Douglas Wilson is used to defending himself when it comes to Black and Tan, a book he published nearly eight years ago. It’s no surprise, given the prominent pastor’s counter-intuitive stance: He argues that America did not end 19th-century slavery in a biblical way.
The latest debate over Wilson’s work was prompted by a tweet to pastor and Gospel Coalition columnist Thabiti Anyabwile:
@thabitianyabwil Have you seen critiques of Douglas Wilson’s Black & Tan book by @bcloritts & @drantbradley? Any thoughts?– DJ Jenkins (@DJJenkins) March 8, 2013
Anyabwile explained he decided to respond publicly in order to address “a pastoral concern for anyone that may read the book and treat it either as sound in reasoning or an acceptable model for dealing with controversial subjects and the fallout they inspire.”
Wilson responded as well, inviting Anyabwile and others to have an in-person “adult conversation on race.” Instead of in-person, Wilson and Anyabwile engaged in an extensive, back-and-forth online exchange chronicled by others.
Although the two still don’t see eye to eye, they did agree on one important conclusion (as articulated in a final, jointly authored post):
“It is possible for Christians to disagree about volatile issues. Moreover, it is possible — indeed necessary — to do so charitably. The strong disagreement makes us feel like enemies and strangers, while the charity reminds us of our brotherhood in Christ. The strong disagreement tests the bonds of our fellowship and love for one another, while genuine love covers over a multitude of sins and holds all virtues together.”
CT previously has reported on slavery and on Douglas Wilson, including a profile of Wilson in 2009. CT also published a five-part exchange between Wilson and Christopher Hitchens, in which they discussed whether or not Christianity is good for the world. Wilson also responded when Hitchens died in 2011.
