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Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian
Genocide. Terrorism. Hate crimes. In a world where racism is far from dead, is unity amidst diversities even remotely possible? Sharing from his own experiences growing up in the segregated South, pastor John Piper thoughtfully exposes the unremitting problem of racism. Instead of turning finally to organizations, education, famous personalities, or government programs to address racial strife, Piper reveals the definitive source of hope—teaching how the good news about Jesus Christ actively undermines the sins that feed racial strife, and leads to a many-colored and many-cultured kingdom of God. Learn to pursue ethnic harmony from a biblical perspective, and to relate to real people different from yourself, as you take part in the bloodline of Jesus that is comprised of “every tongue, tribe, and nation.”
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
161 people are currently reading
1958 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,599 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 5, 2011
I read several of John Piper's books in college and enjoyed them but realized they were all kind of the same book, which is fine since it wasn't a bad book that he was re-writing again and again.
I've noticed diversity in Piper's output lately, instead of writing about Christian Joy (or Christian Hedonism, as he famously calls it) in every book, now he's writing about marriage and race and thinking and other issues (which joy still helpfully lingering in the background).
This book on Race and the Gospel was much better than I anticipated. Piper uses theology, including the gospel, justification by faith, and the five points of Calvinism, to address the sin of racism and the problems that stem from it. He uses the gospel to fight the hatred, the guilt, and the pride that are often issues in race relations on all sides. He even confesses his own guilt of being a racist Southern growing up and how he has found freedom from that guilt in Jesus.
The first half of the book deals with Piper's reasons for writing the book and sets the stage for what is to come using statistics and relying on lots of other literature to guide the way. In the second half of the book he digs into theology and the Bible (using every passage that could possibly relate to racism) to show that the Christian faith opposes and can actually destroy racism.
One of the chapters I really appreciated is when Piper quotes extensively from Bill Cosby (who has written that a primary problem with the black community is lack of personal responsibility) and Michael Dyson (who has criticized Cosby and argued that the primary problem is systemic racism in American society). Piper argues that both are true and that the good news of Jesus can address both issues.
This to me shows how seriously Piper takes the issue of racism. Piper provides a very thorough and thoughtful treatment of it and, at one point, he acknowledges that he cannot begin to understand what it must be like to be at the receiving end of racism for decades/generations. Piper doesn't try to trivialize racism by assuming he understands it nor does he blow it out of proportion, which, for an issue like this one, is difficult to do. These thoughtful comments really add to the book's value and insight on the issues at hand.
Another great chapter is Piper's meditation on the gospel and how it relates directly to racial problems in America. In that chapter he explores how the gospel destroys hatred, fear, pride, self-doubt, greed, and hopelessness.
Finally, his chapter on interracial marriage is very solid as well. Piper cuts through the argument that some occasionally put forth: "I'm not racist, but I just think the races should marry within themselves." Piper not only argues that interracial marriage is OK, he says it's a good and positive thing which we should celebrate.
Not only do I heartily recommend this book for its content, namely, the gospel and racism are contradictory and only the gospel can conquer racism and heal the wounds it's caused, but I also love the method that Piper uses. He shows how practical theology can and should be in our everyday lives. Both of these things are worth the price of the book.
Ultimately, this is a book that glorifies Jesus Christ and his gospel by showing how God is reconciling all races to Himself and to one another through Christ's work on the cross. It really is something to behold.
I've noticed diversity in Piper's output lately, instead of writing about Christian Joy (or Christian Hedonism, as he famously calls it) in every book, now he's writing about marriage and race and thinking and other issues (which joy still helpfully lingering in the background).
This book on Race and the Gospel was much better than I anticipated. Piper uses theology, including the gospel, justification by faith, and the five points of Calvinism, to address the sin of racism and the problems that stem from it. He uses the gospel to fight the hatred, the guilt, and the pride that are often issues in race relations on all sides. He even confesses his own guilt of being a racist Southern growing up and how he has found freedom from that guilt in Jesus.
The first half of the book deals with Piper's reasons for writing the book and sets the stage for what is to come using statistics and relying on lots of other literature to guide the way. In the second half of the book he digs into theology and the Bible (using every passage that could possibly relate to racism) to show that the Christian faith opposes and can actually destroy racism.
One of the chapters I really appreciated is when Piper quotes extensively from Bill Cosby (who has written that a primary problem with the black community is lack of personal responsibility) and Michael Dyson (who has criticized Cosby and argued that the primary problem is systemic racism in American society). Piper argues that both are true and that the good news of Jesus can address both issues.
This to me shows how seriously Piper takes the issue of racism. Piper provides a very thorough and thoughtful treatment of it and, at one point, he acknowledges that he cannot begin to understand what it must be like to be at the receiving end of racism for decades/generations. Piper doesn't try to trivialize racism by assuming he understands it nor does he blow it out of proportion, which, for an issue like this one, is difficult to do. These thoughtful comments really add to the book's value and insight on the issues at hand.
Another great chapter is Piper's meditation on the gospel and how it relates directly to racial problems in America. In that chapter he explores how the gospel destroys hatred, fear, pride, self-doubt, greed, and hopelessness.
