Beyond Compromise: The Foundational Grace of Humility in Racial Dialogue

 

Photo by Arthur Edelmans on Unsplash

Here in the United States, the long shadow of racism casts a pall over our history, a stark reminder of profound human tragedy. To speak of race relations is to touch a wound that has yet to fully heal, a wound inflicted by the egregious violation of human dignity. While progress has been made, the pain understandably lingers, a testament to the deep and lasting impact of such injustice.

As we navigate this sensitive terrain, the necessity of ongoing national dialogue is clear. Remembering the lessons of the past is vital to prevent their repetition. Yet, the manner in which these conversations unfold often reveals a troubling undercurrent. Instead of a collective striving for national healing and improvement, we sometimes witness an attitude tinged with retribution, a sentiment that echoes, "You did this to us, now it is our turn." This spirit, however understandable in its origin, risks becoming a new iteration of the very prejudice it seeks to address.

The advent of widespread technology has further complicated this landscape. While democratizing access to communication, it has also, in some ways, dismantled societal safeguards. Emotions, biases, and immediate reactions can now be amplified and disseminated with unprecedented speed and permanence. This can lead to a fracturing of constructive dialogue, increasing the potential for injustice, pain, and suffering.

In seeking a path forward, a common suggestion is compromise – finding middle ground, a point of agreement. While compromise can be a useful tool in many situations, I believe something more foundational is required, something that must precede even the pursuit of clarity. That something is humility.

Denis Prager wisely notes the importance of clarity before agreement, arguing that understanding the terms and intentions of those involved is crucial for meaningful exchange. I wholeheartedly concur. Clarity helps us discern whether the aim is genuine societal improvement through the removal of blind spots, or simply the pursuit of revenge.

However, I would argue that humility lays the groundwork for this very clarity. It is the posture of acknowledging that we may not possess the entirety of truth, that our perspectives may be limited, and that we are capable of being wrong. Humility compels us to truly listen, to patiently await our turn to speak, and to remain anchored in our convictions rather than merely expressing cultural preferences or knee-jerk reactions.

Furthermore, humility encourages us to seek out the truth in the viewpoints of others. As those grounded in a Reformed understanding, we recognize that "all truth is Jehovah's." This theological principle invites us to approach every conversation with the possibility that even those with whom we disagree may hold pieces of the larger truth.

Therefore, as we engage in the ongoing and necessary dialogue about race in our nation, let us prioritize humility. Let it be the guiding principle that informs our listening, shapes our responses, and directs our pursuit of both clarity and, ultimately, genuine healing and reconciliation under the banner of God's grace and truth.