Sometimes pain comes from the thought of cruelty and/or injustice perpetuated by someone upon a family member or another to whom one has strong connection. This is the case concerning historical slavery and racism and any present-day racism.
American slavery was a system of dehumanization, violence, and generational trauma. It is important that history not be sanitized but rather truth be acknowledged. Some descendants and possible descendants of slave owners may feel tempted to downplay or sanitize history. But truth must prevail even when it’s uncomfortable. Truth builds peace when told in the spirit of non-accusatorial mutual love and brotherhood.
It is also important that the pain that comes from the reality of historical slavery and racism as well as any present-day racism not be minimized. It is not necessarily a question of should it bring pain but rather the reality that it does. Yet, pain should not produce unforgiveness or bitterness on the part of descendants of those victimized by slavery and racism. Truth brings clarity that leads to healing and unity. All should faithfully respond with truth, justice, and hope.
The Bible in Genesis 1:26-27 and Galatians 3:28 establishes that all humans are made in the image of God. Slavery and racism aim to strip away a person’s dignity and identity of being made as much in the image of God as anyone else.
Even if some enslavers were less cruel, the institution itself was inherently brutal and sinful. Scriptures such as Ephesians 5:11 and Proverbs 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:17, and Micah 6:8 affirm the importance of truth-telling and faithfully responding with and pursuing truth, justice, hope, and reconciliation. All of this involves a divine calling for civic leadership in theologically engaging and educating others about racial disparities in socio-economic access, and incarcerations.
Ephesians 5:11 encourages us to expose the fruitless works of cruelty and injustice as well as those who benefitted from them. Proverbs 31:8-9 and Isaiah 1:17 and Micah 6:8 says we are to do right ourselves and speak up for and defend the oppressed and those upon whom injustice has been perpetrated. This includes their descendants affected by such injustices, especially the poor and needy.
The legacy of slavery still echoes in systemic injustice. Therefore, all Christians, Black, White, and otherwise, are called to be a voice for righteousness, not just personally but communally.
We are to embrace forgiveness and healing/reconciliation yet not erase or ignore accountability.
The Bible in scriptures such as Matthew 6:12, 14-15; Luke 11:4; and Colossians 3:13 encourages forgiveness for wrongs done against oneself, ancestors, other family and others.
The call to forgiveness and healing/reconciliation is not to excuse the sin of racial injustice. It is rooted in the work of Christ on the cross that brings grace and mercy to even the sins of racial injustice. It is a call to love our enemies and work toward a spiritually, racially and socio-economically unified rather than divided church and community, and nation that reflects the gospel. Scriptures that speak to this include Matthew 5:10-12, 38-42, 43-48; Romans 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:18; and Ephesians 2:14-16.
The Bible also encourages us not to seek revenge but leave revenge to the Lord per scriptures like Romans 12:19. Not seeking revenge is not a call to inaction. It is a directive to entrust ultimate and perfect judgment to God, freeing one from the consuming burdens of bitterness and personal retribution.
The Bible in scriptures such as Deuteronomy 5:15; 32:7; Psalm 78:7-8; 2 Chronicles 30:7-8; and 1 Corinthians 10:11 calls God’s people to remember with purpose their time in slavery and their deliverance from slavery. This remembrance is not to dwell in trauma, but to teach God’s love and justice and compassion and the importance of Christians promoting and practicing love, justice, and compassion.
Forgiveness is a spiritual discipline that is central to a Christian life of walking in freedom and divine purpose. Yet forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing or erasing or denying injustice. It means releasing personal vengeance while still pursuing justice.
Per scriptures such as Romans 8:28 and Revelation 21:4, those who believe they are negatively impacted by historical and/or present-day racial injustice should keep their hope in the sovereignty of God and his ultimate restoration while working for better.
Remembering and educating about slavery and racism is not about any inherited guilt but about a call to corrective justice and a call and caution to not repeat or engage in injustice. Descendants today do not inherit the personal moral guilt of their ancestors’ specific actions, for example, cruelty, ownership, and racism.
Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:20 make it clear that children are not punishable for the sins of their ancestors. But scriptures such as Isaiah 58:6-12 and Luke 19:8-9 also teach that when injustice persists, those who benefit from it must act to correct it. Even if someone didn’t personally commit injustice, they may still benefit from systems built on it. That creates a moral obligation—not to feel shame or guilt, but to actively pursue justice for all.
However, the nation and therefore the people of the nation have a corporate guilt and shame and responsibility especially given that racial injustice was legalized and sanctioned by American governments at all levels. Descendants of possible perpetrators of racial injustice have a corporate and systemic responsibility to acknowledge and repair the ongoing legacy and present systems of injustice inherited from the past.
This pursuit of corrective justice is rooted in listening, learning, and standing in solidarity with those yet impacted by racial injustice. Indeed, scriptures such as Galatians 6:2 and Romans 12:15-16 call believers to bear one another’s burdens—not just personal ones, but communal and historical ones. Per Ephesians 4:25, believers are called to engage in both personal learning and congregational education. Engage in personal learning by committing to reading histories written by and about Black Americans that detail the brutal reality of slavery and its lasting effects on institutions and culture. In support of corporate accountability, engage in congregational education by participating in and encouraging churches to study the intersection of faith, race, and history. This includes specifically examining how the church may have perpetrated and perpetuated racism and how the church may participate in repairing and preventing racial injustice on behalf of fellow believers and society in general in modern times.
Some practical attitudes and actions for those alive today whose ancestors may or may not have been enslavers or enslaved follows. None of this is do be done holding anyone alive today guilty for or blaming them for or punishing them for what their ancestors may or may not have done.
Regarding truth telling, teach accurate history in churches, schools, and families per scriptures such as Ephesians 4:25. Teach without imposing any measure of guilt or shame upon those alive today for what their ancestors may or may not have done.
