Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters

by Ed Uszynski

What is critical race theory? It may be one of the most widely referenced issues of the day, but it's also one of the least understood. In its translation from the academic world to the general public, critical race theory has inaccurately become a catch-all term for anything related to race. But what does it actually mean, and how should Christians engage it? Ed Uszynski is uniquely positioned to address the dynamics of critical race theory. He earned his PhD in American culture studies in the university world and navigated the realities of Marxist critical theory and critical race theory―while still a white male conservative Christian ministering in traditional contexts. In this enlightening guidebook, he unpacks what critical race theory really is and how Christians can make sense of it. Uszynski carefully explores CRT's roots and tenets, revealing what it aims to do and also how some portrayals of CRT misrepresent its purposes. With responsible answers to legitimate concerns, Uszynski goes beyond the surface to provide a reliable path of just discernment and cultural engagement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #netgalley and IVP for the ARC. I very much appreciated reading this book. Although I mostly read fiction, when there is a topic I am passionate about I will pick up a nonfiction read. They are more difficult, and sometimes they can come across as preachy. My biggest criticism with nonfiction is that, the people that need to read the book are the least likely to pick it up. I think that is the primary reason why I appreciated this book. The author is a white conservative, evangelical Christian, writing for other white conservative evangelical Christians. He takes an approach to examining the questions of critical race theory without all of the intellectual laziness that we typically see. I learned so much about what critical theory is, its Marxist roots, and a less volatile way of considering someone else’s point of view. This book is highly biblical, and completely understands that racism is systemic and sinful. Racism is satanic. Unfortunately, there are some terms that have made people extremely defensive and stop listening. we shouldn’t be quick to not examine someone else’s point of view, this is the least like Christ we could be. This author approaches the subject with eschatological humility. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be choosing this book as one of my top 10 for the year. That is really saying something, because as of May 3, I have read 193 books this year. I hope that 10 copies of this book will be in every church in America. And I hope the most polarizing people from both the far left in the far right will read it. It truly challenges us to thoughtfully approach what makes other people feel the way that they do. Since I got an advanced reading copy of this book, I’m not allowed to quote it in the review. But once this book is published, I will include my favorite quotes in this review. Because I highlighted some thing on almost every other page.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book titles that accurately represent their content is an under-appreciated category in the world of books, but Untangling Critical Race Theory fits solidly in that category. "Untangling" in this case implies separating the good from the bad, the helpful from the not helpful, without resorting to an off-handed dismissal of the idea as a whole. Ed Uszynski is a white man who has studied both Critical Theory and theology, and uses that background to help believers, especially those coming from conservative Evangelical circles, build bridges between ideas that on the surface are incompatible. I come from a very conservative background and was therefore skeptical as I started reading, but I felt in good hands the whole time. It's not necessary to agree 100% with everything he says to see that he offers a fair and holistic overview of CRT through a biblical lens. Here's what you can expect from this book:

-Definitions and histories of both Critical Theory and Critical Race Theory
-An understanding of why these topics are so divisive
-Considerations of how CT and CRT address real problems in our society and how the gospel responds to those
-Healthy critique of the church's response to race
-An examination of CT and CRT through a biblical worldview

Additionally, there was a helpful explanation of how gender identity has gotten wrapped up in the same package with the Civil Rights movement, and why Christians can advocate for one without supporting the other. This is not a major topic of the book, but is one I found particularly helpful.

To be clear, the author is in no way trying to convince his readers that CT/CRT/Marxism is all good, but he does help us to think critically (no pun intended) about them. This book is a great resource for those wanting to be able to engage in conversation about these topics in an informed and winsome way. When we understand better, we can communicate more clearly and foster connection rather than division.

My only critique is it did feel a little repetitive, but I also think that sometimes we need to hear certain things again and again. 😉

Thank you to Netgalley and Intervarsity Press for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

Final rating: 4.5⭐️

[Jake Mlsna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It mixes history, academia, theology, psychology and ministry philosophy really well. This is a great primer for what critical theory and critical race theory really teach. It is accessible but not simplistic. It engages the negatives of ct and crt but also looks at the things Christians can learn from them. Overall just a great book

[Mike Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your church (or friends) still can’t talk about race because they’re afraid of CRT or Marxism, Ed’s book provides clarity on how we can engage in a dialogue without ideological suspicion or unnecessarily villainizing one another.

