Who would have ever thought that it would be a REPUBLICAN responsible for bringing the issue of race back to the forefront of discussion as a hot topic in American politics and culture?

The best part about this one-man crusade is that Sen. Lott is not finished yet. He has several more interviews to do over the next few days (maybe even weeks if he keeps it up!) as he continues to ride the tidal wave that he started with just a small ripple at Sen. Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday party just a couple of weeks ago. Moreover, he has apologized so much so that he’s beginning to come apart at the seams ideologically (did he REALLY say he is now FOR affirmative action on BET the other night?!?!).

At any rate, since Sen. Lott has so graciously (tongue firmly planted in cheek) rekindled the discussion about race relations in America, the issue merits further debate in this forum. However, in order to have an honest and open dialogue about race and racism, it is important to understand the distinctions between them.

Let’s begin with science. From a biological standpoint, there is no such thing as race. In 1990, several scientists who were involved in the Human Genome Project began noticing something very peculiar in the makeup of human genes. What they found is that any two people of the same gender are 99.9% genetically the same, regardless of the color of their skin or ethnicity. Therefore, it is a misnomer for people to be classified as members of different races. We all comprise only one race -- the human race.

Lest I am misunderstood, let me be clear about one thing, though. Just because there is no such thing as race does not mean that racism does not exist. In fact, it is very much alive and well in our society today. Most disturbing, however, is that the most segregated sector of society today is in American churches on Sunday mornings. Although I believe this has more to do with cultural differences and tradition than it does with racism, it is still an issue that should be addressed by Christians who profess to believe in oneness as a body of people.

As a Christian, I do not believe God looks at humans as members of various races. His Son, Jesus Christ, did not come to this world just to save the Jews. Jesus came so that EVERYONE who would believe in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. And “everyone” simply means any person who has lived, is living or will ever live. And since God promulgated the world with Adam and Eve, everyone is of the exact same race of people.

Remember the scientists I described earlier in this article who were involved in the Human Genome Project. They made another astonishing discovery that actually made front page news in the New York Times in 1990.

Those scientists uncovered the fact that all humans are descended from one common female. Guess what they named her? Eve. At the same time, the scientists also concluded that everyone is descended from one common male. Would you like to guess what nickname they game him (I’ll give you a hint. It starts with an “A” and ends with an “m” and has the letters “da” in the middle!)? Can you say “well, duh?”

In Acts 17:26, the Bible reveals that God "has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings."

Although there is a wide variety of people scattered all across this world who have obvious differences from one another, they are still all members of the same bloodline. Only God could have created something as amazing as one biological race of people who look, talk and act different from one another!

Conversely, though, racism is not biological. It is a product of our society, our culture and an infinite number of psychological misconceptions in the minds of many. Only when we can understand that there is no such thing as race will we ever have a fighting chance to defeat racism once and for all.

If only Sen. Lott had thought about what he was saying before making his foolish comments publicly, he might have been able to salvage his leadership position in the Senate, his career and his reputation. Now, all three have been irreparably damaged forever. Republicans need to realize this and select a leader in the Senate whose backbone is stronger than a wet noodle!