Finally, his chapter on interracial marriage is very solid as well. Piper cuts through the argument that some occasionally put forth: "I'm not racist, but I just think the races should marry within themselves." Piper not only argues that interracial marriage is OK, he says it's a good and positive thing which we should celebrate.
Not only do I heartily recommend this book for its content, namely, the gospel and racism are contradictory and only the gospel can conquer racism and heal the wounds it's caused, but I also love the method that Piper uses. He shows how practical theology can and should be in our everyday lives. Both of these things are worth the price of the book.
Ultimately, this is a book that glorifies Jesus Christ and his gospel by showing how God is reconciling all races to Himself and to one another through Christ's work on the cross. It really is something to behold.
August 19, 2020
Saturated with God's inerrant word and a focused laser beam on the gospel, this is a book I want to revisit in print so I can highlight and review. I discovered this title through a list of books recommended for reading by Marvin Olasky of World Magazine. The list was published early in June of this year when the protests after the death of George Floyd were highly visible in the news. When I told a coworker about this book, I said that what I craved was seeing the issue of racial strife in the light of the gospel. John Piper's book does exactly that. Since I listened to the book on audio, I am hesitant to list the various topics covered. The section on inter-racial marriage was one that really impacted me. When contemplating the subject, it occurred to me that as people from varied ethnic backgrounds join hands in the covenant of marriage, we are returning the human race back to its beginnings from one man and one woman. Finally, how can we consider this topic without meditating on the beautiful vision of heaven we are given in Revelation 7:9-12:
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
July 30, 2020
I have encountered books about race that also discuss God's word, but this is a book about God's word that also discusses race. It is a book about the gospel--its beauty and glory and power. Yet, much like the apostles in Acts 6, after establishing God's word and gospel as the highest priority, it is willing to address cultural and ethnic disputes that have arisen.
Piper is fighting against two tendancies in evangelicalism: 1. To make racial issues the most important thing, as Critical Race Theory does; 2. To make racial issues the least important thing, as political conservatism does. The first tendancy undermines a genuine biblical worldview and real fellowship among believers across ethnic lines (everyone suspects everyone's motives), while the second hardens its heart against the real difficulties faced by minorities and shuts down any discussion of racism for fear that it will let liberalism into the church (and everyone suspects everyone's motives).
I have read several books on race from across the spectrum, from Christian to liberal Christian to liberal non-Christian. And to date, this is the only one I feel comfortable recommending. It will not address nor solve every issue, but someone will come away from the book saying what those said who went to hear the anti-slavery Spurgeon preach: "Christ is a great Savior!"
Piper is fighting against two tendancies in evangelicalism: 1. To make racial issues the most important thing, as Critical Race Theory does; 2. To make racial issues the least important thing, as political conservatism does. The first tendancy undermines a genuine biblical worldview and real fellowship among believers across ethnic lines (everyone suspects everyone's motives), while the second hardens its heart against the real difficulties faced by minorities and shuts down any discussion of racism for fear that it will let liberalism into the church (and everyone suspects everyone's motives).
I have read several books on race from across the spectrum, from Christian to liberal Christian to liberal non-Christian. And to date, this is the only one I feel comfortable recommending. It will not address nor solve every issue, but someone will come away from the book saying what those said who went to hear the anti-slavery Spurgeon preach: "Christ is a great Savior!"
November 16, 2018
I read this book for a research project and, out of at least five books, this one is my favorite. In my opinion, Piper most clearly and humbly argues from Scripture about the issue of race/ethnicity and the goals of gospel-centered harmony. Writing from his own experience as a racist teenager (his words), he shares how God changed his heart - both in relationship with God and with others. It's so good that I would actually recommend it for anyone because it has really helped me to think more biblically about people that are different than I am and has helped me appreciate more the glory that God receives in calling many peoples to himself. You can't come away from this book unchallenged. It has given me a excitement for pursuing racial/ethnic harmony where most of what I read has so far failed. As always, Piper's books also leave the reader with a passion for God - his glory, his Word, his plan, his nature, his love, his justice...and on and on.
This is more of a theoretical book. You will find lots of teaching from the Bible about aspects of how the gospel is what drives us toward reconciliation with God and with others (across all barriers), but not a ton of practical "how-to's." One of the appendixes gives examples of what Bethlehem Baptist has done to try to apply these truths and a particularly practical chapter (Probability, Prejudice, and Christ) was really helpful in discussing the line between what Piper calls probability judgments ("generalizing from the particulars of our experience") and stereotyping/prejudice. Being prone to justify our stereotypes as probability judgements, Piper includes a list of warning signs of a sinful disposition and a few evidences of a "good heart." I'll list them here because I think they are such a helpful gauge (taken word for word from page 223):
We have a sinful disposition when:
-We want a person to fit a negative generalization (accurate or inaccurate) that we have formed about a group.
-We assume that a statistically true negative generalization is true of a particular person in the face of individual evidence to the contrary.
