The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism

“The failure of many Christians in the South and across the nation to decisively oppose the racism in their families, communities, and even in their own churches provided fertile soil for the seeds of hatred to grow. The refusal to act in the midst of injustice is itself an act of injustice. Indifference to oppression perpetuates oppression. History and Scripture teaches us that there can be no reconciliation without repentance. There can be no repentance without confession. And there can be no confession without truth.”

In the introductory chapter, Jemar Tisby highlights the complicit stance of white Christians in racism. The passage indicates an emphasis on Southern Christians who have historically remained indifferent toward racial terror and violence against Black people, allowing the perpetuation of oppression and racial hatred. Tisby emphasizes the need to study both history and the Bible, and he uses the Christian terminology of “repentance” to stress the need for social change.

“History demonstrates that racism never goes away; it just adapts.”

The above quote demonstrates Tisby’s central argument throughout the book. Through his historical survey on the development on racism in America, he demonstrates that racism persists throughout history, but in different forms. Even when racism operates in less overt and subtler ways, it remains embedded in America’s power structures.

“Christianity has an inspiring history of working for racial equity and the dignity of all people, a history that should never be overlooked. The black church, in particular, has always been a bulwark against bigotry. Forged in the fires of racial prejudice, the Black church emerged as the ark of safety for people of African descent. Preachers and leaders in the church saw the truth of the gospel message even as slaveholders and white supremacists distorted the message to make more obedient slaves.”

From the start, Tisby highlights the inherent humanity of Christian values. He stresses that the distinct tradition of Black Christianity has served as a tool against racism and describes the Black church as a safe communal space for Black people. The passage also indicates the contrasts of Black and white theologies, as Black Christians saw that the Gospel was appropriated and distorted to sustain socio-political ideologies and racist practices.