Regarding acknowledgement and lament of racial injustice, honestly recognize the brutal reality of slavery and the systemic racism it created, and the way ancestors and their community benefited from it (unearned advantages, generational wealth, societal power). Per James 4:6, this requires humility to see and admit historical truths and privilege. The biblical lament tradition exemplified by scriptures such as Romans 12:15 validates grieving historical sin.
Regarding breaking down hostility through relational reconciliation, be mindful that the ultimate Christian goal is unity in the body of Christ, which means intentionally building relationships that transcend racial lines and power dynamics. Per Ephesians 2:14-16, techniques include deep listening and affirmation. Deep listening is about seeking out friendships and dialogue with Christians of all races but especially those of a different race, not to defend or debate, or accuse but to listen and learn about all racial groups concerns, experiences and perspectives on racial justice and reconciliation. Affirmation is about using one’s own sphere of influence (work, social, church) to affirm, elevate, and support Black voices and leadership as well as voices and leadership of non-Blacks who seek to contribute positively to racial justice and reconciliation.
Regarding reparative generosity, support racial justice initiatives, scholarships, and/or possibly reparations per scriptures such as Luke 19:8. See my article entitled Reparations for Unjust Slavery and Other Racial Injustice.
Regarding solidarity, stand with Black communities in advocacy and ministry per scriptures such as Matthew 22:39 and Galatians 6:2. The good you want for you and your household want for all others and their households. The bad you do not want for you and your household do not want for anyone else and his or her household.
Regarding correct political or other positions on racial justice, discard any belief, attitude, or behavior that dismisses or minimizes the impact of historical racial injustice/exclusion and any present-day racial injustice/exclusion; do not perpetuate cultural sins based on race to include stereotypes. Actively work to dismantle systemic barriers and promote equity for those who continue to bear the consequences of historical oppression. As able and gifted, advocate for policies, supporting institutions, and using one’s inherited influence/resources to correct current racial imbalances. Do not be the perpetrator of any present-day racial injustice. Use your position and resources to dismantle the present-day consequences of historical injustice, striving to live out the Matthew 22:39 commandment to love your neighbor as yourself without partiality per James 2:1-7. Take responsibility for helping to improve the present for all. Acknowledge the legacy of the unjust structures and immoral benefits inherited from the past such as wealth, opportunities, and societal biases. Scriptures that speak to this include Proverbs 21:13; Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Job 31:16-23; Isaiah 58:6-7; Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:41-46; Romans 12:15; Ephesians 4:32; James 2:1-9; and 1 John 3:17.
Regarding humble listening and appreciation of difficulties and challenges caused by the racial inequities yet in existence, learn from those impacted by racism without defensiveness per scriptures such as James 1:19.
Regarding civic engagement, vote and advocate for policies that dismantle systemic injustice per scriptures such as Micah 6:8.
Let’s consider some more details about the moral goal of repairing racial injustice of the past and eliminating it in the present and preventing it in the future.
Practical engagement in repair and justice for Christians involves moving beyond historical acknowledgment to concrete actions that promote systemic equity and reconciliation in the present.
Repairing injustice requires addressing the current systems (for example, education, housing, legal, economic) that continue to disadvantage descendants of the enslaved and benefit others.
This requires a shift in policy focus that seeks justice and corrects oppression per Isaiah 1:17. Christians should advocate for local and national policies that address the economic and social gaps caused by historical oppression. This includes supporting equitable funding for schools in underserved communities, criminal justice reform, and policies aimed at fair housing and ensuring there is no discriminatory lending practices to include redlining.
This also requires intentional economic investment and resource sharing under the love thy neighbor as thyself biblical principle of Matthew 22:39 and the having all things in common principle of Acts 2:44-45.
The wealth gap is a direct, measurable consequence of slavery and systemic exclusion. Practical repair involves intentionally directing resources toward those who have been historically marginalized.
Wealth gap reduction to a more equitable level or even elimination can be achieved through such methods as supporting Black-Owned Businesses, targeted giving to those of economic insufficiency, and sharing of resources. Scriptural basis is the recognition that early church economic sharing (Acts 2:44-45) and the command to care for the least of these and the poor and vulnerable (Matthew 25:40; James 2:15-16) emphasize meeting material needs and creating equity.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses can involve intentionally shifting spending and investment to support economic growth and wealth-building within Black communities.
Targeted giving can involve supporting non-profits and faith-based organizations focused on Black community empowerment, education, and addressing generational trauma.
With respect to resource sharing, individuals can consider how their own inherited wealth or advantages (time, skills, network) can be used to mentor, sponsor, or create opportunities for others.
These actions transform the abstract idea of responsibility into concrete steps that honor God by actively loving and seeking justice for one’s neighbor.
In the final analysis, all should understand that the goal isn’t guilt or reverse oppression. The goal is transformation so as to have a more equitable society free of oppressive racism and oppressive classism.
For those who are possible descendants of slaves and those affected by racial injustice, a faithful Christian response is honestly lamenting the horrific reality without imposing guilt upon those alive today, courageously working for justice and against injustice in its present manifestation, resting in the unwavering hope of God’s ultimate triumph over evil, and pursuing reconciliation as a reflection of the saving work of Christ. This also means such people are not to engage in reverse racial injustice/exclusion or stereotypes against those who are possible descendants of those who possibly engaged in racial injustice/exclusion.
For those who are possible descendants of slave masters and other racist, a faithful Christian response is not to assume any guilt or shame but to walk in repair, and solidarity, and pursuing reconciliation as a reflection of the saving work of Christ.
Whether or not someone’s ancestors were involved, every believer today has a role in building a more just and reconciled world.
