As I have discussed in previous entries, with any worldview there are extremists. There is the extreme feminist, even among Christians. The radical feminist theologian challenges the authority of the Bible by judging it from her point of view. She also considers the Bible just as inspired as other texts and uses them equally to inform her views.
The extreme Afrocentrist is a black supremacist. She believes that people of African descent are superior to those of other races in all ways, including intellect and culture. It is dangerous to align yourself with either theory because of the extremes. I took a leap and called myself, for the most part, an Afrocentrist, because of Dr. Asante’s emphasis to bring Afrocentrism to the table along with other views; this has been his original intent.
Some may say I should be brave and call myself a feminist. After all, “You do believe in women’s rights.” And even though it seems a newspaper first called women advocating women’s rights feminists (http://tinyurl.com/dc88a7) , and not the women themselves, I am still hesitant because I don’t agree with some major issues being advocated, such as all the tentacles placed under reproductive rights (like abortion rights and contraception as birth control). Must I use a term determined for me just because it seems accurate or do I determine the label based on my prescribed priorities?
I keep asking myself, “Why, Christian, do you look to the world to name and define you when God has already given you parameters in His holy word?” While I cannot deny the racial and gender experiences that I have had in this world, I must use as a starting point the book that has declared me a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). God has prescribed priorities for me, and these are where I need to get my labels. So as I continue to develop a new theory for the Christian who is female and black, I will base what my focus should be and how I should be treated based upon what God says about Christian women and blacks. The next few entries should be really interesting. In the meantime, check out some of the Scriptures that have helped to inform my view: Psalm 9:9, 10:18, 103:6; Isaiah 58:6; Acts 2:17-18, 10:38; Ezekiel 22:29-31; Titus 2:3-5; Jeremiah 9:17-21; Leviticus 19:15; Ephesians 4:11; Galatians 3:28).
Copyright 2009 by Rhonda J. Smith
The boundaries that you have pointed out in Scripture are wonderful! They bring so much peace to me. They LORD’s WORD is like healing balm for my troubled soul. As strong black women, we have such strong voices and such powerful influence. The last thing I want to do is work really hard in life, then get to the end and realize I have been working toward the wrong EXTREMES.
Psalm 16:2 says “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance in the LORD.”
I will turn to these Scriptures whenever I feel the desire to change what “I feel” is not right – in hopes of being set free in my mind, from that which seeks to keep me bound.
You have encouraged me as a Christian to commit my ways unto HIM, rely on His WORD to detrmine my actions and to be content with the outcome of any situation that I have entrusted to HIM!
Blessings!!!
I am defined by He who was, who is and always shall be!!! Thank you for bringing light into dark places.
Rev. Pope,
I am so glad you already have that revelation! Keep spreading your insights. And thanks for the encouragement.
Helena,
Boundaries are such good things, aren’t they, when they come from those we trust and those who want the best for us. And we can trust that God wants the best for us so His boundaries are pleasant (though they don’t always feel like it–LOL).
I am thankful for your powerful writings on this subject matter. As women we need to hear the Truth of the wonderful heritage we have in our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, more than ever, we need to be careful about what we take into our hearing to form our beliefs. The Bible is the only standard of Truth. We are to evaluate everything we believe in light of its teachings. Thank you, Min. Rhonda, for being that vessel God has chosen and ordained for such a time as this!
Deaconness Ruth, I appreciate your comments and support. Thanks for taking the time to reply and the encouragement.