As a historian of American and African-American religion, I know that the Trayvon Martin moment is just one moment in a history of racism in America that, in large part, has its underpinnings in Christianity and its history. Those of us who teach American Religion have a responsibility to tell all of the story, not just the nice touchy-feely parts.
Interpretation
The quote advocates for a comprehensive understanding of history, particularly regarding racism and religion.
Anthea Butler emphasizes that the Trayvon Martin case is a significant yet singular instance in a broader context of racism in America, which is deeply intertwined with Christian history. She calls on educators to convey a complete narrative of American religion, acknowledging the uncomfortable truths alongside the more palatable aspects, to foster a genuine understanding of the social issues at play.
In practice
This quote can be used in a classroom discussion on the impact of religion on social justice.
In the racialized space of capitalist gentrification, police are not only arbiters of the peace, they are the muscle of retail racism: You can only be in this space if you transcend your blackness by showing us some green dollars. Even then, there is no guarantee that green will transcend your black skin.
Propaganda is a soft weapon; hold it in your hands too long, and it will move about like a snake, and strike the other way.
It's the end game that people dread and that's what I'm scared of
It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it to presuppose that all men are evil and that they are always going to act according to the wickedness of their spirits whenever they have free scope.
Relativism is not indifference; on the contrary, passionate indifference is necessary in order for you not to hear the voices that oppose your absolute decrees...
Upon my word," said Dantes, "you make me shudder. Is the world filled with tigers and crocodiles?" "Yes; and remember that two legged tigers and crocodiles are more dangerous than the others.
I want nothing less than a faith founded upon a rock, faith in the constitution of things. The various man-made creeds are fictitious, like the constellations Orion, Cassiopeia’s Chair, the Big Dipper; the only thing real in them is the stars, and the only thing real in the creeds is the soul’s aspiration toward the Infinite.
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