Page 20 - Integrity Seminars - Special Report
P. 20
Hopefully they will be reminded that the Perhaps the best way to end this essay is to
Constitution contains a remarkable provision include a defining observation from Frederick
(an attribute of intellectual humility in Article Douglass late in his life (Address by Hon.
V) that allows for amendments. We do not live Frederick Douglass, delivered in the
in a perfect or static society and the Founders Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, Washington, D.C.,
never contemplated we would. Tuesday, January 9th, 1894):
What's less certain is that contemporary [M]y friends, I must stop. Time and strength are
students will learn much about religion or not equal to the task before me. But could I be
religious history, beyond multiple failings past heard by this great nation, I would call to mind the
and present. Most contemporary evangelicals sublime and glorious truths with which, at its
share blame in this regard, since they seem to birth, it saluted a listening world. Its voice then,
have lost their prophetic voice (again) on
was as the trump of an archangel, summoning
critical issues like immigration, gender and
hoary forms of oppression and time honored
racial subordination, income inequality, and
tyranny, to judgment. Crowned heads heard it and
climate change. The question isn't entirely
shrieked. Toiling millions heard it and clapped
hopeless if students can find teachers who will
their hands for joy. It announced the advent of a
introduce them to theological perspectives from
nation, based upon human brotherhood and the
thinkers like Reinhold Niebuhr, Martin Luther
self-evident truths of liberty and equality. Its
King Jr., and Letty Russell. Some college
mission was the redemption of the world from the
teachers-- equally conversant with the sciences
and humanities--may also invite students to bondage of ages. Apply these sublime and
remain open to mystery, wonder, "radical glorious truths to the situation now before you.
amazement," and humility about our individual Put away your race prejudice. Banish the idea that
and collective capacity to superintend the world one class must rule over another. Recognize the
and ourselves. Those qualities tend to inhibit the fact that the rights of the humblest citizen are as
authoritarian self-righteousness heard on both worthy of protection as are those of the highest,
left and right in contemporary discourse. and your problem will be solved; and, whatever
may be in store for it in the future, whether
prosperity, or adversity; whether it shall have foes
without, or foes within, whether there shall be
peace, or war; based upon the eternal principles of
truth, justice and humanity, and with no class
having any cause of complaint or grievance, your
Republic will stand and flourish forever.
Integrity Seminars: Special Report January 2020 20
