Reconciliation Reconsidered: Advancing the National Conversation on Race in Churches of Christ

by Tanya Brice (Editor)

Description from the back cover: A broad racial divide mars Churches of Christ, and courageous leaders from across the United States have joined together to listen to one another. Rather than adopt a posture of resignation, they have met for honest, God-honoring conversation. In Reconciliation Reconsidered, Tanya Brice pulls together the early fruit she has gleaned from this ongoing conversation about racial reconciliation. Learn about yourself in the context of community as you explore these key ideas: Exercise truth-telling: it's what is needed before any reconciliation can happen Discover how race relations are not as simple as you think Challenge your stereotypes Understand the meaning of current events like the Ferguson shooting in fresh ways Revisit Christ's teachings with a careful eye toward discipleship and love of your neighbor Each chapter concludes with discussion questions that can help you and others navigate this perplexing and difficult topic."

Genres: Nonfiction

220 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2016

Reviews

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays exploring the issue of race relations in churches of Christ past, present, and perhaps future.

The first section on the past does well at showing the existence of white supremacist views within churches of Christ during the middle of the 20th century and establishes well the general ambivalence toward action in the socio-political realm that was seen as destabilizing. Those today who (rightly and advisedly) exalt Martin Luther King, Jr., and his values may find it interesting to see how his contemporaries spoke and thought of him as a Communist agitator.

The middle section on the present grapples with recent events and how to stand firm for the Gospel and communicate the love of Christ in their midst as well as the need to call out racism for what it is. The last section attempts to move the discussion forward by addressing microaggressions, being careful about scapegoating, and the challenges that lay ahead for those who would truly seek to break down the racial barriers among us.

The work is designed for those who would already be interested in such discussions; most discussions assume conviction regarding the existence of white privilege and systemic racism in American society. There's also a bit of triumphalist self-congratulation by those participating in the discussions. Nevertheless, a good and challenging read regarding the situation of race relations in churches of Christ.

[Byron Fike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good starting place for churches or small groups to discuss racism and related topics. It is a collection of essays from a diverse group of academics and ministers. Some of the essays are more easily read than others but all have value. Discussion questions are provided at the end of each chapter to enable a group to have a conversation concerning the material.