A Unique Role in Cementing the Concept of Race

A Unique Role in Cementing the Concept of Race
Racism always takes embodied forms. Jennings observes the unique role that history plays in developing the concept of race. It is amazing how Christianity may have played a unique role in cementing the concept of race (Jennings, 278). As observed in step 2, the historical underpinnings of race significantly affect its continuation and propagation even in the modern day. Jennings helps see this clearer from a theological lens. She describes the origins of racial discrimination as we know it today. The European invasion of other countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, is one of the vehicles through which racial discrimination was propagated at a very early age in the existence of humanity. At the time, the primary intention of the European settlers in Asia and Africa was to acquire resources and wealth.
European settlers considered their race, culture and way of life superior to that of Africans/ Asians. Using these notions, they forced the Asians/ Africans out of their native land and forced them to provide forced labor on plantations and industries. The missionaries who went to these countries with the aim of spreading the gospel, as outlined in the great commission, found themselves cementing the idea of racial discrimination against the indigenous communities. Jennings describes Christianity as the glue that used to hold the whole concept of racial discrimination (Jennings, 277). In a way, Christianity had the effect of reinforcing racism, for although the intentions were pure, the conversion of indigenous communities to Christianity enabled the European settlers to propagate their intentions to acquire wealth more efficiently.
Katongole provides unique insights into understanding the...