Christian Author Josh McDowell Apologizes for 'Generalized Statement' on Black Families, Minorities 'That Does Not Reflect Reality'

Milton Quintanilla | Contributor for ChristianHeadlines.com | Published: Sep 21, 2021
Christian Author Josh McDowell Apologizes for 'Generalized Statement' on Black Families, Minorities 'That Does Not Reflect Reality'

Christian Author Josh McDowell Apologizes for 'Generalized Statement' on Black Families, Minorities 'That Does Not Reflect Reality'

Christian author and apologist Josh McDowell has issued an apology for his recent remarks at a gathering of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), where he implied that most African Americans and minorities had not been raised to value education and hard work.

McDowell, who has authored or co-authored over 150 books, delivered a message on Critical Race Theory (CRT) on Saturday at the AACC event. During his remarks, he asserted that African Americans and other minorities do have equal opportunities like most Americans.

"I do not believe blacks, African Americans, and many other minorities have equal opportunity," McDowell argued, according to The Christian Post. "Why? Most of them grew up in families where there is not a big emphasis on education, security — you can do anything you want. You can change the world. If you work hard, you will make it," he said.

"So many African Americans don't have those privileges like I was brought up with," he added.

In a statement on Sunday, McDowell issued an apology and clarified his previous comments after he received backlash for his words on social media.

"My statement as quoted does not reflect my own beliefs, and I want to begin by apologizing for my words and the implications they had," he wrote. "My statement started by saying, 'I do not believe blacks, African Americans and many other minorities have equal opportunity.' I do believe this."

"Racism has kept equality from being achieved within our nation," he continued.

McDowell asserted that his remarks, particularly regarding minorities growing up in families that did not place emphasis on education and security, were a "generalized statement that does not reflect reality."

"I apologize and reiterate my Christian love for all races, nationalities and people groups," he continued. "My desire is that we as Christians would deal with both racism and inequality as the sins that they are in order to restore the unity that God desires for all."

Photo courtesy: Ben White/Unsplash


Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.



Christian Author Josh McDowell Apologizes for 'Generalized Statement' on Black Families, Minorities 'That Does Not Reflect Reality'