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The Gospel and My Black Skin: Confronting the Past, Reclaiming the Future
Is Christianity really a white man's religion? Is it any good for Black people? Can a faith once used to enslave also empower Black lives?
In The Gospel and My Black Skin, Dr. JP Foster boldly tackles the complex, often unspoken questions many Black people are asking today. As white nationalism gains momentum, revisionist history distorts the past, and churches remain complicit--or silent--on matters of justice, a growing number of Black believers are questioning the faith they've inherited while others are walking away. Dr. Foster offers a timely and prophetic response.
With both historical insight and pastoral compassion, he uncovers Christianity's suppressed African roots, exposes how Scripture was gutted to keep Black people in chains, and reclaims the original Christian message as a source of liberation, justice, dignity, and oneness. He directly addresses today's most pressing systemic racism, cultural erasure, and the erosion of truth by those seeking to sanitize the past.
This is not just a critique--it is a spiritual and historical reclamation. Dr. Foster calls on Black Christians to confront painful truths, peel back layers of distortion, recover the essence of Christianity, and reclaim a faith that has long been their own.
This book is both a challenge and a call to confront painful truths, grieve and heal from generational trauma, and boldly walk into a renewed faith that honors God and Black identity.
Whether you are questioning your place in the church, wrestling with religious disillusionment, or seeking a more thorough understanding of Christianity that empowers your faith, The Gospel and My Black Skin is a journey worth taking.
In The Gospel and My Black Skin, Dr. JP Foster boldly tackles the complex, often unspoken questions many Black people are asking today. As white nationalism gains momentum, revisionist history distorts the past, and churches remain complicit--or silent--on matters of justice, a growing number of Black believers are questioning the faith they've inherited while others are walking away. Dr. Foster offers a timely and prophetic response.
With both historical insight and pastoral compassion, he uncovers Christianity's suppressed African roots, exposes how Scripture was gutted to keep Black people in chains, and reclaims the original Christian message as a source of liberation, justice, dignity, and oneness. He directly addresses today's most pressing systemic racism, cultural erasure, and the erosion of truth by those seeking to sanitize the past.
This is not just a critique--it is a spiritual and historical reclamation. Dr. Foster calls on Black Christians to confront painful truths, peel back layers of distortion, recover the essence of Christianity, and reclaim a faith that has long been their own.
This book is both a challenge and a call to confront painful truths, grieve and heal from generational trauma, and boldly walk into a renewed faith that honors God and Black identity.
Whether you are questioning your place in the church, wrestling with religious disillusionment, or seeking a more thorough understanding of Christianity that empowers your faith, The Gospel and My Black Skin is a journey worth taking.
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 7, 2026
I've spent a lot of time wrestling with a quiet but heavy question: Where do I fit in this thing called Christianity? That question can feel isolating when so much of what we see in church history and mainstream theology doesn't reflect our experience or our story.
Pastor Foster's The Gospel and My Black Skin answered that question in a way I didn't know I needed. This book didn't just inform me, it helped me truly understand myself. My identity, my faith, and my place within the Gospel story all came into clearer focus as I read.
What I appreciate most is that Pastor Foster doesn't approach this topic with anger or division. He approaches it with Scripture, with love, and with an honesty that felt like a conversation rather than a lecture. By the time I finished, I felt grounded in my faith in a way I hadn't before.
If you're a Black Christian who has ever felt unseen, overlooked, or uncertain about where you belong in the body of Christ, this book was written for you. It is enlightening, affirming, and genuinely life-changing.
I cannot recommend it enough.
Pastor Foster's The Gospel and My Black Skin answered that question in a way I didn't know I needed. This book didn't just inform me, it helped me truly understand myself. My identity, my faith, and my place within the Gospel story all came into clearer focus as I read.
What I appreciate most is that Pastor Foster doesn't approach this topic with anger or division. He approaches it with Scripture, with love, and with an honesty that felt like a conversation rather than a lecture. By the time I finished, I felt grounded in my faith in a way I hadn't before.
If you're a Black Christian who has ever felt unseen, overlooked, or uncertain about where you belong in the body of Christ, this book was written for you. It is enlightening, affirming, and genuinely life-changing.
I cannot recommend it enough.
May 15, 2026
Easily one of the best books I have ever read. The volume has three portions. Each section approaches the topic in a different manner: Bearing the wound examines the past; breaking the chains examines the stolen gospel and how Black believers were erased from the Bible; and becoming the new body offers a hope for the future and how the full church can step into what God intended for His body.
