Gracism: The Art of Inclusion

by David A. Anderson

The pastor of one of the nation's leading multicultural churches presents a new Christian paradigm for thinking about race, culture, and class issues, offering an opportunity to extend God's grace to people of all backgrounds.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Church, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Dr. David Anderson, founder and President of the BridgeLeader Network (BLN), is one of the world’s leading authorities on building bridges across the deep divides of race, faith, culture and wealth. His work has brought hope and healing to communities, families and people in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this one. It seemed like common sense to me. Be kind and show grace to those who need it most.

[Tim Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy-to-read, thought-provoking work that whets the appetite for learning to live as a "gracist" rather than a racist. Anderson defines gracism as "the positive extension of favor on other humans based on color, class or culture." Using real life examples, he breaks down 1 Corinthians 12:14 - 27 into seven "sayings." These sayings are read as commitments that a person who practices gracism (a "gracist") uses in the quest to reach across lines of race, gender, religious, political, economic or social class, to extend the grace of God in the same way the Christ did to us (i.e., "I will lift you up; I will cover you).

What I expected was a book filled with rhetoric that might be seen as anti-white American, because it seems in my opinion that that is often the case when an author addresses this subject. However, Anderson's insistence that every culture must be present and have a voice in the multi-cultural picture of the Church (including the white demographic) was very disarming for me. I was able to lower my defenses, be challenged, repent, and really think critically about how to move forward with gracism as a lifestyle.

I had always read 1 Corinthians 12 in regards to a diversity of spiritual gifts in the church. I had never realized that the context for Paul's writing was that he was helping two different cultures (Jews and Gentiles) understand how to come together into this new community of faith known as the Church. With that in mind, I found that much of what Anderson brought to the table has more solid biblical truth than I realized. Some of his arguments I would have dismissed prior to reading the book. But, I do find much of what he wrote extremely helpful and challenging.

There were a couple of sentences in the book that caused me to raise an eyebrow. For example, Anderson writes "In many ways I agree that the justice requirement for our sin debt has been satisfied through the substitutionary atonement for Jesus Christ." (pg. 90) However, I can't think of a SINGLE way that the justice requirement was NOT met in the atonement.

Overall it was very worth my time to read the book and a great way to kick of a new year of reading!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracism review

Noticing and Celebrating Differences


As I understand it, gracism, a word comprised of "racism" preceded by the letter "g" for God, encourages people to extend special favor to others based on their unique class, culture, ability or color and make that preference visible and apparent. In the preface the author writes [page 11]: "Gracism, unlike racism, doesn't focus on race for negative purposes such as discrimination. Gracism focuses on race for the purpose of positive ministry and service." However, race, gender and ethnicity form only a part of the gracism taxonomy, which also includes folks who are less educated, less physically or mentally able than some others, are lower income, less confident and/or posses anything else "different from." anderson gracism cover On page 20 Pastor Anderson further explains, "The positive extension of favor toward certain people does not have to mean favoritism." And on page 23, "The one who hears, sees and pays attention to those on the margins—those in the desert—is a gracist." The liberation theology buzz-phrase of God's "preferential option for the poor" long ago made it into mainstream vocabulary; gracism is an expression of that type of preference. In what for me is an unexpected twist, Pastor David Anderson describes his church consciously configuring church staff, worship leadership, music group membership (and everything else) to appear visibly diverse rather than uniform.

Under the Grace-onomics(!) heading, Pastor David explains how a person can extend their connectional networks for the economic, professional or social benefit of others. On page 15 he refers to people "who may not be able to speak for themselves," adding, "And many times, even when they do speak, they are not heard." That's been my experience as I've attempted to reweave a peer network that would allow me to participate more fully than I've been able to as the result of my own efforts. I consider myself educated, articulate and expressive, but have been shut out too many times, thoughtlessly in some cases and probably intentionally in others.

Like everywhere, here in southern California we're encountering and potentially meeting lots of assorted 'others' and need to learn not to retreat into righteousness other than Christ's and need to learn to make safe places and space for those unlike us." (this may be old news?) I'm developing an adult study/discussion series partly based on Mark Nanos' The Irony of Galatians as I'm also making my way through the text of Galatians in preparation.

Back to Galatians' author! After his encounter with the Risen Christ, Paul, a Jerusalem-educated Roman citizen born in the Jewish Diaspora, self-described as a "Hebrew of Hebrews," proclaimed and lived as if the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ initiated a paradigm-shifting (I had to include that phrase!) cosmic transformation. Just as Saul/Paul insisted no longer would people be defined by ethnicity, race, outward appearance, gender or such particular semi-accidentals (but hey, folks, this was not exactly emancipation proclamation...) can we, the church of Jesus Christ in this community live by not defining people as Mexican or American, foreigner or native-born, green- or brown-eyed, straight or bi, military or civilian? Maybe in such an apparently gracist way so that our congregation and our community is visibly diverse and multi-everything? Can everyone be as equal to us as they are before God?

The brother-in-law of a friend described the truly astonishing degree of inclusiveness of a Roman Catholic congregation near his workplace: all ages, abilities, gender orientations, economic and educational levels, ethnic identities and cultural persuasions—a visible slice, a representation (maybe that needs to be "presentation") of the kingdom of heaven. But he added, "officially we're not welcome at *their* communion table, and our pastors can't preside, officially or not." So is that God's kind of diversity? Is it a true gracist community?

I'll conclude with a couple of my own experiences. At the church I attended I'd offered to present the fruit of one of my talents as part of the program for the monthly Friday evening potluck; in addition they scheduled a photographer who'd been in that group forever, and a quilter who'd moved into the neighborhood more recently. I presented a DVD portfolio of about 60 or 70 pieces of my graphic art. My art has a lot of energy and color, but very little of it is obscure or "hard to get." After my show I got only one compliment, from the guy who was interim pastor at the time. As usual, I made a string of excuses: the resolution on the TV wasn't exactly great (it really wasn't); interim pastor and I are a year and a half apart, meaning we inhabit the same world and share the same culture. A week later a member of that dinner group posted pics he'd taken of the evening of the other presentations, but there were none of me! Truly, not for a split second do I believe he intentionally excluded me from his documentation of the evening, but a Gracist approach would have thought of me and decided to take a few pics, even if he didn't like, or get, or understand my art or considered me weird or unusual.

Then, I'll reference the time I was approximately monthly) pianist and choir accompanist for what (in many ways) was an ethnic church, but despite a sizable community of that ethnicity in that city, still they lived as strangers, with customs, spoken language, native dress, and food very different from the majority mostly USA-born, culturally western-USA/Western-hemisphere populations. Yes, I had something to offer them they needed and wanted, but they constantly showed me hospitality as they invited me to holiday parties and events, always gave me food to take home after Sunday church (we'd have morning worship followed by a huge meal and then return to the church sanctuary for a testimony meeting). Although they worshiped in their vernacular, the pastor would read the scripture passage he was preaching on in English—although I had little clue as to his interpretation, at least I knew the text!

So how do we start gracist living in our communities and in our churches? How can we bring others into our center and also receive their gifts of hospitality when they choose to invite us closer to their centers rather than leaving us on the margins of their worlds? We need to begin prayerfully risking to live out God's answers to those questions as we become Gracists and enable others to live Gracefully, as well!

[Shirley Freeman]

I liked this and think it would be a good book for a church small group discussion. The writing style is easy, very practical and of a more evangelical nature than I'm usually comfortable with. But there is a lot to think about. He defines Gracism as the positive extension of favor on other humans based on color, class or culture. It's not enough to treat people 'equally' - he believes we are called to treat people who are oppressed with special favor. I like the African proverb he relates at the end: "When I saw him from afar, I thought he was a monster. When he got closer, I thought he was an animal. When he got closer, I recognized that he was a human. When we were face to face, I realized that he was my brother." Food for thought and discussion.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day read--maybe two. I completely agree with the premise. Not a big fan of the writing. That aside, the concept, I believe is completely biblical; that is, in the church those in the majority out to be looking to bestow special favor on those in the minority. Minority is defined as anybody in the margins (so it could just be the new guy). Distinguishes between favoritism, which is special priority to those in power, and favor, which is special blessing we give to those in need.

[jana Blazek · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there is nothing essentially flawed about this book's theology, hardly any of it is new information. The author appears to be self-promoting, consistently using himself and his church as the ideal example of Biblical principles.

[Bill · Rating 1 out of 5]

An un-inspired book filled with simplistic slogans and blind faith that everything in the Bible is ground truth. This book adds little to a real issue and is not worth reading... I'm sorry I spent the time to finish it!

[Sean Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a really good book worth reading. For me three and a half stars, not quite four. A lot of good points, but not cohesive enough for me personally. In the hands of the right person, this will be an amazing book.

[Leslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. The writing was fifth grade level and the ideas were the same. Don't judge this book by its cover which is actually very cool. Wish I hadn't spent money or time on this.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book isn’t enough. It just isn’t.

[Josh Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book on racial reconciliation? Well…sort of. Gracism: The Act of Inclusion was originally released in 2007 and a lot has happened since then. This revised and updated edition takes all of that into account and reflects on the work that Gracism Global—the organization founded out of Gracism’s principles has done in that time. Even though it treads well-worn ground, Gracism is still an important work for the way in which author David Anderson contextualizes the fight against racism.

Using 1 Corinthians 12, Anderson makes the argument that the central element that would drive racial reconciliation is sacrificial inclusion. From this thesis and text, he develops eight statements, which bear repeating here:

• I will lift you up. Others are to be given “special honor” and that means assisting and elevating others toward success.
• I will cover you. Others are to be allowed “special modesty” which means protecting the vulnerable from embarrassment, harm, or exploitation.
• I will share with you. Others are not to be shown favoritism or special treatment, which means ensuring that there is equal access to networks and resources.
• I will honor you. Others are to be treated with honor, particularly those who are vulnerable or in need.
• I will stand with you. We must be committed to unity, which means standing up as allies with minority groups.
• I will consider you. Others are to be shown equal concern, which means special focus on the perspectives and needs of the marginalized.
• I will celebrate with you. This means that we are called to rejoice with others and give others a reason to rejoice.
• I will heal with you. This is a call to suffer with others, empathizing with their pain, acknowledging our role in that if any, and shouldering some of their burden if possible.

Gracism offers a chapter outlining how each statement can be fulfilled theoretically, practically, and spiritually, engaging the head, hands, and heart and completely revolutionizing the way in which we consider our treatment of others. Anderson does tend toward the more conservative side in this conversation—think more Tony Evans than James Cone—but even though that means I mind personally find him insufficiently radical in some areas it does mean that his tone and his calls to action are accessible and palatable to his primary audience of Christian evangelicals.

Again, it’s the 1 Corinthians 12 construct that sells it for me. Anderson, using a clear and easily-interpreted passage of Scripture succinctly and powerfully makes the case for overcoming racism with grace. And, yes, that includes those of the marginalized groups offering grace to those attempting reconciliation. Gracism is a thoroughly biblical, practical, and time-tested manual for racial reconciliation within the church.

And yet, is it enough? Gracism is simply-written, well-packaged, and easily understood. There’s not too much here to rock the boat and Anderson does only the barest minimum at challenging Christian majority culture. There’s nothing here that is wrong, but if it was all really this easy why hasn’t the church already done it. There’s something that makes reconciliation more difficult than is presented in this book, but Anderson largely stays away from that messiness.

In the end, I’m left conflicted. I believe Gracism is a bit simplistic and insufficiently radical to foment real change. Yet, I believe its accessibility to those who would never listen to liberation theologians and irenic call to do the simplest things gives it an audience that allows the conversation to begin. Gracism is the start of a conversation with a well-presented structure, but it’s far from the full discussion.

[Susan Tailby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more than 5 stars - 10 stars needed! Such an important and directive read, about how to move from cultural othering to gracism and active inclusion and friendship. The quotes alone say it all - BOOM! Just do it....
"I suggest that every person living in a unicultural environment prepare their hearts to be reconcilers in every area because the principles of God's Word, when it comes to reconciliation, work in all arenas. This includes the principle of gracism.
There are people on the fringe in your church who may be the same color as the majority of your church members but who are still in need of inclusion. There are people in your family, on your job, in your community who are in need of gracist inclusion. As you embrace and develop your calling to be a gracist, God will give you more opportunities than you can imagine to live it out. When you exercise the muscles of gracism with the marginal people you already know, your muscles will be strengthened ..."
"A gracist recognizes the beauty of diversity. A gracist will go to any length and work as diligently as possible to ensure that such beauty is seen and celebrated. A gracist truly believes that everyone matters and should be included. Gracists refuse to settle for unicultural segregation without doing all they can to include diversity at all levels of the church. This includes those
in leadership and those in the pew. A gracist can't help but think about those in the neighborhood who are of a different color than are the congregants.
Imagine a local pastor asking himself or herself the following questions about the people in the target ministry area from different colors, cultures and classes. What's wrong? Why don't they come in? What can I do to build a bridge? What is my church communicating that is keeping them away? What is my church missing by not having these people as a part of our fellowship? These are the persistent questions of a gracist. They are good questions to ask and even tougher to answer but are important to invest brainpower and prayer power in.
Think about your church. Think about your small group or Bible class. Think about the people in your family and in your household on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Are they all from the same color, culture or class? Now think about Christ. If he were to have a dinner party, a small Bible study group, a church service or a family meeting, do you think they would all be from the same color, culture or class? Don't we all want to be more like Christ? I am forced to ask myself, Am I reflecting the life of Christ as a gracist or reflecting the life of a racist? Am I perpetuating segregation among Christians and simply justifying it with my preferences and comfort? Am I a bridge builder of reconciliation? Maybe your life is lived somewhere between the two extremes. You aren't a racist and yet you've not become a gracist either. For instance, maybe you have the heart of Christ to be more inclusive but are not in a location, church or environment that allows you
to regularly interact with people from a different racial, ethnic or socioeconomic background. So what are you to do?"

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an expanded version of Dr. David Anderson’s 2007 original edition. He is the founder and president of Gracism Global, and has written several books on race and diversity. It is a very timely model for our ongoing problems of prejudice and injustice, which appear to be deepening day by day in America. He has appeared on all of the national television networks including Fox, so his distinction in his knowledge is well known. Gracism unlike racism, doesn’t focus on race for negative purposes such as discrimination, but focuses on race for the purpose of positive ministry and service. He calls “Reverse” whites have a deep longing to make American what it was before. They fight for an America that is less diverse and more safe. Reverse whites want to protect their status of systematic advantage and will do whatever it takes. Racism is not simply a skin problem but a sin problem.
A very thorough discussion of I Corinthians 12 and whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free and we all given to one Spirit to drink, cause us to totally rethink the body of Christ and our part of it. Then he follows with 8 chapters complete with detailed questions for a small group study.
1. I will lift you up
2. I will cover you
3. I will share with you
4. I will honor you
5. I will stand with you
6. I will consider you
7. I will celebrate with you
8. I will heal with you.
The through Biblical study is coupled with the George Floyd and racial examples that we are so used to with our daily newspapers, and bring the study of inclusion to us even though we do not wish to have the knowledge brought forward. We are given the example of a pin ball machine being on tilt. We can see that after the White House January 6 event, the pandemic, our nation is dangerously close to being on tilt and our dealing with it in a positive reckoning through God. The rebuilding and healing of our nation is the only way we can move forward.
The book ends with an African proverb that guides us to healing and a path forward. It is a very powerful book which shows us a path forward and will make an excellent discussion book for small groups.

[Catherine Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an expanded version of Dr. David Anderson’s 2007 original edition. He is the founder and president of Gracism Global, and has written several books on race and diversity. It is a very timely model for our ongoing problems of prejudice and injustice, which appear to be deepening day by day in America. He has appeared on all of the national television networks including Fox, so his distinction in his knowledge is well known. Gracism unlike racism, doesn’t focus on race for negative purposes such as discrimination, but focuses on race for the purpose of positive ministry and service. He calls “Reverse” whites have a deep longing to make American what it was before. They fight for an America that is less diverse and more safe. Reverse whites want to protect their status of systematic advantage and will do whatever it takes. Racism is not simply a skin problem but a sin problem.
A very thorough discussion of I Corinthians 12 and whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free and we all given to one Spirit to drink, cause us to totally rethink the body of Christ and our part of it. Then he follows with 8 chapters complete with detailed questions for a small group study.
1. I will lift you up
2. I will cover you
3. I will share with you
4. I will honor you
5. I will stand with you
6. I will consider you
7. I will celebrate with you
8. I will heal with you.
The through Biblical study is coupled with the George Floyd and racial examples that we are so used to with our daily newspapers, and bring the study of inclusion to us even though we do not wish to have the knowledge brought forward. We are given the example of a pin ball machine being on tilt. We can see that after the White House January 6 event, the pandemic, our nation is dangerously close to being on tilt and our dealing with it in a positive reckoning through God. The rebuilding and healing of our nation is the only way we can move forward.
The book ends with an African proverb that guides us to healing and a path forward. It is a very powerful book which shows us a path forward and will make an excellent discussion book for small groups.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Resurrection in the City Bible study group chose this book. I'm sorry I missed their discussions-I'm sure I would have learned so much from their perspectives. The focus of the book is prejudice and injustice in our churches. He provides a framework for action based on the gift of grace-hence the gracism title. I had an uneven reaction to some of the chapters, ex. Chapter 4 "I Will Lift You Up" had odd examples of the author's point. However, overall, I was inspired to think outside my usual focus on people marginalized by race or poverty. The author extends Christian thinking to the victimization of the Palestinian people. I reacted much more emotionally to the recent Palestinian protests over the moving of the American Embassy to Israel. As Christians, we have so far to go in truly applying "extra grace" to those who are marginalized or mistreated.

