Let Justice Roll Down

by John M. Perkins, Shane Claiborne (Foreword by)

His brother died in his arms, shot by a deputy marshal; he was beaten and tortured by the sheriff and state police. Through it all he returned good for evil, progress for prejudice, and brought hope to black and white alike. The gripping true story of what happens when faith thrusts a person into the midst of a struggle against racism, oppression, and injustice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Biography, Race, History, Memoir, Social Justice

219 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Dr. John M. Perkins is the founder and president emeritus of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation and cofounder of Christian Community Development Association. He has served in advisory roles under five U.S. presidents, is one of the leading evangelical voices to come out of the American civil rights movement, and is an author and international speaker on issues of reconciliation, leadership, and community development. For his tireless work he has received 14 honorary doctorates. One Blood, along with Dr. Perkins other books, provides an enduring legacy for a man who continues to leave his mark on American culture.

Reviews

[Joe Woolworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging and shocking book. Shocking because I was sheltered from this kind of racism in my life and didn't realize that it still existed so strongly in our country. After moving to Mississippi for a couple of years, I was shaken with the realization that these old injustices were not yet resolved. This book is a strong reminder of the work yet to be done and the leadership of a man who had all the reasons in the world to hate and chose to love.

Perkins is a hero.

Great truths:
• The idea that an emotional experience at church is not enough to win the vision of young people was described brilliantly.
• Justice is an economic issue.

"But if we look at justice as an economic issue-especially the injustice of slavery that resulted in a lack of ownership, job opportunity and education-we haven't made much headway. We've got a few more rich blacks, but the system is still a problem for most.
If black folks were getting 10 percent justice in the '60s, they're getting 30 to 40 percent now. So there has been almost triple the amount of freedom. There has been massive progress. But if we talk in terms of justice as equality, we're still talking about an imbalance." John Perkins to George W. Bush

• Racism is about control.
• The church missed an opportunity to lead the civil rights movement because it's leaders were to married to their traditions.
• Community is necessary to overcome injustice.

Good book. You should check it out. It's hard to imagine that he is talking about getting arrested and beaten on no charges only 30 years ago. I recently saw him speak in Raleigh and he spoke kindly and challenged the comfortable while calling the the willing to be a part of a better story. Be a part of justice.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my book for February Black History Month.

John M. Perkin’s brother returned home from serving in the Army in World War II. He was murdered by a white deputy marshal in Mississippi, because he was talking too loudly with his girlfriend while waiting for a movie to begin. The deputy was not charged with a crime. Perkins and his brother were raised by his grandmother and aunt. Their father had abandoned them.

Perkins was drafted into the Army, and while serving in Korea he applied himself to his education. After the service, he married Vera Mae and moved to California where they had a son, Spencer. Perkins joined the ministry and moved back to Mississippi. It was difficult for them to return to the racism, poverty and ignorance of the area. They started an evangelistic movement, health care facilities, an adult education center, along with a co-operative. They began a voter registration drive which resulted with him being severely beaten by a deputy sheriff and a Mississippi highway patrol officer. The police officers were not charged with a crime. But they continued their Civil Right Movement involvement.

The book is well written and quite interesting. Perkins is a gifted storyteller. He tells of the founding of the Voice of Calvary Ministries as well as their Civil Rights work. In the book, he analyses prejudice, racism and social justice. The book was first published in 1976. The foreword is by Shane Clairborne and the postscript is by Elizabeth Perkins, his daughter.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about 6 hours long. Calvin Robinson does a good job narrating the book.

[Jason Herrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of John Perkins, who grew up close in Mendenhall, MS just a few hours away from where I grew up. Tells of his early life, coming to faith in CA & return to MS to help those in his hometown. Perkins’ faith guided his work for justice in racist, small town MS. He recounts some of the horrors of growing up black around Mendenhall in the mid 20th century, as well as some of the victories that were won for the black community during that time. I really appreciated this short biography of some of his life & work.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I had read this years ago. I’d say it should be required reading for most every white Christian in America. But especially white Christians raised in the south. It is especially timely as our country is again being challenged think about race issues in deeper ways. This is a book helping me to do that. The issues are complicated. But I can’t ignore the ways in which the white Evangelical church did little to help improve inequalities between whites and blacks … and worse, did more to secure those inequalities.

[Maria Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Where there was despair, there is now hope. Where there was oppression, there is now opportunity. Where there was defeat, there is now purpose. And where there was weakness, there is now strength - a strength that comes only from God. I face the future buoyant in the courage and confidence born of faith in Jesus Christ alone. "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (2 Tim. 1:12).”

[Nichole Tompkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible story for any American to read and understand racism in the deep south. The book is a redemptive story and exemplifies the desire for justice that everyone has. It’s a great read but is geared more towards readers of faith, the ending encourages us to let justice roll on.

