pastor michael traylor bridges to poverty wrong medicines for cultural health

Pastor Michael Traylor

Bridges to PovertyWrong Medicines for cultural Health


The Wrong Medicines

• Colorblindness

• Power Conformity

• Multiculturalism• Power Responsibility

Yancy, G., “Beyond Racial Gridlock”


Colorblindness

• Medicine of choice for most conservative Christians

• In order to end racism, we must ignore all racial realities.– Ignores history and its role in cultural relationships– Tends to blame inequities on intrapersonal traits, as

opposed to structural obstacles


Power Conformity

• Medicine of choice for Christians with nationalistic, capitalistic, and xenophobic tendencies.

• Racism is eliminated or reduced when minorities conform with the culture of power.– Economic basis of equality– Focus on minorities’ responsibility to learn the “rules”

for success.


Multiculturalism

• Medicine of choice for progressive Christians.

• Racism is solved by allowing each culture to celebrate their own distinctives– Can develop an “egocentric” cultural

expression.– Often covers cultural disease


Power Responsibility

• Medicine of Choice for Christians who are sensitive to systemic causes of injustice

• Racism is eliminated when those with the power to end unjust systems act.– The oppressed only responsibility is to inform.– Focus on racism as a systemic reality


How about a Model that:

• Identifies obstacles, but does not seek to blame

• Shares responsibility with all involved

• Repents, Reconciles, and Restores– Repents of past injuries– Reconciles current relationships– Restores to healthy relationships


Racial Reconciliation:

1. Individuals of different races/cultures must develop primary relationships.

2. Recognizing social agents of injustice and inequity and opposing as a unified Christian People.

3. Benefactors of racialization must repent and relinquish current benefits.

4. Difference races/cultures must extend forgiveness and acceptance toward one another.


3 R’s of CCDA

• Relocation– Ministering among in order to identify with.– Go to those in margins as opposed to having them

come to you.

• Reconciliation– Repent, Reconcile, Restore

• Redistribution– Meet Needs– Empower leaders


Empowerment Process

1. Testimony

2. Protest

3. Uplift

4. Cooperation

5. Achievement

6. Remoralization

7. MinistrySanders, C., Empowerment Ethics for a Liberated People


The Making of a Movement

• Start with a powerful Truth

• Expect to encounter resistance

• Create Tension as leverage

• Force/Distance = Power (Think Endurance)

• Service and Advocacy must link

• Offer an alternative story/experience

Stafford, T. Shaking the System.


Discussion

pastor michael traylor bridges to poverty wrong medicines for cultural health

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