[Daniel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book navigates a potentially explosive subject with skill and tact. Untangling CRT first offers an enlightening and helpful summary of what CRT actually is, where it originated, and the historical settings to which it is connected. This summarized history of CRT development is gold for people wanting to get a real idea of what CRT is and who are dissatisfied with strawman sound bites, but can’t realistically navigate the mountains of primary sources themselves. After surveying CRT’s history and development, the author invites the reader on a nuanced journey along a path with many obstacles towards a Church who truly loves each other like Jesus. This book is not an explicit list of directions claiming that, if you just follow these ten simple steps then we will experience heaven on earth. Real relationships are much more complicated than that, especially when decades and centuries of miscommunication and hurt are involved. Instead, the author offers a map outlining the major landmarks that will need to be navigated and points in the direction that we need to go. There are definitely paths along the way that lead to destruction, but this book does the hard work to identify the destructive paths on both the left and the right and how we endanger ourselves when we turn a blind eye to one side or the other. By their very nature these aren’t easy conversations. But Ed Uszynski is a good guide, committed to following Jesus as He has revealed Himself through the Bible and the whole book drips with the character of someone who has been quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry as, I think, we should all aspire to be. You will benefit from reading this book. Read it, interact with it, and discern how the truths set forth in it apply to your own corner of our world.

[Kristjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start with … I am reasonable sure that I am not the target audience for this book as I am neither an Evangelical nor a fundamental christian conservative; however, I would consider myself somewhat adjacent to the social issues addressed by both CRT and the author's understanding of scripture … although it appears that he considers the foundations of catholic social teaching (which is my own tradition) to be largely heretical. While I am more or less aligned with his conclusions, I find that I frequently diverge with the interpretations used to get there and with the inconsistent expansion and/or restriction of foundational terminology (which speaks more to my desire for language precision than any deficiencies with the arguments) … but not so much as to undermine the ultimate conclusion supporting a christian conversation about race.

As professed by the author, you can’t truly claim scriptural authority without recognizing that some form of caritas to those most neglected and vulnerable within our society is required (and this includes the struggle of minorities against systemic oppression). And while the language was clear and concise, I am unsure as to its ability to convince others … it certainly didn’t change my mind about CRT, which remains divisive and problematic for me, not because of what it is or how it works, but because of they way it has been weaponized on both sides to the point of foreclosing any debate about race (which is desperately needed in America today). If I am wrong (and I would love to be so), all I can say is welcome to the conversation.

The chapters and sections in this work are …

Introduction: Why We Need Another Book on Race

1. A White Guy’s Journey into Racial Controversy
2. What Do We Need to Understand About Marxism?
3. Thinking Critically about Critical Theory
4. Can a Christian Gain Anything from Critical Theory?
5. What Is Critical Race Theory Really?
6. What Are Some Tenets of Critical Race Theory?
7. Why CRT Means Different Things to Different People
8. How Christians Get Race Wrong: What CRT Isn’t the Problem
9. Five Stumbling Blocks to Thinking Christianly About Race
10. Can CRT Be of Use?
11. Responding to Concerns About CRT Part 1
12. Responding to Concerns About CRT Part 2
13. Redeeming “Social Justice” from Injustice
14. Healing from the Persistence of White Supremacy
15. How Should We Then Live?

Epilogue: Seeing the World a Little Differently

Some of the other points that really got my attention (regardless of whether or not I agreed with them) are:

Instead, they exposed how the legal system had embedded enough racially significant policies and patterns that disproportionate outcomes were almost guaranteed without ever appearing racist on the surface. Their work showed how racism could be present without racists, and it shook legal scholarship at its core.

First, for my Christian friends concerned we’re losing the culture war, if progressive ideology “wins,” it won’t be because Christians failed at resisting it. Rather, it will be because God is using the spread of pagan ideology to discipline his church.

