What do you think?
Rate this book
Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention: Diverse African American and White Perspectives
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has a historical stain. The SBC once affirmed slavery and openly opposed and condemned abolitionists. Even though the convention repented of this sin publicly, a profound divide between the white majority and the black and brown minority still exists for many churches. This stain is more than historical fact; it prohibits Southern Baptist churches from embracing the one new man in Christ promised in Ephesians 2:11–22 and from participating in the new song of the saints from every tongue, tribe, people, and nation in Revelation 5:9. The glorious gospel of Jesus Christ commands all his followers to do our part in removing racism from our midst. Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention is a powerful and practical call to sacrifice, humility, and perseverance—along with a relentless commitment to Christian unity—for the sake of the gospel and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2017
38 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 7, 2020
3.5. This book makes an important contribution to publicly acknowledge the sin, horror, and tragedy of racism in the SBC—especially with respect to its founding, academics, and leadership. Some significant voices offer historical, biblical, theological, and educational insights that gave me a deeper appreciation for the struggle minorities have faced in a predominantly white convention and its subsidiaries.
A couple of positive marks:
1. The chapters from Mohler, Hall, Jones, and Smith were great. They provided context, conviction, and practical application where it was needed.
2. The personal stories from the black authors (Willams, Jones, Smith, Woods, etc) were enlightening, sad, and helpful for me to read. It was good for me to read and better understand these perspectives quite unique from my own.
3. I love the insistence on qualified, diverse leadership. In his chapter, Dr. Woods insists we must have minority leaders ministering across racial lines on the spectrum of pastoral, theological, and educational issues. He states:
“When state conventions intentionally demarcate ministry along racial lines...we institute a form of ecclesiastical Jim Crowism insofar as there are two ministerial doors. One door figuratively reads “whites only” and the other “[non-whites].”
I thought this was a sobering, helpful point. Even if it only describes perspective, and not reality, it would still be a perspective worth considering.
4. I appreciated the challenge to read more minority authors and learn more about minority contributions to fields I’m interested in (ie. Theology, history, ministry, apologetics, etc.). This was a good challenge and a reminder that minority brothers and sisters are already accustomed to stepping outside of their culture in order become educated. I should be willing to do the same, especially when unity and reconciliation are on the table.
A couple of drawbacks:
1. Dr. Williams’ Chapter on Biblical Steps Toward Removing the Stain. I had high hopes for this chapter and at points, it was strong. However it was unnecessarily wordy, opaque, and abstract. The depth and strength of the argument was lost in the breadth and density of its construction. I think Williams’ key points could have been made in much fewer words and with much clearer prose. Because of how central this chapter is in forming the overall argument of the book, I think it should have been much more lucid and accessible.
2. Several of the authors take for granted the existence of various sociological realities like systemic racism without providing any evidence. I’m more than happy to concede such realities exist and I’m grateful to hear the testimonies of my brothers / sisters, but anecdotal experience is difficult to measure, interpret, and quantify because it’s bound up in the subjective interpretation of the person. If the goal is to remove the stain of racism, then we need good, empirical evidence for what we’re removing and where we’re removing it from. Because these statements form some of the background for understanding the issues, something empirically grounded would have made this case stronger—especially given the massive body of literature interacting with these issues (ie. the works of Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, Heather McDonald, etc.).
3. The authors provide no interaction on the authority or sufficiency of Scripture for removing the stain of racism. Because this work was written in 2017, it was written before resolution 9 and the controversy over Critical Race Theory in the SBC came to the forefront. It would been helpful at this juncture to clearly establish the place of Scripture (both it’s authority and sufficiency) in both evaluating and addressing the issues.
Dr. Williams’ acknowledges the place of critical race theory in this discussion in his chapter and Dr. Smith speaks about the sufficiency of scripture in preaching and there are numerous appeals to Revelation 5 and Ephesians 2 & 4 as giving support for the notion of gospel-unity across racial lines. But there is no chapter or sustained interaction on the authority of Scripture in comparison to the philosophies or methods of the world (Col. 2:8).
Interestingly, since the publication of this volume, Dr. Craig Mitchell—one of the minority contributors who wrote the chapter on Ethics—has distanced himself from the positions of three of the authors on this very issue: https://baptistmessage.com/mitchell-m...
4. This book offered very little to no advice for the laymen in an SBC church. It was instead directed primarily at educators, pastors, and leaders within the convention. Perhaps this was intentional, but for the committed Southern Baptist who doesn’t serve in denominational leadership, this book offers little in the way of direct counsel to remove the stain of racism.
Overall: I recommend this work. It’s thoughtful, practical, and informative. It could have been much stronger, but it is still worth the read.
A couple of positive marks:
1. The chapters from Mohler, Hall, Jones, and Smith were great. They provided context, conviction, and practical application where it was needed.
2. The personal stories from the black authors (Willams, Jones, Smith, Woods, etc) were enlightening, sad, and helpful for me to read. It was good for me to read and better understand these perspectives quite unique from my own.
3. I love the insistence on qualified, diverse leadership. In his chapter, Dr. Woods insists we must have minority leaders ministering across racial lines on the spectrum of pastoral, theological, and educational issues. He states:
“When state conventions intentionally demarcate ministry along racial lines...we institute a form of ecclesiastical Jim Crowism insofar as there are two ministerial doors. One door figuratively reads “whites only” and the other “[non-whites].”
I thought this was a sobering, helpful point. Even if it only describes perspective, and not reality, it would still be a perspective worth considering.
4. I appreciated the challenge to read more minority authors and learn more about minority contributions to fields I’m interested in (ie. Theology, history, ministry, apologetics, etc.). This was a good challenge and a reminder that minority brothers and sisters are already accustomed to stepping outside of their culture in order become educated. I should be willing to do the same, especially when unity and reconciliation are on the table.
A couple of drawbacks:
1. Dr. Williams’ Chapter on Biblical Steps Toward Removing the Stain. I had high hopes for this chapter and at points, it was strong. However it was unnecessarily wordy, opaque, and abstract. The depth and strength of the argument was lost in the breadth and density of its construction. I think Williams’ key points could have been made in much fewer words and with much clearer prose. Because of how central this chapter is in forming the overall argument of the book, I think it should have been much more lucid and accessible.
2. Several of the authors take for granted the existence of various sociological realities like systemic racism without providing any evidence. I’m more than happy to concede such realities exist and I’m grateful to hear the testimonies of my brothers / sisters, but anecdotal experience is difficult to measure, interpret, and quantify because it’s bound up in the subjective interpretation of the person. If the goal is to remove the stain of racism, then we need good, empirical evidence for what we’re removing and where we’re removing it from. Because these statements form some of the background for understanding the issues, something empirically grounded would have made this case stronger—especially given the massive body of literature interacting with these issues (ie. the works of Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, Heather McDonald, etc.).
3. The authors provide no interaction on the authority or sufficiency of Scripture for removing the stain of racism. Because this work was written in 2017, it was written before resolution 9 and the controversy over Critical Race Theory in the SBC came to the forefront. It would been helpful at this juncture to clearly establish the place of Scripture (both it’s authority and sufficiency) in both evaluating and addressing the issues.
Dr. Williams’ acknowledges the place of critical race theory in this discussion in his chapter and Dr. Smith speaks about the sufficiency of scripture in preaching and there are numerous appeals to Revelation 5 and Ephesians 2 & 4 as giving support for the notion of gospel-unity across racial lines. But there is no chapter or sustained interaction on the authority of Scripture in comparison to the philosophies or methods of the world (Col. 2:8).
Interestingly, since the publication of this volume, Dr. Craig Mitchell—one of the minority contributors who wrote the chapter on Ethics—has distanced himself from the positions of three of the authors on this very issue: https://baptistmessage.com/mitchell-m...
4. This book offered very little to no advice for the laymen in an SBC church. It was instead directed primarily at educators, pastors, and leaders within the convention. Perhaps this was intentional, but for the committed Southern Baptist who doesn’t serve in denominational leadership, this book offers little in the way of direct counsel to remove the stain of racism.
Overall: I recommend this work. It’s thoughtful, practical, and informative. It could have been much stronger, but it is still worth the read.
