This past week NFL player Benjamin Watson, and Pastor Darrin Patrick joined together on the one-year anniversary of the Ferguson, Missouri court case decision for a webcast about racial tension and how Christ brings reconciliation like no one else can. The webcast was titled, Under Our Skin: A Conversation About Race. You can watch the replay of this webcast here on The Gospel Coalition. Benjamin Watson, who is a tight end for the New Orleans Saints, also released a book, Under Our Skin, which you can pick up here.
Here are some of our favorite quotes from the conversation:
In order for me to see you as Christ sees you, I need my heart changed—and that’s only through the power of the gospel. -Benjamin Watson
When you understand your forgiven by Christ you’re then able to extend the same forgiveness. -Benjamin Watson
When Ferguson happened it exposed some things that I didn’t realize about myself. -Darrin Patrick
This race issue is painful, but we need to be honest about it. It can get better. -Benjamin Watson
The problem of black and white in our world is not a black-and-white issue. -Benjamin Watson
You can make a point, or you can make a difference. -Darrin Patrick
Racism is ultimately a faulty view of yourself. -Benjamin Watson
The most necessary conversations tend to be the ones we try to avoid. -Darrin Patrick
It’s not a skin problem it’s a sin problem. -Benjamin Watson
Christians don’t privately repent of racism because preachers don’t publicly preach that it is a sin. -Benjamin Watson
Nothing can fix this race problem. Not legislation. Not relationships. Only The Gospel. -Benjamin Watson
All of us are human beings created by and for God. -Benjamin Watson
We need intentional, living relationships with people different from us. That’s what we’re lacking. -Benjamin Watson
Racism is not a problem ‘out there’ but a problem ‘in here.’ -Benjamin Watson
Unmerited favor. That’s what we have with our Lord and Savior. -Benjamin Watson
The gospel costs. Truth costs. Talking about race can even cost friendships. -Benjamin Watson
The gospel frees you not to see yourself as superior or inferior to anybody else. The gospel is the great equalizer! -Benjamin Watson
In order for me to see you as Christ sees you, I need my heart changed & that’s only through the power of the Gospel. -Benjamin Watson