Traditional sociological theories focused on understanding or explaining what could be plainly observed, organized, and interpreted about society. But a Critical theory is suspicious. It assumes there’s something more going on than what we plainly see.

The invisible influence of power. Power is a dirty word and can’t be trusted unless you have it. On a micro level, CT is a study in individual, relational power dynamics. Power means advantage, the ability to coerce, to control, to bring change. The relative power scale gets tipped by gender, age, height, health, social class, perceived wealth, education, wisdom, family order, title, and race, but some form of power is always at work, whether consciously or not.

For those already anchored in another tradition, Critical Theories functioned like lenses in a frame you could wear at will. For others, Critical Theories shaped the ceiling of their universe, becoming stars whose light helped them understand their place in the world. The difference mattered.

Theory doesn’t prescribe solutions. Theory analyzes. People motivated by political ideology recommend solutions. Politics tries to fix what theory exposes, and different philosophies will fix what gets revealed in different ways. I learned that most people’s problem isn’t really with theories themselves but with the ways people try to solve the problems they reveal.

This is why we find Christians who say they can use CRT as an analytical tool and others who find that impossible. One is looking at CRT tenets as corrective declarations about the way race and power work together at various points in American history, while the other is looking at CRT tenets as extensions of a Marxist political agenda striving to destroy Western culture by blowing everything up.

In talking about justice, racism, and social responsibility, often using language and assumptions of CRT alongside Bible passages to reinforce their points, these speakers produced a swelling fear that “ideologies currently stylish in the left-leaning secular academy” were now taking over the church, presenting “a more ominous threat to evangelical unity and gospel clarity” than anything else in recent history.

Paranoia surrounding CRT becomes the latest excuse for ignoring biblical themes that don’t align with Republican or white evangelical politics or theology, another way for white Christians to avoid talking points that matter to POC.

I’m struck by the irony that the people claiming to be most concerned about the effect of CRT on the church might be the ones who most need the type of corrective that real CRT provides.

If your current reading of the Bible allows you to see how sin can become systematized and woven into social structures in an unrighteous and unjust way, then you don’t need CRT.

Most white folks I know never get past this point. They reject the idea that racism is a normal, endemic, regular part of social life. They assume it means they are racist and, of course, immediately reject that possibility.

But as a Christian, I am responsible for carrying that pain with him (Galatians 6:2). I am responsible for pursuing the clarity to see what he sees and feel what he feels (Romans 12:15). I am responsible for an ongoing recognition of how the sins of the past continue to have consequences in the present (1 Corinthians 12:25-26). And I am responsible for traces of racial prejudice still alive in me (1 John 1:8-10). As much as it depends on me, I am responsible for living in a racially redemptive way within my sphere of influence (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Human systems and structures driven by power and profit resist equal opportunity. They will always cater to one group at the expense of another. But human free will means people get to make choices, and choices matter in outcomes. Thus, inequality results from both unjust systems and unwise or immoral choices, and both need to be examined carefully.

So mishpat means giving people their due, whether that is punishment for a transgressor or giving those transgressed against what they are owed.

Beyond personal moral righteousness, tsedaqah refers to “day-to-day living in which a person conducts all relationships in family and society with fairness, generosity and equity.”8

Throughout the Bible, social justice isn’t portrayed as a secondary luxury or as outlier acts of benevolence. It’s fundamentally necessary as part of one’s worship before God.

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#UntanglingCriticalRaceTheory #NetGalley.

[Vincent Waldron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ed Uszynski is a professor at Bowling Green State University. He has a PhD in American Culture studies and has worked with Cru and Athletes in Action over many years. In this book, he attempts to explain critical theory, CRT (Critical Race Theory), and address some of the concerns that Christian leaders have about it. Some see CRT and BLM (Black Lives Movement) hiding under every rock and are quick to castigate anyone who even has the hint of being "woke."

Part of the problem with CRT is that people mean different things when they talk about it. Some seem to mean violent riots or pulling down of statues placed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, while others identify it with pastors who apologize for their church's history of racism. The problem is that once you have pinned someone with the name of woke or CRT, you have put them in a box and no longer have to deal with their concerns. This isn't great, even if they are influenced by CRT.

Uszynski begins at the beginning, with critical theory and moves from there. He starts with Karl Marx and the ideas that he presented. Uszynski admits up front that Marx was an atheist who had no use for God and believed that religion was the opiate of the masses. While this is true of Marx, the reality is that capitalism has not been a panacea and many have suffered due to power and wealth imbalances if fosters. More than that, there is nothing particularly Biblical about a capitalist economy either.

Critical theory (CT) looks at reasons for different outcomes in society and attempts to see what structures and power imbalances have led to those results. CRT is a focused branch of CT which is attempting to see how patterns of oppression, legislation, and societal attitudes have conspired together to keep BIPOC individuals from being able to advance the same as their white counterparts.

Uszynski says upfront that Marxism, CT, and CRT are very good at identifying problems, but that they aren't so good at supplying solutions that will really fix the problems. It is telling that every "Marxist" society has had every bit the same issues with power imbalances that capitalist societies have had -- only with less ability for overall economic growth.

I think Uszynski's points could be concentrated down into a few different things.

1. People of color have suffered a lot over the years and the fact that civil rights legislation passed under LBJ in no way has changed the challenges that they face. When Christians say things like, "All lives matter," they are ignoring these real challenges they face. CRT has a way of bringing these challenges to the forefront.

2. While CRT has questionable beginnings, the issues it presents are real. If you don't believe racism exists, it is simply that you are white and haven't experienced it. Those who are African American live this every day and think about it.

3. BIPOC voices need to be heard and they can't be heard if every time they speak, they are identified as woke, BLM, or CRT advocates. This is a problem and we need to be willing to deal with real issues, not simply find radicals who support CRT and then lump more moderate voices in with them.

4. White people have benefited from racism, even if they have not personally acted in a racist fashion. Too many white people believe that because they have a black friend or two, they have no responsibility to help the situation, but if they are Christians they should.

5. Christians are called to weep with those who weep. This means sitting quietly and listening to someone's experience and rather than identifying the ways in which they "brought this on themselves" grieve with them for the challenges that they and their families are dealing with.

I think that's most of it and I don't necessarily disagree with these ideas. He mentions that with CRT there are extreme positions and more moderate ones. He is not someone who believes that Black voices should be louder than White voices, simply that they both should be heard equally and he doesn't think that they are right now -- not even in church settings.

Uszynski asks a lot of questions. I think he assumes his readers will be mainly straight, white evangelicals and he wants them to realize how people who are not like them have suffered and ask themselves whether people like them and their denominations have helped or hindered these experiences. He thinks that the fact that many pastors do not speak frequently (if at all) on racism speaks to their unwillingness to deal with the subject -- unlike their willingness to address things like LGBTQ, CRT, and wokeism.

This is where I feel like the book lets me down. It is fairly good (if repetitive) at explaining why BIPOC individuals feel let down by society, but if you are from a church setting that does not involve itself with politics and in fact, doesn't allow protests or voting, I am not sure how this should be addressed. Do apologies help? Would periodic sermons on racism help and if so, how frequent is reasonable to address the issue?

Overall, I think the book helped me to understand a more charitable view of CRT than is typically presented by evangelical pastors and encouraged me to consider seriously the challenges that BIPOC individuals experience in our society. I am afraid that, just as he criticizes CRT folks for not having workable answers, Uszynski doesn't really have solutions either. Maybe it is enough to simply realize that there is a problem, but I got to the end of the book feeling like I had read the same thing multiple times, but that there wasn't any real answer to problems posed in the book.

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am embarrassingly ignorant of race relations and crt and cross-cultural competency. I really appreciated this book and what it’s stirred up in me! I hope lots and lots of Christians (and non-christians wanting to know more about what Christian love should look like in race conversations) read this book and let it change them!

Thanks, Ed, for doing hard work to feel this issue as well as think about it. It blessed me.

[Steven Koproski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monumental work that I highly recommend for all, especially Christ-followers who are committed to both staying on the path of gospel fidelity AND taking the Bible's concern for justice and for those marginalized and exploited seriously. Thanks Ed for helping the church to avoid the extremes in this call to follow Jesus through the polarizing confusion of our times. May this work lead to revival as we see our High Priest's prayer in John 17 more and more fulfilled that we 'may be one'.

[Ava Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young person relatively unfamiliar with CRT, this book did an amazing job of informing me on the topic and how we as Christians should view it. I walked away asking myself questions about what I can change in my own life. A thought provoking, necessary read!

[Matt Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any Christian trying to make sense of Critical Race Theory and how to think and respond to the pressing issues like it in our culture, this book is a "must read"!

[Brooke S.]

Excellent explainer on the theories and components of CRT in an approachable, readable narrative.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: By explaining the central assertions of critical race theory, offers constructive and critical assessment.

Until my retirement, I worked in collegiate ministry. In recent years, I increasing faced questions from concerned Christians about “Critical Race Theory” (hereafter CRT). I found it helpful to ask what my questioners meant by this term. Often, I discovered that my questioners often didn’t know what they meant but had heard concerns expressed in the media. I saw that it was important to untangle what critical race theory actually is from the media versions of CRT. As a Christian, I care deeply about separating truth from false accusation. I wish I had had this book!

Ed Uszynski describes his own journey of dealing with issues of race, from growing up in the Cleveland area, his observations of racist treatment of athletes in the sports ministry with which he worked, and his encounter with critical race theory in his doctoral studies. He describes his own attempts to parse out critical race theory in relation to his faith. This meant going back to its roots in Marxism. While Marx’s solution is disastrous, Uszynski found insightful his analysis of the ways capitalism oppresses whole classes of people. He saw the systemic realities Marx describe in the lives of his own parents.

More immediately, CRT arises from critical theory, which developed out of Marxism in the Frankfurt School. He begins by stating that “CT should be chastised for its illiberal, cynical, and unredemptive vision of the world.” Uszynski notes key themes of the insatiable pursuit of profit, the invisible influence of power, the on-the-ground conflict of politics, and the influence of Postmodernism. He observes that CT makes sense of life without God in a broken world. Specifically, it helps explain human alienation, it takes power seriously, it exposes problems with Capitalism, and it takes structural sin seriously, speaking for the oppressed.

From here, Uszynski traces the rise of CRT to Harvard Law Professor Derrick Bell in the 1970’s. Bell was asking why integration efforts weren’t working. He began to recognize how racist hierarchies and systems were embedded in American life. This work was further developed by Kimberle’ Crenshaw. Much of the work focused on how racism is embedded in social structures and reflected in laws, practices, and policies, despite civil rights efforts. Then Uszynski offers what I think is a key chapter in summarizing key tenets of CRT. You find CRT’s critiques of objectivity, of colorblindness, and the importance of the voice and experience of minorities.

Then, the discussion turns to why the varied responses to CRT. Uszynski distinguishes between CRT as a framework and as a faith. The former is helpful, and actually draws out many truths found in scripture about how sin may be systemic as well as personal (read the prophets), and how the powerful use structures and laws to their own benefit at the expense of others. The framework identifies injustices that Christians ought care for. Meanwhile, he recognizes how, for some, it has coalesced into a worldview, a kind of secular faith without the power of the gospel to bring lament, repentance, restoration, and reconciliation.

In a later part of the book, he offers two chapters addressing concerns that have been raised about CRT. He addresses the contention that CRT focuses too much on race, sees race everywhere, all the time, that all whites are racists, and that in the Marxist paradigm, all whites are oppressors and Blacks victims.] Furthermore, he addresses the contentions that CRT is divisive, judges everyone according to groups, blames us for others’ racist sins, and overplays systemic injustice and underplays personal responsibility.

For those looking for an unqualified endorsement of CRT or a merciless takedown of CRT, this is not your book. It will probably leave you angry. Uszynski moves beyond simplistic binaries to offer what is both a constructive and critical assessment. He also identifies five stumbling blocks to thinking Christianly about CRT. He recommends:

1. Separate the secular culture conflict from the church culture conflict.
2. Educate yourself out of crosscultural shallowness.
3. Take seriously your theological myopia.
4. Examine yourself for biblical selectivity.
5. Confront your ethnic indifference.

As these points make evident, the book primarily addresses white Christians, and particularly evangelicals. This may sound like “wokism” to some. Instead, I read this as a serious effort to discuss what it means to be “awake” and engaged redemptively with realities of race. If you are willing to admit that you may not know what CRT is beyond the caricatures and want to dig in, this book is for you.

_____________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to the racial climate of today, Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters does, an amazing job of giving us the truth about CRT and why as believers, it is important for us to understand not only its origins, but also why believers are using CRT to explain their racial experience.
In the evangelical world, CRT has become sort of a boogeyman topic and is something that should be stayed away from. Ed does a fantastic job of explaining how the basic tenets of CRT aren’t anti-biblical at all, but align with biblical principles throughout scripture. Contrary to what anti- CRT critics believe, Ed’s book doesn’t demonize white people, but he does challenge us to go backwards to look at history to see how we got to this place of where we are at today.
For people who think CRT is anti- biblical I challenge you to read this book and see how the basic tenets of CRT( not the solutions CRT suggests) align with God’s heart for all image bearers.
For people who think the Bible doesn’t speak on issues that CRT speaks on, I challenge you to read this book to see how from the prophets, to king Solomon, and Jesus himself speak on these issues.

[Scott Mottice · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian, the book of James calls me to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”. I try, yet know I and many other Christians get this wrong daily.

Yet when the issue of CRT came up a few years ago with such a fierce and strong backlash from many in the “Christian” media I knew I needed to learn more before jumping on the “CRT is evil” bandwagon. So I’ve been waiting for and am now excited to read Dr Ed Uszynski’s book “Untangling Critical Race Theory – What Christians Need to Know and Why it Matters”.

This is not a book trying to prove that CRT is good, right or biblical. It’s a book that challenges Christians to look at the reason CRT exists and wrestle with the parts of it that the gospel of Jesus addresses. Coming with years of study and personal experience Ed shows that some of the issues CRT addresses can (and should) be responded to biblically – and failure to do so has, and will continue, to hurt the church’s mission in the world. We can’t continue to flippantly dismiss ideas as “woke” so we can ignore the problems we who call ourselves followers of Jesus are called to address.

[Adam Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone working in Christian higher education, I have often found myself skeptical of critical race theory (CRT). This skepticism made me approach Uszynski's book, Untangling Critical Race Theory, with caution. However, my concerns were unfounded. Uszynski delivers a thorough and enlightening exploration of CRT's history, origins, and core concepts.

Untangling Critical Race Theory does a commendable job of cutting through the political noise surrounding CRT. Uszynski's clear and unbiased approach allows readers to grasp the true essence of CRT without getting entangled in partisan debates. Moreover, he skillfully examines how CRT's ideas align or diverge from Scriptural teachings, providing a balanced, insightful, and thought-provoking perspective.

For those willing to set aside their political preconceptions and biases, Uszynski's book offers a valuable opportunity for growth in knowledge and understanding. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of critical race theory.

[Scott McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and resourceful read for anyone looking to improve in the area of cross-cultural competency. Many today slide back into their comfortable camps and echo chambers when faced with the social and racial issues of our day. They rely on pundits and talking heads to dictate the lens through which they view the world and the lens through which they see others. Ed Uszynski provides a scholarly approach to the historical view of CRT, its origins, and how it has been perceived and received while also revealing that much of the ideologies at play today exist because the Church did not fully live out the Gospel in certain societal discussions. This book will challenge the reader to examine what they know, what they do not know, and who is shaping their theology, and then return to the source to see where their theology may need to be adjusted.

[Jared Wellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a social & political climate where seemingly every topic is filled with extremism, polarized positions, accusations & loud voices, Untangling CRT is a timely & much needed resource. This is especially true for Christians navigating through these confusing & frustrating experiences. Ed Uszynski utilizes his wealth of experience & academic credentials to really clarify what CRT is. The writing is thoughtful, balanced, nuanced, self-reflective & instructive. It also depoliticizes CRT, there's no secret hidden agenda or political party winner in this. Highly recommended & an essential read in understanding our current time/reality, to engage in relationship with others who are trying to make sense of the world they live in, especially if they are not yet followers of Jesus.

[Scott Oppliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ed Uszynski is a good friend who has just published a book I highly endorse and recommend. For Christians who care about faithfully living out their faith in a world swirling with very divergent opinions, beliefs and positions on the racial issues of our day, this book is a must read. This book takes the best of Ed’s academic expertise in both theology and sociology, and combined with his own deep, personal journey of following Jesus, gives us insight and challenge around race and racial issues that is desperately needed in the church today. This book a biblical, practical, thoughtful approach to “untangle the racial web of our cultural moment.” I found it to be incredibly helpful – I hope you do, too.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book and a necessary read! Communities of faith need to do the hard work of untangling CRT and not being afraid of it, but learning to think critically to navigate it and take wisdom from it while holding firm to a biblical world view. No better book to do this work than right here! Ed Uszynski is brilliant and masterfully helps us understand words, terms & phrases that have been frivolously thrown around to bring fear to the masses… but instead of fear and skepticism to keep us dis-unified and separated, I believe this book helps us find hope and will help us move more proximate to those we tend to “other”. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

[Shae McCowen]

We live in a world of nuance and yet in our currently political environment, everything has been reduced to trite soundbites and angry rants. Dr. Uszynksi does an amazing job breaking down the soundbites and rants and thoughtfully dives into an important and nuanced subject. His care of history, theory and faith all the while bringing his own personal experience has led to a book I couldn't recommend more highly. If you are serious about how to navigate faith and race in this country, this is a must read.

[Ben Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ed's book was a great read because it challenged me to really consider the "why" behind CRT's development. It slowed me down from falling back on my normal reactive responses to this topic. Ed does a very good job of exposing the extremes of both CRT advocates and detractors and pushes the reader to understand the history and purpose of CRT. At times I wished he spent more time discussing the human heart behind racism, but overall I came away from the book with a better understanding and attitude toward CRT. This book will challenge your talking points and make you think.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very solid "intro" to Marxian thinking, Critical Theory more generally, and especially CRT tenets directed to a white, conservative readership. Those who are actually willing to think about CRT on its own terms, rather than as framed by the culture-war discourse, will gain a lot from this.

Full video review here: https://youtu.be/kmgnvEtFo98

[Anthony Wee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed's book is so much more than understanding CRT. It's an important book that make conversations on race biblically, grace-filled, empathetic, and nuanced. He effectively cuts through and explains the political rhetoric and narratives that make these important discussions so difficult. He effectively challenges us to the truth that the Bible calls us to consider about all people as image-bearers.

[Dave Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a white minister on an HBCU campus. This book has been an incredible learning resource for me. It’s helped me understand the historical roots of CRT and it’s impact on the relationships I pursue everyday. If you care about bridging and healing racial divides in your community, this book is a must read for you.

[Susannah Criser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exposure to Ed's thoughts inspires a Christ-centered pause to "listen" in this cultural moment and will bring (for many like me) a discovery of crucial unasked questions...
Exposure to Ed's heart will surely inspire fresh expressions of Christlike Love despite the complexity bound up in those very questions.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed's incite into this topic is invaluable. His life experience, education, and faith have allowed him to write this impactful and insightful work. He accurately "untangles" what Critical Theory and CRT actually are. He is asking the white evangelical church to not react and fear, but boldly urges us to ask better questions about this very polarizing topic.

[Delwyn Campbell Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with those who saw that this book targets a White American audience. As a result, I found it slow reading. I wasn’t looking for “red meat” i.e. a “takedown” either of CRT or of American Christian responses to it. I just didn’t find much that addressed me. I read it since I purchased it, and for its target audience it was ok. It just wasn’t written for me to read and take from it.

[Ron Touby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This controversial topic is taken on well with educational depth, real/vulnerable life engagement and with a spirit of Jesus's "step back and examine" exhortation, "You have heard it said, but ..." Do not miss out on a thoughtful read!

[Judd Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful book. Ed tackles the controversial CRT topic with grace and empathy. He gives Christians great insight into this topic, as well as challenges us to engage in conversations concerning faith and race in our communities.