Constructing the Bridge to a New America in Jim Wallis' "America's Original Sin"

     I have read numerous books and articles discussing racism and white privilege in America, but none have been so impactful as America's Original Sin. Written by pastor and activist Jim Wallis, the book offers meaningful insight into the myriad of racially-based issues in this country, but more importantly, how to pursue restorative justice and reconciliation throughout the United States.
     Right from page one Wallis delves into "America's original sin": racism. From the genocide of Native Americans to the enslavement and later brutal segregation of African Americans, all the way to the mistreatment and hurtful stereotyping of Asian Americans, deportation of poor Latin American immigrants and hateful bias against Middle Eastern refugees, the United States has long been a nation that has known nothing but racial tensions and hateful actions targeting minorities. Wallis argues that a vast majority of problems in this nation (such as police brutality, poverty, illegal immigration, and even war) can, in many ways, be traced back to the racist attitudes deeply entrenched within our country's history. Wallis unashamedly calls out racism for the sin that it is.
     As a Christian writer, Wallis points to the fact that Scripture clearly states all are made in the image of God, so therefore, to reject another human being on the basis of race is to reject part of who God is. Whether or not one fully ascribes to the teachings of the Bible, Wallis makes it clear in his argument that all human beings deserve love and respect, which is something everyone should agree upon, regardless of their faith. At the end of the day, racism--in its many forms--is the result of a moral failure, but it is a sin that cannot go unaddressed.
     One element of this book that I perhaps appreciate the most is Wallis' honest discussion of white privilege in America. Although raised as a white man in a homogeneous Detroit suburb, Wallis openly admits to his own inherent privilege which he is unable to escape, simply due to the nature of our country's social institutions. In today's divided world, it is often so hard to find individuals who are willing to humble themselves and admit that, yes, they have in fact (even if unintentionally) played some role in allowing the sin of racism to survive in this country. I was greatly appreciative of Wallis' bravery in exposing the complacent roles many white Americans even play today when it comes to racial discrimination and bias in this country. 
     The central point of Wallis' argument is, however, the need for reconciliation and restorative justice in the United States. Acknowledging the important role that religious institutions play in shaping our country's social dynamics, Wallis boldly calls upon faith leaders throughout the country to support minorities and to publicly pursue efforts aimed at addressing the sin of racism. Most importantly, Wallis highlights the importance of honest dialogue between white Americans and people of color. Listening to one another's stories and experiences is the beginning of fostering empathy and building bridges between people of seemingly different backgrounds.
     As Scripture says, all are made in the image of God, and at the end of the day, it is this shared identity as human beings that draws us all together. We are a diverse people, created by a God who cherishes our differences and welcomes all in with loving arms. Churches would do well to lead the charge in modeling after this, by truly embracing the idea of loving thy neighbor.
     Everyone has played some role in story of race relations in this country, and America's Original Sin truly is a call to action for us all. By 2045, the United States will be a majority minority nation, and it is up to all of us to decide how we will cross this bridge into a new America. Will we be a nation that continues to be defined by a dark history of hatred and the sin of racism, or will we choose to empathize with and show Christ-like love to our fellow human being, regardless of the color of their skin?