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Straight White Male: A Faith-based Guide to Deconstructing Your Privilege and Living With Integrity
As the cultural conversation around race, gender, and sexuality has evolved, straight white men are becoming increasingly aware of their privilege. But many may be left thinking, "OK, what am I supposed to do about it?" "We need a way forward beyond feelings of guilt, overwhelmingness, anger, and denial." "We are looking for transformative guidance that helps us be the good guys we want to be."
Straight white male pastor Chris Furr offers a guide to deconstructing that privilege in Straight White Male. With an emphasis on confession and redemption, Furr invites other privileged men to reconsider the ways they live, work, believe, and interact with others. Alongside Furr's perspective, essays from contributing writers who lack various types of privilege—straight Black man William J. Barber II, straight white woman Melissa Florer-Bixler, queer, nonbinary latinx Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, and gay white man Matthias Roberts—offer insights on how particular types and combinations of privilege (and the lack thereof) shape the way we move through the world. Their combined voices offer much-needed perspective through this deconstruction and provide a vision for how straight white men can do better for ourselves, our families, and society.
Straight white male pastor Chris Furr offers a guide to deconstructing that privilege in Straight White Male. With an emphasis on confession and redemption, Furr invites other privileged men to reconsider the ways they live, work, believe, and interact with others. Alongside Furr's perspective, essays from contributing writers who lack various types of privilege—straight Black man William J. Barber II, straight white woman Melissa Florer-Bixler, queer, nonbinary latinx Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, and gay white man Matthias Roberts—offer insights on how particular types and combinations of privilege (and the lack thereof) shape the way we move through the world. Their combined voices offer much-needed perspective through this deconstruction and provide a vision for how straight white men can do better for ourselves, our families, and society.
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Published November 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 1, 2022
I am a Christian straight white male. And this book is for me and everyone like me.
Chris Furr writes an honest look at what it means to be a SWM (my term, not his), and what Christians should and can do about it. He includes a Straight section, a White section, and a Male section, each one ending with a story from a person who doesn't share that identity (and one essay from a person who doesn't share any of them). Furr provides detailed research and thoughtful Bible study, but most importantly, he provides stories - his own and those of other people.
Following in Furr's footsteps, I'm not going to critique this book or point out its theological or Biblical flaws. (Although IMHO, there are very few of them). Because the main point for us SWMs is to listen. To hear those stories and those facts without walking away and without being defensive or globalizing. I'm skeptical, but I really, really hope the men who need to read this book the most will do exactly that kind of listening. Because all of us, no matter what identity God gave us (or we claimed), need that kind of world.
Chris Furr writes an honest look at what it means to be a SWM (my term, not his), and what Christians should and can do about it. He includes a Straight section, a White section, and a Male section, each one ending with a story from a person who doesn't share that identity (and one essay from a person who doesn't share any of them). Furr provides detailed research and thoughtful Bible study, but most importantly, he provides stories - his own and those of other people.
Following in Furr's footsteps, I'm not going to critique this book or point out its theological or Biblical flaws. (Although IMHO, there are very few of them). Because the main point for us SWMs is to listen. To hear those stories and those facts without walking away and without being defensive or globalizing. I'm skeptical, but I really, really hope the men who need to read this book the most will do exactly that kind of listening. Because all of us, no matter what identity God gave us (or we claimed), need that kind of world.
July 18, 2023
Really interesting and thoughtful book
November 13, 2023
Straight White Male is a collection of essays from contributing writers who lack various types of privilege, including straight, Black man William J. Barber II, straight, white woman Melissa Florer-Bixler, queer, nonbinary Latinx Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, and gay, white man Matthias Roberts. The essays offer insights into how particular types and combinations of privilege (and the lack thereof) shape the way we move through the world.
The book aims to help Christian men who identify as straight and white to examine their privilege and power in society, and to use them for good. The book is divided into three parts: the first part explores the concepts of privilege, oppression, and intersectionality; the second part examines how privilege affects various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, church, and culture; and the third part offers practical steps and resources for deconstructing privilege and living with integrity. The book is written in a conversational and accessible style, with personal stories, biblical references, and discussion questions. The author acknowledges his own journey of learning and unlearning and invites the readers to join him in the process.
The book is a valuable resource for straight white male Christians who want to grow in their awareness and understanding of social justice issues, and to align their lives with God's vision of justice and love. The book challenges the readers to confront their biases, assumptions, and blind spots, and to take responsibility for their actions and choices. The book also encourages the readers to listen to and learn from the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. The book does not offer easy answers or quick fixes but rather invites the readers to embark on a lifelong journey of transformation and solidarity.
