When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity

by Grace Ji-Sun Kim

The world is a diverse, complex, and nonhomogeneous place. We need to embrace the diversity present around us and rejoice in it, because God certainly does. We must recognize how our understanding of God affects our worldview, our actions, and our Christian faith. Our choice of words and the language we use impacts our thoughts and ideas. If we can move away from the false notion of a white male God, it will expand our understanding of the real God who is infinite and unrestricted. We need to explore and reimagine a God who is inclusive of all people no matter gender or racial identity, economic status, ability, or other distinguishing characteristics we may have. The more open our vocabulary and images as we come before God in prayer, readings, and songs, the better we will become. We cannot limit an infinite God with our limited choice of words and languages. To move toward a more inclusive church and community, we will be better served by rewriting our liturgies, prayers, hymns, and worship guides with nonwhite and a nongendered words and concepts for God. This will create a major shift in our Christian identity and lived-out faith. It will teach and reinforce a God who is neither white nor male. This movement away from whiteness and patriarchy will open the door to a lived faith practice where how we treat one another is modeled after Jesus, who sought justice and liberation for all. The new possibilities and new hopes for a better church, community, and world are with...