About This Episode

Sounding the Alarm for Racial Justice and a Stronger Democracy What is America’s original sin? In part 2 of this timely discussion, Jim Wallis and Michael Schlow share their observations on racism, immigration and the threat to our democracy. “Our original sin of racism wasn’t just slavery. Christians said we can’t do what we are doing to indigenous people and Africans if we believe they are people made in the image of God. So, we’ll say they weren’t,” explains Wallis about the origins of structural racism in America. “If your parents taught you to hate, chances are it’s going to be really hard to unwind that as an adult,” says Schlow. “I always want to believe that we’re decent, good people at heart... Unfortunately, hate is something that is really prevalent in our country and now it’s been exposed,” laments Schlow. “This isn’t political disagreement. The wall does not protect us - it’s a monument to racism,” Wallis states. “Our democracy is literally at stake now. It’s not clear that our institutions will have the resilience to survive all this,” he warns. Continue this powerful conversation that sounds the alarm for racial justice and a stronger democracy.  

Resources and Mentions:

michael schlow

Michael Schlow

One of the most influential and respected chef/restaurateurs in America today. His ability to capture a variety of global cuisines and techniques has led to appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Rachel Ray Show, CBS This Morning, Nightline, and The Food Network. He’s been the recipient of many awards including being named “Best Chef in the Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation, “Best Chef in the Country” by Sante Magazine, as well as the “Culinary Award of Excellence” given out by Robert Mondavi to only 6 recipients a year. His restaurants have been recognized as some of the best in the world by Esquire, Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, and Gourmet. They currently include Adachi, Alta Strada, Casolare, Cavatina, Nama, Tico and The Riggsby.

Jim Wallis

Jim Wallis

Inaugural Chair in Faith and Justice

Jim Wallis is a New York Times bestselling author, public theologian, speaker, and international commentator on ethics and public life. He is currently the inaugural Chair in Faith and Justice at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. He is Founder of Sojourners, a faith -based social Justiice organization, where he served for as president for 50 years. He served on President Obama's White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and was former vice chair of, and currently serves on, the Global Agenda Council on Values of the World Economic Forum.

No Kid Hungry logo

No Kid Hungry

http://nokidhungry.org/

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign is ending child hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day.

Sojourners

https://sojo.net/

Sojourners' mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, to inspire hope and build a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world. They envision a future in which Christians put their faith into action in the passionate pursuit of social justice, peace, and environmental stewardship, working in partnership with people of other perspectives, for the common good of communities, families and individuals. We articulate that vision, convene and mobilize constituencies, and build alliances for effective advocacy. Sojourners magazine and Sojourners online publication sit at the intersection of faith, politics, and culture. Our coverage goes beyond the trending headlines to uncover and explore in depth the hidden injustices in the world around us.