Burying White Privilege: Resurrecting a Badass Christianity

by Miguel A. de la Torre

Take for example, the great modern-day theologian Steven Colbert of the former The Colbert Report, who once satirically accepted applications in hopes of finding his very own “black friend.” Realizing the importance of political correctness, Colbert thought it crucial to find a black friend he could display just in case he ever was accused of being a racist. He was so committed to the cause that he had to ask someone else to point out those who were black because, after all, he was “colorblind.” Colbert made his point. All too often, white Christianity tries to follow Colbert’s facetious lead in how to racially and ethnically diversify the church, taking similar shortcuts to make the segregated Sunday morning hour seem more inclusive. The hope of diversification has more to do with political correctness than creating the beloved community.