[Kim Richeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy to read, practical guide for how we as individuals can contribute to overcoming racism. “Gracism, simply put, is the extension of grace and positive favor towards others, regardless of and sometimes because of color, class, or culture.” Dr. Anderson defines and provides examples of seven ways for each of us to overcome racism if and when we encounter it in our daily lives. He encourages us to adopt “Seven Sayings of a Gracist” as a personnel commitment to guiding our interactions with others. The examples provide insight into common situations where racism may be a factor that we may not even be aware of, unless we make an effort to consider others more carefully.

[Jennifer Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel those who are compelled to say this book is "too simple" are missing the concept, we are all one body. If it was tha simple, why isn't everyone getting it. D. Anderson provides an approach that recognizes all people as "the bride, not a harem". While yes some have gotten that point, he also approaches it as a black man who has been pulled over four times in the same day by police officers yet still can extend grace. People are more aware of their "dots" today than ever before. A practical guide is something this generation may need to move past current barriers to relationships. I have enjoyed the book and would be willing to share it with a group or encourage a study of it.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is a pretty short book, I seemed to get bogged down in the middle. I would best describe it as a collections of sermons on inclusion that he tried to string together in a common framework of seven points that did not work out all that well. That said, there were a couple a particularly noteworthy concepts that I will carry with me - the most important having to do with honoring and lifting up others without being condescending in the process. He made that point much more eloquently than I can.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read on Race

I rarely give a book 5 stars, but this one definitely earned it. I really found this to be the best book I’ve read on race relations. The author comes at this from a biblical perspective and is not afraid to acknowledge the concerns that the majority population (white males and the like) have with the current messaging on race. I would absolutely recommend everyone read this book. I, as a white male, walked away from reading this with a new vision on how to live in grace toward all my brothers and sisters in Christ

[Cat Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gracism by David Anderson gives a biblical perspective on the issue of racism. Published in 2007 the book is still worthy to be placed in the more recent books on the subject.

Anderson carves a plan from the foundational scripture of 1 Corinthians 12. From this he presents seven sayings (to prompt action) of a person who adds God (g) to racism.

It left a perplexing ripple of thought, and a biblical approach for everyone to heed.

[Colin Ogilvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 3 and half or a little more stars, but Goodreads doesn’t do half stars so I am rounding it up to 4.

I felt like the best content was in the first two chapters, honestly. Chapter 1 was great, chapter 2 was good, and then it felt like it dragged down a little.

My favorite chapter is probably chapter 11. Whether it’s because of the premise of the chapter or its recent timeliness, I’m not sure.

This was a solid and thought-provoking read.

[Izzie Pizzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for supplemental reading for a class, and it was SO good and impactful. Anderson brings so much love and openness to this conversation. He calls us higher as a person and Jesus follower. He also gave a lot of clear steps you can take to become more gracist. I love the way Anderson breaks down how we should look and act as a body of Christ.

[Daniel Mcgregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply lay out the truth

The best thing about Anderson's books (I have read one other by him) is that he takes one passage, one story and tells you how rich and profound that passage can be as it relates to humane spirit filled racial reconciliation. It is not rocket science but it is deeply personal and challenging.

[Heather Dicus · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where so many voices are competing for a piece of the race relations pie, it is refreshing to read about my role as a Christian from a biblical point of view and have action steps and practical ways to engage people who have live dlife in a margin unknown to me.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, helpful starting point

Book was a quick and so!writes challenging read, but in no way is the only book necessary to read about race issues and how the church would respond--which the author makes clear. 4 stars is a high ranking for me, so don't take it as bad.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my perspective to what I can do to bridge the gap in the current society that we live in. How to extend empathy when I miss the moment to join others or have hard conversations. Such a good read.

[Dee Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stuff but I think it could have made a shorter book. It seemed like the author was stretching it sometimes. Biblical basis for what is wrong with racism and a good place to start discussions and move forward into change.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. This book gives practical steps to living out the biblical principles of reconciliation and unity. Dr. Anderson is not afraid of difficult topics and handles them with grace.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was nothing particularly amazing about the book, but there were some rich nuggets here and there. Worth reading in this time of division.

[Lew Everling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!