esnapp1's review against another edition
3.0
This is a book evaluating racism and white supremacy by a white, male, Christian pastor. I mistakenly expected there to be more theological evaluation or exploration of the negative impact that the Christian church has had on race relations. What I found was more so the author patting himself on the back for his work throughout the civil right era and beyond.
As I mentioned, this book is written by a white man and it’s definitely written for white Christian people, so my expectations may have been high to begin with. It felt a little too white savior-y for me and he also got a bit too pro-police for me, as well.
Interesting bit though - my city was used as an example for its racist policing record. I volunteer with an organization here that has been bringing this up (the exact same stats) for the last year, and the city officials continue to dismiss us or accusing us of falsifying the stats. I’m going to gladly read this quote for them at the next city council meeting though ☺️
As I mentioned, this book is written by a white man and it’s definitely written for white Christian people, so my expectations may have been high to begin with. It felt a little too white savior-y for me and he also got a bit too pro-police for me, as well.
Interesting bit though - my city was used as an example for its racist policing record. I volunteer with an organization here that has been bringing this up (the exact same stats) for the last year, and the city officials continue to dismiss us or accusing us of falsifying the stats. I’m going to gladly read this quote for them at the next city council meeting though ☺️
treehuggeranonymous's review against another edition
2.0
My first thought on reading this book (once I got past the guest intro obviously) was that the last thing anyone needed was a straight middle-class white guy (we need a good shorthand for that) lecturing people about race. And that thought was pretty pervasive. Like I guess he made some good points, but I would have appreciated a book about racism more if it came from a less privileged perspective.
I'm probably too much of a liberal for this book, but I guess there are some sections of society who need to hear it from their own perspective before they can start to accept it from others. So, like definitely recommend this book for a racist uncle or an aged relative that says unintentionally racist things, but maybe not for your godless youth who thinks they know better cos they're on tumblr.
I'm probably too much of a liberal for this book, but I guess there are some sections of society who need to hear it from their own perspective before they can start to accept it from others. So, like definitely recommend this book for a racist uncle or an aged relative that says unintentionally racist things, but maybe not for your godless youth who thinks they know better cos they're on tumblr.
ardenzb's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 or possibly right under 4 stars. Incredible analysis of so much information and data with clear calls to action. At times it felt like a compilation of other books I've already read without anything necessarily new to add. Packs a lot of good information and important things in such a short book. I think it'd be a lot stronger if it had been longer. Important book and would still recommend.
birdy1luv's review against another edition
4.0
This is a solid primer on the major justice issues that are being discussed from an evangelical faith perspective in the U.S. Would be great to use as a Sunday School class to introduce our congregation to these topics.
purplesquirrel666's review against another edition
5.0
I am not a Christian but I read this book because I'm interested in issues of race in America. The author effectively argues from a Christian perspective how our society's embedded racism directly opposes biblical teachings and offers suggestions for progress and change. I found this to be a fascinating read, and I wish that every member of Congress would read it. Maybe then they'd have some compassion for our fellow citizens.
mrfoley25's review against another edition
3.0
The role of the church in perpetuating racism and in creating a more unified society is an important piece to understand.
haleycarlson's review against another edition
5.0
This book challenged me in a new way. While reading through the statistics that are offered, I was challenged to wrestle with what I, as a white woman, can do to better advocate for people who are not granted the same privileges.
I highly recommend reading this book and learning how to be a better advocate!
I highly recommend reading this book and learning how to be a better advocate!
leaton01's review against another edition
4.0
Wallis explores the legacy of racism in American culture through the lens of religion and spirituality, raising biblical arguments and concerns for the ways in which white America has never truly reflected and confronted that legacy. He engages in this discussion on many fronts from the historical intersection of religion and activism to the ways in which certain denominations have perpetuated systematic racism to the degree of segregation that occurs in churches (exploring the truth in Martin Luther King's words that 11am on Sunday is the most segregated hour in America). His tone is welcoming as he engages with scripture, history, law, and culture as means of invoking God's fairness, equality, and equity as missing elements in religious circles that refused to engage in racial dialogue. Wallis's discussion also includes the discussion of immigration and invokes Christians to embrace the stranger; a message that is prominent within the Bible itself. Through his writing, Wallis does more than bring up the different issues, theologies, and arguments to address racism in the US, he also walks the talk by discussing the various inclusive work he has done for decades with different spiritual and political groups to effect change. It's an inspiring work that can help those also grappling with religion and racism to find directions to go. From the time of this reading and review (fall, 2018) Wallis book is, at times, a curious one to read. He predates Colin Kaepernick and the merging of him with the Black Lives Movement as well as the election of Trump (helped by many religious folks; especially Evangelicals) and the embrace of racist and xenophobic viewpoints that come with Trump. Thus, when he predicts that Evangelicals will lead the way to immigration reform, it can feel like such a different time and place given all that has happened since. Regardless, the essential message is a powerful and still relevant one that many Christians should be thinking about.