[Andy Heckathorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read so far on matters of race and faith. If you’d told me this book was written in the year 2020, I would have believed you - it couldn’t be more relevant.

Dr. Perkins skillfully tells stories of his own life while simultaneously defining and clarifying the relationship that economics and social status has with religion, bigotry and systemic racism. Perkins describes how his search for meaning eventually led to Jesus Christ as our ultimate model who overcame hatred and suffering with grace, forgiveness, reconciliation and hope, even offering these dying words on behalf of his killers: “Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.”

[Joshua Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If sin can exist at every level of government, and in every human institution, then also the call to biblical justice in every corner of society must be sounded by those who claim a God of Justice as their Lord”

[Jeff Lochhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few quotes that stood out amongst many...

"True Christian change works more like an old oak tree in the spring, when the new life inside pushes off the old dead leaves that still hang on." (72)

"Yeilding to God's will can always be hard. And sometimes, it really hurts. But it always brings peace." (82)

"Does the gospel--that is, the gospel as we presently preach it--have within itself the power to deal with radical attitudes? The thing that hit me was that the supposed presence of the gospel was simply not effective in terms of human relations. If evangelism is truly on the side of God and His love then it should never allow itself to look like it's on the side of a bigot-producing system." (108)
---- This one sure hasn't changed much in 45 years!!! ----

"The most terrible thing about the situation in the South was that so may of the folks who were either violently racist or who participated in discrimination and enslavement through unfair and unlawful business practices called themselves Christians. The question on my mind and on the minds of most black people to whom we preached was whether or not Christianity was a stronger force than racism." (143).

"They were like savages -- like some horror out of the night. And I can't forget their faces, so twisted with hate. It was like looking at white-faced demons. Hate did that to them. But you know, I couldn't hate back. When I saw what hate had done to them, I couldn't hate back. I could only pity the. I didn't ever what hate to do to me what it had already done to those men." (158).

"Everybody needs to feel important -- because he or she is. But brutality is something like dope. Some people have to have it to confirm themselves. It's a sickness of the racist." (168)

"I thought with real sadness of the gospel I believed in with all my heart. The gospel that says in Christ there is not black or white. I believed that gospel was powerful enough to shatter even teh hatred of Mendenhall. But I had not seen it. Especially in the churches" ... "Tragically, but true--churchgoers in America are the slowest to change." (192-193)

"Oh, I know man is bad--Depraved. There's something built into him that makes him want to be superior. If the black man had the advantage, he'd be just as bad, just as bad. So I can't hate the white man." (195)

"If we look at justice as an economic issue -- especially the injustice of slavery that resulted in a lack of ownership, job opportunity and education--we haven't made much headway. We've got a few more rich blacks, but the system is still a problem for most." (207)

Truly a remarkable book by such a remarkable man!!

[Teté Simim · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be quite honest, I had no idea how this book ended up on my bookshelf. I grabbed it and was very curious but almost put it back because it had no cover. However, I decided to read it simply based on the title "Let Justice Roll Down". Immediately my curiosity became curiouser.

For such a small book, it had so much to say. It brought me to tears multiple times. Not only because of the raw truth of what it was like for a black man (black families, black persons in general) during [pre-] civil rights era, but because of the truth that it is still often happening today.

The first chapter starts off in a early point in his life, when his eldest brother Clyde was murdered and then the chapters following was a flow after that tragedy in not only the reality of what life was like in Mississippi, but also Johns life coming to Christ and changing not only his life but those around him as well by building a foundation and creating a community in his town. He was working through valid and important questions that I genuinely think should even be considered today.

Where is the church in all this? The years may change, yet the sad reality is that the church is often times the slowest to do so. All the way from how the white church spent more time on believing that racism was a thing that had nothing to do with sin, to even today choosing not to stand on the side of social justice. Is the church not called to do better? To want better? Is the church not called to serve and care for God's creation- every single one?

Hm.
Quite again, while this is a small book, it has much to say. The fact that John almost lost his life after being beaten relentlessly by officers, only to come out and say "I forgive them." Because if we hate, we become just like them-honestly...it was convicting.

I have much more to say...however I'll add on another time. But for now, I want to say thank you to John Perkins for his work and life, and the blessing of him and his family.

I will be recommending this book to many.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A giant in the Civil Rights movement, John Perkins here tells his life story, through the 1960s (he's still alive). Born and raised in rural Mississippi, Perkins witnessed his brother die after being shot in the stomach by law enforcement, though his brother had done nothing except have black skin on a Saturday night. The Perkins family, by John's acknowledgment, were troublemakers--they didn't attend church, and were the county's bootleggers.