Bearing the wound was the most difficult portion to read. This starts with the Slave Bible and moves us through slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement to show us how the gospel was stripped, manipulated, and distorted to justify oppression and racism. The author's engaging style and compassionate honesty made this easier to read, but it was still painful to spend time with what was done in God's name. I appreciated the discussion on how complacency and moderation, in the name of making space for everyone, actually doesn't make space for Black believers. When portions of the church are actively enslaving, degrading, and abusing other believers, we can't just "make space" for different opinions without passively participating in that harm. Making peace and not speaking up boldly contributes to the issue. As the author said, "It’s about substance. It’s about a church that chooses civility over truth, political alliances over prophetic witness, and comfort over the cross."
I loved Breaking the Chains. I have always assumed that everyone knew the Bible is a Middle Eastern narrative starring dark-skinned people, but apparently, some think it began in Europe. Examining early church fathers who were Black and brilliant, such as Augustine, and speaking of the Ethiopian Eunuch/Black members of the early church was an inspiring reminder of the time and place where the gospel/story of God began.
Becoming the New Body gives us guidance on how to step into a better tomorrow. Racist is who we have been and are now. That is a terrible testimony for God. But we don't HAVE to be this. Nor do we have to throw out the baby (Jesus) with our extremely dirty bathwater. Rev. Dr. J.P. Foster tells us that "The answer doesn’t lie in God’s absence. It lies in our apathy. Justice hasn’t disappeared. We’ve just stopped looking for it in the places it’s supposed to live—in our churches, our relationships, our policies, our daily discipleship. Too many who claim God’s name have let justice become optional. Decorative. Political. Disposable." To change, we need only lean into "the doctrine of the imago Dei—being made in the image of God—is not just religious language. It is the soil from which justice grows. It tells us that our value isn’t earned by achievement or erased by oppression. It was breathed into us by the Creator himself." "The church Jesus came to build is still possible," the author tells us. "A church rooted in his lordship and resurrection power. A church that proclaims salvation and disciples people toward maturity. A church that worships in Spirit and in truth—and, yes, a church that also reflects his justice, grace, and reconciling love. It’s built on surrender. It’s not united by culture, politics, or skin tone. It’s united by Christ."
The author said his goal was "to show you that the gospel was never the problem. The gospel is what sets us free." To prove to us that "We have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it," but we can't let what others got wrong keep us from what God made right. This is an invitation to step into a better tomorrow. Insightful, powerful, but ultimately hopeful The Gospel and My Black Skin helps us to see that we don't have to let the gospel belong to those who weaponize it to gain power. We can reclaim it.
Bearing the wound was the most difficult portion to read. This starts with the Slave Bible and moves us through slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement to show us how the gospel was stripped, manipulated, and distorted to justify oppression and racism. The author's engaging style and compassionate honesty made this easier to read, but it was still painful to spend time with what was done in God's name. I appreciated the discussion on how complacency and moderation, in the name of making space for everyone, actually doesn't make space for Black believers. When portions of the church are actively enslaving, degrading, and abusing other believers, we can't just "make space" for different opinions without passively participating in that harm. Making peace and not speaking up boldly contributes to the issue. As the author said, "It’s about substance. It’s about a church that chooses civility over truth, political alliances over prophetic witness, and comfort over the cross."
I loved Breaking the Chains. I have always assumed that everyone knew the Bible is a Middle Eastern narrative starring dark-skinned people, but apparently, some think it began in Europe. Examining early church fathers who were Black and brilliant, such as Augustine, and speaking of the Ethiopian Eunuch/Black members of the early church was an inspiring reminder of the time and place where the gospel/story of God began.
Becoming the New Body gives us guidance on how to step into a better tomorrow. Racist is who we have been and are now. That is a terrible testimony for God. But we don't HAVE to be this. Nor do we have to throw out the baby (Jesus) with our extremely dirty bathwater. Rev. Dr. J.P. Foster tells us that "The answer doesn’t lie in God’s absence. It lies in our apathy. Justice hasn’t disappeared. We’ve just stopped looking for it in the places it’s supposed to live—in our churches, our relationships, our policies, our daily discipleship. Too many who claim God’s name have let justice become optional. Decorative. Political. Disposable." To change, we need only lean into "the doctrine of the imago Dei—being made in the image of God—is not just religious language. It is the soil from which justice grows. It tells us that our value isn’t earned by achievement or erased by oppression. It was breathed into us by the Creator himself." "The church Jesus came to build is still possible," the author tells us. "A church rooted in his lordship and resurrection power. A church that proclaims salvation and disciples people toward maturity. A church that worships in Spirit and in truth—and, yes, a church that also reflects his justice, grace, and reconciling love. It’s built on surrender. It’s not united by culture, politics, or skin tone. It’s united by Christ."
The author said his goal was "to show you that the gospel was never the problem. The gospel is what sets us free." To prove to us that "We have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it," but we can't let what others got wrong keep us from what God made right. This is an invitation to step into a better tomorrow. Insightful, powerful, but ultimately hopeful The Gospel and My Black Skin helps us to see that we don't have to let the gospel belong to those who weaponize it to gain power. We can reclaim it.
