Are we to repent for our ancestors past sins?

[derAlte]

In my research on my own family history, I discovered one ancestral line who were 18th century residents of Bedford Country, Virginia. As I read through a will, I discovered that one of my relatives owned slaves. I really did not want to learn that. I can't imagine and utterly abhor the thought of owning and mistreating another human being just because his ancestors came from Africa.

I can't help the fact my relatives owned slaves. I hate it but there's nothing I can do to change it.

But during my short sojourn in the time frame where the Lord has placed me, I can determine that I will treat people of African ancestry with all the courtesy I extend to all other human beings, and not judge them (as the old but true cliche says) by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

With the advent of DNA testing, it becomes increasingly possible for the descendants of the slaves owned by my 18th century forebears to be identified. Since 30% of African-American men carry European Y-DNA chromosome signatures, many white descendants of slave owners are finding out they have black relatives. It's a horrible fact, but many white slave owners raped their female slaves and impregnated them.

My wife and I have had our DNA tested and both of us have discovered a handful of African-American relatives on our match list. We cheerfully acknowledge them as our cousins. If their ancestors were conceived by rape, then I am deeply ashamed. No one has suggested we make reparations. I'm not sure what I'd answer if they did.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by derAlte

In my research on my own family history, I discovered one ancestral line who were 18th century residents of Bedford Country, Virginia. As I read through a will, I discovered that one of my relatives owned slaves. I really did not want to learn that. I can't imagine and utterly abhor the thought of owning and mistreating another human being just because his ancestors came from Africa.

I can't help the fact my relatives owned slaves. I hate it but there's nothing I can do to change it.

But during my short sojourn in the time frame where the Lord has placed me, I can determine that I will treat people of African ancestry with all the courtesy I extend to all other human beings, and not judge them (as the old but true cliche says) by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

With the advent of DNA testing, it becomes increasingly possible for the descendants of the slaves owned by my 18th century forebears to be identified. Since 30% of African-American men carry European Y-DNA chromosome signatures, many white descendants of slave owners are finding out they have black relatives. It's a horrible fact, but many white slave owners raped their female slaves and impregnated them.

My wife and I have had our DNA tested and both of us have discovered a handful of African-American relatives on our match list. We cheerfully acknowledge them as our cousins. If their ancestors were conceived by rape, then I am deeply ashamed. No one has suggested we make reparations. I'm not sure what I'd answer if they did.

You're attitude, spirit, and approach shows that you've already, instinctively, repented of any sin of your ancestors. And as far as righting wrongs, teaching your children the ideals you've expressed here has stopped any possible remainder of dehumanizing racism cold. And, your ancestor's sin is so far removed, there's no personal action on your part necessary. I mean, if you feel it necessary, you could advocate for monitory causes, adopt a minority child, volunteer for humanitarian work in Africa, etc. But, I don't think such should be required or expected of you if you're at peace.

This isn't about some new prayer or spiritual practice or mandated reparation. It's just an additional perspective to consider in one's contemplations that take into consideration the sins and injustices of our ancestors, with the intentions of not perpetuating them, or continuing ideas and attitudes they held.

It's not about repenting for the dead, or you being responsible for their individual actions. It's just about being better people than they were and not continuing in the same sins, or being apethetic towards those who do.

[1ofthechosen]

Originally Posted by Aquila

You're attitude, spirit, and approach shows that you've already, instinctively, repented of any sin of your ancestors. And as far as righting wrongs, teaching your children the ideals you've expressed here has stopped any possible remainder of dehumanizing racism cold. And, your ancestor's sin is so far removed, there's no personal action on your part necessary. I mean, if you feel it necessary, you could advocate for monitory causes, adopt a minority child, volunteer for humanitarian work in Africa, etc. But, I don't think such should be required or expected of you if you're at peace.
.

"

??? Did you really just say that in bold??

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by 1ofthechosen

"

??? Did you really just say that in bold??

That is Chris showing us how the quackery of psychobabble can work in the Church.

Hey, men with tormented minds believe everyone else is tormented as well.

People need the Holy Ghost, and sadly people would rather go without.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by 1ofthechosen

"

??? Did you really just say that in bold??

I was just indicating that I wouldn't condemn someone of sincere conscience that felt that they had to do something to make an amends for some sin of their ancestors. In most cases, I don't see where anything can be done by us as individuals about an ancestors "sin" but repent before God for our own sin, and not perpetuation any sin of our ancestors.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by derAlte

Since 30% of African-American men carry European Y-DNA chromosome signatures, many white descendants of slave owners are finding out they have black relatives. It's a horrible fact, but many white slave owners raped their female slaves and impregnated them.

Is this the only explanation for the presence of European Y-DNA chromosomes among black Americans?

[derAlte]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Is this the only explanation for the presence of European Y-DNA chromosomes among black Americans?

No, it is not. There are recorded instances of white slave owners in loving relationships with black slave women who they could not marry because of the social stigma. There was even intermarriage between white men and free African-American women in the North, not to mention the Creoles of Louisiana.