A Word to Kinists
By Jeffrey Stivison - Posted at Reformation 21:
Published May 16, 2026
Kinism has recently impacted the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), and we are not alone. Subtle and not-so-subtle forms of this evil are finding expression in Reformed and evangelical churches. We must be aware of it and not tolerate it.What is Kinism? According to Drew Poplin’s very helpful 56-page book, The Canvas of Creation, it is “the belief that races should not intermix, but remain in their allotted boundaries set up by God” (Crown & Covenant, 2025). The underlying problem with Kinism, according to Poplin, if not obvious already, is racial superiority or what is being called Race Realism. In light of recent history, it might be helpful to look at Acts 16:1–5 because it urges us to love one another. Take a minute to get your Bible and follow along.
The Church is a Mixed Multitude
Paul and Barnabas were making plans to set out on their second missionary journey when a sharp disagreement hampered their progress (Acts 15:36–41). The disagreement arose over John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on this second trip. However, Paul thought it best to leave him behind. As a result, Barnabas took John Mark and Paul took Silas, and they parted ways. The book’s author, Luke, helps us to see that the church sided with Paul, for when he departed he was “commended by the brothers” (Acts 15:41).
Early on in their journey, Paul and Silas picked up a new protégé, Timothy, who was the product of an interracial marriage. His mother was a Jew and his father a Gentile. Yet, his reputation within the church is foregrounded. Timothy was “well spoken of” by the brothers. Put another way, Paul and the brothers did not rebuke Timothy’s mother for spoiling the bloodlines or mixing the races. Timothy was recognized as a godly and useful brother. The church loved him.
Wrong to Intermarry?
Where does the Kinist obtain the idea of forbidding intermarriage? In other words, why shouldn’t races intermarry? The Kinist offers Titus 1:12, “One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’” Thus, claims the Kinist, some races have ingrained genetic vices producing unalterable characteristics. Conversely, some races have less destructive vices and so are better than others. Consequently, to intermarry would obviously dilute and pollute better bloodlines.
But think again of the Titus quote. In the next verse, Paul says, “Rebuke them sharply.” Why? So that, says the apostle, “[they] may be sound in the faith.” In other words, genetic isolation is not what the Cretans need. They need a gospel and its accompanying admonitions so that their character might be conformed to Christ. Brothers and sisters, the gospel may not make you able to jump higher or lift heavier weights, but it can and will sanctify your character, conforming you to the image of Christ; and to believe differently is serious error. It’s part of the Kinist heresy.
