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.
As we become purer channels for God's light, we develop an appetite for the sweetness that is possible in this world. A miracle worker is not geared toward fighting the world that is, but toward creating the world that could be.
Where there is no justice there can be no secure peace.
The only use for an atomic bomb is to keep somebody else from using one. It can give us no protection - only the doubtful satisfaction of retaliation...
Life is a system of half-truths and lies, Opportunistic, convenient evasion.
If the Word of God is living and powerful, and if the Lord does all things whatsoever he wills; if he said, "Let there be light", and it happened; if he said, "let there be a firmament", and it happened; ...if finally the Word of God himself willingly became man and made flesh for himself out of the most pure and undefiled blood of the holy and ever Virgin, why should he not be capable of making bread his Body and wine and water his Blood?... God said, "This is my Body", and "This is my Blood."
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted.
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