-We treat all the members of a group as if all must be characterized by a negative (or positive) generalization.
-We speak negatively of a group based on a generalization without giving any evidence that we acknowledge and appreciate the exceptions.
-We speak disparagingly of an entire group on the basis of a negative generalization without any personal regard for those in the group who don’t fit the generalization.
The evidence for a good heart in relationship to others would, of course, be the renunciation of those five traits. But more positively this good heart . . .
. . . desires to know people and treat people for who they really are as individuals, not simply as a representative of a class or a group. If this were not so, Jesus could never be recognized for who he really is. Do you desire—really desire—to know people and treat people as individuals not merely as samples of their group?
. . . is willing to take risks to act against negative expectations and belittling stereotypes when dealing with a person. Paul said, “Love . . .believes all things, hopes all things” (1 Cor. 13:7). I think he meant that love strives to believe and hope for the best, not the worst.
. . . is ready, like Nathanael, to repent quickly and fully, when we have made a mistake and judged someone wrongly
There were some cases in which I thought perhaps the author was overextending the text to be relevant to race/ethnicity, but Piper is actually refreshingly honest and up front about which texts he thinks speak directly to the issue and which texts have principles that can be applied to the issue. He's also up front about his Reformed theological framework which is helpful since he goes in depth about the five points of Calvinism and how they, as they coincide with the gospel, repel us from racism. In any case, one of the things I appreciate about Piper is that he supports his arguments with Scripture and he is careful to give voice to differing views or things that make a text harder to interpret. I feel like I learned a lot about different passages from his exposition.
The material is a little repetitive, but Piper unpacks the power of the gospel in several nuanced themes and I thought it was very effective for making his point. I love his book conclusions - they are often so powerful. I'll end the review with a portion from his conclusion as it does a great job of capturing the main thrust of the book:
This is more of a theoretical book. You will find lots of teaching from the Bible about aspects of how the gospel is what drives us toward reconciliation with God and with others (across all barriers), but not a ton of practical "how-to's." One of the appendixes gives examples of what Bethlehem Baptist has done to try to apply these truths and a particularly practical chapter (Probability, Prejudice, and Christ) was really helpful in discussing the line between what Piper calls probability judgments ("generalizing from the particulars of our experience") and stereotyping/prejudice. Being prone to justify our stereotypes as probability judgements, Piper includes a list of warning signs of a sinful disposition and a few evidences of a "good heart." I'll list them here because I think they are such a helpful gauge (taken word for word from page 223):
We have a sinful disposition when:
-We want a person to fit a negative generalization (accurate or inaccurate) that we have formed about a group.
-We assume that a statistically true negative generalization is true of a particular person in the face of individual evidence to the contrary.
-We treat all the members of a group as if all must be characterized by a negative (or positive) generalization.
-We speak negatively of a group based on a generalization without giving any evidence that we acknowledge and appreciate the exceptions.
-We speak disparagingly of an entire group on the basis of a negative generalization without any personal regard for those in the group who don’t fit the generalization.
The evidence for a good heart in relationship to others would, of course, be the renunciation of those five traits. But more positively this good heart . . .
. . . desires to know people and treat people for who they really are as individuals, not simply as a representative of a class or a group. If this were not so, Jesus could never be recognized for who he really is. Do you desire—really desire—to know people and treat people as individuals not merely as samples of their group?
. . . is willing to take risks to act against negative expectations and belittling stereotypes when dealing with a person. Paul said, “Love . . .believes all things, hopes all things” (1 Cor. 13:7). I think he meant that love strives to believe and hope for the best, not the worst.
. . . is ready, like Nathanael, to repent quickly and fully, when we have made a mistake and judged someone wrongly
There were some cases in which I thought perhaps the author was overextending the text to be relevant to race/ethnicity, but Piper is actually refreshingly honest and up front about which texts he thinks speak directly to the issue and which texts have principles that can be applied to the issue. He's also up front about his Reformed theological framework which is helpful since he goes in depth about the five points of Calvinism and how they, as they coincide with the gospel, repel us from racism. In any case, one of the things I appreciate about Piper is that he supports his arguments with Scripture and he is careful to give voice to differing views or things that make a text harder to interpret. I feel like I learned a lot about different passages from his exposition.
The material is a little repetitive, but Piper unpacks the power of the gospel in several nuanced themes and I thought it was very effective for making his point. I love his book conclusions - they are often so powerful. I'll end the review with a portion from his conclusion as it does a great job of capturing the main thrust of the book:
It is not first a social issue, but a blood issue. The bloodline of Christ is deeper than the bloodlines of race.
I have tried to show that the gospel of Christ is more relevant for the American and global dimensions of ethnic disharmony than we can imagine. The great issue of the human race is that we are alienated from God. That is the first and deepest problem. Alienation from each other is next and is rooted in that first and deeper alienation. Only the Son of God, Jesus Christ, by his death and resurrection, can reconcile us to God. And only then can we pursue Christ-exalting, God-centered, gospel-driven diversity and harmony.
Our failures to love each other are rooted in our sin against God. When we are reconciled to God by the gospel of Christ, a new supernatural power enters our life, our family, our churches, and the world. This is the power of Jesus Christ alive within his people. The failings of the human heart that Jesus changes by the power of his gospel are the root causes of racial and ethnic disharmony – guilt, pride, hopelessness, paralyzing feelings of inferiority, greed, hate, fear, and apathy. Only one power in the world can conquer these and the supernatural influence of Satan, which is constantly at work in the world to escalate them to genocidal proportions – the power of the gospel.
June 12, 2020
You should buy this and read it!
April 9, 2024
I’d give it 10 stars if I could. This book refreshed, convicted, taught, encouraged, and inspired me, I would put this in the hands of every American Christian if I could.
As a white American Christian, this is the best explanation Ive read for why pursuing ethnic harmony is central to, not a distraction from the Gospel.
They offer it free.
https://document.desiringgod.org/bloo...
As a white American Christian, this is the best explanation Ive read for why pursuing ethnic harmony is central to, not a distraction from the Gospel.
They offer it free.
https://document.desiringgod.org/bloo...
June 29, 2023
What a book! John Piper, a man that admittedly struggled with the sin of racism as a young man has written a book condemning racism using the words of Christ and biblical references. A must read.
June 22, 2020
Read most of this book years ago, but for some reason never finished it. Decided to pick it up again after my pastor quoted from it. Really good.
October 18, 2012
This is a remarkable book on racism. Piper has read the popular, academic, and biblical literature with his usual care and insight, and in this book he provides much help to the rest of us Christians who “have not trained [our] powers of discernment in matters of racial and ethnic issues” (45).
Part One (Our World: The Need for the Gospel) opened my eyes to the black-white racial tensions to the south. Here Piper talks about structural versus personal strategies for making racial progress before concluding that a third strategy is needed—the gospel itself. The gospel is able to overcome nine destructive forces (Satan, guilt, pride, hopelessness, feelings of inferiority and self-doubt, greed, hatred, fear, and apathy) in ways that personal and structural strategies can’t touch (87).
Part Two is all about the power of that gospel. Jesus is the end of ethnocentrism. God provided one way to himself through Christ’s blood. This one sacrifice is for everyone. In reconciling all to God it reconciles peoples to each other, as all who believe become one new entity.
Revelation 5.9 teaches us that God intends to have people from every ethnic group (chp 9). Romans 3 teaches us that every people is justified the same way (chp 10). In chp 11 irresistible grace means that no one is too racist to be out of reach of God’s grace. All of these chapters, along with the subsequent ones, show the gospel’s relevance and power to such a large problem as racism.
Piper also has wise words to say about interracial marriage (chp 15), persuasively showing that the Bible blesses, not prohibits, it. Another thorny issue is dealt with in chp 16: the issue of prejudice and generalizing about others based on their ethnicity. Piper suggests that generalizations are unavoidable, and they can be made without falling into racial sin provided that one has a good heart. He offers eight penetrating questions with which to test our hearts in this matter.
Appendix Four usefully takes up the question: “What are the implications of Noah’s curse?”
I’ll let Piper summarize the book for himself:
The aim of this book has been to encourage you to pursue Christ-exalting, gospel-driven racial and ethnic diversity and harmony—especially in the family of God, the church of Jesus Christ. I have tried to argue from Scripture that the blood of Christ was shed for this. It is not first a social issue, but a blood issue. The bloodline of Christ is deeper than the bloodlines of race. (227)
My favourite quotes:
The bloodline of Jesus Christ is deeper than the bloodlines of race. The death and resurrection of the Son of God for sinners is the only sufficient power to bring the bloodlines of race into the single bloodline of the cross. (13-14)
To be a Christian is to move toward need, not comfort. (110)
Jesus’s behavior is like a US Marine caring for a Taliban freedom fighter. (117)
Jesus is the point in redemptive history where the true Israel becomes the church of Christ and the church (Jew and Gentile) emerges as the true Israel. This is the mystery of Christ, now revealed, and it is possible because of the cross. (125)
The ethnic diversity of hell is a crucial doctrine. (135)
Part One (Our World: The Need for the Gospel) opened my eyes to the black-white racial tensions to the south. Here Piper talks about structural versus personal strategies for making racial progress before concluding that a third strategy is needed—the gospel itself. The gospel is able to overcome nine destructive forces (Satan, guilt, pride, hopelessness, feelings of inferiority and self-doubt, greed, hatred, fear, and apathy) in ways that personal and structural strategies can’t touch (87).
Part Two is all about the power of that gospel. Jesus is the end of ethnocentrism. God provided one way to himself through Christ’s blood. This one sacrifice is for everyone. In reconciling all to God it reconciles peoples to each other, as all who believe become one new entity.
Revelation 5.9 teaches us that God intends to have people from every ethnic group (chp 9). Romans 3 teaches us that every people is justified the same way (chp 10). In chp 11 irresistible grace means that no one is too racist to be out of reach of God’s grace. All of these chapters, along with the subsequent ones, show the gospel’s relevance and power to such a large problem as racism.
