by Jonathan Kuttab
We are fortunate to live in an age wherein apartheid is universally condemned, recognized as a crime against humanity for which individuals can be criminally prosecuted under international law. The primary moral issue at stake, therefore, is what our response to this phenomena will be when we see it. As such, FOSNA is proud to join in the effort to support and encourage our churches to play a role in combating the evil of apartheid, as they publicly declare themselves to be “Apartheid-Free.”
It may be worthwhile to remember the moral and theological basis for our opposition to Apartheid. In the past, those who argued in favor of apartheid claimed they were merely against “the mixing of the races.” They merely wanted separation from others, to safeguard their own community’s identity and purity. “Separate but equal” was the slogan often utilized in its defense, though it was always the more powerful group advocating for such separation, and true equality was anathema to them. More often, they clearly and frankly claimed superiority on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin, feeling as if they were in some sense “chosen,” “special,” or “superior.” Therefore, as it was claimed, they were legitimately entitled to their privileged status.
Jesus dealt directly with this issue. He challenged the pride and self righteousness of those who considered themselves “children of Abraham” and who therefore thought of gentiles as inferior, unclean to the point that mere contact would contaminate them. Jesus, in contrast, dealt with everyone, including the weak, the ill, the despised, and the vulnerable, declaring that “God is no respecter of persons.” Also, the early church quickly established, as the apostle Paul makes clear, that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.” All are equally the children of God. Yet, the Bible also reminds us that Christians could themselves fall prey very easily to this false sense of pride, feeling as if they are somehow especially privileged and “more worthy” than others. This continues to be a temptation today as we see the rise of Christian nationalism and the feeling, not always openly expressed, that our religion, our group, our community, our country is somehow better, more deserving, or more exceptional than all others.
The only antidote to this is true humility and a recognition of the equality of all before God. It requires that we make a determined effort to fight for equality and against all forms of discrimination, racism, apartheid, and special privilege. This includes fighting against anti-Jewish antisemitism, alongside Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian prejudice. Such bigotry is wrong; it is immoral and a sin against God.