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Mark Robinson

The 21st Century

  • Of late, I've been engaged in a bit of research regarding church attendence.  Mind you, it had nothing to do with how many folks attended, nor how many men, women or children were faithfully carrying out their respective faiths, but, rather, the propensity of individuals to gravitate toward their ethnic or (forgive me, father) racial fellows, with regards to where attendence was noticed.

    For some reason which I cannot fathom, some areas have black churches, and some have white churces.  Others have strctly hispanic followers, and I'm wondering what in God's name is going on.  Are we not all God's children?  Why would it matter if we are black, white, brown, yellow, green, purple, or pink?

    For that matter, Irish, Scottish, or English?  Or Turkish, Arabian, Iranian, Iraqi, or Afghan?  Are we not all God's children?

    Recently, I approached a local church and was refused entry.  When I asked why, it was explained to me that it was because I was not a member.  When I asked the usher the requirements for membership, he smiled and replied, and I quote, "well, you don't fit the description, you aren't the right color, and you don't look like you can afford the thithe."  When I inquired after the tithe requirements, the response was along the lines of "anyone wearing a pony tail for a hair-do, ripped jeans, and a  t-shirt, not to mention being white, has no business being here."  Not the exact words, but tantamount to the same thing.

    Brothers and Sisters, isn't it  time to stop this crap?  Should we judge an individual (or a people, for that matter) based on the color of their skin, or their ethnicity, or their heritage?  Or their religion?

    Currently, the is a great debate in New York state, involving the erectiion of a Muslim Mosque two blocks from ground zero of the 911 attacks.  All I can say is, of we can't see past race, creed, or color in the 21st century, then we won't be able to in the 22nd.

    Respectfully,

    Mark 

1 comment
  • <i>Deleted Member</i>
    Deleted Member MARK:

    If you think your experience has been interesting, try finding a home church as an INTERRACIAL COUPLE. You hit the nail on the head on this matter. Glad to see someone is willing to address it.

    Father Leslie & Mother Nanhi, Philly PA
    August 29, 2010 - delete