June 12, 2026
Historically robust, theologically sound, and pastorally meaningful, Dr. Foster has written a very important book that deals with the contemporary question of the intersection between Christianity and race. If you’re looking to understand how/why black people engage with Christianity, this book is an excellent place to start.
He starts with the acknowledgement that there’s been a “black exodus” from the church over the past 15 or so years. Many black people (young black men in particular) are leaving the church in droves, and Dr. Foster believes that one of the primary reasons why is the harm that we have endured as a result of professing Christians in the United States. He spends nearly half the book describing this harm in harrowing detail. Slavery, segregation, redlining, incarceration, etc, etc, etc. None of this should be brand new information, but Dr. Foster’s particular emphasis is that all of this subjugation was permitted, if not encouraged by the church. He points out that American pastors, theologians, and seminary leaders were all complicit in systemic racism, and they even used God’s name to do it. He includes a quote from Bob Jones, founder of Bob Jones University, where he says “if you are against segregation and against racial separation, then you are against God almighty” 😳. The data Dr. Foster includes in his breakdown is further evidence of what Jesus says in Matthew 7: not everyone who says to him “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven.
After Dr. Foster names the pain, he illuminates the hope. The same tool used incorrectly for bondage, is the same tool that can be used correctly for freedom. He points out that the Scriptural account is clear that Yahweh is a God of justice. Any injustice done in His name is an affront to the character of God. It was this realization that influenced major leaders in this country to pursue a more just society. Dr. Foster names many names that we should be familiar with: Harriet Tubman, Nat Turner, Dr. King, and his emphasis is that their Christian convictions shaped their work. They didn’t work for justice in spite of their Christianity, but because of it. To pursue justice without the Word of God is to try and drive a car without oil for the engine. Dr. Foster finishes the book by providing a brief outline for what justice and racial harmony can look like in the modern church. He is clear that the church should welcome ethnic diversity because the Bible is diverse and church history is diverse (he spends a section naming important African theologians that heavily influenced mainstream theology). This last section didn’t include immediate solutions, but rather timeless principles that should be applied in your particular context. Overall the book is fantastic and anyone who is wrestling with faith and race should check it out.
He starts with the acknowledgement that there’s been a “black exodus” from the church over the past 15 or so years. Many black people (young black men in particular) are leaving the church in droves, and Dr. Foster believes that one of the primary reasons why is the harm that we have endured as a result of professing Christians in the United States. He spends nearly half the book describing this harm in harrowing detail. Slavery, segregation, redlining, incarceration, etc, etc, etc. None of this should be brand new information, but Dr. Foster’s particular emphasis is that all of this subjugation was permitted, if not encouraged by the church. He points out that American pastors, theologians, and seminary leaders were all complicit in systemic racism, and they even used God’s name to do it. He includes a quote from Bob Jones, founder of Bob Jones University, where he says “if you are against segregation and against racial separation, then you are against God almighty” 😳. The data Dr. Foster includes in his breakdown is further evidence of what Jesus says in Matthew 7: not everyone who says to him “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven.
After Dr. Foster names the pain, he illuminates the hope. The same tool used incorrectly for bondage, is the same tool that can be used correctly for freedom. He points out that the Scriptural account is clear that Yahweh is a God of justice. Any injustice done in His name is an affront to the character of God. It was this realization that influenced major leaders in this country to pursue a more just society. Dr. Foster names many names that we should be familiar with: Harriet Tubman, Nat Turner, Dr. King, and his emphasis is that their Christian convictions shaped their work. They didn’t work for justice in spite of their Christianity, but because of it. To pursue justice without the Word of God is to try and drive a car without oil for the engine. Dr. Foster finishes the book by providing a brief outline for what justice and racial harmony can look like in the modern church. He is clear that the church should welcome ethnic diversity because the Bible is diverse and church history is diverse (he spends a section naming important African theologians that heavily influenced mainstream theology). This last section didn’t include immediate solutions, but rather timeless principles that should be applied in your particular context. Overall the book is fantastic and anyone who is wrestling with faith and race should check it out.
July 7, 2026
Quick Summary: A brutally honest testament on a hot topic issue concerning Christianity
My Review: The Gospel and My Black Skin: Confronting the Past, Reclaiming the Future by Dr. JP Foster is a Zondervan release. It is categorized as "Biographies & Memoirs | Christian | Religion & Spirituality." It was published on 5/26/26.
About the Book: "In The Gospel and My Black Skin, Dr. JP Foster boldly tackles the complex, often unspoken questions many Black people are asking today."
In My Own Words: Truth spoken. Questions faced. A thoughtful balance. An audacious hope for something better.
About the Audiobook: This book was narrated by Dr. JP Foster, Adenrele Ojo, and Deacon E. C. Moore. The presentation was bold and flawless.
My Final Say: The Gospel and My Black Skin was every conversation I have had over the last 10 years. It was not foreign but affirming. It was not falsities. It was truth. It was lives lived in the burden and weight of a counterfeit Gospel that has been received by the masses and carried much like a banner to justify wrongs that have nothing to do with GOD's declarations for His beloved.
This book was more than educational. I think the author took an audacious step to bring a dark menace into the light. Those who choose to read this book will likely be challenged, and perhaps, they will be convicted. But my question is....then what?
My Takeaway: Live Truth as it was intended. Be brave. Do better. And dare I say, stop making excuses and do not remain silent; remember those who are called are meant to live out loud and turn the world upside down for the good.
Special Note: I am impressed that Zondervan supported the publishing of this content, especially in the troubling times and social-political climate.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: G/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 🎧
Narrators: +
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (HCCP & HCF Audio | Zondervan), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience and the unfiltered learning. I look forward to reading/listening to more books from this writer.
My Review: The Gospel and My Black Skin: Confronting the Past, Reclaiming the Future by Dr. JP Foster is a Zondervan release. It is categorized as "Biographies & Memoirs | Christian | Religion & Spirituality." It was published on 5/26/26.
About the Book: "In The Gospel and My Black Skin, Dr. JP Foster boldly tackles the complex, often unspoken questions many Black people are asking today."
In My Own Words: Truth spoken. Questions faced. A thoughtful balance. An audacious hope for something better.
About the Audiobook: This book was narrated by Dr. JP Foster, Adenrele Ojo, and Deacon E. C. Moore. The presentation was bold and flawless.
My Final Say: The Gospel and My Black Skin was every conversation I have had over the last 10 years. It was not foreign but affirming. It was not falsities. It was truth. It was lives lived in the burden and weight of a counterfeit Gospel that has been received by the masses and carried much like a banner to justify wrongs that have nothing to do with GOD's declarations for His beloved.
This book was more than educational. I think the author took an audacious step to bring a dark menace into the light. Those who choose to read this book will likely be challenged, and perhaps, they will be convicted. But my question is....then what?
My Takeaway: Live Truth as it was intended. Be brave. Do better. And dare I say, stop making excuses and do not remain silent; remember those who are called are meant to live out loud and turn the world upside down for the good.
Special Note: I am impressed that Zondervan supported the publishing of this content, especially in the troubling times and social-political climate.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: G/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 🎧
Narrators: +
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (HCCP & HCF Audio | Zondervan), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience and the unfiltered learning. I look forward to reading/listening to more books from this writer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rev Dr JP Foster doesn't pull any punches here. This book strikes a devastating blow to the insidious forms of white supremacy that have flourished under the church's protection. His goal is to help Black readers understand the pain and disappointment they have experienced at the hands of believers who have absorbed forms of racism and used the Bible to justify it. Then he demonstrates that Christianity is not a "white man's religion" but grew robustly in Africa before it did so in Europe. After highlighting Black heroes of the faith, Dr. Foster paints a hopeful picture of a collaborative and healthy future where believers of all races can worship and work together.
Dr. Foster's writing style is effortless to read--powerful prose that will challenge readers of any race to rethink their ideas about where Christianity came from and who shaped it to become what it is today.
A prophetic word. A healing balm. An urgent message. Take up and read!
Dr. Foster's writing style is effortless to read--powerful prose that will challenge readers of any race to rethink their ideas about where Christianity came from and who shaped it to become what it is today.
A prophetic word. A healing balm. An urgent message. Take up and read!
July 13, 2026
This is a constant topic especially in the younger generations. Most of us grew up in the Christian church, our grandmothers made us go to every service, Sunday school, Bible school, revivals etc. But the older we grew, the more we had questions especially as Christianity relates to race and the control of our ancestors, the editing of the bible and the tool it became for other to use it for evil. This book gave those breakdowns and delved into the foundations of theories and the historical separation of people based around religion, class and geographical location. Great read
July 4, 2026
A meaningful addition to the witness of the Black church globally, and how it intersects with the forces of empire, and white supremacy.
Dr. Foster maintains Gospel clarity while presenting the meaningful contributions of African leaders and theologians throughout history and today. He also avoids the common pitfalls of this topic by providing a meaningful path forward and a hope rooted not in social systems, but in the kingdom of God worked out through the people of God by the Spirit of God.
Dr. Foster maintains Gospel clarity while presenting the meaningful contributions of African leaders and theologians throughout history and today. He also avoids the common pitfalls of this topic by providing a meaningful path forward and a hope rooted not in social systems, but in the kingdom of God worked out through the people of God by the Spirit of God.
June 4, 2026
This was a very insightful and timely book that deals with the crisis that Black American Christians face in these trying times
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews