Faith in Times of Oppression

Over the years, I’ve battled an inner oxymoron: how can I trust in a God who allowed slavery, or be part of a religion dominated by those who have historically oppressed us? After much reflection, I’ve started to conclude that many white supremacists are reading from a different Bible, one they've used to justify their agendas, while cherry-picking the parts that suit them.

While the Bible mentions slavery, it also stresses treating slaves with respect, like members of one's household, ensuring their well-being and safety. In historical context, some passages refer to slavery as a punishment for crime, meant to be temporary, with the provision of freedom after debts are paid. However, we know from history that none of these tenets were upheld when it came to the brutal enslavement of our ancestors. This was not the slavery of biblical times but a cruel system that dehumanized generations.

In Exodus, God freed the Israelites from their suffering and set them on a path to liberation and paradise, showing His disdain for unjust oppression. I believe that despite our suffering, God has promised us spiritual rewards that are far greater than what earthly trials can destroy. The Bible, far from controlling us, serves as a guide to help us navigate the challenges of life—warning us of the perils of hatred, jealousy, and violence. God’s truth is in the scriptures, and when we read for ourselves, we see what He truly intended for humanity. The chaos we experience is not from God but from the devil, who has worked to distort this world.

Christians have been persecuted throughout history for spreading the true gospel of God. It is important to remember that many people of faith, including those like William Wilberforce, risked their lives to end slavery, driven by their deep belief in the gospel. Despite living in a time when slavery was accepted, they followed Christ’s teachings to fight for abolition. The slave owners who used the Bible to justify their actions distorted its teachings for personal gain.

We should not lose faith in God because of those who twisted His word. God’s wrath against oppression, as shown in the story of Exodus, is real, and those who spread false doctrine will be held accountable. It is vital that we seek a personal relationship with God and strive to be kind to one another, knowing that our ultimate goal is to lead others away from hell. I believe that God intended unity for all people, Black and white, and while we have been forced to form alliances for survival, we may also find ourselves in the position of saving some of our white brethren from the same forces of evil that have sought to destroy us.

This may stray from the message of Black empowerment, but I believe God intended for all of us to unite, building a world that benefits everyone. We may be forced to save some of those from the very race that oppressed us, not out of obligation, but because it is what God calls us to do.

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