After moving to California with his wife, following his time in the Army, Perkins's son started attending church, and then the whole family experienced a revival of sorts. This led to the family, at Perkins's behest, moving back to Mississippi to evangelize and develop the Black community.

Perkins's education never made it to high school (he now has fourteen honorary doctorates), but he had an incisive grasp of the economic dimensions of civil rights. This thread of his story drew me in. His recounting of his first stand for his own economic rights shows the character that made him a formidable activist, combined with his submission to God that marked his activism with love.

Nearly all of this book takes place in Mendenhall, Mississippi, and concerns Perkins's efforts to develop the community economically and spiritually. I'm looking forward to reading more of his books about his later efforts and initiatives. For once, it was great to read about one community's growth during Civil Rights, rather than long-ranging, widespread efforts. While those are crucial, creating and rehabilitating small systems that change real people's lives immediately are also important. Perkins grasps the need for both large-scale and small-scale change. Also notable is his emphasis on how he chose love over bitterness, and how he clung to hope, even as many lost it.

Let Justice Roll Down is written simply. Perkins has a clear, conversational writing style that made this book easy to read quickly, without missing the main points. Perkins's daughter Elizabeth wrote a postscript for this re-publication, and it provides highlights of what Perkins went on to do. This Civil Rights memoir would be very accessible for high schoolers.

[Baylor Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

John's words in recounting being beaten and horrifically tortured by white officers who falsely imprisoned him:

"I can't forget their faces. It was like looking at white-faced demons. Hate did that to them. But ya know, I couldn't hate back. When I saw what hate done to them, I couldn't hate back. I could only pity them. I didn't ever want hate to do to me what it had already done to those men."

In this first memoir of his, John Perkins recounts his early experiences of racial injustice, his salvation story, and the lesser known Civil Rights movement he led in Mendenhall, Mississippi. After John is captivated by the Gospel's good news for all and becomes a studious student and teacher of Scripture, God calls him to return to his home town in Mississippi which he swore to never return to after white officers killed his brother. This story recounts the suffering waiting for him as he fights for justice in his hometown. In the aftermath of intense persecution, we watch John's journey from despair to hope:

"Everything added up to the conviction that there was no justice at all. No justice at all for any Black who wanted to stand up like a man in Mississippi. It's hard to make all this clear or real to white people, but a lot of Black people have come to this same point, feeling there was simply no justice, no hope."

Looking to Jesus who underwent beating and false accusation from a lynch mob as well and looked at them with compassion, asking God to forgive them, John is moved in non-violent love of enemy:

"I could try and fight back, but then how would I be different than whites who hate? And where would hating get me? Anyone can hate. This whole business of hating and hating back is what keeps the vicious circle of racism going."

Between this and John's sharp thinking in economics and community development in realizing what it looks like for the Kingdom to come now makes him an incredibly compelling and inspiring figure. I'll definitely be continuing through the rest of his books.

[Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Egregious injustices like those faced by black Americans in the mid-century south naturally call forth responses from incredibly diverse ideologies. Many of the responses to the inexcusable violation of human rights in places like Mississippi came from ideologies largely at odds with biblical Christianity. Even the Christian reactions came in forms such as James Cone's liberation theology, which was more than questionably orthodox. It is something to be ashamed of that most men and women of my faith neglected to do justice in this crucial area. This is why the life of John Perkins, an unashamedly evangelical civil rights leader, is so refreshing to me. As I read Perkins' story, I found two major benefits:

First, this book is a hard reminder of how recently much of the most horrible examples of racist brutality happened here in my home state. Perkins describes events happening in the early seventies that I prefer to think happened further back in the past. My own grandparents were young when he was wrongfully imprisoned, beaten nearly to death, and then denied appeal in the state courts. Perkins has reminded me that it is much too soon to assume all all the race-fueled problems in my area have been solved.

Second, Perkins demonstrates by example the way that the simple gospel (with all its crucial implications) of evangelical Christianity can answer societal problems. He avoids the pitfalls both of liberals, who reject the message of forgiveness of personal sin in Christ as any kind of answer to racism, and of conservatives, who often speak as though evangelism is the sole appropriate response from Christians to societal sins (anything more being "politics" that distract from the gospel).

Perkins is far from the greatest narrative author I've read. He is at his most eloquent when commenting on events and presenting a "theory" of racism, systemic issues, and how the gospel applies to them. His example is that of a gracious man of God who deserves to be imitated as far as he imitated Christ.

[Unchong Berkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Perkins, born in 1930, grew up in poverty in Mississippi, enduring racism, the death of his brother at the hands of a corrupt sheriff, and the overall hardships that characterized life for a black family in the racist deep South of the times. He was involved in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and became a champion for racial reconciliation after coming to faith in Christ. Perkins’ words at the end of this memoir:

“Oh I know man is bad—depraved. There’s something built into him that makes him want to be superior. If the black man had the advantage, he’d be just as bad, just as bad. So I can’t hate the white man. The problem is spiritual: black or white, we all need to be born again. It’s a profound, mysterious truth—Jesus’ concept of love overpowering hate. I may not see its victory in my lifetime. But I know it’s true.”

