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The Canvas of Creation: A Biblical Response to the Heresy of Racial Superiority
God has painted the canvas of his creation with colors of all kinds—not to give preference to one or the other, but to show forth the beauty of variety.
This is not just true of forests in autumn, or sunsets in summer, but even of men and women who bear the image of their Creator and are scattered throughout the four corners of the earth. But in recent days, there has been a rise of those who look at the assortment of hues on the palette of Providence and assert that one shade should dominate the others, or that the colors should never mix.
How should we “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5) in this matter? That is the aim of this little to equip Christians to think through and respond biblically to the claims of Race Realism and Kinism, which have so recently been the graffiti of social media and tearing through congregations and communities.
This is not just true of forests in autumn, or sunsets in summer, but even of men and women who bear the image of their Creator and are scattered throughout the four corners of the earth. But in recent days, there has been a rise of those who look at the assortment of hues on the palette of Providence and assert that one shade should dominate the others, or that the colors should never mix.
How should we “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5) in this matter? That is the aim of this little to equip Christians to think through and respond biblically to the claims of Race Realism and Kinism, which have so recently been the graffiti of social media and tearing through congregations and communities.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 3, 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE CANVAS OF CREATION ABOUT?
Recent years have seen a rise of despicable teachings advocating racial/ethnic superiority and separation, particularly among some groups online.
Thankfully, they're not going unchallenged—recently, three denominations stated:
Drew Poplin, a minister of one of those, has written this short book to go along with that. He makes (or perhaps "sketches" would be a better word) five arguments. He arguing that it is contrary to nature, contrary to the law of God, contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ, contrary to the nature and government of the church; and then he seeks to answer the primary historic argument from Scripture. After this, he takes a look at the roots of the recent rise in this heresy and some practical applications in dealing with it.
This is a lot to tackle in 55 pages (less, after the Introduction), so Poplin cannot really get into depth. But he attempts to make up for that depth by the breadth of his considerations.
DEALING WITH CHRISTIANS OF THE PAST
This is a dicey thing—but "X minister" or "y theologian" from the past thought in terms of racial superiority, or owned slaves, or fill-in-the-blank. Does this mean we need to discount everything they said/wrote/passed down to the Church? Poplin suggests that no, we don't—and makes a case to overlook this in love. His arguments are much like those of Jacobs' in Breaking Bread with the Dead when it comes to people of earlier times writing and saying things that clash with contemporary mores.
I think his argument works—although I admit I want it to work, so it's hard for me to evaluate objectively. Regardless, I'm glad he addressed this idea directly and didn't leave it unanswered.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE CANVAS OF CREATION?
First, I think it is lamentable (in the sense Jeremiah would use) that a book like this needs to be written—ever, much less in 2025. I'm troubled even more that we're going to need more like this. Because as good as this is, it's not enough. (probably nothing will be enough until the Lord returns, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep swinging).
Secondly, it's a good little book—Poplin makes the arguments that I'd think would be pretty standard—he also makes some (rather convincing) arguments along lines that I've never considered.
He does say a couple of things that only work in theologies committed to Christian magistrates and covenanted nations (not in a contemporary Christian Nationalist way, but in something more historic). As someone who has never been convinced by those positions, I found those parts of the book to be rather weak. But I probably wouldn't if I accepted the premise.
Otherwise, I was with him every step of the way. I do appreciate the case Poplin makes to consider this kind of thing a heresy (while not wanting to overuse the word). I'm not sure I'd have called it anything but grave error before, but that time is over. Thank you, Rev. Popliln for that.
Get this, read it, give copies to friends.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S THE CANVAS OF CREATION ABOUT?
Recent years have seen a rise of despicable teachings advocating racial/ethnic superiority and separation, particularly among some groups online.
Thankfully, they're not going unchallenged—recently, three denominations stated:
Condemn without distinction any theological or political teaching which posits a superiority of race or ethnic identity born of immutable human characteristics and does on the solemn evening call to repentance any who would promote or associate themselves with such teaching, either by commission or omission.
Drew Poplin, a minister of one of those, has written this short book to go along with that. He makes (or perhaps "sketches" would be a better word) five arguments. He arguing that it is contrary to nature, contrary to the law of God, contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ, contrary to the nature and government of the church; and then he seeks to answer the primary historic argument from Scripture. After this, he takes a look at the roots of the recent rise in this heresy and some practical applications in dealing with it.