Piper also has wise words to say about interracial marriage (chp 15), persuasively showing that the Bible blesses, not prohibits, it. Another thorny issue is dealt with in chp 16: the issue of prejudice and generalizing about others based on their ethnicity. Piper suggests that generalizations are unavoidable, and they can be made without falling into racial sin provided that one has a good heart. He offers eight penetrating questions with which to test our hearts in this matter.
Appendix Four usefully takes up the question: “What are the implications of Noah’s curse?”
I’ll let Piper summarize the book for himself:
The aim of this book has been to encourage you to pursue Christ-exalting, gospel-driven racial and ethnic diversity and harmony—especially in the family of God, the church of Jesus Christ. I have tried to argue from Scripture that the blood of Christ was shed for this. It is not first a social issue, but a blood issue. The bloodline of Christ is deeper than the bloodlines of race. (227)
My favourite quotes:
The bloodline of Jesus Christ is deeper than the bloodlines of race. The death and resurrection of the Son of God for sinners is the only sufficient power to bring the bloodlines of race into the single bloodline of the cross. (13-14)
To be a Christian is to move toward need, not comfort. (110)
Jesus’s behavior is like a US Marine caring for a Taliban freedom fighter. (117)
Jesus is the point in redemptive history where the true Israel becomes the church of Christ and the church (Jew and Gentile) emerges as the true Israel. This is the mystery of Christ, now revealed, and it is possible because of the cross. (125)
The ethnic diversity of hell is a crucial doctrine. (135)
February 10, 2014
"Racism is an explicit or implicit belief or practice that qualitatively distinguishes or values one race over other races," so says the Presbyterian Church in America.
John Piper wrote this book because he has a debt to pay. God rescued him from the sins rooted in racism and hopes to convince others. If he had to, Piper could reduce the size of this book to three chapters and the conclusion, and I think maybe he should have.
Piper is concerned that many of us have not matured to the point of being discerning in matters of racial and ethnic issues. We tend to go in one of two ways: 1. painfully oblivious to the racial and ethnic concern or 2. idolizing the racial and ethnic issue.
This book focuses mostly on the black/white relations because of slavery and the civil rights of the 60's that is unique to the black/white history in America.
There is a severe divide in this country as to where the blame for racial unrest lies. One side wants to blame the individual while the other side wants to blame politics and the community. The gospel calls both side to repent.
And it is this that Piper focuses on: The gospel's healing power in racial and ethnic unrest and hatred. Piper is a Reformed Christian and he walks us through the reasons why this particular Christianity has the theology to heal, because theology matters. Unconditional election severs the root of racism. Atonement was made for every nation not a select and special group. All races are depraved and in need of a Savior.
We are warned not to become chronological snobs. C.S.Lewis coined that term when he described the tendency of one generation to look at another and mock them for their particular sins. Chronological snobbery is thinking "we have progressed out of sins into greater righteousness, when in fact we are probably as soft on our own sins as the previous generation was on theirs."
This book simplifies the issue of racism by taking us straight to the gospel of Christ and showing over and over and over that there is neither "Jew nor Greek, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but Christ is all in all." The racial divide was done away at the cross of Christ. It's really that simple, that straightforward.
Simple and straightforward is what eventually was wrong with the book. It is all so obvious that it seems like a full length book about this is overwrought.
I was surprised that Timothy Keller wrote the introduction because I really respect his deep theology and this book is lightweight.
John Piper wrote this book because he has a debt to pay. God rescued him from the sins rooted in racism and hopes to convince others. If he had to, Piper could reduce the size of this book to three chapters and the conclusion, and I think maybe he should have.
Piper is concerned that many of us have not matured to the point of being discerning in matters of racial and ethnic issues. We tend to go in one of two ways: 1. painfully oblivious to the racial and ethnic concern or 2. idolizing the racial and ethnic issue.
This book focuses mostly on the black/white relations because of slavery and the civil rights of the 60's that is unique to the black/white history in America.
There is a severe divide in this country as to where the blame for racial unrest lies. One side wants to blame the individual while the other side wants to blame politics and the community. The gospel calls both side to repent.
And it is this that Piper focuses on: The gospel's healing power in racial and ethnic unrest and hatred. Piper is a Reformed Christian and he walks us through the reasons why this particular Christianity has the theology to heal, because theology matters. Unconditional election severs the root of racism. Atonement was made for every nation not a select and special group. All races are depraved and in need of a Savior.
We are warned not to become chronological snobs. C.S.Lewis coined that term when he described the tendency of one generation to look at another and mock them for their particular sins. Chronological snobbery is thinking "we have progressed out of sins into greater righteousness, when in fact we are probably as soft on our own sins as the previous generation was on theirs."
This book simplifies the issue of racism by taking us straight to the gospel of Christ and showing over and over and over that there is neither "Jew nor Greek, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but Christ is all in all." The racial divide was done away at the cross of Christ. It's really that simple, that straightforward.
Simple and straightforward is what eventually was wrong with the book. It is all so obvious that it seems like a full length book about this is overwrought.
I was surprised that Timothy Keller wrote the introduction because I really respect his deep theology and this book is lightweight.
April 9, 2018
Overall a good defense of the gospel and how it relates to racial reconciliation. I did not agree with all of his conclusions and how he connected the two, but there were strong arguments that were effective. I liked his humility and honesty, but you can tell he has not come all the way on the path of reconciliation (or at least to my thinking). But a worthy read, especially if you want a conservative and reformed perspective on the topic.
April 22, 2022
While I did not agree with him on everything in this book, it was overall an amazing and convicting book. Very focused on the Gospel.
September 27, 2017
Piper presents a compelling and convicting work on race, unity, and compassion in the cross. This book pulls you into the roots of racism, historically and in the soul. John dives into how the Gospel directly speaks against racism and offers hope and direction for the church to implement change in our world.
November 27, 2020
Overall a good book. Provides lots of good Biblical basis for why we should care about race and ethnicity issues. Strong emphasis on the Gospel as it relates to race relations, which was much appreciated. Moves the discussion somewhat more away from politics and towards the Bible and how we should live out our lives with this knowledge. Typical for Piper in that it is a little long-winded.
October 23, 2020
Piper persuasively walks through how the doctrine of reformed theology actually fights against racism. He effectively walks through each of the marks emphasizing how the doctrine pushes towards racial reconciliation. His 4 appendixes are worth reading as well.
July 5, 2023
racism is wrong, everyone agrees. but why?
December 6, 2025
Listened to the audiobook. Really good. Really liked his argument using the doctrine of justification.
October 26, 2017
Re-read this one recently. Better than I remember.
March 4, 2020
Five Stars worthy. While it is not one of the most popular books Piper has ever written, it is probably one of the best he has ever written. It is also perhaps the most personal book Piper has ever written, being very honest and vulnerable about his own racism as a young teenager. The book also takes historical tensions between black and whites seriously, without whitewashing the sins of white Christians in general, and revered Reformed theologians of the past in particular.
At the same time, the greatest strength of the book is its theological robustness. Piper really takes a deep look at every passage in the Scriptures that speaks directly or indirectly about racial relationships in light of the Gospel, the Incarnation, the Atonement, among other theological themes.
The appendixes are really helpful too, particularly one that deal with how his church has been fighting for decades to be proactive in the real of racial reconciliation. I cannot recommend it enough!
At the same time, the greatest strength of the book is its theological robustness. Piper really takes a deep look at every passage in the Scriptures that speaks directly or indirectly about racial relationships in light of the Gospel, the Incarnation, the Atonement, among other theological themes.
The appendixes are really helpful too, particularly one that deal with how his church has been fighting for decades to be proactive in the real of racial reconciliation. I cannot recommend it enough!
June 23, 2020
audible: 5 stars - excellently read!
Excellent book that will give you a grounded theology of race, racism and ethnicity. Piper expertly handles the word of God and its implications for race relations. Excellent book, I highly recommend!
Excellent book that will give you a grounded theology of race, racism and ethnicity. Piper expertly handles the word of God and its implications for race relations. Excellent book, I highly recommend!
June 25, 2015
Given all of the racism illustrated by the different events in the news in 2015 (Ferguson, Baltimore, SC church shooting, et al), this book by noted pastor and theologian John Piper has never been more needed. Bloodlines is Piper’s exposition on the evil of racism, on the mandate of the church to pursue diversity and overcome racism, on the central role the cross plays (and can play and should play) in overcoming racism, and on the explicit purpose of God’s plan to unite the world through Christ for the glory of God. Piper frames everything as natural and direct applications of his reformed faith. I found Piper’s use of the Five Points of Calvinism as it relates to diversity and the end of ethnocentrism to be well-argued and well-framed. Throughout the exposition, Piper grounds everything in Scripture and connects verses and passages in a coherent and convincing and convicting argument for the individual believer and for the church to take the lead in efforts to end racial discord. One of the best points Piper makes is that overcoming racism can be accomplished in ways other than by ignoring diversity. In fact, God’s power and glory is revealed in the celebration of diversity AND that unity in diversity is a central part of God’s plan. My only quibbles with the book are in its writing and not in its arguments. One, Piper too often confesses and apologizes for the racism he harbored in his heart growing up in South Carolina. Clearly the book was very personal for him. I was moved by his repentance the first several instances they cropped up in the book, but at some point, I felt like his guilt was affecting his prose. Secondly, there is a bit of repetition from chapter to chapter. Almost every chapter begins by reviewing what was covered in the last chapter. But almost every chapter also ends with a forecast of what arguments are going to be made in coming chapters. During a sales training, I was once told that a good salesperson will “Tell them what you’ll tell them, tell them, and tell them what you told them.” Piper was clearly emphasizing and repeating every point out of a desire to urge the reader to soak in every point; at times it felt repetitive. Nevertheless, this is a powerful read. I recommend every Christian read it to fully grasp the God-glorifying unity of diversity possible because of the gospel.
July 1, 2012
John Piper gives us a sober, challenging read which should shake some of us out of our lethargy, when it comes to racial harmony. Piper brings up his own past, of growing up in a segregated south where the conservative Church turned a blind eye to the black man's struggle. He exposes his own racism, and labors to show how Scripture and specifically the gospel of Christ, cuts at the root of racism.
Piper is known for his rational thought and his Calvinism. While admitting that Calvinists have historically fared poorly if judged on racial concerns, he nevertheless builds a pretty strong case that each of the Calvinistic doctrinal points should lead toward a greater solidarity between races. None of us are favored because of our own actions, our race shouldn't determine our fate, what's more is that Jesus Christ died specifically to redeem men and women of every race. A multicolored and multi-ethnic throng surrounds the throne of the Lamb in Revelation 5. And that should be our goal, to make heaven's will a reality here on earth.
Along the way, Piper discusses practical aspects for how to implement a culture that aims for racial harmony, and he counters numerous objections. He delves into a cultural analysis too of structural racism and white guilt, among other topics. I found some of the appendices most helpful. One was a detailed discussion of the curse of Ham, which has long been a fundamentalist rationale for rigid racial segregation and separation. Another appendix shared some of the vision and policy statements of Piper's church, Bethlehem Baptist.
This book is accessible, and personal. It is also informative and provocative. I believe it is very helpful and may have a lasting impact on the church at large. This topic is worth thinking through and praying long and hard about, and John Piper is just the man to help us on this journey. His prayers and his struggles bleed through the pages of this weighty little book. I hope that people of all colors will pick up this book and see the vision for the multi-ethnic church that Christ died for. We all can learn from the wisdom in these pages. I highly recommend this book.
Piper is known for his rational thought and his Calvinism. While admitting that Calvinists have historically fared poorly if judged on racial concerns, he nevertheless builds a pretty strong case that each of the Calvinistic doctrinal points should lead toward a greater solidarity between races. None of us are favored because of our own actions, our race shouldn't determine our fate, what's more is that Jesus Christ died specifically to redeem men and women of every race. A multicolored and multi-ethnic throng surrounds the throne of the Lamb in Revelation 5. And that should be our goal, to make heaven's will a reality here on earth.
Along the way, Piper discusses practical aspects for how to implement a culture that aims for racial harmony, and he counters numerous objections. He delves into a cultural analysis too of structural racism and white guilt, among other topics. I found some of the appendices most helpful. One was a detailed discussion of the curse of Ham, which has long been a fundamentalist rationale for rigid racial segregation and separation. Another appendix shared some of the vision and policy statements of Piper's church, Bethlehem Baptist.
This book is accessible, and personal. It is also informative and provocative. I believe it is very helpful and may have a lasting impact on the church at large. This topic is worth thinking through and praying long and hard about, and John Piper is just the man to help us on this journey. His prayers and his struggles bleed through the pages of this weighty little book. I hope that people of all colors will pick up this book and see the vision for the multi-ethnic church that Christ died for. We all can learn from the wisdom in these pages. I highly recommend this book.
November 6, 2013
"What I have tried to do in this book is show that the gospel of Jesus Christ - the death and resurrection of the Son of God for sinners - is the only sufficient power for this effort [racial harmony], and the only power that in the end will bring the bloodlines of race into the single bloodline of the cross." (233)
I believe Piper has done what he claims to do with this book, that is, to highlight why racial harmony and reconcilliation matters to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and why the gospel is the only adequate power to bring racial harmony about. Those readers with an understanding of Reformed theology will especially benefit from his description of how reformed soteriology and the Five Solas are the basis for racial harmony to the glory of God. His method is anecdotal, sociological, historical, theological, but most importantly exegetical and therefore gospel-centered.
Short of writing a book two or three times as long, the scope of Bloodlines is limited. While the book (I believe) accomplished what it claimed to do, I only gave four stars because it lacks the wood and fuel to keep the fire hot. This book is like a spark that has the potential to help individuals burn brighter and saltier, but not without kindling (poor analogy but hopefully you get the point). There is a significant lack of writing on practical and corporate practices that can help facilitate racial harmony and reconciliation. As the book progressed, I began to get the sense that the implicit reasons for this are because (1) Piper just doesn't have the answers, and (2) if there are any, the answers are plain old messy.
With those two points as my missing criteria for a five-star biblical book on racial harmony, I understand that such a book may never exist. Yet I gladly give Bloodlines four stars because I believe that this is the kind of the book that will get faithful, but imperfect Christians to reject attitudes of apathy, discouragement, or reductionism and make racial harmony an emphasis in their lives, whatever it looks like.
I believe Piper has done what he claims to do with this book, that is, to highlight why racial harmony and reconcilliation matters to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and why the gospel is the only adequate power to bring racial harmony about. Those readers with an understanding of Reformed theology will especially benefit from his description of how reformed soteriology and the Five Solas are the basis for racial harmony to the glory of God. His method is anecdotal, sociological, historical, theological, but most importantly exegetical and therefore gospel-centered.
Short of writing a book two or three times as long, the scope of Bloodlines is limited. While the book (I believe) accomplished what it claimed to do, I only gave four stars because it lacks the wood and fuel to keep the fire hot. This book is like a spark that has the potential to help individuals burn brighter and saltier, but not without kindling (poor analogy but hopefully you get the point). There is a significant lack of writing on practical and corporate practices that can help facilitate racial harmony and reconciliation. As the book progressed, I began to get the sense that the implicit reasons for this are because (1) Piper just doesn't have the answers, and (2) if there are any, the answers are plain old messy.
With those two points as my missing criteria for a five-star biblical book on racial harmony, I understand that such a book may never exist. Yet I gladly give Bloodlines four stars because I believe that this is the kind of the book that will get faithful, but imperfect Christians to reject attitudes of apathy, discouragement, or reductionism and make racial harmony an emphasis in their lives, whatever it looks like.
December 19, 2016
John Piper has written a profound and risky book about how the Gospel can solve the problems of racism that permeate our culture. Piper’s thesis is that God desires unity in the church including “every tribe, tongue, people and nation.” (Rev. 5:9) He describes his own “racist” background, and focuses largely on black and white relationships. He says that since the civil rights movement there has been “a downward spiral together.” He cites both black and white sinfulness and says “The while children of the flower children of the sixties have paid dearly for the abandonment of truth and moral absolutes.” 66
Piper carefully guides readers through one scripture after another that demonstrate God’s desire for ALL to be represented in his church. For example he says: “Every human being in every ethnic group has an immortal soul in the image of God: a mind with unique God-like reasoning powers, a heart with capacities for moral judgments and spiritual affections, and a potential for a relationship with God that transforms us into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.” 153
He explains how Reformed Theology fits into this rationale of extending our love to all and to purposefully seeking diverse leaders for the church. We need to break down the barriers that separate us and Piper would say, this can happen when we are “new creations,” humble and sold out to Christ and then pursue a goal to change our culture of division and racism. “Only the gospel can do two seemingly contradictory things: destroy pride and increase courage.” 96
In converted hearts, in a community of believers Colossians 3:11 says “There is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.” 163
Piper leaves nothing out. He has a final excellent chapter on interracial marriage. He also includes several appendixes with further information about how his own Bethlehem Baptist Church pursues ethnic diversity.
This is a challenging, ground breaking book that we must prayerfully read and implement in our churches.
Piper carefully guides readers through one scripture after another that demonstrate God’s desire for ALL to be represented in his church. For example he says: “Every human being in every ethnic group has an immortal soul in the image of God: a mind with unique God-like reasoning powers, a heart with capacities for moral judgments and spiritual affections, and a potential for a relationship with God that transforms us into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.” 153
He explains how Reformed Theology fits into this rationale of extending our love to all and to purposefully seeking diverse leaders for the church. We need to break down the barriers that separate us and Piper would say, this can happen when we are “new creations,” humble and sold out to Christ and then pursue a goal to change our culture of division and racism. “Only the gospel can do two seemingly contradictory things: destroy pride and increase courage.” 96
In converted hearts, in a community of believers Colossians 3:11 says “There is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.” 163
Piper leaves nothing out. He has a final excellent chapter on interracial marriage. He also includes several appendixes with further information about how his own Bethlehem Baptist Church pursues ethnic diversity.
This is a challenging, ground breaking book that we must prayerfully read and implement in our churches.
October 30, 2012
Piper shows the power of the Gospel to bring true racial and ethnic harmony. He is honest about the racism he formerly harbored in his own heart and about the difficulties that pursuing racial and ethnic harmony brings. I would highly recommend this book. It is a subject that needs to be preached on and honestly and openly confronted and discussed more in the church. It was also good to read it in conjunction with To Kill a Mockingbird, the Bonhoeffer bio and Jimmy Carter's memoir (which I am still working on) - lots of connections and food for thought.
January 7, 2017
"No lesson in the pursuit of racial and ethnic diversity and harmony has been more forceful than the lesson that it is easy to get so wounded and so tired that you decide to quit....The most hopeless temptation is to give up--to say that there are other important things to work on (which is true), and I will let someone else worry about racial issues."
A challenge and a call to "earnest, practical, everyday effort."
A challenge and a call to "earnest, practical, everyday effort."
August 28, 2011
Reformed theology undercuts racism: not only our creation in the image of God but our mutual fallenness makes racism nonsensical; God purposefully elected people from every kindred, tribe, people, and nation.
See full review at http://www.markandlauraward.com/blog/...
See full review at http://www.markandlauraward.com/blog/...
September 7, 2016
In this age of racial tension, confusion, and examination of self, I found much of Piper's share so enlightening. I personally have come to recognize prejudices within myself in spite of my denial. This book provided food for thought and an avenue to check myself.
November 9, 2020
I would recommend. I struggle with Paper's writing style. Listening to the audio white reading along was helpful for me.
Piper is 100% Bible centered on the topic of race. I would encourage this to be read with John Perkin's One Blood.
Piper is 100% Bible centered on the topic of race. I would encourage this to be read with John Perkin's One Blood.
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