Race, unity, culture, and our church. Examine implicit bias, cultural complexities, difficult but necessary conversations about race, ethnicity, Christian behavior, and the Adventist church.
Drinks for Dehydrated Souls
Barry Black PhD, DMin,
Chaplain of the United State of America Senate, Rear Admiral US Navy, Retired
Publications by Barry Black
Black, Barry, (2019). Bible Wisdom for better Living.
Black, Barry, (2018). Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven: How to Pray with Power.
Black, Barry, (2017). The Blessing of Adversity: Finding Your God-given Purpose in Life’s Troubles.
Black, Barry, (2017). Nothing to Fear: Principles and Prayers to Help You Thrive in a Threatening World. Tyndale Momentum.
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV)
Culture, Race, and the Church
Ella Simmons holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as a vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church. Simmons was elected at the 2005 General Conference Session, held in St. Louis, Missouri. An educator throughout her career, Simmons has served as chair for departments of education (Kentucky State University), associate dean (University of Louisville), and professor (Oakwood University, La Sierra University).
Jennifer Woods currently serves as the Associate Director, for Public Affairs/Religious Liberty (PARL) at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Previously, she worked for the Office of General Counsel in October 2015 as an Associate General Counsel.
Woods received her B.S. (Biology) from Oakwood College in 2002, her J.D. from Harvard University in 2005, and her M.P.H from Johns Hopkins in 2007. She is a member of the Illinois and California bars and the American Bar Association. She is also a registered patent attorney and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Publication: Deeds Not Only Words, by Ella Simmons
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”. John 13:34
Implicit Bias
David Williams PhD, MDiv, MPH
Chair, School of Behavioral Sciences,
Harvard University
Bio
“God shows no partiality”, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
Romans 2:11 & Galatians 3:28
Who is My Neighbor?: Some Thoughts on Racism and Nationalism by Dr. Elias Brasil de Souza
This essay offers a biblical reflection on the challenges of racism and nationalism. It addresses the concepts of race and nation in the Bible, the beauty of ethnic diversity, and some biblical responses to racism and nationalism. It concludes by pointing out that only a worldview shaped by the Scriptures can provide the solid foundation to approach race, ethnicity, and nationality on a practical basis.
Click on the image to the left to read full article
Culturally Sensitive Leadership in a Culturally Complex World
Erich Baumgartner, PhD, Professor of Leadership & Intercultural Communication – Andrews University, Director of the Global Leadership Institute – General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Presenters: Dr. Barry Black – Chaplain of the US Senate, Dr. Ella Simmons, Jennifer Woods, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Dr. Erich Baumgartner, Andrews University, and Dr. David Williams, Harvard University.
Additional Resources
- Trans-European Division Reacts to Current Tensions Surrounding the Death of George Floyd
- Protest and Progress by Dr. Calvin Rock
- Ellen G. White and Church State Relations by Ronald G. Graybill
- Telling the Story – An Anthology on the Development of the Black SDA Work by Delbert Baker (free pdf)
- The Enduring Legacy of Ellen G. White and Social Justice by Jonathan A. Thompson
- Christ Has Welcomed You: A Biblical Case for Relational Unity in the Seventh-day Adventist Church by Drs. Gregory J. and Carol Easley Allen
- Blind Spot: Hidden Biases of Good People, by Mahzarin R. & Anthony G. Greenwald
Adventist Learning Community Resources
Adventist Learning Community
The ALC is a website created by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. It houses thousands of continuing education (CE) courses and resources for teachers, pastors, chaplains, administrators, lay-leaders, and faith-seekers.
The ALC requires you to create a FREE account to access content on the site.
Click on the links below to access ALC CE courses & resources on Race, Implicit Bias, & Origins.
Cultural Sensitivity – A Series of Presentations on Race, Equity, & More…
Exploring Implicit Bias: Diversity Through the Eyes of Grace