Editor’s Note: Dr. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies & Spiritual Action at Abilene Christian University, recently wrote the following reflection on The Racial Healing of America Revival and Bus Tour that took place in July 2023.

Greetings Friends,
In a world filled with bad news, we as spiritual anchors must spread the good news of the gospel of peace. There is a divine call summoning agents of peace to engage with a world fraught with division and strife. Christ himself is our peace, having already broken down the wall of hostility. Unloving environments foster violence, as seen in the mass shootings that often leave behind manifestos of hatred. In this critical hour, both the ravenous Wolf and the Chief Shepherd stand at the sheepgate in America. The sheep inside the sheepgate must decide which voice they will give their national ear to regarding national behavior. The choice is not between two men who will occupy the oval office, but the choice is between which nature we as a nation will allow to occupy the oval office of America’s heart and soul.

The choice is clear: we must choose between the nature of the wolf—which is predatory, violent, deceptive, vicious, and vindictive—and the nature of the Chief Shepherd, which is the embodiment of love, peace, and righteousness. Americans must drop the claim of being a “Christian Nation” if the Christian Church chooses to live its national identity in the nature of a howling wolf. A true Christian nation calls for love, humility, and peace, aligning with the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd. When a nation adopts the characteristics of the wolf—hatred, pride, and violence—it contradicts the core values of their professed allegiance to Christ. A Christian nation must lead by example, rejecting the wolf’s nature and embracing the transformative nature of Christ’s love.

The Racial Healing of America Revival and Bus Tour took place a year ago this month, from July 9 – 17, 2023. This initiative was designed to address and hopefully prevent the racial tensions and divisions that threaten the fabric of our society. One year later, we find ourselves facing the very challenges we sought to address during our journey across the country. However, this discouraging reality should not lead us to despair or surrender our mission. Instead, it should strengthen our resolve and deepen our commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation. The obstacles we face are significant, but in the power of the Spirit they are not insurmountable. Our efforts must be redoubled, our dedication intensified, and our faith unwavering. We must remember that this is still our Father’s world, and with his divine guidance, we can overcome the ugly challenges of our times.

As we move forward, let us remain vigilant and proactive, embodying the love of Christ in all our actions. We must be persistent in our advocacy for justice, steadfast in our promotion of peace, and unwavering in our commitment to love. The work of racial healing is ongoing, and it demands our full participation and dedication. Let us draw strength from our faith and continue to strive for a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Though we have experienced some serious erosion in the beachhead of global democracy, we still must summon the strength to avoid fighting one another by choosing to fight for a peaceful and just coexistence with one another. This is a collective effort that demands the participation of all, grounded in the belief that our shared humanity is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.

Blessings,
Jerry Taylor