Ryan Saville

Dethroning the Idol of Race

Papers
This paper explores the question of how Christians should think about systemic racism and racial socialisation by providing a theological reading of 1 John 2.15-16 as applied to the development of race. Ryan Saville considers to what extent systemic injustice and racial socialisation are affirmed by a reading of John’s warning against idolatry. This analysis...
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Destroy the Idol of Race

Talks, Video
In this talk Ryan Saville explores the concept of race as a form of idolatry. Racial idolatry make promises it cannot keep, asking us to rely on that which only God can give. The idol of whiteness promises that white hegemony will produce stable, reliable and fruitful leadership but leads always to disfunction and division. Mono-cultural or homogenous churches in racialized societies perpetuate racism. Racial idols are fiercely protected by…
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Destroy the Idol of Race

Blog
Racial idolatry make promises it cannot keep, asking us to rely on that which only God can give. The idol of whiteness promises that white hegemony will produce stable, reliable and fruitful leadership but leads always to disfunction and division. Mono-cultural or homogenous churches in racialized societies perpetuate racism. Racial idols are fiercely protected by a deeper theological defensiveness.
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Overcoming Implicit Bias and Socialization

Talks
The news regularly highlights institutional and individual acts of racism. But these reports don’t only reveal the persistence of racism but a shallow understanding of it. Unearthing the pillars of implicit bias and socialization increases the likelihood of navigating conversations about racism successfully. In this interactive talk Ryan Saville develops a biblical theology of socialization and implicit bias. Examining what happens when we neither see nor acknowledge it and how…
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Restitution and Repentance

Land and Restitution Forum: The Legacy of Forced Removals in Cape Town

Talks
The aim of this Land and Restitution forum was to discuss these important issues biblically and contextually. To reflect on our history, our fears and ideologies and our current socio-economic and political context through the lens of cross-centred, contextual theology. To apply gospel thinking and practice to this crucial issue which is currently further exposing the divided state of the church along racial and economic lines. In this talk Ryan…
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