Virginia Rothenflue – Make America Honest

A Call for Radical Liberation

Post author By Virginia Rothenflue
Post date November 29, 2020

One of the most powerful speeches I’ve heard about our nation’s current racial environment and tension is from a preacher named Tom Skinner. In speaking about this sermon, InterVarsity refers to Skinner’s call as “a radical, just Christianity that set(s) people free both spiritually and physically. He powerfully speak(s) into the climate of protest, activism…” But it’s important to know that Tom Skinner is not speaking in 2020. This address was given 50 years ago at Urbana 1970. If you’ve read Ibram Kendi’s book, “How to Be an Antiracist,” you might recognize Tom Skinner’s name. Dr. Kendi writes about his parents…

Post author By Virginia Rothenflue
Post date November 28, 2020

Austin prides itself on being progressive and liberal. But our city is one with an ugly and distinct history. Are we willing to look at our city’s racist past in order to learn and understand? Have we considered the possibility that this history continues to impact our city? KLRU’s Austin Revealed: Civil Rights Stories tells of Austin’s past, much of it from living residents who’ve been impacted by the racism they’ve faced in their lifetime. If you want to look at the history of segregation from a national perspective, this brilliant video entitled Segregated by Design, based on the work…

Post author By Virginia Rothenflue
Post date October 6, 2020

I’ve been sensitive to issues of race for all of my life that I can remember. When I was growing up, a close family member would often make racist jokes and comments, and even as a kid it felt “off” to me. In adulthood, I’ve continued to talk about issues related to racial injustice, often sharing with great emotion the inequality I see in our nation and world. In the introduction of her book, White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo shares that she’s writing for us “white progressives who so often – despite our conscious intentions – make life so difficult for…

Post author By Virginia Rothenflue
Post date September 29, 2020

when a mistake turns into something beautiful Sometimes I have some unnatural desire to find the silver lining in bad situations… so with that disclaimer said, please bear with me for a moment or two as I try to articulate something I’ve been feeling. We are living in a strange time – a worldwide pandemic, a divided nation and a time of political insanity. Yet, despite incredible loss all around us, there are some things of profound value and beauty that are springing up. I think God knew how much I would need Brené Brown’s podcast, Unlocking Us for a…

Post author By Virginia Rothenflue
Post date September 23, 2020

the problem with patriotic education “Don’t mistake my criticisms of our country with my love for this country. Remember, there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. I love this country but my allegiance is not to this country or to its political leaders. Yes, I love this country and I will not shut up from urging it to become more humble, compassionate, and just…More reflective of the Kingdom of God.” – Eugene Cho I read a news story last week that angered and saddened me. I read reporting on President Trump’s intention to create something he called the “1776…

A Call for Radical Liberation

Austin’s Racist Past

What is an Antiracist?

2 Wise Women and 3 Peaces

POTUS Announces “Patriotic Education” Commission