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in the 70s, this memoir gives a snapshot of the life of John M. Perkins, whose childhood in Mississippi was marked with poverty, racism, and pain. God later saved Him and put in Him a desire to share the gospel & serve the community in Mississippi. He was treated abominably and unjustly, and in this book, he describes the wrestling of emotions in his heart. Jesus is victor, however, and wouldn’t let hate win. “The problem is spiritual,” Perkins wrote, “black or white, we all need to be born again.”

A good historical read and a testimony of the work of God’s Spirit. The writing style gets a bit dry in some patches, and perhaps not all the viewpoints one would agree with, but it’s still a book I’d recommend for a first-hand account of racial tension in the 60s and 70s.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primarily what stood out to me as an important message in this was the Christian’s need to think biblically. Time and again John Perkins would encounter white Christians who did not have the simple biblical understanding of loving ALL whom God has created. No matter the color.
Unfortunately we all allow society to distort our way of thinking. In one form or another. May we all make a conscience effort to think more like Christ has set out in his Word for us to speak today.

This was referenced in another book I am currently reading entitled “We Will Not Be Silenced”. Thankful to have encountered the name of John Perkins and am interested in reading a more recently published title by him “Dream With Me”.
Rabbit trailing delight...

[Caleb Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. Perkins is a gospel man who calls me out in this book as a "northern white who struggles to believe this kind of thing happens". I have struggled to imagine this level of evil racism existed so recently and perhaps even still. Hearing these stories from a brother in Christ helps me to believe it more than just what is on the news.

His focus on forgiveness and the gospel are inspiring. His leaning on and pointing to Christ are as well.

This book was published in 1976 and covered events up to 1972. John Perkins is actually still alive meaning he has lived more of his life after this book now than before it. I'll be looking to read some of his other work.

[Ramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both an evangelism classic (originally published in 1976) and primer on racial reconciliation, I'm grateful to read of Perkins's journey and experiences, and to better appreciate this amazing man. This past year has been historic for so many reasons, not the least of which is confronting the continuing racism so inherent in this country.
Key quotes for me:
"I do not understand why so many evangelicals find a sense of commitment to civil rights and Jesus Christ an 'either-or' proposition."

"If sin can exist at every level of government, and in every human institution, then also the call to biblical justice in every corner of society must be sounded by those who claim a God of Justice as their Lord."

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compelling life, a generous spirit, an honoring fortitude, Dr. Perkins’s lifesong is challenging, inviting, and seasoned with reflective grace. The humbleness and authentic faith that he displays throughout this narrative memoir is truly inspiring. I will read more about his life and his optimistic perspective.

A tribute... https://youtu.be/mNQgABsUfK8

[Nathan Swedberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

- this would be a great read, especially for the next generation, when it comes to Civil Rights... and how different it has been for this man vs what you see today
- the testimony of John Perkins and the fruit of his life is staggering - here is a man who has loved when it made no sense and clung to a lived faith

[Simon Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness and a man’s open heart. John M. Perkins trusted God with his life and God used Perkins to start the flow of justice in many places across this nation, especially in the South. Wow!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book told from the perspective of the life of the author in his struggle with racism and his work to bring equality and justice to the African-American community in rural Mississippi. A must read for anyone interested in issues of race.

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this man.

[Austenn Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need to leave space to listen, listen, & listen.

[Beth Lorow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading. Man. John Perkins is an incredible human being.

[Anthony Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

1,000 stars. An incredible read. I am woefully under-educated on John Perkins. What a legend. This book is for today as much as it was for 40 years ago. Incredible.

[Daneen Krygsheld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting memoir/motivational type book. (Audiobook)

[David Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. The heart-rending, eye-opening memoir of John Perkins, activist and founder of CCDA. Provides an unflinching look at survival as a black man in rural Mississippi in the 1960's and 70's. Even calling it survival seems generous at times.

In an age where we can curate our social awareness to our liking, we need personal stories like this to rattle us into reality. Reflecting on how some white and black Christian communities responded to the issues of the day, Perkins challenges, "We need to know more about what really goes on before we solidify our theoretical ideas about what a Christian 'ought' or 'ought not' do."

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty phenomenal book, by an amazing man. Perkins is the real deal. As a Southern Californian born and raised, I don’t quite grasp the apartheid (Perkins’ daughter’s own words) that went on for so long in the American South. I’m thankful for books like this that help me understand.

[Catz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly implore others, especially Christians, to read this book. What perspective, introspection, and awareness I have gained from listening to John's story.