This is a lot to tackle in 55 pages (less, after the Introduction), so Poplin cannot really get into depth. But he attempts to make up for that depth by the breadth of his considerations.
DEALING WITH CHRISTIANS OF THE PAST
This is a dicey thing—but "X minister" or "y theologian" from the past thought in terms of racial superiority, or owned slaves, or fill-in-the-blank. Does this mean we need to discount everything they said/wrote/passed down to the Church? Poplin suggests that no, we don't—and makes a case to overlook this in love. His arguments are much like those of Jacobs' in Breaking Bread with the Dead when it comes to people of earlier times writing and saying things that clash with contemporary mores.
I think his argument works—although I admit I want it to work, so it's hard for me to evaluate objectively. Regardless, I'm glad he addressed this idea directly and didn't leave it unanswered.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE CANVAS OF CREATION?
First, I think it is lamentable (in the sense Jeremiah would use) that a book like this needs to be written—ever, much less in 2025. I'm troubled even more that we're going to need more like this. Because as good as this is, it's not enough. (probably nothing will be enough until the Lord returns, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep swinging).
Secondly, it's a good little book—Poplin makes the arguments that I'd think would be pretty standard—he also makes some (rather convincing) arguments along lines that I've never considered.
He does say a couple of things that only work in theologies committed to Christian magistrates and covenanted nations (not in a contemporary Christian Nationalist way, but in something more historic). As someone who has never been convinced by those positions, I found those parts of the book to be rather weak. But I probably wouldn't if I accepted the premise.
Otherwise, I was with him every step of the way. I do appreciate the case Poplin makes to consider this kind of thing a heresy (while not wanting to overuse the word). I'm not sure I'd have called it anything but grave error before, but that time is over. Thank you, Rev. Popliln for that.
Get this, read it, give copies to friends.
November 18, 2025
Something like this is very much needed to combat false doctrine which could destroy many churches. But my main issue with this book is that the author from the start conflates White Supremacy, Kinism, and Race Realism as all being one thing. They are certainly related, I wonder if RR and K are not stalking horses for WS. But to conflate them as one and then dismiss them altogether is geared to shut the ears of anyone who is on or sympathetic to the other side of this issue. They are used to being called racists and white supremacists. In fact they are so inured to it, they don’t think it’s such a bad thing anymore. Calling them names won’t work. Conflating their beliefs with White Supremacy is not going to snap them out of it.
That being said, the book does offer decent Biblical arguments against several Kinist and Race Realist talking points. The latter restricts the power of God and denies the power of the gospel, saying that a black man cannot be sanctified to the same extent as a white man. The former also places an intolerable burden on the backs of Christians, saying that they must not marry outside of their own ethnic group. It is offensive and injurious to the peace and good order of the church.
That being said, the book does offer decent Biblical arguments against several Kinist and Race Realist talking points. The latter restricts the power of God and denies the power of the gospel, saying that a black man cannot be sanctified to the same extent as a white man. The former also places an intolerable burden on the backs of Christians, saying that they must not marry outside of their own ethnic group. It is offensive and injurious to the peace and good order of the church.
November 8, 2025
I'm no kinist, so I support the conclusions of the book. But I was hoping the substance would have been richer & the tone less acerbic. Beginning with the introduction, any reader who was either on the fence or on the opposite side would've become defensive & put off by the manner in which it was written. Lots of unnecessary, Twitter-like jabs and gotchas. I do commend the author for attempting such a book. In the meantime, we still wait for a definitive treatment on this issue.
November 19, 2025
A short but important read for any Christian. It’s not sharp or acerbic. The book is honest in calling our sin and heresy. The plague of racism and kinism infiltrating the Reformed community should not be coddled. People engaging in those sins should not be tolerated.
The last chapter is excellent and should be published as an article to help people handle situations when they encounter kinism. Because at the rate things are devolving, you will.
The last chapter is excellent and should be published as an article to help people handle situations when they encounter kinism. Because at the rate things are devolving, you will.
November 16, 2025
An important treatment of this subject. Short and readable it provides a basic overview of how the gospel is above the distinctions of the flesh such as race.
November 29, 2025
A great short pamphlet from an RPCNA pastor refuting Kinism and Race Realism.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews