I want to share my thoughts regarding Critical Race Theory and arrive at an appropriate and acceptable position that people can acknowledge . Critical Race Theory is defined as a cross disciplinary intellectual and social movement of civil rights scholars and activists who seek to examine the intersection of race , society and law in the United States and to challenge mainstream American liberal approaches to racial justice .

Unfortunately , most people tend to jump to the conclusion that they are being criticized when they hear Critical Race Theory . In this instance the word critical is meant to be used as an academic term to examine a broad range of disciplines in a critical manner . It is not meant to be utilized to criticize or blame people but to use critical thinking , critical theory and scholarly criticism as opposed to an emotional response .

A key component of

CRT is intersectionality . The term defines how different forms of inequality and identity are affected by interconnections of race , class , gender and disability . CRT is at best a very complex , changing thought process with subtle social and institutional dynamics in play . Perhaps a good example would be the recent repeal of Roe vs . Wade after 50 years of federally supported abortions . Wherever you stand on this issue , it is extremely complicated and will have profound social , economic , political and legal ramifications .

I tend to look at CRT through the lens of what scripture has to say about the idea that Adam and Eve ’ s decision to disobey God in the Garden of

Eden caused all of us to be expelled from our relationship with Jesus that can only be restored through an admission and acceptance of that “ original sin .” Unless you accept ( admit ) you need a savior , you are stuck in the punishment that goes with that original sin . Unless you accept and admit you may be influenced by race , culture , gender and / or a disability , it is difficult to evaluate almost everything in an unbiased manner .

I bring up the concept of original sin because repentance from that is supposed to produce a “ born again spirit ” with a new heart — the idea being you are a new creation in the image of Jesus , something we are told to strive after on a daily basis by picking up our personal cross , rejecting our selfish whims and putting others first and ourselves last .

In my opinion Jesus is the original CRT guy . He hung out with prostitutes ,

tax collectors , adulators , thieves , fishermen , Samaritans , the poor , the lame , the sick and rejected what was supposed to be the “ high bar ” the political leadership of his day put forward . Instead , Jesus favored a Kingdom that promised peace and security for all

who would lay down their rights in service to that Kingdom .

Unfortunately , today we have so many folks defending their personal beliefs , rights and possessions . We tend to be so easily offended that we cannot enter into a discussion regarding

the possibility that others may be misjudged and mistreated because of their culture or ethnic origin . Jesus , on the other hand , would engage in the discussion and show compassion , mercy and grace .

Ed Gallagher Coshocton

The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum will have two opportunities this summer for classes the whole family can enjoy .

The first class will be led by local professional quilter Carolyn Mann . Participants will have their choice of different bags with a variety of things to embellish them with such as beads , buttons , embroidery and more .

There will be two classes , one for children and one for age 16 and up . Both classes will be on Thursday , July 28 with the kids class taking place from 2-3:30 p . m . and the adult class from 6-8 p . m . The registration fee is $ 15 for kids and $ 18 for adults . Visit www . jhmuseum . org / embellish or call 740-622-8710 to register . Space is limited , and registration will end July 21 .

The second class will be a family watercolor led by Robin Hire on Aug . 4 from 6-7:30 p . m . Each person will create a watercolor portrait in the style of the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso . Participants will draw their portrait with a pencil and then use ink to make the lines bold . The shapes will be painted with simple watercolors .

Registration is $ 8 per person . Visit www . jhmuseum . org / watercolor or call 740-622-8710 to register .

The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum is open daily from noon to 4 p . m . through Labor Day and is located at 300 N . Whitewoman St . in Historic Roscoe Village .

For more information call JHM at 740- 622-8710 , email jhmuseum @ jhmuseum . org or visit www . jhmuseum . org .