Let's pretend a particular man was born in a particular place and time. Let's also say that because of his upbringing, he was educated about various things that the majority of people simply don't have access to. He was privileged in this.
If he grew up in a patriarchal society, we might say he was privileged in being male. And if his society believed one race was better than another, and he just so happened to be of the preferred race, we might say he was privileged in race as well.
Does this mean that he is better suited for success? That his success in life is largely due not to his own doing but to his privileged position? Could we conversely not expect as much from a racially-discriminated uneducated woman who was treated less than dirt?
I believe the answer depends on two things. One, how we measure success. And two, what is expected from humans. The answer to these two questions is the same.
If a man fulfills what is expected of him, then his life is a success. I don't mean what other people expect of him or even what he expects of himself, but what is expected of him by his maker, by God. To be what God wants us to be is to have a successful life. And what does God want us to be?
He wants us to be his children. Both in name and deed.
Is a white man living in the United States better suited to become a child of God in name and deed than any other gender or race? Well, since becoming a child of God has nothing to do with wealth, education, social statues, or how others treat you, then no.
In fact, it's the exact opposite.
Jesus said it was very difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter God's kingdom. Jesus said that those were were blessed were actually the poor in spirit, those who mourned and were meek and who were persecuted for Christ's sake.
Jesus seems to say that those who are really privileged are those the world thinks are under-privileged. Turns out, those who are treated like dirt make a better soil for receiving the word of God than those who think they are pure gold.
Yes, having wealth and power are good things. But they don't guarantee us real success in life. They don't make us good humans. In fact, it's more likely that they'll hinder us from becoming a good human.
Likewise, seeking social justice and equality are good things. But the obtaining of these things won't guarantee a society of people fit for Heaven. In fact, the exact opposite may be true for it seems to me that people of real character are born out of adversity not equality.
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