief of “white privilege”. Not every black person has had that type of experiences that Preston Perry has had. Not every black person feels the same way about President Trump. There are black folks who voted for and still support the Trump administration and can give you legitimate reasons as to why, with there black awareness still firmly intact. And finally the only thing that I took issue with is Mr. Perry labeling certain black folks who attend predominantly white churches as “culturally white” and himself as basically “culturally black”. To be honest I thought that was a bit immature for him to put it that way. We have to stop making culture and race one in the same. Being black or white has never been based on human behavior. Just because you talk a certain way or dress a certain way doesn’t make you “blacker “then another black person that is polar opposite from those standpoints. I understand what he was trying to say but I just believe that perspective that a lot of people have regardless of race, is unfortunate and really just brings more division. All and all I thought it was a well needed conversation and respect due to Ruslan and Pres Perry. 🤙🏿
i love this! I'm puertorican and I feel like i dont fit in most churches , but i also feel like puertoricans dont really understand that they are technically black as well , so I dont fit in with them either because most of them are low key racist. So, I'm like Lord where do I fit in? At the end of the day i will continue to speak up for the voiceless. I love the church building and I pray that one day we can all come together and just share each others burdens the biblical way.
Loved this video. The heart of this conversation is unity of the body of Christ & peace (Eph. 4:3) and if we aren't striving for it, we doing something wrong as a church. Dope conversation.
Wow I love this. Thank you! My boyfriend is biracial (white/black) and when we first started dating it was such a struggle because I was so surprised that he didn’t understand the hurts of black people. He grew up in a white household and didn’t really see racism because of how his own white family and community sheltered him. He used to be so nonchalant about race issues and police brutality, when I’d be in tears. He would often shrug discussions away and say he didn’t want to talk about it, even though I clearly was hurting.But thank God he eventually listened to me. Which, like Preston said, that’s all we want really is for someone to hear us. Now he has more compassion and a heart for black people.
All of this was straight truth and the very last point Preston made was key... You can have different ethnicities/cultures in the building but if they still have to assimilate to the dominant white culture it's not real reconciliation in the Biblical sense. It's not the pure and spotless church that Christ is coming back for. Aaron Dailey led a workshop on this at Legacy too and it was fire! Thank y'all for living boldly and using your platforms to inspire and educate.
Yeah I agree with everything he said . I love these discussions especially as a black male who kinna strayed for some of the same reasons he named for a little while.
Ruslan, I believe I misjudged you bro. I first heard of you when you at after Shai Linne years ago, lol. A brother brought you up recently in a discussion and I decided to check out your channel and music again. I've been blessed by your content, bro. These discussions have been edifying and encouraging. Keep it up brotha!
As a minority in this comment section, I can't really express myself because I feel that anything I say would likely be misunderstood and put on blast as my experience is that people don't really want to have a 2 way conversation but sound off about being hurt. I am a pastor at a multi-ethnic church, and my friends are of all races that I hang out with and we do try to listen and treat each other as Christ commanded us to love one another as Christ loved the church and that is the best I know how to do as I can't account or fix or prevent everyone in a minority community from being hurt by an insensitive or racist person. I enjoyed the video, and hope that one day there will be true reconciliation, at least in the body of Christ for goodness sake, but am guessing that it won't be fully realized until Jesus returns. Would happily have a conversation with any of you at any time to learn all I can, just not feeling very optimistic that this will be reconciled on a mass level but more personal level, if I am being honest, which hopefully is OK to be honest about that.
Ruslan dropping gem after gem out here! Dope video. Content like this, coming from sincere people with love, is what opens the eyes of people like me who don't get much exposure to non-white-evangelical points of view. And just a quick thought: it's really difficult for all people to come to grips with the truth that their own perceptions and experiences are not superior to everyone elses. I think we all have this pride in us that says that *my* perceptions are the right ones, and we just dismiss or explain away anything that doesn't fit within our own experiences. I think that's a big reason why white people tend to be skeptical of the experiences and distinct struggles of African-Americans. But when people that we trust like Preston lovingly share their experiences and perspectives with us, it opens up our worldview and allows us to see things differently. Preston just earned himself a new subscriber!
Im definitely a brother that will join these 2 in agreement however the only aspect I have to put forth as something more necessary than a sermon on injustice in a current high tension climate is why not preach about the injustice done to Christ? That's the greatest injustice ever in humanity. That sermon has more of a heart reach than anything else. It makes repentance more sure.. it makes the heart more sober to holiness. It's an inside out transaction of Grace that no amount of "black lives matter" rants can ever amount to.
I love this. It’s all about loving one another for who we are. We are all made in the image and likeness of God. Once we can see past race, ethnicity and culture than we can truly focus on change and bettering our communities. I always felt out of place at my Catholic Church which was predominantly white middle class as a youngster who was a poor Guatemalan immigrant who loved hip hop culture. I think in my case though I personally pushed my self away because I felt different not so much because my community pushed me away. As a grown man now I still congregate at that Parish and now feel very welcomed and accepted and I see diversity working together as one. Thank you for you insightful videos my dude.
I was attending a church that was predominantly black but the senior leaders weren’t and didn’t understand or try to understand where the black people were coming from on these issues. I respected my leadership to the point that my heart was cold on these issues even while being half black myself sadly. The “get over it” mentality is toxic in this situation. I think the compassion it takes to hear and a humble heart to really listen is very important today.
Thanks for the candid conversation fellas. Ruslan I believe I met you in Charlotte on tour with John Givez a few years back. As someone who's felt hurt by white evangelicals I just want to encourage everyone but especially black people to walk in love and forgiveness yet remain firm on justice and equity. Remember the war is spiritual and your voice is powerful. 🙏🏾✌🏾❤️💪🏾
Church diversity. What ive noticed is the diversity or lack of among leadership in churches. Its more likely for a white man to pastor a predominantly black church, then a black man pastor a predominantly white church.
Maybe. But in San Diego there’s two mega churches. The Rock and New Venture. Wouldn’t call either a “white church” but new venture is for sure more of a “white” church. That’s the church I got saved at. I’ve never been to a black church pastored by a white man. And I’m pretty well traveled.
But there are many churches outside of the 2 mega churches you mentioned and many churches are unmixed. There are many congregations that are still predominantly black and predominantly white. There are predominantly black congregations pastored by white men.The "Bible belt" of the United States has a few. Not many churches like that, but its probably more than the other way around. Its less likely to see a black man pastor a predominantly white congregation. Pretty sure it exists in the United States, but its so rare. I think this speaks to bigger issue why that is. I think it speaks to superiority issue that is alive in this country even today.
I appreciate most of this conversation, but I just want to say one thing to my fellow African Americans who are often “put on the spot” or in “the hot seat” for improvisational cultural education for white brothers and sisters: No matter how much a white brother or sister desires to learn about the broad concepts and beautiful nuances of Blackness in America, NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO YOUR EXPERIENCE. THE BURDEN IS NOT ON YOU TO “educate” or “prove” ANYTHING ABOUT BLACKNESS AND BEING BLACK TO ANYBODY, INCLUDING OTHER BLACK PEOPLE. You do not have to put your personal trauma on public display for white people to do their work. There are PLENTY of resources out here for them that they can and should seek out independently. The length of your trauma and experience doesn’t have to be added to the rope they will have to tug-a-war with mentally. FEEL FREE to share with your white brothers and sisters whom you Trust, but don’t feel like you’ve gotta offer up your life for probing and dissection. Take care of yourself as you care for your brothers and sisters. God bless y’all and us all.
The first question would be for me what is the "white church"? That question alone denotes disunity. A better question would be did the Caucasians who are supposed to be part of the body of Christ fail African Americans in the body of Christ when we look at society as a whole and we look at the division that even exists in the church today?
I have to comment now because I’m. It going to remember all but I like when you said White guilt does not equal White privilege. I’m still watching and will to the end!
@Ruslan KD I absolutely loved this conversation and appreciate the way you and Preston chopped it up. This was so necessary, I'm not sure if you will even see this comment. I am a black man in america with no political affiliation, but I caught the vibe that somehow democrats are the savior of the black community...they are NOT. Neither are republicans. I see myself as a Theocrat, I look to Jesus to place who He will at 1600 Penn Ave and do my part to make an impact as He gives me capacity. Not trolling, just passing along some love and asking about balance. Grace and Peace champ.
Ruslan, you are very good interviewer. you ask the tough questions. i humbly suggest that you let your interviewee speak more. you have very good, important and concrete ideas. but the sensation is that you are interviewing you. I was very keen to hear what Preston had to say about the questions, and they were very good questions with very good answers. Thank you for tackling this issue because it is important for us. It is important for "white evangelicals" to listen to our black brethren and be sensitive to their fears and their reality and NOT assume that our reality is theirs and NOT delegitimize their experience just because it's not our own. I want to see how I can also contribute to this dialogue and shed light on it. Preston, if you are reading here, I would like to do an article on you and profile you. theashcraftsgt@yahoo.com. I have a couple of things I would like to focus, one of which is this issue.
Thanks Michael. Most of what you see is me hanging with my friends and capturing it. These aren’t intended to be formal interviews. I’m not a reporter lol. But I appreciate the feedback and will try to incorporate it.
1) wht is "whte church"?... 2) does truth mattr?... 3) do we go along to get along?... 4) whte privledge & whte ignorance?... 5) wht is race?... 6) see dr robin deangelo & jane elliott... 7) 1crnth 2 The Holy Spirit is The only Source of G.O.D.'s Perfect/Nfaffbl Word... rev 22:18-19 prov 30:1-6 deutr 12:32 jrmh 8:8 terri a.
This is an EXCELLENT video! SO many gems and barz dropped. I sincerely hope it sparks more conversations like this in the white church because black people have this conversation ALL THE TIME. Yes it can and will be uncomfortable, but growth and understanding doesn't happen if you never venture outside of your comfort zone. The only thing I find a little problematic is at the end when Preston talks about white churches only accepting black people who are "culturally white" versus black people from the hood. I totally get that he's saying the white church should welcome all black people and POC (as they should) but to call a black person culturally white can insinuate and perpetuate the idea that there's only one way to be black. Of course there are ABSOLUTELY cultural differences between white and black people but regardless of a black person's socioeconomic status, level of education or where they grew up, they're still black and will be viewed as such no matter what. Now if they don't see themselves as black, well that's a whole different conversation lol. Much love to y'all!
Yeah I hear you I think that was his way of saying churches need to be focused more on accommodation and less on assimilation. Right now many churches expect people to assimilate to their culture and instead accommodating the cultures in their community.
Dope point. I really appreciate that you pointed that out. Associating a culture, to a skin color is setting one up for failure. I can code switch to a certain degree, my friends that aren't black think I am so hood sounding; while my friends from my old neighborhood think I have shifted it up on them, and in their words "sound white"... LOL! I have white friends from trailor parks are culturally very similar to my boys from the projects; I also have black friends who grew up in affluence that are very similar to my white friends who grew up in the same environments. I do have a sincere question about the cultural differences between black and white; are you able to identify any that make us as different as society would like to pomote?
Shawn Weekly We all definitely code switch lol it’s a survival means in my opinion. And when you say your white friends that grew up in trailer parks are culturally similar to those in the projects or black friends who grew up affluently how so? To me that has more to do with socioeconomic status than culture. I think that black culture in this country was created. It’s rooted in African culture but when slaves were brought here they were forced to assimilate yet made things their own because they had no choice but to. Like one example would be jumping the broom. I don’t know any white people that are out here jumping the broom at their weddings lol or the creation of Kwanzaa to celebrate blackness. And just look at how blackness is appropriated constantly in popular culture. Things that black people have been doing for centuries all of a sudden becomes trendy when a white person does it. That to me is the difference.
great video. I understand what Preston is saying about the church being a reflection of the community...but alongside the example of the community that is 70% white and 30% black, a few factors may play a part as to why blacks aren't going to that predominantly white church, namely class and cultural differences. I don't know if that's necessarily a bad thing...just a thing that came to mind.
Good video. I appreciate the dialog, although I don't think I agree with everything that is presented here; in terms of how the church should view ethnic distinctions. (The church needs people who have different perspectives, and I can appreciate yours without agreeing wholesale) As a pastor of a multi-ethnic & multi-cultural congregation ... we have had tons of challenges with folks who want to hijack the narrative. I attempt to present a safe space for conversation, and urge people not to push away from the table when they don't agree with me, but unfortunately... race is often a deal breaker. These conversations often reveal an idol in the lives of believers, when they place ethnicity above Christ; both black and white. I saw a comment below about people being hurt by a pastor because they feel he let them down, and it troubled me. Trying to force "black thought" into a box, has been one of my challenges. I've even sit in a room full of pastors who have attempted to "son" me because I believe differently about race relations. The sad part is many of them were white, speaking on my experience as a black man in America. (Thanks for enlightening me.) I've got tons of stories ranging back to childhood on how God has allowed this poor black child from the projects, crack addicted mom, no father, family tree consisting of drug dealers and murderers, to cultivate deep relationships with people from all walks of life. I'm not saying that the church is moving in the wrong direction, because perhaps the method that many are espousing on vlogs, blogs and at conferences work for some. It's just not my style. God bless.
Im not American. I had been following Preston on his witnessing videos and I enjoyed his solid approach to sharing the Gospel. I gotta honestly say Im disappointed to hear Preston bring up political correctness and social justice and to collectivise people in the way they both did in this video, wasn't cool. The Frankfurt school and the French post modern philosophers have done so much damage to the minds of so many. Slavery is alive and well.
Thanks for watching. Are you familiar with the historical framework he’s to build his conclusion? Considering how solid, intelligent and “right” to sharing the gospel and apologetics... do you think it maybe a pre mature to dismiss the rest of his views because they don’t align with your own? Meaning he can be so right on a number of things yet according to you so wrong on race? Is it possible you’re maybe missing some of the information?
@@RuslanKD Thanks for the reply. Are you referring to American history? Then yes, I have studied and read up on a fair amount of American history. If you are referring to his personal history, then no. I am in no way saying he is not a Christian, I just strongly disagree. I understand his apologetics, because he approaches those he is witnessing to, in a particular manner and style I am familiar with. The language he uses and the angle he takes when addressing certain people. He has studied different belief systems, and more then likely has read similar information on the topic to what I have and agree with. I am almost certain he has learnt from similar people as I have. Just like I can tell where Preston is coming from when witnessing, I can also tell what angle is being taken and what ideology he has when talking about social justice, by the language he uses, the language you both use. I know and have studied this language, its critical theory, race theory, whiteness studies, intersectionality, all post modern and to some degree cultural marxist ideas. This is not a way of thinking that people woke up one morning with, this has been brought to America in a subversive way and introduced through education, stating at Yale university in the humanities and now is found everyday in media and TV. Irrespective of ones history, I'll always stand against those who are willing to sacrifice the individual at the alter of social justice, group justice. "White evangelical", "white church", "white privilege", thats collectivising, no two ways about it. This shouldn't be acceptable irrespective of race. In my view, post modernism and progressivism is in direct opposition to scripture.
Fair enough. In terms of history I’m referring to the last 120 years of black history. Have you studied black Wall Street, Jim Crow, Red lining and the CIA admitting to being complicit in allowing crack to flood black and brown communities? The racist policies of many presidents like the war on drugs.
Ruslan KD yes I have been told or read up on these, to various degrees. I’ve also studied and followed incredible individuals who stood up during those tough times. I’ve read up on the KKK, who started them, lynchings, the civil rights act, the supposed Dixiecrat switch which didn’t happen, planned parenthood and Margret Sanger, the great society act put in place under LBJ, all make for interesting, but incredibly sad reading. I’m South African and even my children have learnt a fair bit of American history.
So then if you’re familiar with these atrocities that have happened in the last 50-70 years. You should be aware that nothing happens ima vacuum. That we’re only a few generations removed from gross oppression that still impacts black communities. And some black folks even grow up with great grandparents that they know who were slaves. So it’s easy to dismiss someone as “liberal” or “Marxist” (you should watch my interview with Joseph Solomon as we address that) but tougher part is to piece together that these things impact each other. And again, Preston is a smart guy and he’s just following group think. He’s taking the time (as many black people have) to think through the issues in the black community and how we got here.
I find that there is a revolution moved by revelation needed amongst people on the earth. Spirit-led consciousness of 'race'. The whole body of Christ in His Spirit doesn't only need to be more vocal on the subject, but needs to be a significant contributor to bringing enlightenment on the reality of 'race' and more importantly the 'race' that Christ is calling us to be (which is the first being of the first Adam, the latter of Christ the Lord Himself). The problem is that we have failed to clarify what we are as humans in necessary detail, and have embraced descriptions driven by colonial cultures and worldly social norm. 'Black' and 'white' as terms today are integrated into social consciousness but lack a root in truth. It's not simply that those terms should be thrown away, but as we step deeper into the truth of Christ, we need to acknowledge that the terminology is not only redundant, but it has always been - yes, even during the colonial eras. However socially we've carried the terms with us not recognising the underlying flaws and damage they caused, carry and continue to cause. I found it interesting that you mentioned your son is black, your wife is black and you are white and of course these are according to the social perspective and as society operates, that is the classification given. It's a subject I've been curious about for a while because I have stopped referring to myself as 'black' and rather prefer 'brown-skin', 'dark-skin' and whatever description is reasonable' because that is what is the reality. I see the issue with carrying a term that indicates contamination. That is the reality of the terminology and ultimately is not about the words because words in isolation are arbitrary - rather it is about the subconscious idea that is perpetuated even if it is not intended to be negative. The pinnacle of the colour spectrum in humanity is not 'black' and the base is not 'white' therefore people of different colours having children shouldn't make another's redundant (logically, unless that is the case then there is far more about the eugenics idea that should be embraced). I don't believe any of that should be embraced. Rather I believe that there is a redefinition needed which isn't actually really redefinition, but a return to truth that begins with us seeing each other as God sees us. As in, it is actually renewal of the mind to see exactly what God sees. There are deeper intricacies to explore on the subject but it is further evidence that to achieve reconciliation in humanity is to begin with identity in Christ and will deal with things that even we as believers are unaware of. We really haven't realised how far we've fallen as humanity however it's by His marvellous grace that Christ has reconciled us with the Father of Truth. As we continue to live and learn, more truth will come. With even the term race, there is so much ambiguity which is plaguing the movements for reconciliation. It has made me cautious with even how I use the word 'race' to generate a conversation because people have an array of ideas often refrain from engaging those large scale to rather go grassroots and speak with people directly however should there be involvement in greater scale, the Gospel is the only remedy that provides a logical impact and transformation in the hearts of people. When I say the Gospel, I mean the Gospel. Not passive 'Jesus loves you' or just preaching at people, but the very truth of Christ permeating people's hearts in the manner that God sees fit for each person. People will come to Him in diverse ways as it is communicated but I believe that our duty is to be open conduits for its transmission and to beware of anything that society presents be it in language or thought that can hinder it. Yes we must engage with society but I don't believe that we necessarily need to carry the ideas. I'm glad you've given a platform for the conversation and there is much more for us to deal with. Yes it raises more questions about how we navigate if we take that road considering biology, genealogy, etc, but I'm in the mind that God has an Abraham-like route for us to take. 'Go to where I show you' and the dude bounced with all his family and possessions. Please let me know your thoughts. May Christ keep working in and through you and your guests! Grace!
In addition to the thoughts about understanding the diversity of people in the Body of Christ, again the consciousness of who we are in unity in Christ is a key factor in that drawing together and not pressuring unnecessary conformity or ignorance to the real life struggles that certain people groups experience due to the social structures of the world and seeking to make a difference. In the end the preceding identity we must acknowledge should always be our self in Christ, not that of the world. Also it's not ignoring our physical self on the earth, but to see it properly and through God's eyes as well rather than taking on the social norms to hold onto the world. Ultimately it's elevation above our earthly self, setting the mind on the higher things, things of above as Paul said to the Colossians, that will be a game changer. That influences thoughts, behaviour, everything in relation to the way we navigate life. I believe there is a significant ground that we will cover in relation to the purposes of God.
Thanks for your comment. I agree race is a social construct. As a half Armenian refugee from Azerbaijan raised in the urban context I’ve always struggled to identify as “white” however we are addressing how society views us. we used those specific terms in this video for obvious reasons.
@@RuslanKD thanks for this. I'll look more into the Armenian experience - it would be fascinating to see more content on that subject from you because it may offer an insight that shows the underlying similarities to the experiences explored in this video.
That's one of the big issues, our minority brethren usually attempt to guilt us over said possible privilege instead of being calm and trying to explain what they mean and the effect it can have
@@RuslanKD Absolutely. I may not agree entirely, but videos like this with a whole host of artists and other folk make a huge difference. Gotta give you props for having such a great platform for discussion and learning 👍
I personally have not seen this white church what ever stuff, not saying it doesn't happen, i just never seen it. But i have more times been told because im white im going to hell or have had whote family members turned away by black churchs. Because we grew up in the hood. Not saying all are like that at all. In fact a few accepted us and there was no issue. And my church has so many diffrent colored people. Its great. And we never tried to do that. Just loving people and preaching jesus. My room mates are black and Puerto Rican, 1 is a cop now. A black cop. A young Dominican couple pretty much took me in as there son. I have no parents alive. But they treat me as there own
Don’t use your personal experience as a way to dismiss others experience and pain. Just because you haven’t felt what Preston is describing doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Put on empathy and understanding. Less combating and responding with your personal experience.
@@RuslanKD yea i said that " not saying it doesn't happen " like what do you not get? I recognize that it is likely that it happens. Its impossible for me to say it doesn't happen. But i have all right to share that i never seen it, in my church or the churchs im affiliated with. My pastor is white but most of the pastors he sent out are black.
Because you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t it happen. There you go. So what was the point of the comment but to push back against something you haven’t seen. It dismissed someone else’s experience with yours. When both are obviously true.
Nothing dismissed anything. Me sharing my experience gives hope to those that may think every church with white people is racist. Every comment i read was how they where treated wrong. And that sucks. But not every white person is like that. Just giving qn extra angle to the issue.
Dope conversation. It's interesting how the CHH market is mostly white but the artists are very much minority. I always saw Christianity from a Black lens as someone who grew up in a Black Church and was mainly around Black Christians and while the Black Church has shown a sense of grief but also kinda been quiet about social issues so Its not just the White Church whose been guilty of lack of empathy. As far White Evangelicals supporting Trump I mean I kinda saw it coming with just how he was able to speak to the emotions of White middle America who felt threated by Black Lives Matter and the LGBT movement back in 2016. People always forget that Republicans have been on the southern strategy since the late 60s where they have to appeal to the those in the bible-belt, but despite that Trump has far more Black support then any other Republican since the 1960s.
thanks for sharing. I'm not sure about Trump having more support. I remember George W Bush in 2004 winning by a land slide and marketing to all christians. including black ones.
@@RuslanKD I'm too young to remember the 04 election since I was only 8 at the time but I never met a Black person who was fond of Bush. Trump is an interesting case because he appeals to large group people outside of the Middle-Age White person who's been the Republican party main base for a long time. He has a strong young base, Black base and even a strong Hispanic base.
Yeah it was a different time in terms of little to No social media and how people got their information. All in all it was much less polarizing. I’d say church folks across the board supported George bush in 2004.
Im a brown skin latino. I have encountered racist situations many times but i refuse to call myself a victim or let my emotions be effected by this.. Yes, i sometime feel like i dont fit in, or discriminated, but i talk myself out of it and force myself to shift the atmosphere. i think the Afro American community is making race an even bigger issue and feeding the beast..i moved to the south from Cali and i have seen black people create more segregation than white people because of this victim mindset. My Native American people used to own this land and we were raped and killed for our land...but the latino people brush it off and keep moving forward...thats is exactly what my Afro American people need to do, and we all need to put more focus and energy in spreading more love if we want to truly solve this issue...i love all people, and i refuse to let "race" divide me and make me a victim
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your perspective tho I do think having an opinion about how a group (that I’m not apart of) handles their collective trauma would be a bit pretentious and dismissive of me. Regardless of what group I’m speaking about. I’m Armenian. The genocide of April 15th is still talked about regularly. Armenians are still pissed that the UN won’t recognize it as a genocide. I’ve never heard that kinda push back towards Armenians needing to just “‘move on” and get over it. Those who don’t learn from history are bound to make its mistakes.
Although you guys sound intelligent, many of us so-called African-American find that gov't term offensive. Most of us in the south especially here in southern Louisiana i.e.N.O. know we are indigenous to the Americas.
Why does he keep saying his son is black in a way that his son is less than him? His son is his son. His skin color shouldn't be the highlight of his description of his son.
I’m saying my son is black because he’s black and that offers context on my perspective as a white male. Please don’t comment on my videos without watching the entire thing and adding something to the conversation. You’re 0 for 2 and I love using that hide and banned button to ensure I and my community have a fun and pleasant experience on this channel. Tread lightly.
If you can watch a 20 minute video that’s intended to spark healthy conversation amongst believers and all you gathered was “mike brown wasn’t murdered” and “why does he keep saying his son is black like he’s beneath him” this channel isn’t for you. There’s no hard feelings. Just reframe from consuming and commenting if that’s the energy you’re gonna project.
@@RuslanKD I'm all for healthy conversation. Did not intend to bring bad energy forgive me if I did. We are all still dealing with this remnant of sin. I just thought I sensed a little victimhood in the conversation. No offense intended.
No harm no foul. I think the “victimhood” maybe from a lack of context of who we are. Poke around my channel and Preston’s channel. You’ll notice that isn’t the vibe we’re on at all. However we do see the need to acknowledge injustice. Whether to an individual or a group. Preston has an amazing apologetics channel. I’m big on financial literacy and personal responsibility.
Yeah man, love your music but I certainly don’t agree with a lot with what y’all are saying. No hate towards either of you guys. You guys just carry different opinions & that’s just fine & maybe we can learn from one another. I’m a Christian & I know you guys are Christian too, so in a sense I feel I can maybe bring this up in a civil manner. To me- I feel a lot of black folks use “white guilt” as a way to speak down to white folks -from what I’ve witnessed. Hardly ever do I see “white privilege” used as a healing term. Only with you guys I have, for real ! EVERYDAY on social media, constantly I see mainly black people say “f white people” Everyday I see it. There’s definitely hate on both ends. Or I see a lot of oppositional humor against white people from blacks. There’s hate for people of color but I also I see folks just want to constantly trash on whites. To be 💯 I don’t agree with a number of things that BLM does(rioting trashing cities, standing on the freeway)I feel race is a super hyper sensitive topic & it’s focused on too much. Social media stirs the race pot like nobody’s business! I feel a lot of people think that black people play the race card on a lot of different things. Everything is racist now n days. Your story on what you spoke on about on that person calling a black boy a monkey, is straight up racist. That’s an actual example of something that’s racist. I also feel people think that a lot of black folks just want to be catered to more than any other race & I know people in general view it as a victim mentality thing. Maybe a very unpopular thing to mention! but I know a lot of folks feel it, I can’t speak for everyone because obviously everyone is different but I can hope that none of this was hurtful on you I just felt that it’s good to express these things ✌🏽
Ima be honest with you. If your using social media as a way to gage the pulse of what’s really happening in peoples hearts and minds, you as well crawl in a hole and never come out lol. Social media is a caricature of reality. This is exactly I made this video, to actually explain white privilege doesn’t mean white guilt. That’s very important. BLM as an organization I’m not endorsing. When I say black lives matter, I’m saying just that. Black lives matter. Because they do. That’s not an endorsement of everything they represent nor is it saying other lives don’t matter. It’s like saying I’m a lakers fan. Or I’m a Lebron fan. Doesn’t mean every other team is terrible or the whole league is trash. It also doesn’t mean I endorse everything the Lakers or Lebron does in all their different ventures. Id encourage you to get off social media and have these conversations with REAL PEOPLE who disagree with you. That is how you grow. Not to agree. But to understand and extend empathy.
Sergio Roden Yeah I second guessed myself before I sent this but I really tried to make it a civil comment even though it’s an extremely controversial topic but I feel honest conflict has more social value than dishonest harmony.
Ruslan KD Late response ! But no it’s not all on social media, it’s real life haha. I’m mostly Hispanic. A little Off topic BUT say if I’m voting for someone -I could give two craps if that candidate is white, black or brown. I just focus on what their message is. Unlike people today where they are focused on if the person “is an old white man” it’s like who cares! For real. I don’t understand that 😂Im not for one race & I believe that most cops are legitimately are trying to do good, considering, I have & am currently fighting a case in court & felt like the police department did a horrible job handling. I feel if you look at cops with a certain lense & you get your news from a certain platform, your gonna get what you wanna hear vs hearing the truth. I don’t believe some of those cases where those black people that were shot were 100% innocent. Some of em put themselves in bad positions & I’m not afraid to shake a persons hand if they voted for Hillary or Trump there just people. I feel as the body of Christ we need to look past skin color 100% & stop focusing on it so much. I don’t remember God saying focus on skin color any where in the Bible. It does say to love one another & to care not just about yourself but on others. I’m not superior, I know Jesus is more concerned about my HEART & I have plenty to work on! I had a lot of questions earlier & thanks for responding.Anyways blessings.
I really enjoyed this conversation, but how can a productive conversation be had when comments like: "You don't understand that you have the luxury not to think about being white" & "You have to accept black people in your church who aren't culturally white" how does comments like this help? I really want to know, and please don't say it's all about having an uncomfortable conversation. These comments are condescending. Also, why is there such a burden for white folks to get their act together, as if black folks have it all figured out? We don't. I do believe these conversations are important, but there's zero balance.
Well the first comment is true. For one to NOT think about race is a privilege. Not considering something is a benefit is it not? For example, Not considering how much money is In my bank account before I impulsively book a flight to Paris is a privilege. Whether I have a million or a thousand, just the thought process to NOT consider something is a privilege. Accepting black people of ALL kinds was the point of the second comment you mentioned. Not just blacks that assimilate to white culture. But blacks that maybe make whites uncomfortable should be accepted. How is that comment NOT HELPFUL and not true? The burden is by and large because blacks tend to be empathetic and supportive when terrible things happen to other cultures. Whether mosques getting shot up overseas or a Jewish synagogue getting shot up here in San Diego, I always notice black people extending empathy. When we had a slew of unarmed black men getting killed, the white church wasn’t just silent. They were combative with statements like “let’s let the facts come out” or “what do you mean, black lives matter, no all lives matter” never slowing down to listen and understand that what was happening with law enforcement was a pattern instead of viewing them as just isolated situations. So scroll down and read some of the other comments. See how many white brothers and sisters are grateful these conversations are happening. And see how many black people also felt betrayed by their white brothers and sisters in the faith.
Thank you for the thoughtful explanation. I said in the video. My black son will have privilege because he’s growing up in a home with both parents. More privilege because he has a father that’s very available and engaged. I think it’s interesting that you were immediately able to go to the Carlton example lol. This is Preston sharing his experience. I can’t speak on the nuance of how blacks people do or don’t accept their own. I can only agree that from my experience, there is a demand for all cultures (not just black) to assimilate to white evangelical culture in the context of the church. When the white church should be looking to accommodate all cultures. This is true in everything from the music to the language being used. There’s a great book written on assimilation vs accommodation by the founding pastor of mosaic I believe. In terms of black on black violence vs police brutality, I think this is a huge misconception of blm or black chh artist. I can’t speak on blm as an organization but I can speak on the countless chh artist like bizzle, lecrae, datin, eshon, vois, beleaf, that have ALL spoken out again black on black violence and the issue that plague the black community. How the issue is different, is everyone agrees and knows what happening in the south side of Chicago is terrible. Even secular rappers. But with police brutality its amplified because those are people that are called to serve and protect. Young and immature gang members are gonna do stupid things. Across all races. Police officers who took an oath, are expected to behave in a different way. On a higher standard. So it’s not on or the other. We should be outraged at both. Ima try and get someone on to expand on this.
Ruslan KD I appreciate you taking the time to read my comment. Your engagement with your audience puts you in a class all by yourself. Praise God for the work you do, and praise the Lord that your son will have both of his parents in the household. You being an immigrant and having a biracial child in today’s climate is definitely a challenge and I’m rooting for you man. Lol Carlton was the first thing I thought of because of the culturally white comment that was said, and Carlton experienced that rejection when he was trying to join a frat. I know there’s artist speaking out against violence, but the cry is a tad bit louder when the police do something. The same energy needs to be kept at all times. Whether it’s police, rappers promoting poison, or the dudes in the neighborhood running a muck. And like I said before, not every case is what the media makes it out to be. It’s important not to get caught up in that. Don’t believe the hype.And in speaking of assimilation, I do believe true intentionality needs to happen. Blaming one group or class of people does absolutely nothing. There shouldn’t be any division, but there is. We both know we don’t live in a perfect world and we have an enemy who hates us. Godly marriages isn’t the only godly relationship the enemy wants to tear down. We as believers truly need to recognize the enemy when he comes. We’re all brothers and sisters in Christ but we let culture, doctrine/theology, and politics divide us. It’s like we forget we have an identity in Christ and allow our feelings to override the truth. Whether we agree or not (The church) we need to be solid in our foundation, lovingly engage one another and allow both sides to express themselves and listen. God’s word has already given us the keys we need. Keep challenging the culture, Ruslan. We need more people shaking the table. God bless your ministry. -Franklin
Thanks bro. First thing that came to mind is bizzle. Definitely a brother that keeps the same energy across all issues of sin. Yet when he spoke out against police brutality he got a ton of backlash from his audience. This is exactly what we’re trying to speak against by gently enlighten the chh community of things like privilege. Thanks for watching and your comment!
The white church did not fail anyone. They did exactly what they were suppose to do, which was to force a religion on a people their forefathers enslaved. 😊
Ruslan KD iight so as the whites took over other countries, they forced their religion on the people. So technically Christianity’s roots (White Church) were forced into Africa’s soil.
that is definitely true... 1000-1800's. I'm specifically speaking to christianity taking very deep roots in Ethopia dating back to the ethiopian eunuch in acts 8. the two countries that first adapted Christianity were Ethopia (Early 300 AD) and Armenia (Early 300 AD) (there debates to which was first). before Rome and Constantine established catholicism (380 AD) old sport. So you are correct that thousands of years later christianity was apart of the imperialist who came onto Africa soil. But the historical fact is that Christianity was on African soil thousands of years before that. look into the establishment of Ethopian church.
![Is Christianity the White Man's Religion? [A Conversation w. Terrance Covin]](/img/n.gif)
ONLY COMMENT IF YOU’VE WATCHED THE FULL VIDEO
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Facts , please do not comment if you read the title and got in your feelings 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
"We have to understand that diversity doesn't always look like skin color"
This whole video was flames.
So true 🙏🙏💯💯
I am 43 years old, and I have lived my first 39 years in Nigeria my motherland. I moved to the US and lived in Texas for a while. I was excited about being in finding a church and serving God. I was not prepared to discover that racism is alive and well within the walls of what should be the safest and most secure place for me in this country. I am deeply sensitive and grieve easily. I could not believe that people who were supposed to be my brothers and sisters in Christ, were quick to forget that the God who is love hates racism! I moved from Texas to New Jersey, but I have been so traumatized that I am now afraid to go to church. I have not been in 3 years.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m praying when the time is right you find another home church. In the meantime, are you able to watch some churches online?
@@RuslanKD thank you sir! Yes, there are two men of God I believe I can trust with the Word - Pastor Tony Evans and Rick Warren. I catch their sermons on UA-cam as much as possible.
☹️
I recently stopped going to church period because of this! I felt like my pain was being ignored. Or I was being told about my experience by married white millennial women! I was soo exhausted and wounded, I decided to tap out. None of those people that said they “loved me” ever reached out. I have major trust issues with church people that say the love me. I know they are full of it, because the minute I question something or disagree, I’m no longer lovable.
I’m so sorry sis. Praying you can find a community that celebrates you. Thank you for watching.
Amanda Jones 🙏🏾
Ruslan KD Thank you for replying! I didn’t expect that! My mission is to allow myself to be open to God healing those broken parts of me, to continue to seek Him, and welcome community wherever I go; even if it looks unconventional. I have a small share group, and a diverse support system. They hear me out, it feels good. Thank you for doing what you do. Discovering your music has been a major blessing this year! Bless you brother! 💚
@@amandajones4681 very encouraged to hear that Amanda. I heard a brother liken the church to a hospital. We are generally a bunch of sick people that are in need of healing, but at times we need to be isolated in the ICU because of the depth of our injury/sickness. But it's only for a season.... Glad you have found the spiritual TLC in and amongst that smaller more intimate group of believers who can and will effectively nurture your soul. But it's only for a season.....
Those people were the Christians. You are loved and our experience do matter; however, I also do know how you feel with some of my white Christian friends not taking Black Christians experiences or struggles as serious or taking it as a joke or ignoring it all together.
You gotta be uncomfortable for a bit to learn and grow
I really appreciate the fact that the content of this video will make some folks feel uncomfortable. I grew up in East Nashville TN and my blessing was to be raised along side my brothers and sisters who were not the same skin complexion as I was. I grew up singing at the TPAC center in the Dr. Martin Luther King JR. Choir singing the African American National Anthem and hymns from the days of oppression. Why does this matter to me? Because this made me who I am today. I believe in my heart that I grew up the way I did for a purpose, and it has given me such a great understanding of how different people are but how truly great it is that we are all such a like. I was a white kid who is also mexican that wanted to be black because I knew that different is how God created us and that’s how I want to be. Now the idea of race is a false social construct that was made to segregate and oppress. Ethnicity on the other hand is what life is about. Where you come from, how you speak, how you love, the food you eat, how you worship and so much more. This is what’s important in my opinion. My heart is broken when Preston was talking about growing up and people were staring at him in a hateful way. I can say that I have never walked in his shoes but I do have the gift of compassion and I feel his heart and not guilt. I do feel the pain, and the conviction I get from my words is, what am i doing about the injustice? Well I’m starting with my family and teaching them the way of love. When I walk outside in the world I make sure to say hi to someone that looks different than me like Pastor Pat said. Please tell me if I’m wrong, but i make a point to say hi to folks that are not white not out of guilt, but out of love. I’m trying to break barriers down with acts of love.
This conversation hits different in 2020. Good stuff, appreciate yall's boldness to speak truth.
I remember talking with Cory Paul about this. He broke it down for me and took time and had patience explaining it to me. Shout out to him for that. Great dialogue.
I loved this! So glad these conversations are happening publicly.
I would love more open conversations with both sides: white/black. As a mixed person, who was raised by my white mother, there is definitely a disconnect for me since I wasn't raised with the black side of my family. Sometimes I have questions about race that I honestly don't feel safe to ask in this current political climate.
So I’m just watching this video for the first time, and I thought it was a really good conversation. As a Christian black man, I would say I agree with Preston on MOST of the points he made. I do believe that there are a lot of white professed Christians that are either oblivious or apathetic to the issues of black folks who worship the same God. Mr. Perry presented his points in a very clear and understandable way. With that said, I believe there are also a number things that need to be understood as well for ALL saints especially my black brothers and sisters, Perry included. First of all while Perry speaks for I’m sure a majority of black saints, he does not speak for ALL. The truth is not every black person, agrees with the idea or belief of “white privilege”. Not every black person has had that type of experiences that Preston Perry has had. Not every black person feels the same way about President Trump. There are black folks who voted for and still support the Trump administration and can give you legitimate reasons as to why, with there black awareness still firmly intact. And finally the only thing that I took issue with is Mr. Perry labeling certain black folks who attend predominantly white churches as “culturally white” and himself as basically “culturally black”. To be honest I thought that was a bit immature for him to put it that way. We have to stop making culture and race one in the same. Being black or white has never been based on human behavior. Just because you talk a certain way or dress a certain way doesn’t make you “blacker “then another black person that is polar opposite from those standpoints. I understand what he was trying to say but I just believe that perspective that a lot of people have regardless of race, is unfortunate and really just brings more division. All and all I thought it was a well needed conversation and respect due to Ruslan and Pres Perry. 🤙🏿
I'm mad I saw this 2 years later. I'm glad someone says it. Not every black person thinks the same
“My faith hangs on the person of Jesus.” THIS.
Amen to that!!!
“I can NEVER forget that I’m a black man” that was great insight right there. It sucks that’s the way it is. But we can’t ignore that truth.
This was beautifully done. Mr. Perry is that dude! 💪🏿💪🏿 We still got alot of work to do. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
i love this! I'm puertorican and I feel like i dont fit in most churches , but i also feel like puertoricans dont really understand that they are technically black as well , so I dont fit in with them either because most of them are low key racist. So, I'm like Lord where do I fit in? At the end of the day i will continue to speak up for the voiceless. I love the church building and I pray that one day we can all come together and just share each others burdens the biblical way.
Cristal Clear 👏🏼
I appreciate your honesty 😉
Loved this video. The heart of this conversation is unity of the body of Christ & peace (Eph. 4:3) and if we aren't striving for it, we doing something wrong as a church. Dope conversation.
Two Favorite Christian influencer Ruslan & Preston Perry.
The wisdom shown in this video is insane. Blessings to you Ruslan and Preston
Wow I love this. Thank you! My boyfriend is biracial (white/black) and when we first started dating it was such a struggle because I was so surprised that he didn’t understand the hurts of black people. He grew up in a white household and didn’t really see racism because of how his own white family and community sheltered him. He used to be so nonchalant about race issues and police brutality, when I’d be in tears. He would often shrug discussions away and say he didn’t want to talk about it, even though I clearly was hurting.But thank God he eventually listened to me. Which, like Preston said, that’s all we want really is for someone to hear us. Now he has more compassion and a heart for black people.
Great conversation, def need more of these..
Content is craaazzzzy this month
Do the uncomfortable work of having uncomfortable conversations! That's 🔑
Dope convo from 2 great men of God, thanks bro for taking time to speak on these difficult/uncomfortable topics
Nice job to both the host and the guest! It was a very hard topic, but you presented the issues and possible resolutions in a very tasteful way.
All of this was straight truth and the very last point Preston made was key... You can have different ethnicities/cultures in the building but if they still have to assimilate to the dominant white culture it's not real reconciliation in the Biblical sense. It's not the pure and spotless church that Christ is coming back for. Aaron Dailey led a workshop on this at Legacy too and it was fire! Thank y'all for living boldly and using your platforms to inspire and educate.
Yeah I agree with everything he said . I love these discussions especially as a black male who kinna strayed for some of the same reasons he named for a little while.
Ruslan I appreciate you making these real and honest videos!
Ruslan, I believe I misjudged you bro. I first heard of you when you at after Shai Linne years ago, lol. A brother brought you up recently in a discussion and I decided to check out your channel and music again. I've been blessed by your content, bro. These discussions have been edifying and encouraging. Keep it up brotha!
Welcome back!
As a minority in this comment section, I can't really express myself because I feel that anything I say would likely be misunderstood and put on blast as my experience is that people don't really want to have a 2 way conversation but sound off about being hurt. I am a pastor at a multi-ethnic church, and my friends are of all races that I hang out with and we do try to listen and treat each other as Christ commanded us to love one another as Christ loved the church and that is the best I know how to do as I can't account or fix or prevent everyone in a minority community from being hurt by an insensitive or racist person. I enjoyed the video, and hope that one day there will be true reconciliation, at least in the body of Christ for goodness sake, but am guessing that it won't be fully realized until Jesus returns. Would happily have a conversation with any of you at any time to learn all I can, just not feeling very optimistic that this will be reconciled on a mass level but more personal level, if I am being honest, which hopefully is OK to be honest about that.
We are not asking you to fix anything but at least listen and do your part to make a difference
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Ruslan dropping gem after gem out here! Dope video. Content like this, coming from sincere people with love, is what opens the eyes of people like me who don't get much exposure to non-white-evangelical points of view. And just a quick thought: it's really difficult for all people to come to grips with the truth that their own perceptions and experiences are not superior to everyone elses. I think we all have this pride in us that says that *my* perceptions are the right ones, and we just dismiss or explain away anything that doesn't fit within our own experiences. I think that's a big reason why white people tend to be skeptical of the experiences and distinct struggles of African-Americans. But when people that we trust like Preston lovingly share their experiences and perspectives with us, it opens up our worldview and allows us to see things differently.
Preston just earned himself a new subscriber!
May this video spread further and wider. The content is crucial! Enough fire 🔥 to spark redemption and transformation to all who are willing and ready
I wish this was way longer fam. But you got yourself a new sub! Blessings bro!
Aeyyy welcome!
Bless you brothers! Keep up the good work!
Just subbed....very good content. Let me know if you want to interview us.
Im definitely a brother that will join these 2 in agreement however the only aspect I have to put forth as something more necessary than a sermon on injustice in a current high tension climate is why not preach about the injustice done to Christ? That's the greatest injustice ever in humanity. That sermon has more of a heart reach than anything else. It makes repentance more sure.. it makes the heart more sober to holiness. It's an inside out transaction of Grace that no amount of "black lives matter" rants can ever amount to.
Dear white ppl, move from guilt about white privilege to rectifying the conditions that create the white privilege.
I love this. It’s all about loving one another for who we are. We are all made in the image and likeness of God. Once we can see past race, ethnicity and culture than we can truly focus on change and bettering our communities.
I always felt out of place at my Catholic Church which was predominantly white middle class as a youngster who was a poor Guatemalan immigrant who loved hip hop culture. I think in my case though I personally pushed my self away because I felt different not so much because my community pushed me away. As a grown man now I still congregate at that Parish and now feel very welcomed and accepted and I see diversity working together as one. Thank you for you insightful videos my dude.
I was attending a church that was predominantly black but the senior leaders weren’t and didn’t understand or try to understand where the black people were coming from on these issues. I respected my leadership to the point that my heart was cold on these issues even while being half black myself sadly. The “get over it” mentality is toxic in this situation. I think the compassion it takes to hear and a humble heart to really listen is very important today.
Wow. Thank you for sharing that bro.
Thanks for the candid conversation fellas. Ruslan I believe I met you in Charlotte on tour with John Givez a few years back. As someone who's felt hurt by white evangelicals I just want to encourage everyone but especially black people to walk in love and forgiveness yet remain firm on justice and equity. Remember the war is spiritual and your voice is powerful. 🙏🏾✌🏾❤️💪🏾
Great content 💕
Dope video💙. I follow both you guys on Instagram and am subscribed to both of your UA-cam channels. This discussion really blessed me. Much love🙌💙
very good video, enjoyed listening it!
LOVE THIS CONVERSATION!
THIS WAS SOME REAL TALK
ON THE REAL!! KEEP IT COMING
RUSLAN.....
REAL conversations are always good for GROWTH!!!
What an amazing interview❤️❤️❤️😊
Worshipping next to a person that cares... Sheesh
Church diversity. What ive noticed is the diversity or lack of among leadership in churches. Its more likely for a white man to pastor a predominantly black church, then a black man pastor a predominantly white church.
Maybe. But in San Diego there’s two mega churches. The Rock and New Venture. Wouldn’t call either a “white church” but new venture is for sure more of a “white” church. That’s the church I got saved at. I’ve never been to a black church pastored by a white man. And I’m pretty well traveled.
But there are many churches outside of the 2 mega churches you mentioned and many churches are unmixed. There are many congregations that are still predominantly black and predominantly white. There are predominantly black congregations pastored by white men.The "Bible belt" of the United States has a few. Not many churches like that, but its probably more than the other way around. Its less likely to see a black man pastor a predominantly white congregation. Pretty sure it exists in the United States, but its so rare. I think this speaks to bigger issue why that is. I think it speaks to superiority issue that is alive in this country even today.
I appreciate most of this conversation, but I just want to say one thing to my fellow African Americans who are often “put on the spot” or in “the hot seat” for improvisational cultural education for white brothers and sisters: No matter how much a white brother or sister desires to learn about the broad concepts and beautiful nuances of Blackness in America, NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO YOUR EXPERIENCE. THE BURDEN IS NOT ON YOU TO “educate” or “prove” ANYTHING ABOUT BLACKNESS AND BEING BLACK TO ANYBODY, INCLUDING OTHER BLACK PEOPLE. You do not have to put your personal trauma on public display for white people to do their work. There are PLENTY of resources out here for them that they can and should seek out independently. The length of your trauma and experience doesn’t have to be added to the rope they will have to tug-a-war with mentally. FEEL FREE to share with your white brothers and sisters whom you Trust, but don’t feel like you’ve gotta offer up your life for probing and dissection. Take care of yourself as you care for your brothers and sisters.
God bless y’all and us all.
Well said. Thank you
@@RuslanKD Thank you, for what you said And how you listened.... glad this found me so I could subscribe.
Best talk. Thank you fom Brazil
This was excellent. 🙏🏾
Great conversation
Interesting conversation praise YHWH for the words shalom.
The first question would be for me what is the "white church"? That question alone denotes disunity. A better question would be did the Caucasians who are supposed to be part of the body of Christ fail African Americans in the body of Christ when we look at society as a whole and we look at the division that even exists in the church today?
Bless up, awesome listen.
Wow! She really wasn’t aware that she was white. This is so good!
So good! Thank you for posting this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
So good 🙌🏼
This video was very eye-opening
Praise God. Thank you for watching!
I haven’t watched yet and my answer is unequivocally yes 🤷🏾♀️
😂❤️
I have to comment now because I’m. It going to remember all but I like when you said White guilt does not equal White privilege.
I’m still watching and will to the end!
*not
@Ruslan KD I absolutely loved this conversation and appreciate the way you and Preston chopped it up. This was so necessary, I'm not sure if you will even see this comment. I am a black man in america with no political affiliation, but I caught the vibe that somehow democrats are the savior of the black community...they are NOT. Neither are republicans. I see myself as a Theocrat, I look to Jesus to place who He will at 1600 Penn Ave and do my part to make an impact as He gives me capacity. Not trolling, just passing along some love and asking about balance. Grace and Peace champ.
Ruslan, you are very good interviewer. you ask the tough questions. i humbly suggest that you let your interviewee speak more. you have very good, important and concrete ideas. but the sensation is that you are interviewing you. I was very keen to hear what Preston had to say about the questions, and they were very good questions with very good answers. Thank you for tackling this issue because it is important for us. It is important for "white evangelicals" to listen to our black brethren and be sensitive to their fears and their reality and NOT assume that our reality is theirs and NOT delegitimize their experience just because it's not our own. I want to see how I can also contribute to this dialogue and shed light on it. Preston, if you are reading here, I would like to do an article on you and profile you. theashcraftsgt@yahoo.com. I have a couple of things I would like to focus, one of which is this issue.
Thanks Michael. Most of what you see is me hanging with my friends and capturing it. These aren’t intended to be formal interviews. I’m not a reporter lol. But I appreciate the feedback and will try to incorporate it.
@@RuslanKD Don't get me wrong. Excellent points. Excellent interview questions. I totally agree that we need to get that message out there.
1) wht is "whte church"?...
2) does truth mattr?...
3) do we go along to get along?...
4) whte privledge & whte ignorance?...
5) wht is race?...
6) see dr robin deangelo & jane elliott...
7) 1crnth 2
The Holy Spirit is The only Source of G.O.D.'s Perfect/Nfaffbl Word...
rev 22:18-19
prov 30:1-6
deutr 12:32
jrmh 8:8
terri a.
Man I love this video.
Great Convo
Good talk. Have friends of all ethnicities and religions.
This is an EXCELLENT video! SO many gems and barz dropped. I sincerely hope it sparks more conversations like this in the white church because black people have this conversation ALL THE TIME. Yes it can and will be uncomfortable, but growth and understanding doesn't happen if you never venture outside of your comfort zone. The only thing I find a little problematic is at the end when Preston talks about white churches only accepting black people who are "culturally white" versus black people from the hood. I totally get that he's saying the white church should welcome all black people and POC (as they should) but to call a black person culturally white can insinuate and perpetuate the idea that there's only one way to be black. Of course there are ABSOLUTELY cultural differences between white and black people but regardless of a black person's socioeconomic status, level of education or where they grew up, they're still black and will be viewed as such no matter what. Now if they don't see themselves as black, well that's a whole different conversation lol. Much love to y'all!
Yeah I hear you
I think that was his way of saying churches need to be focused more on accommodation and less on assimilation. Right now many churches expect people to assimilate to their culture and instead accommodating the cultures in their community.
I totally agree. It’s so much easier to make people fit into a narrative than it is actually hear them and cater to their actual experiences.
Dope point. I really appreciate that you pointed that out. Associating a culture, to a skin color is setting one up for failure. I can code switch to a certain degree, my friends that aren't black think I am so hood sounding; while my friends from my old neighborhood think I have shifted it up on them, and in their words "sound white"... LOL!
I have white friends from trailor parks are culturally very similar to my boys from the projects; I also have black friends who grew up in affluence that are very similar to my white friends who grew up in the same environments.
I do have a sincere question about the cultural differences between black and white; are you able to identify any that make us as different as society would like to pomote?
Shawn Weekly We all definitely code switch lol it’s a survival means in my opinion. And when you say your white friends that grew up in trailer parks are culturally similar to those in the projects or black friends who grew up affluently how so? To me that has more to do with socioeconomic status than culture. I think that black culture in this country was created. It’s rooted in African culture but when slaves were brought here they were forced to assimilate yet made things their own because they had no choice but to. Like one example would be jumping the broom. I don’t know any white people that are out here jumping the broom at their weddings lol or the creation of Kwanzaa to celebrate blackness. And just look at how blackness is appropriated constantly in popular culture. Things that black people have been doing for centuries all of a sudden becomes trendy when a white person does it. That to me is the difference.
In short answer yes lol
This was all so eloquently put.
No one better than Preston to break this down so graciously.
@@RuslanKD Truth.
great video.
I understand what Preston is saying about the church being a reflection of the community...but alongside the example of the community that is 70% white and 30% black, a few factors may play a part as to why blacks aren't going to that predominantly white church, namely class and cultural differences. I don't know if that's necessarily a bad thing...just a thing that came to mind.
My Christian sister is upset with her white Pastor for ignoring black issues
Literally thought it was gamebredfighter when the video first started
Good video. I appreciate the dialog, although I don't think I agree with everything that is presented here; in terms of how the church should view ethnic distinctions. (The church needs people who have different perspectives, and I can appreciate yours without agreeing wholesale) As a pastor of a multi-ethnic & multi-cultural congregation ... we have had tons of challenges with folks who want to hijack the narrative. I attempt to present a safe space for conversation, and urge people not to push away from the table when they don't agree with me, but unfortunately... race is often a deal breaker. These conversations often reveal an idol in the lives of believers, when they place ethnicity above Christ; both black and white.
I saw a comment below about people being hurt by a pastor because they feel he let them down, and it troubled me. Trying to force "black thought" into a box, has been one of my challenges. I've even sit in a room full of pastors who have attempted to "son" me because I believe differently about race relations. The sad part is many of them were white, speaking on my experience as a black man in America. (Thanks for enlightening me.)
I've got tons of stories ranging back to childhood on how God has allowed this poor black child from the projects, crack addicted mom, no father, family tree consisting of drug dealers and murderers, to cultivate deep relationships with people from all walks of life. I'm not saying that the church is moving in the wrong direction, because perhaps the method that many are espousing on vlogs, blogs and at conferences work for some. It's just not my style.
God bless.
Man you just took a weight off my shoulders
Preston is very intelligent 👏👏👏
ABSOLUTELY! 110%
This is Norman, by the way.
Dang it i completeeeely forgot about LEGACY happening 😭😭😭
I caught Joseph Solomon's general session...flameolicious 🔥🔥🔥
Great conversation! #AllLivesMatter foreal though. 😉
Ima have to have you on to explain that statement lol
Absolutely, anytime brother! Appreciate what you bring to the culture! 🙏🏽
Im not American. I had been following Preston on his witnessing videos and I enjoyed his solid approach to sharing the Gospel. I gotta honestly say Im disappointed to hear Preston bring up political correctness and social justice and to collectivise people in the way they both did in this video, wasn't cool. The Frankfurt school and the French post modern philosophers have done so much damage to the minds of so many. Slavery is alive and well.
Thanks for watching. Are you familiar with the historical framework he’s to build his conclusion?
Considering how solid, intelligent and “right” to sharing the gospel and apologetics... do you think it maybe a pre mature to dismiss the rest of his views because they don’t align with your own? Meaning he can be so right on a number of things yet according to you so wrong on race? Is it possible you’re maybe missing some of the information?
@@RuslanKD Thanks for the reply. Are you referring to American history? Then yes, I have studied and read up on a fair amount of American history. If you are referring to his personal history, then no. I am in no way saying he is not a Christian, I just strongly disagree.
I understand his apologetics, because he approaches those he is witnessing to, in a particular manner and style I am familiar with. The language he uses and the angle he takes when addressing certain people. He has studied different belief systems, and more then likely has read similar information on the topic to what I have and agree with. I am almost certain he has learnt from similar people as I have.
Just like I can tell where Preston is coming from when witnessing, I can also tell what angle is being taken and what ideology he has when talking about social justice, by the language he uses, the language you both use. I know and have studied this language, its critical theory, race theory, whiteness studies, intersectionality, all post modern and to some degree cultural marxist ideas. This is not a way of thinking that people woke up one morning with, this has been brought to America in a subversive way and introduced through education, stating at Yale university in the humanities and now is found everyday in media and TV.
Irrespective of ones history, I'll always stand against those who are willing to sacrifice the individual at the alter of social justice, group justice. "White evangelical", "white church", "white privilege", thats collectivising, no two ways about it. This shouldn't be acceptable irrespective of race.
In my view, post modernism and progressivism is in direct opposition to scripture.
Fair enough. In terms of history I’m referring to the last 120 years of black history. Have you studied black Wall Street, Jim Crow, Red lining and the CIA admitting to being complicit in allowing crack to flood black and brown communities? The racist policies of many presidents like the war on drugs.
Ruslan KD yes I have been told or read up on these, to various degrees. I’ve also studied and followed incredible individuals who stood up during those tough times. I’ve read up on the KKK, who started them, lynchings, the civil rights act, the supposed Dixiecrat switch which didn’t happen, planned parenthood and Margret Sanger, the great society act put in place under LBJ, all make for interesting, but incredibly sad reading.
I’m South African and even my children have learnt a fair bit of American history.
So then if you’re familiar with these atrocities that have happened in the last 50-70 years. You should be aware that nothing happens ima vacuum. That we’re only a few generations removed from gross oppression that still impacts black communities. And some black folks even grow up with great grandparents that they know who were slaves. So it’s easy to dismiss someone as “liberal” or “Marxist” (you should watch my interview with Joseph Solomon as we address that) but tougher part is to piece together that these things impact each other. And again, Preston is a smart guy and he’s just following group think. He’s taking the time (as many black people have) to think through the issues in the black community and how we got here.
I find that there is a revolution moved by revelation needed amongst people on the earth. Spirit-led consciousness of 'race'. The whole body of Christ in His Spirit doesn't only need to be more vocal on the subject, but needs to be a significant contributor to bringing enlightenment on the reality of 'race' and more importantly the 'race' that Christ is calling us to be (which is the first being of the first Adam, the latter of Christ the Lord Himself). The problem is that we have failed to clarify what we are as humans in necessary detail, and have embraced descriptions driven by colonial cultures and worldly social norm. 'Black' and 'white' as terms today are integrated into social consciousness but lack a root in truth. It's not simply that those terms should be thrown away, but as we step deeper into the truth of Christ, we need to acknowledge that the terminology is not only redundant, but it has always been - yes, even during the colonial eras. However socially we've carried the terms with us not recognising the underlying flaws and damage they caused, carry and continue to cause.
I found it interesting that you mentioned your son is black, your wife is black and you are white and of course these are according to the social perspective and as society operates, that is the classification given. It's a subject I've been curious about for a while because I have stopped referring to myself as 'black' and rather prefer 'brown-skin', 'dark-skin' and whatever description is reasonable' because that is what is the reality. I see the issue with carrying a term that indicates contamination. That is the reality of the terminology and ultimately is not about the words because words in isolation are arbitrary - rather it is about the subconscious idea that is perpetuated even if it is not intended to be negative. The pinnacle of the colour spectrum in humanity is not 'black' and the base is not 'white' therefore people of different colours having children shouldn't make another's redundant (logically, unless that is the case then there is far more about the eugenics idea that should be embraced). I don't believe any of that should be embraced. Rather I believe that there is a redefinition needed which isn't actually really redefinition, but a return to truth that begins with us seeing each other as God sees us. As in, it is actually renewal of the mind to see exactly what God sees.
There are deeper intricacies to explore on the subject but it is further evidence that to achieve reconciliation in humanity is to begin with identity in Christ and will deal with things that even we as believers are unaware of. We really haven't realised how far we've fallen as humanity however it's by His marvellous grace that Christ has reconciled us with the Father of Truth. As we continue to live and learn, more truth will come. With even the term race, there is so much ambiguity which is plaguing the movements for reconciliation. It has made me cautious with even how I use the word 'race' to generate a conversation because people have an array of ideas often refrain from engaging those large scale to rather go grassroots and speak with people directly however should there be involvement in greater scale, the Gospel is the only remedy that provides a logical impact and transformation in the hearts of people. When I say the Gospel, I mean the Gospel. Not passive 'Jesus loves you' or just preaching at people, but the very truth of Christ permeating people's hearts in the manner that God sees fit for each person. People will come to Him in diverse ways as it is communicated but I believe that our duty is to be open conduits for its transmission and to beware of anything that society presents be it in language or thought that can hinder it. Yes we must engage with society but I don't believe that we necessarily need to carry the ideas.
I'm glad you've given a platform for the conversation and there is much more for us to deal with. Yes it raises more questions about how we navigate if we take that road considering biology, genealogy, etc, but I'm in the mind that God has an Abraham-like route for us to take. 'Go to where I show you' and the dude bounced with all his family and possessions.
Please let me know your thoughts.
May Christ keep working in and through you and your guests! Grace!
In addition to the thoughts about understanding the diversity of people in the Body of Christ, again the consciousness of who we are in unity in Christ is a key factor in that drawing together and not pressuring unnecessary conformity or ignorance to the real life struggles that certain people groups experience due to the social structures of the world and seeking to make a difference. In the end the preceding identity we must acknowledge should always be our self in Christ, not that of the world. Also it's not ignoring our physical self on the earth, but to see it properly and through God's eyes as well rather than taking on the social norms to hold onto the world. Ultimately it's elevation above our earthly self, setting the mind on the higher things, things of above as Paul said to the Colossians, that will be a game changer. That influences thoughts, behaviour, everything in relation to the way we navigate life. I believe there is a significant ground that we will cover in relation to the purposes of God.
Finally to Preston, thank you for pushing for unity. Spiritual unity is vital. Your concluding comments were valuable.
Thanks for your comment. I agree race is a social construct. As a half Armenian refugee from Azerbaijan raised in the urban context I’ve always struggled to identify as “white” however we are addressing how society views us. we used those specific terms in this video for obvious reasons.
@@RuslanKD thanks for this. I'll look more into the Armenian experience - it would be fascinating to see more content on that subject from you because it may offer an insight that shows the underlying similarities to the experiences explored in this video.
Live out God’s dream for your life? Live the abundant life that Jesus talks about?
Do you have a problem with that?
That's one of the big issues, our minority brethren usually attempt to guilt us over said possible privilege instead of being calm and trying to explain what they mean and the effect it can have
Do you feel like this was calm and explained it well?
@@RuslanKD Absolutely. I may not agree entirely, but videos like this with a whole host of artists and other folk make a huge difference. Gotta give you props for having such a great platform for discussion and learning 👍
I personally have not seen this white church what ever stuff, not saying it doesn't happen, i just never seen it. But i have more times been told because im white im going to hell or have had whote family members turned away by black churchs. Because we grew up in the hood. Not saying all are like that at all. In fact a few accepted us and there was no issue. And my church has so many diffrent colored people. Its great. And we never tried to do that. Just loving people and preaching jesus. My room mates are black and Puerto Rican, 1 is a cop now. A black cop. A young Dominican couple pretty much took me in as there son. I have no parents alive. But they treat me as there own
Don’t use your personal experience as a way to dismiss others experience and pain. Just because you haven’t felt what Preston is describing doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Put on empathy and understanding. Less combating and responding with your personal experience.
@@RuslanKD yea i said that " not saying it doesn't happen " like what do you not get? I recognize that it is likely that it happens. Its impossible for me to say it doesn't happen. But i have all right to share that i never seen it, in my church or the churchs im affiliated with. My pastor is white but most of the pastors he sent out are black.
Because you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t it happen. There you go. So what was the point of the comment but to push back against something you haven’t seen. It dismissed someone else’s experience with yours. When both are obviously true.
Nothing dismissed anything. Me sharing my experience gives hope to those that may think every church with white people is racist. Every comment i read was how they where treated wrong. And that sucks. But not every white person is like that. Just giving qn extra angle to the issue.
Dope conversation. It's interesting how the CHH market is mostly white but the artists are very much minority. I always saw Christianity from a Black lens as someone who grew up in a Black Church and was mainly around Black Christians and while the Black Church has shown a sense of grief but also kinda been quiet about social issues so Its not just the White Church whose been guilty of lack of empathy. As far White Evangelicals supporting Trump I mean I kinda saw it coming with just how he was able to speak to the emotions of White middle America who felt threated by Black Lives Matter and the LGBT movement back in 2016. People always forget that Republicans have been on the southern strategy since the late 60s where they have to appeal to the those in the bible-belt, but despite that Trump has far more Black support then any other Republican since the 1960s.
thanks for sharing. I'm not sure about Trump having more support. I remember George W Bush in 2004 winning by a land slide and marketing to all christians. including black ones.
@@RuslanKD I'm too young to remember the 04 election since I was only 8 at the time but I never met a Black person who was fond of Bush. Trump is an interesting case because he appeals to large group people outside of the Middle-Age White person who's been the Republican party main base for a long time. He has a strong young base, Black base and even a strong Hispanic base.
Yeah it was a different time in terms of little to No social media and how people got their information. All in all it was much less polarizing. I’d say church folks across the board supported George bush in 2004.
You should call Urban Family Talk of Urban Family Communications to get a better perspective on this issue because your presupposition is misconstrued
or you can just not watch my videos and keep it moving.
Im a brown skin latino. I have encountered racist situations many times but i refuse to call myself a victim or let my emotions be effected by this.. Yes, i sometime feel like i dont fit in, or discriminated, but i talk myself out of it and force myself to shift the atmosphere.
i think the Afro American community is making race an even bigger issue and feeding the beast..i moved to the south from Cali and i have seen black people create more segregation than white people because of this victim mindset. My Native American people used to own this land and we were raped and killed for our land...but the latino people brush it off and keep moving forward...thats is exactly what my Afro American people need to do, and we all need to put more focus and energy in spreading more love if we want to truly solve this issue...i love all people, and i refuse to let "race" divide me and make me a victim
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your perspective tho I do think having an opinion about how a group (that I’m not apart of) handles their collective trauma would be a bit pretentious and dismissive of me. Regardless of what group I’m speaking about. I’m Armenian. The genocide of April 15th is still talked about regularly. Armenians are still pissed that the UN won’t recognize it as a genocide. I’ve never heard that kinda push back towards Armenians needing to just “‘move on” and get over it. Those who don’t learn from history are bound to make its mistakes.
Although you guys sound intelligent, many of us so-called African-American find that gov't term offensive. Most of us in the south especially here in southern Louisiana i.e.N.O. know we are indigenous to the Americas.
I don’t think we used the term African Americans in this video.
Why does he keep saying his son is black in a way that his son is less than him? His son is his son. His skin color shouldn't be the highlight of his description of his son.
I’m saying my son is black because he’s black and that offers context on my perspective as a white male. Please don’t comment on my videos without watching the entire thing and adding something to the conversation. You’re 0 for 2 and I love using that hide and banned button to ensure I and my community have a fun and pleasant experience on this channel. Tread lightly.
If you can watch a 20 minute video that’s intended to spark healthy conversation amongst believers and all you gathered was “mike brown wasn’t murdered” and “why does he keep saying his son is black like he’s beneath him” this channel isn’t for you. There’s no hard feelings. Just reframe from consuming and commenting if that’s the energy you’re gonna project.
@@RuslanKD I'm all for healthy conversation. Did not intend to bring bad energy forgive me if I did. We are all still dealing with this remnant of sin. I just thought I sensed a little victimhood in the conversation. No offense intended.
No harm no foul. I think the “victimhood” maybe from a lack of context of who we are. Poke around my channel and Preston’s channel. You’ll notice that isn’t the vibe we’re on at all. However we do see the need to acknowledge injustice. Whether to an individual or a group. Preston has an amazing apologetics channel. I’m big on financial literacy and personal responsibility.
Yeah man, love your music but I certainly don’t agree with a lot with what y’all are saying. No hate towards either of you guys. You guys just carry different opinions & that’s just fine & maybe we can learn from one another. I’m a Christian & I know you guys are Christian too, so in a sense I feel I can maybe bring this up in a civil manner. To me- I feel a lot of black folks use “white guilt” as a way to speak down to white folks -from what I’ve witnessed. Hardly ever do I see “white privilege” used as a healing term. Only with you guys I have, for real ! EVERYDAY on social media, constantly I see mainly black people say “f white people” Everyday I see it. There’s definitely hate on both ends. Or I see a lot of oppositional humor against white people from blacks. There’s hate for people of color but I also I see folks just want to constantly trash on whites. To be 💯 I don’t agree with a number of things that BLM does(rioting trashing cities, standing on the freeway)I feel race is a super hyper sensitive topic & it’s focused on too much. Social media stirs the race pot like nobody’s business! I feel a lot of people think that black people play the race card on a lot of different things. Everything is racist now n days. Your story on what you spoke on about on that person calling a black boy a monkey, is straight up racist. That’s an actual example of something that’s racist. I also feel people think that a lot of black folks just want to be catered to more than any other race & I know people in general view it as a victim mentality thing. Maybe a very unpopular thing to mention! but I know a lot of folks feel it, I can’t speak for everyone because obviously everyone is different but I can hope that none of this was hurtful on you I just felt that it’s good to express these things ✌🏽
Ima be honest with you. If your using social media as a way to gage the pulse of what’s really happening in peoples hearts and minds, you as well crawl in a hole and never come out lol.
Social media is a caricature of reality.
This is exactly I made this video, to actually explain white privilege doesn’t mean white guilt. That’s very important.
BLM as an organization I’m not endorsing. When I say black lives matter, I’m saying just that. Black lives matter. Because they do. That’s not an endorsement of everything they represent nor is it saying other lives don’t matter. It’s like saying I’m a lakers fan. Or I’m a Lebron fan. Doesn’t mean every other team is terrible or the whole league is trash. It also doesn’t mean I endorse everything the Lakers or Lebron does in all their different ventures.
Id encourage you to get off social media and have these conversations with REAL PEOPLE who disagree with you. That is how you grow. Not to agree. But to understand and extend empathy.
Sergio Roden Yeah I second guessed myself before I sent this but I really tried to make it a civil comment even though it’s an extremely controversial topic but I feel honest conflict has more social value than dishonest harmony.
You tried to be civil. That’s commendable.
Ruslan KD Late response ! But no it’s not all on social media, it’s real life haha. I’m mostly Hispanic. A little Off topic BUT say if I’m voting for someone -I could give two craps if that candidate is white, black or brown. I just focus on what their message is. Unlike people today where they are focused on if the person “is an old white man” it’s like who cares! For real. I don’t understand that 😂Im not for one race & I believe that most cops are legitimately are trying to do good, considering, I have & am currently fighting a case in court & felt like the police department did a horrible job handling. I feel if you look at cops with a certain lense & you get your news from a certain platform, your gonna get what you wanna hear vs hearing the truth. I don’t believe some of those cases where those black people that were shot were 100% innocent. Some of em put themselves in bad positions & I’m not afraid to shake a persons hand if they voted for Hillary or Trump there just people. I feel as the body of Christ we need to look past skin color 100% & stop focusing on it so much. I don’t remember God saying focus on skin color any where in the Bible. It does say to love one another & to care not just about yourself but on others. I’m not superior, I know Jesus is more concerned about my HEART & I have plenty to work on! I had a lot of questions earlier & thanks for responding.Anyways blessings.
Ugh... social justice gospel... im black and this type of gospel annoys me... we do have a race issue in church but it goes both ways
I really enjoyed this conversation, but how can a productive conversation be had when comments like: "You don't understand that you have the luxury not to think about being white" & "You have to accept black people in your church who aren't culturally white" how does comments like this help? I really want to know, and please don't say it's all about having an uncomfortable conversation. These comments are condescending. Also, why is there such a burden for white folks to get their act together, as if black folks have it all figured out? We don't. I do believe these conversations are important, but there's zero balance.
Well the first comment is true. For one to NOT think about race is a privilege. Not considering something is a benefit is it not? For example, Not considering how much money is In my bank account before I impulsively book a flight to Paris is a privilege. Whether I have a million or a thousand, just the thought process to NOT consider something is a privilege.
Accepting black people of ALL kinds was the point of the second comment you mentioned. Not just blacks that assimilate to white culture. But blacks that maybe make whites uncomfortable should be accepted. How is that comment NOT HELPFUL and not true?
The burden is by and large because blacks tend to be empathetic and supportive when terrible things happen to other cultures. Whether mosques getting shot up overseas or a Jewish synagogue getting shot up here in San Diego, I always notice black people extending empathy. When we had a slew of unarmed black men getting killed, the white church wasn’t just silent. They were combative with statements like “let’s let the facts come out” or “what do you mean, black lives matter, no all lives matter” never slowing down to listen and understand that what was happening with law enforcement was a pattern instead of viewing them as just isolated situations.
So scroll down and read some of the other comments. See how many white brothers and sisters are grateful these conversations are happening. And see how many black people also felt betrayed by their white brothers and sisters in the faith.
Thank you for the thoughtful explanation.
I said in the video. My black son will have privilege because he’s growing up in a home with both parents. More privilege because he has a father that’s very available and engaged.
I think it’s interesting that you were immediately able to go to the Carlton example lol. This is Preston sharing his experience. I can’t speak on the nuance of how blacks people do or don’t accept their own. I can only agree that from my experience, there is a demand for all cultures (not just black) to assimilate to white evangelical culture in the context of the church. When the white church should be looking to accommodate all cultures. This is true in everything from the music to the language being used. There’s a great book written on assimilation vs accommodation by the founding pastor of mosaic I believe.
In terms of black on black violence vs police brutality, I think this is a huge misconception of blm or black chh artist. I can’t speak on blm as an organization but I can speak on the countless chh artist like bizzle, lecrae, datin, eshon, vois, beleaf, that have ALL spoken out again black on black violence and the issue that plague the black community. How the issue is different, is everyone agrees and knows what happening in the south side of Chicago is terrible. Even secular rappers. But with police brutality its amplified because those are people that are called to serve and protect. Young and immature gang members are gonna do stupid things. Across all races. Police officers who took an oath, are expected to behave in a different way. On a higher standard. So it’s not on or the other. We should be outraged at both. Ima try and get someone on to expand on this.
Ruslan KD I appreciate you taking the time to read my comment. Your engagement with your audience puts you in a class all by yourself. Praise God for the work you do, and praise the Lord that your son will have both of his parents in the household. You being an immigrant and having a biracial child in today’s climate is definitely a challenge and I’m rooting for you man. Lol Carlton was the first thing I thought of because of the culturally white comment that was said, and Carlton experienced that rejection when he was trying to join a frat. I know there’s artist speaking out against violence, but the cry is a tad bit louder when the police do something. The same energy needs to be kept at all times. Whether it’s police, rappers promoting poison, or the dudes in the neighborhood running a muck. And like I said before, not every case is what the media makes it out to be. It’s important not to get caught up in that. Don’t believe the hype.And in speaking of assimilation, I do believe true intentionality needs to happen. Blaming one group or class of people does absolutely nothing. There shouldn’t be any division, but there is. We both know we don’t live in a perfect world and we have an enemy who hates us. Godly marriages isn’t the only godly relationship the enemy wants to tear down. We as believers truly need to recognize the enemy when he comes. We’re all brothers and sisters in Christ but we let culture, doctrine/theology, and politics divide us. It’s like we forget we have an identity in Christ and allow our feelings to override the truth. Whether we agree or not (The church) we need to be solid in our foundation, lovingly engage one another and allow both sides to express themselves and listen. God’s word has already given us the keys we need. Keep challenging the culture, Ruslan. We need more people shaking the table. God bless your ministry. -Franklin
Thanks bro. First thing that came to mind is bizzle. Definitely a brother that keeps the same energy across all issues of sin. Yet when he spoke out against police brutality he got a ton of backlash from his audience. This is exactly what we’re trying to speak against by gently enlighten the chh community of things like privilege. Thanks for watching and your comment!
Ruslan KD I’m all for it. You guys have my support.
The white church did not fail anyone. They did exactly what they were suppose to do, which was to force a religion on a people their forefathers enslaved. 😊
You do realize christianity has deeper roots in Africa than in any European country right?
Ruslan KD you do realize that Christianity is a mixture of judaism, Roman Catholic and Greek beliefs, right?
Yup
Ruslan KD iight so as the whites took over other countries, they forced their religion on the people. So technically Christianity’s roots (White Church) were forced into Africa’s soil.
that is definitely true... 1000-1800's.
I'm specifically speaking to christianity taking very deep roots in Ethopia dating back to the ethiopian eunuch in acts 8. the two countries that first adapted Christianity were Ethopia (Early 300 AD) and Armenia (Early 300 AD) (there debates to which was first). before Rome and Constantine established catholicism (380 AD) old sport.
So you are correct that thousands of years later christianity was apart of the imperialist who came onto Africa soil. But the historical fact is that Christianity was on African soil thousands of years before that. look into the establishment of Ethopian church.
Preston made a ton of prejudice and racist comments