Bloodlines: The Full Video

A couple weeks ago, I posted an announcement about John Piper’s latest book, Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian. I haven’t even read it yet, and I am already very grateful for this book.

Crossway posted about Issues of Race in Scripture, adapted from Bloodlines. They conclude their post with this question:

If one of the designs of the cross was to reconcile hostile ethnic groups and races, then will we not display and magnify the cross of Christ better by more and deeper and sweeter ethnic diversity and harmony in our corporate and personal lives?

Even growing up in an environment and culture where racism was intolerable, and racial love expected, I find this question deeply convicting. One of my best friends is a black man, so there isn’t this overarching racist attitude that governs my life. Yet, there is still the tendency to slip into racist thoughts: “Those lazy Mexicans, go back home if you can’t be here legally. Muslims need to stop ruining our country with their religion, they’re all terrorists anyway (which is emphatically NOT the case!). Canadians, well, I’m just glad I live in Texas and don’t have to deal with them.”

Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.

Yes, all of those thoughts are horrific. No, they do not represent what I think and feel most of the time. In fact, I’d say it’s a VERY small percentage when I do slip into those thoughts. But “very small” doesn’t cut it. The gospel leaves NO room for this type of thinking. No room for this lack of affection for God’s creation.

I haven’t even bought the book yet, and it’s already brought deep conviction about the racial thoughts I allow into my life. Tragically, I know I’m not the only one who slips into this type of unloving, gospel-betraying thought process. I am very grateful for the gospel, which not only brings this issue to light, but also provides payment for this transgression, and drives me to change the way I allow myself to think at times.

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