The book aims to help Christian men who identify as straight and white to examine their privilege and power in society, and to use them for good. The book is divided into three parts: the first part explores the concepts of privilege, oppression, and intersectionality; the second part examines how privilege affects various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, church, and culture; and the third part offers practical steps and resources for deconstructing privilege and living with integrity. The book is written in a conversational and accessible style, with personal stories, biblical references, and discussion questions. The author acknowledges his own journey of learning and unlearning and invites the readers to join him in the process.
The book is a valuable resource for straight white male Christians who want to grow in their awareness and understanding of social justice issues, and to align their lives with God's vision of justice and love. The book challenges the readers to confront their biases, assumptions, and blind spots, and to take responsibility for their actions and choices. The book also encourages the readers to listen to and learn from the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. The book does not offer easy answers or quick fixes but rather invites the readers to embark on a lifelong journey of transformation and solidarity.
April 2, 2022
Straight White Male is written from diverse perspectives focusing on white male privilege from personal experiences. The writing is honest and transparent giving a glimpse into the lives, and struggles of each contributor.
Since this is written first by a pastor, I paid particular attention to the interpretation of scripture, and Jesus’s intent toward those marginalized during his life.
I agree confession and transformation are key to any person’s growth as a Christian and as a person in general. In order to do this a person must examine themselves honestly, remove mindsets that hinder growth, and as a Christian choose to change those things that don’t align with Jesus’s teaching and example.
Do LGBTQ+ people need to be treated with love and dignity? Yes. Do BIPOC deserve to be treated with love and dignity? Yes. However, don’t all people despite their label deserve the same? I believe they do. Labeling people, even straight white males can lead us down a slippery slope. The key is found in relationship with each other.
Jesus was clear that scripture was authoritative and there for guidance, instruction, and catalyst for change. However, we must be careful not to change scripture to fit the narrative, or use it to make others feel good in a way not in line with its intent.
If a Christian believes all scripture is God given, then in context all scripture must be viewed in the same way no matter who becomes uncomfortable. In that uncomfortableness we begin to see the things within ourselves we are called to change. Change requires accountability, not just to one another but more importantly to God himself.
I believe that people cannot be forced by legislation, political, or social pressure to change, but can only truly be changed individually by the transformative power of Christ alone.
Do I agree with everything in this book? No, but I do believe it is a book that challenges us to examine ourselves and apply a standard we alone cannot achieve. If nothing else it is a conversation starter and points us toward relationship with people we might not normally come to know. Knowledge brings understanding, which might bring us to a place of reconciliation and healing.
I was given a copy courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press without obligation.
Since this is written first by a pastor, I paid particular attention to the interpretation of scripture, and Jesus’s intent toward those marginalized during his life.
I agree confession and transformation are key to any person’s growth as a Christian and as a person in general. In order to do this a person must examine themselves honestly, remove mindsets that hinder growth, and as a Christian choose to change those things that don’t align with Jesus’s teaching and example.
Do LGBTQ+ people need to be treated with love and dignity? Yes. Do BIPOC deserve to be treated with love and dignity? Yes. However, don’t all people despite their label deserve the same? I believe they do. Labeling people, even straight white males can lead us down a slippery slope. The key is found in relationship with each other.
Jesus was clear that scripture was authoritative and there for guidance, instruction, and catalyst for change. However, we must be careful not to change scripture to fit the narrative, or use it to make others feel good in a way not in line with its intent.
If a Christian believes all scripture is God given, then in context all scripture must be viewed in the same way no matter who becomes uncomfortable. In that uncomfortableness we begin to see the things within ourselves we are called to change. Change requires accountability, not just to one another but more importantly to God himself.
I believe that people cannot be forced by legislation, political, or social pressure to change, but can only truly be changed individually by the transformative power of Christ alone.
Do I agree with everything in this book? No, but I do believe it is a book that challenges us to examine ourselves and apply a standard we alone cannot achieve. If nothing else it is a conversation starter and points us toward relationship with people we might not normally come to know. Knowledge brings understanding, which might bring us to a place of reconciliation and healing.
I was given a copy courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press without obligation.
October 9, 2023
I agree with the premise of this book insofar as it can be applied in secular contexts. As ever, I think one must squeeze rather hard — and probably only in very specific ways — to find an overwhelming message of social justice in the Bible. I hope those people are right in doing so. In any case, this is the kind of book that most straight, white men need to read.
July 9, 2022
I am too
This is not an easy read, but it is an important read. The truth is not comfortable, even when you know actions have consequences, both planned and unexpected. It is also hard as a person of faith, to see how poorly we are in listening and learning and changing.
This is not an easy read, but it is an important read. The truth is not comfortable, even when you know actions have consequences, both planned and unexpected. It is also hard as a person of faith, to see how poorly we are in listening and learning and changing.
January 15, 2026
Vulnerable. Bold.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews