By Mona Austin
“In every human Breast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom, it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.” Phyllis Wheatly, a poet, a Christian, a slave
On Feb. 4, Christian television network TBN broadcast their Black History Month special in its "America's Hidden History" series hosted by David and Tim Barton. The program focuses on revealing unknown American history. It has often been said that Black history is American history. However, this program is evidence that who re-tells that history matters. The hosts and their guest, Bishop Jim Lowe, an African American pastor from Alabama shared false claims that supported a new narrative on slavery.
Everyone looking at this show should watch and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. We will never reach racial reconciliation in America as long as the abhorrent culture (rooted in religion) of American slavery that was permitted long after world markets ended the slave trade is downplayed and contorted for religious or political gain. While I understand the intent of this production and the need for more education on Black History (for all) and commend their effort, I must point out that "Hidden History" partakes in the very historic revisionism it hopes to debunk. It more so asks viewers to suppress the long lasting impact of the "peculiar institution" in favor of isolated stories of individuals whose existence did not represent the norm.
It may not be known among Whites and other groups, but African Americans know about the acceptance of Black preachers in White churches and the religious standing of many of our historic figures that was mentioned in the program. Being able to relate to stories of oppressed people of the Bible gave Christianity its appeal and motivated many slaves to pursue freedom. It is no secret that some White Christians helped Blacks read and escape or that some abolishionists were White. What may come as a surprise, but was not included in this "eye-opening presentation" is Pres. Abraham Lincoln's position on slavery. It is commonly thought that he was against slavery, when in fact his decision to emancipate slaves was a politically-motivated, strategic economic-based choice, rather than purely a moral one. This fact would have been relevant on the program, but would be of no use since it does not further the agenda to make it seem like Christians during slavery were not "so bad" or that W.A.S.P. (White Anglo Saxton Protestant) slave-holders were sympathizers.
Citing individual examples of people who were the exception during slavery beguiles the overwhelming proof of the institutionalized oppression of Blacks which was perpetuated by both Christians and non-Christians in t he U.S., the ramifications of which we continue to experience today. Slavery was an evil that kept American society going. White supremacy was the norm. These are facts that can not be overlooked. The goal of the Christian should be to seek repentance by acknowledging the wrongfulness of any degree of participation in keeping human beings bound. An attempt to take attention away from this need causes and imbalance that hurts the Christian witness in the context of racial reconciliation and hinders healing among races. (Knowing this, many Black people in the African diaspora refuse to become Christians because of he dubious role religion played in keeping Black people in an inferior position to Whites into the present day.)
The presentation is wrought with false claims, the most glaring of which involves a romanticized account renowned slave poet Phyllis Wheatley. She was captured and taken away from her family at a young age, becoming the property of a wealthy Bostonian. Citing a poem wherein she sad that her Christianity was a positive virtue of becoming a slave, highlights the happily oppressed notion completely objectifies her. The notion that the White man brought Christianity to Africa, that her owner purchased her from an auction block I Africa and she could not speak English so they taught her Wheatley and she went on to have a better life may not have realized it is also a false one.
TBN must take responsibility for the credibility of its experts and ensure the misinformation and miseducation that came out of this program is balanced. I hop they will address thi issue with a second part or a statement that corrects the wrong details that were given.