A Podcast, Lack of Knowledge, and Knowing Christ

In April, I had the opportunity to be a guest on the Mortification of Spin with Carl Trueman, Todd Pruitt, and Aimee Byrd to talk about diversity and the church. It was a great time and they have just posted a link to the podcast (hope you’ll take a listen). In the beginning, they admit that it isn’t a topic that they’ve explored. I was encouraged by their honesty and thoughtful questions. One question stood out to me, though, and as I listened back I remembered why. Trueman began asking me questions about the Black Church. As I listened then and now I’m struck once again by how much I just don’t know.  In the interview, I admitted I have no idea but then proceeded to give him a great resource that I pray will benefit him and the whole church: The Front Porch.

I don’t know much about the Black Church because I’ve always attended predominately white churches. As a matter of fact, when you begin to dive into questions on sociology, that’s where the buck stops with me. I have had numerous interviews where I must simply say, I don’t know but here is a resource. A month ago I was discouraged by my lack of knowledge. I felt like a failure and a fraud. How does someone write a whole book on diversity and not know anything beyond theology and the gospel? In my book, I tried to go to experts on those topics but didn’t go in-depth because the book is mainly about the theology of race and the Good News that unites us. But, nonetheless, as I’ve been interviewed I’m undoubtedly asked questions that I simply don’t know.

Knowing Christ

Today is the first day I’ve been encouraged by my lack of knowledge.  I have repented of pride and the fear of man. The Lord kindly reminded me of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2: 2, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” That’s what I know and so it’s what I share. I share about the Good News because that’s the only thing I know that can truly unite us. I share about the Good News because, well folks, that’s all I really know. This isn’t an excuse not to gain knowledge about the other important issues and topics in this conversation. I am learning a lot and, as a journalist at heart, it’s my joy to point others to resources and people who actually do know about these things. But at the end of the day, I share about the gospel.

I embrace my limitations and simply say:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16)

RELATED CONTENT