By Miriam Smith // Race + Christianity // EEW Magazine Online

A controversy has broken out in the Christian community after Pastor John MacArthur (Left) said MLK was not a Christian at all—provoking a pointed response from Pastor Charlie Dates (Right). (Credit: EEW Magazine Online)

This past Black History Month, a time typically reserved for celebration and reflection, the Christian community found itself entangled in a debate that touches upon deep-seated issues of social justice, theology, and the true essence of following Jesus.

At the center of the dispute are comments made by MacArthur, a revered figure in Reformed Christian circles, during a Q&A at his home congregation, Grace Community Church. MacArthur criticized two evangelical groups, Together for the Gospel and The Gospel Coalition, for their tributes to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stating in a video that the iconic civil rights leader who identified as Christian “was not a Christian at all,” and called King’s life “immoral."

MacArthur’s controversial statement ignited a firestorm of responses—most notably from Rev. Charlie Dates, a prominent pastor of two historically Black churches in Chicago, who penned a passionate open letter to MacArthur, countering the 84-year-old’s remarks about the late Dr. King.

The letter, which emerged on the Progressive Baptist Church's website, represents a broader conversation within Christianity about reconciling social justice with faithful discipleship. "We, the undersigned, regret that we have to write you this way, but we sense that this is the only way to address the egregious wrong that you — and those like you — have yet again inflicted on Black Christians in America," Dates said.

The controversy underscores the divisive labels and ideologies such as 'woke' and 'critical race theory' that are currently stirring discord within churches and among believers. Moreover, the persistent strife surrounding race and social justice is a sobering reminder of how far we are from the oneness Jesus prayed for His followers in John 17:21—a unity that seems ever more distant amidst such conflicts. The challenge lies in engaging these topics without succumbing to judgment or casting aspersions on others’ faith, a delicate balance that seems to elude even the most learned among the flock.

Dates' letter reveals the pain felt by many Black Christians when confronted with such assertions, especially given the timing of MacArthur's comments. The letter also calls into question the role that Christian leaders should play in the continued fight for justice and equality, a battle that King himself was deeply committed to as part of his Christian ministry.

The Reformed community has seen its fair share of internal strife over social justice issues in recent years. MacArthur's stance has been clear since the 2018 MLK50 conference, which marked the 50th anniversary of King's assassination and focused on condemning racism within the church. That event, and MacArthur's subsequent "Statement on Social Justice," have contributed to the so-called "war on wokeness" that has polarized believers across denominational lines.

Justin Giboney, president of the AND Campaign and a participant in the MLK50 Conference, wrote an essay in Christianity Today critiquing MacArthur's view on King. Giboney's organization advocates for Christian civic engagement without partisanship and supports Dates' response to MacArthur's comments. "He cannot get away with this. He has to know that Black and Black-adjacent clergy around the country wholeheartedly disagree with him on theological grounds," Dates said in an interview.

Phil Johnson, executive editor of MacArthur's media ministry, Grace to You, clarified that while MacArthur appreciates King's Civil Rights work, he maintains long-standing critiques of King's doctrinal positions and personal conduct. "As John MacArthur mentioned in his recent comments, he believes much of Dr. King’s work in the realm of Civil Rights, voting rights, and equal treatment for all ethnicities was good and beneficial," Johnson wrote.

The debate harks back to the Civil Rights era when conservative leaders, including then FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, used Christianity Today as a platform to downplay the Christian elements of King's activism, branding it as communist. Today, the Christian community faces a similar crossroads, as leaders like Dates call for a collective push towards justice reflective of true Christian values.

In his letter, Dates implores the Christian clergy to disengage from MacArthur's work until a more just and inclusive stance is adopted. "Perhaps we should tell you that we are calling on Christian Clergy of all colors to stop reading your commentaries, to dislodge themselves from your conferences, and to give your voice no amplification in their teaching until you fight for justice to roll down like a river in America and righteousness like a mighty stream for those who are marginalized."

The dialogue between Dates and MacArthur serves as a microcosm of the larger conversations happening within the Christian community. It raises important questions about how believers can approach social justice without undermining the faith that binds them together. As the church grapples with these issues, it becomes increasingly clear that respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to the teachings of Jesus are essential for moving forward in unity.