ANTI-RACISM IS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

GROWING UP in very charismatic and evangelical Christian spaces, I was told that the Devil's greatest trick was convincing us that he didn't exist. I feel a similar vibe when it comes to the big three systems of oppression-capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy-in New Thought and other spiritual spaces. These systems managed to convince some of us that they don't exist, we are immune from them, talking about them isn't helpful, or we will overcome them just by doing our spiritual practices.

- OGUN HOLDER

In hindsight, it might not be the best comparison since the Devil isn't real. Systems of oppression, however, not only do exist but also-and this is always the hardest part to hear much less admit-we perpetuate them as individuals and communities. Now before you think I'm calling anyone racist-like a recent reader who, in response to my March/April feature "Decolonizing New Thought, actually called me racist and compared me to Rush Limbaugh-let me assure you that I'm not. We have all internalized some of the traits of these systems, and they unconsciously influence our words, thoughts, beliefs, and actions.