July 31, 2019
While distinctly set in the context of the SBC, and written by SBC voices, this book offers solid theological ground and great, pragmatic helps that would benefit any Christian institution seeking to perpetually reform and repent of racism.
August 1, 2017
Long overdue, honest, important, and practical with a solid balance on solutions and the historical sins of racisms in the SBC, which essentially applies to all of white evangelicalism. McKissic's epilogue along with the chapter on the root of the stain (Mohler), the historical overview (Hall), and the educational solutions (Jones) were the main standouts. The appendix reading list is a great resource, too.
March 11, 2022
In 1845 the Southern Baptist Convention was founded as the result of the Triennial Convention not allowing slave holders to be missionaries. The SBC defended themselves as attempting to act in obedience to the Great Commission. Yet what was plain, was that obedience to Christ’s commands was not consistently considered. Some of the founders of the SBC and her educational institutions would go on to describe themselves as “ultra pro-slavery” and would regularly act to continue chattel race-based slavery in America in their churches, denomination, and nation.
With an understanding of founding and history of the SBC, the authors of this book look to reflect on the past and move forward toward a future in which churches who congregate with the SBC look more like the kingdom of heaven and less like the divided kingdom of this world. Rather than canceling the SBC, these author think of her like they would any Christian: born in sin and yet redeemed by grace in Christ and being transformed by the Spirit. Stated differently, the SBC certainly was established on some wicked grounds, yet these mostly African American authors have seen the work of God through this institution and want to work toward her improvement.
The book covers a variety of topics from her 13 authors. While the book can be hard to follow at times due to the sheer number of authors, on the whole it does a terrific job of acknowledging the past and promoting tangible steps for the future.
With an understanding of founding and history of the SBC, the authors of this book look to reflect on the past and move forward toward a future in which churches who congregate with the SBC look more like the kingdom of heaven and less like the divided kingdom of this world. Rather than canceling the SBC, these author think of her like they would any Christian: born in sin and yet redeemed by grace in Christ and being transformed by the Spirit. Stated differently, the SBC certainly was established on some wicked grounds, yet these mostly African American authors have seen the work of God through this institution and want to work toward her improvement.
The book covers a variety of topics from her 13 authors. While the book can be hard to follow at times due to the sheer number of authors, on the whole it does a terrific job of acknowledging the past and promoting tangible steps for the future.
January 4, 2020
This book was instructive, saddening, convicting, and encouraging. Instructive, helping me to better understand the roots of racism in my own denomination. Saddening because a book like this even needed to be written. Convicting, helping me to see sinful temptations in my own heart. And encouraging as it showed glimpses of how much progress has been made. May God use me and other SBC pastors to faithfully ring the bell of reconciliation until the stain of racism is completely removed from Christ’s church.
July 17, 2023
3.5. Though written primarily for pastors, ministry leaders, and denominational leaders within the SBC, this book can still serve as an informative resource for Christians apart of other traditions. Originally published in 2017, I found it difficult not to read this book through the lens of more recent controversies and political alignments — highlighting that there is indeed more work to be done. At times, it was a bit redundant as well.
On a brighter note, many of the contributions were strong. Jarvis Williams’, in particular, was well-written and theologically rich.
On a brighter note, many of the contributions were strong. Jarvis Williams’, in particular, was well-written and theologically rich.
February 16, 2018
Powerful book. The chapters were broken out well & there was a diverse panel of contributors with a few slightly different viewpoints but all very much on the same page: we have work to do.
Excellent work! Gathered a small group of pastors here in Phoenix to discuss it & loved the conversation it produced. Praying for much fruit both from the book & our discussion here locally so the SBC & our churches will truly reflect that image God gives us of the marriage feast of the Lamb.
Excellent work! Gathered a small group of pastors here in Phoenix to discuss it & loved the conversation it produced. Praying for much fruit both from the book & our discussion here locally so the SBC & our churches will truly reflect that image God gives us of the marriage feast of the Lamb.
October 26, 2018
SBC pastors and leaders can’t afford to miss this book. The stain is still present and the pain for many of our brothers and sisters is very real. For the future of the convention let’s listen, learn, and repent.
December 27, 2020
Very powerful - don't miss this book. Full of voices from brilliant people advocating for racial reconciliation, specifically in the SBC, and in the larger family of God. For anyone and everyone - especially those headed into or already in church ministry.
June 28, 2023
An honest, convicting, hopeful, read
September 27, 2021
Woke propaganda garbage.
December 18, 2020
Jarvis J. Williams and Kevin M. Jones, Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2017), 179 pages.
Overview
Removing the Stain of Racism is a timely book for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). It is also a timely book for the Church at large. Racial division and civil unrest remain elevated in our current climate. The Church should lead in the work of reconciliation, and Williams and Jones (and other contributors) provide a helpful tool for that purpose.
The book begins with a presentation of the various resolutions on race from 1845-2007 (pages xxxv-lix). After providing those resolutions, two white authors (Al Mohler and Matthew Hall) offer a brief discussion of what contributed to racism in the SBC and the historical “causes” of racism (chapters 1-2). Jarvis Williams then delivers a wonderful treatment of the “biblical steps toward removing the stain,” including a word study that would benefit all readers (chapter 3). Walter Strickland dissects the “theological steps” of overcoming the racist sins of the past, providing insights into the contributions of the entire body of Christ, including minorities. Craig Mitchell discusses the role that ethics play, examining a few leaders in the work of reconciliation as well as the recent contributions to reconciliation in various resolutions (chapter 5). Kevin Smith challenges pastors to preach against racism and the pursuit of reconciliation on three levels (personal life, corporate preaching, and each particular ecclesiastical context, all in chapter 6). Mark Croston examines the administrative steps necessary for the removal of the wicked stain as well as ways to progress the work of reconciliation (chapter 7). Kevin Jones discusses the educational aspects for progression, often returning to experiences endured by our African American brothers and sisters (chapter 8). Toby Jennings takes on the task of publishing and the ways we can advance minority scholarship (chapter 9). Curtis Woods wraps up the work by describing his own experiences as an African American (particularly in Kentucky), rejoicing in the advancement made while acknowledging the need for continued perseverance (chapter 10). There are two epilogues, one written by an African American and the other by an Anglo American. Dwight McKissic examines five reasons the stain of racism remains in the SBC, while Daniel Akin provides four reasons why he believes the stain endures. The postscript by T. Vaughn Walker offers a word of hope for reconciliation in the SBC and her churches. The book ends with two appendixes, one offers a “Suggested Reading List on Race and Race Relations” (comprising 10 pages) and a “sample Syllabus for Introduction to African-American History.”
Strengths
I think the demeanor from which this work was written is its greatest strength. Considering the horrific history African Americans have experienced in this country, it would not be shocking to see bitterness develop and express itself. However, these brothers communicated their message in a spirit of love, respect, and patience. Several of these men experienced firsthand (or through an immediate family member) racism. Yet, in their work, there is never a hint of bitterness. This, I think, is a remarkable testament both to their character and to the grace of God! Several quotes highlight these experiences, and I challenge you to find a more gracious depiction.
“I grew up in a small and racist town in eastern Kentucky…Growing up, I heard both blacks and whites call me all sorts of racists slurs….But this small and predominately white Southern Baptist church became my spiritual family, and God used it mightily to transform my life.”—Jarvis Williams, 17-18
“In a dialogue with a high-ranking administrator of a Southern Baptist seminary, I was asked the inevitable question, ‘What are you currently researching and writing about?’ As a study writing a dissertation, I began to explain that I was writing about the relationship between theology and culture among three African-American theologians at the end of the Civil Rights Movement….The response I received was disappointing. Instead the administrator responded, ‘When are you going to do ‘real’ theology, and what will you write about when you do so?’”—Walter Strickland II, 53-54
“Because of racism, a key segment of Christ’s body in America was inhibited from obeying fully the command to learn God’s commands and teach them diligently to their children. To the contrary, I have an entirely different experience on a daily basis when I open up the Bible and teach it to my family.”—Kevin Jones, 90
“In light of the lack of color [as a campus minister at Kentucky State University], I automatically assumed tokenism. It seemed the convention needed to house an African-American campus minister at the commonwealth’s only historically black college or university….I could hardly believe King’s critiques easily fit my situation well over four decades later…Nevertheless, I remained faithful to my campus-ministry role…”—Curtis Woods, 116
It breaks my heart to learn of their experiences, but my heart is encouraged because these brothers are moving ahead through the grace of God and ministering in their particular contexts as well as the entire body of Christ.
Another strength of this book is the focus on the power, love, and grace of God. For example, in the foreword K. Marshall Williams Sr. writes, “Apart from regeneration no one has the capacity to be in right relationship with his neighbor (Rom. 7:18; 14-15; Eph. 4-5).” (xxiii) Al Mohler ends his chapter by stating, “’In sin did my mother conceive me’ (Ps. 51:5 ESV). How can anything good or righteous or true to the gospel follow those words? The answer is only by the power of Almighty God.” (6) Jarvis Williams wraps up a lengthy treatment of the Gospel in Scripture in this summary fashion, “The incalculable riches of Christ refer to the totality of what God has done in Christ for Jews and Gentiles to unify all things in Christ (Eph. 1:3-3:21). This unification includes racial reconciliation insofar as race refers to Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 2:11-22).” (43) Other examples could be provided, but this centers the discussion of the sin of racism within the larger framework of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Weaknesses
Perhaps due to the publisher’s limit, I think there were a few sections I would like to have seen more treatment. The chapters on ethics (chapter 5), preaching (chapter 6), and administration (chapter 7) could have used more examples and treatment. While the chapters are not lacking anything, I would have benefited from a thorough treatment of each of those topics.
I also think having a chapter where African American experiences during the formation and history of the SBC could have opened eyes further. As I mentioned earlier, I was astounded, and saddened, by these experiences endured by my brothers. However, their experiences are just a few in a history of racial discrimination endured by our African American brothers and sisters.
Who should read this book?
Every Southern Baptist should read this book. Though many may not be familiar with the history of the Convention, this book helps explain the creation and underpinnings of what is the largest Protestant denomination in the world. Furthermore, it may also help open eyes to the current state of the SBC with the recent passing of Resolution 9 “On Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality” and its subsequent rejection by the six presidents of the Convention’s seminaries and resulting backfire.
Christians in the United States who are not Southern Baptists should also read this. Our country has a history of racism and slavery, and unfortunately, the Church has too often been a part of it. Reading this book will open eyes to the truth of racism, but it will also encourage hearts as the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a reconciling Gospel.
Overview
Removing the Stain of Racism is a timely book for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). It is also a timely book for the Church at large. Racial division and civil unrest remain elevated in our current climate. The Church should lead in the work of reconciliation, and Williams and Jones (and other contributors) provide a helpful tool for that purpose.
The book begins with a presentation of the various resolutions on race from 1845-2007 (pages xxxv-lix). After providing those resolutions, two white authors (Al Mohler and Matthew Hall) offer a brief discussion of what contributed to racism in the SBC and the historical “causes” of racism (chapters 1-2). Jarvis Williams then delivers a wonderful treatment of the “biblical steps toward removing the stain,” including a word study that would benefit all readers (chapter 3). Walter Strickland dissects the “theological steps” of overcoming the racist sins of the past, providing insights into the contributions of the entire body of Christ, including minorities. Craig Mitchell discusses the role that ethics play, examining a few leaders in the work of reconciliation as well as the recent contributions to reconciliation in various resolutions (chapter 5). Kevin Smith challenges pastors to preach against racism and the pursuit of reconciliation on three levels (personal life, corporate preaching, and each particular ecclesiastical context, all in chapter 6). Mark Croston examines the administrative steps necessary for the removal of the wicked stain as well as ways to progress the work of reconciliation (chapter 7). Kevin Jones discusses the educational aspects for progression, often returning to experiences endured by our African American brothers and sisters (chapter 8). Toby Jennings takes on the task of publishing and the ways we can advance minority scholarship (chapter 9). Curtis Woods wraps up the work by describing his own experiences as an African American (particularly in Kentucky), rejoicing in the advancement made while acknowledging the need for continued perseverance (chapter 10). There are two epilogues, one written by an African American and the other by an Anglo American. Dwight McKissic examines five reasons the stain of racism remains in the SBC, while Daniel Akin provides four reasons why he believes the stain endures. The postscript by T. Vaughn Walker offers a word of hope for reconciliation in the SBC and her churches. The book ends with two appendixes, one offers a “Suggested Reading List on Race and Race Relations” (comprising 10 pages) and a “sample Syllabus for Introduction to African-American History.”
Strengths
I think the demeanor from which this work was written is its greatest strength. Considering the horrific history African Americans have experienced in this country, it would not be shocking to see bitterness develop and express itself. However, these brothers communicated their message in a spirit of love, respect, and patience. Several of these men experienced firsthand (or through an immediate family member) racism. Yet, in their work, there is never a hint of bitterness. This, I think, is a remarkable testament both to their character and to the grace of God! Several quotes highlight these experiences, and I challenge you to find a more gracious depiction.
“I grew up in a small and racist town in eastern Kentucky…Growing up, I heard both blacks and whites call me all sorts of racists slurs….But this small and predominately white Southern Baptist church became my spiritual family, and God used it mightily to transform my life.”—Jarvis Williams, 17-18
“In a dialogue with a high-ranking administrator of a Southern Baptist seminary, I was asked the inevitable question, ‘What are you currently researching and writing about?’ As a study writing a dissertation, I began to explain that I was writing about the relationship between theology and culture among three African-American theologians at the end of the Civil Rights Movement….The response I received was disappointing. Instead the administrator responded, ‘When are you going to do ‘real’ theology, and what will you write about when you do so?’”—Walter Strickland II, 53-54
“Because of racism, a key segment of Christ’s body in America was inhibited from obeying fully the command to learn God’s commands and teach them diligently to their children. To the contrary, I have an entirely different experience on a daily basis when I open up the Bible and teach it to my family.”—Kevin Jones, 90
“In light of the lack of color [as a campus minister at Kentucky State University], I automatically assumed tokenism. It seemed the convention needed to house an African-American campus minister at the commonwealth’s only historically black college or university….I could hardly believe King’s critiques easily fit my situation well over four decades later…Nevertheless, I remained faithful to my campus-ministry role…”—Curtis Woods, 116
It breaks my heart to learn of their experiences, but my heart is encouraged because these brothers are moving ahead through the grace of God and ministering in their particular contexts as well as the entire body of Christ.
Another strength of this book is the focus on the power, love, and grace of God. For example, in the foreword K. Marshall Williams Sr. writes, “Apart from regeneration no one has the capacity to be in right relationship with his neighbor (Rom. 7:18; 14-15; Eph. 4-5).” (xxiii) Al Mohler ends his chapter by stating, “’In sin did my mother conceive me’ (Ps. 51:5 ESV). How can anything good or righteous or true to the gospel follow those words? The answer is only by the power of Almighty God.” (6) Jarvis Williams wraps up a lengthy treatment of the Gospel in Scripture in this summary fashion, “The incalculable riches of Christ refer to the totality of what God has done in Christ for Jews and Gentiles to unify all things in Christ (Eph. 1:3-3:21). This unification includes racial reconciliation insofar as race refers to Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 2:11-22).” (43) Other examples could be provided, but this centers the discussion of the sin of racism within the larger framework of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Weaknesses
Perhaps due to the publisher’s limit, I think there were a few sections I would like to have seen more treatment. The chapters on ethics (chapter 5), preaching (chapter 6), and administration (chapter 7) could have used more examples and treatment. While the chapters are not lacking anything, I would have benefited from a thorough treatment of each of those topics.
I also think having a chapter where African American experiences during the formation and history of the SBC could have opened eyes further. As I mentioned earlier, I was astounded, and saddened, by these experiences endured by my brothers. However, their experiences are just a few in a history of racial discrimination endured by our African American brothers and sisters.
Who should read this book?
Every Southern Baptist should read this book. Though many may not be familiar with the history of the Convention, this book helps explain the creation and underpinnings of what is the largest Protestant denomination in the world. Furthermore, it may also help open eyes to the current state of the SBC with the recent passing of Resolution 9 “On Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality” and its subsequent rejection by the six presidents of the Convention’s seminaries and resulting backfire.
Christians in the United States who are not Southern Baptists should also read this. Our country has a history of racism and slavery, and unfortunately, the Church has too often been a part of it. Reading this book will open eyes to the truth of racism, but it will also encourage hearts as the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a reconciling Gospel.
December 13, 2017
An excellent glimpse into an issue that interests me very much. Informative history, intriguing perspectives and some very practical first steps. For much of the book, I felt like I was listening to a favorite speaker from the choir loft. :) Still, well worth the time. The suggested list for further reading is in itself worth taking a gander at this book. It's certainly not exhaustive. Many chapters could easily be elaborated into full books.
November 16, 2020
The SBC was formed through a split with the Triennial convention, which was the previous Baptist Convention in America. The Triennial Convention did not want to send missionaries out who were slave owners, and this caused quite a storm with those Baptists who lived in the South. And so the SBC was formed; a convention that found their sole existence in the disagreement with the Triennial Convention because they wanted to continue supporting slave owners.
This mentality flowed through the SBC and they offered support for those slave owners as well as apologetic support for the purchasing and owning of slaves from a Christian perspective. The racism really didn't trickle off for over a hundred years and even today there are still issues that we see from the SBC, even from minorities. This book was written from some prominent SBC men who want to remove the stain that has haunted the SBC for so long.
Dr. Mohler opened the discourse open with what I thought was the best contribution in the book. A return to the Gospel is the only means of racial reconciliation. Dr. Hall gave a decent piece about how we should let the ghosts of SBC past haunt us and keep us reminded of where they were lest we fall into that same mentality again. The rest of the contributions were just ok or sub-par.
Jarvis Williams' contribution gave me shivers at times at how off-track he was. He led up to his points very well, offering multitudes of scripture references. But his conclusions were often just ain wrong. He states that progress looks like white people and their positions being replaced with black people and their positions, verbatim. That all white people have white privilege (He obviously has never been to rural appalachia, or rural West Virginia, the second state to enter into the SBC), and that reconciliation looks more like appreciation and prominence for black men and women. This approach to racial reconciliation is like trying to dry your hands with water. Racial divides are nothing new and as Mohler already explained, the way to address these things are clear from scripture. Critical Race Theory, the kind that Williams was pushing, only furthers the divide and success looks a lot like flipping over the hourglass, letting the sand that was on the bottom, now fall from the top.
Lastly, and this is what dropped it another star, is that aside from Hall's contribution, it seemed as if the goal was to remove the stain from the SBC because, heaven forbid, the SBC has mud on her face. If we could only get that mud off, nobody would attack us for that anymore... But we should want that stain removed because it's sinful, not because it's embarrassing. In other words, who cares what people think of the SBC? We need to remove the stain that we put on Christ and his church! There's certainly much more to be done, and I do agree with the premise that we must first acknowledge the problem exists before we go about fixing it. And this can look a lot like baby steps and incrementalism. But the end goal needs to be adjusted so that we are focused on the purity of God and the church, and not our organizations and associations.
This mentality flowed through the SBC and they offered support for those slave owners as well as apologetic support for the purchasing and owning of slaves from a Christian perspective. The racism really didn't trickle off for over a hundred years and even today there are still issues that we see from the SBC, even from minorities. This book was written from some prominent SBC men who want to remove the stain that has haunted the SBC for so long.
Dr. Mohler opened the discourse open with what I thought was the best contribution in the book. A return to the Gospel is the only means of racial reconciliation. Dr. Hall gave a decent piece about how we should let the ghosts of SBC past haunt us and keep us reminded of where they were lest we fall into that same mentality again. The rest of the contributions were just ok or sub-par.
Jarvis Williams' contribution gave me shivers at times at how off-track he was. He led up to his points very well, offering multitudes of scripture references. But his conclusions were often just ain wrong. He states that progress looks like white people and their positions being replaced with black people and their positions, verbatim. That all white people have white privilege (He obviously has never been to rural appalachia, or rural West Virginia, the second state to enter into the SBC), and that reconciliation looks more like appreciation and prominence for black men and women. This approach to racial reconciliation is like trying to dry your hands with water. Racial divides are nothing new and as Mohler already explained, the way to address these things are clear from scripture. Critical Race Theory, the kind that Williams was pushing, only furthers the divide and success looks a lot like flipping over the hourglass, letting the sand that was on the bottom, now fall from the top.
Lastly, and this is what dropped it another star, is that aside from Hall's contribution, it seemed as if the goal was to remove the stain from the SBC because, heaven forbid, the SBC has mud on her face. If we could only get that mud off, nobody would attack us for that anymore... But we should want that stain removed because it's sinful, not because it's embarrassing. In other words, who cares what people think of the SBC? We need to remove the stain that we put on Christ and his church! There's certainly much more to be done, and I do agree with the premise that we must first acknowledge the problem exists before we go about fixing it. And this can look a lot like baby steps and incrementalism. But the end goal needs to be adjusted so that we are focused on the purity of God and the church, and not our organizations and associations.
December 20, 2017
This is a much needed book in the SBC. I only pray that many pastors, leaders, and church members will pick it up and take it to heart.
There were some excellent contributions, especially by Matthew J. Hall (Historical Roots of the Stain of Racism in the SBC) and Jarvis Williams, one of the editors (Biblical Steps Toward Removing the Stain of Racism from the SBC).
Hall's contribution demonstrates with quotes, the pro-slavery, racist heritage of the SBC that cannot change. He calls out the half-true historiography which states the SBC was formed to send missionaries. That's a true statement, but they started their own Mission Board b/c the Baptist Triennial Convention would not send slave holders on the mission field. The 293 founders of the SBC were all Calvinists (a fact that would shock many today)....and all pro-slavery. The 4 founders of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary were all slaveholders. It's sad and sickening stuff, but we need to know it.
Williams' chapter covers a lot and feels disjointed, but it is the anchor of the book. He combines his autobiography, biblical scholarship, and wisdom, concluding with 15 suggestions for the SBC. Of all the contributors, he clearly is poised to be the academic leader when it comes to race and Christianity. He already consults with the Reformed African American Network and is writing a books on the topic.
Other chapters seem a little corny or poorly organized. Given the brief length of the book and the large number of chapters, several of the chapters were too brief.
Nevertheless, if the SBC should start anywhere, this book is a good place to begin, but hopefully it leads its readers to dig into more research of the matters to more complete lives of love and justice.
There were some excellent contributions, especially by Matthew J. Hall (Historical Roots of the Stain of Racism in the SBC) and Jarvis Williams, one of the editors (Biblical Steps Toward Removing the Stain of Racism from the SBC).
Hall's contribution demonstrates with quotes, the pro-slavery, racist heritage of the SBC that cannot change. He calls out the half-true historiography which states the SBC was formed to send missionaries. That's a true statement, but they started their own Mission Board b/c the Baptist Triennial Convention would not send slave holders on the mission field. The 293 founders of the SBC were all Calvinists (a fact that would shock many today)....and all pro-slavery. The 4 founders of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary were all slaveholders. It's sad and sickening stuff, but we need to know it.
Williams' chapter covers a lot and feels disjointed, but it is the anchor of the book. He combines his autobiography, biblical scholarship, and wisdom, concluding with 15 suggestions for the SBC. Of all the contributors, he clearly is poised to be the academic leader when it comes to race and Christianity. He already consults with the Reformed African American Network and is writing a books on the topic.
Other chapters seem a little corny or poorly organized. Given the brief length of the book and the large number of chapters, several of the chapters were too brief.
Nevertheless, if the SBC should start anywhere, this book is a good place to begin, but hopefully it leads its readers to dig into more research of the matters to more complete lives of love and justice.
June 25, 2024
One of the authors is my neighbor so I decided to read it. I enjoy talking race and racism and I grew up in the SBC so I’m a little familiar.
The format of the book is ok. There’s various contributions by different authors regarding different topics as it relates to racism in the SBC. Some chapters are a little dull as it feels like there was a word minimum that the author had to hit when their section could have been a paragraph honestly.
Ironically, my favorite chapter and my least favorite chapters were from the two main authors. Jarvis’s chapter was what I hate about theology. It’s too complicated. Too much cross referencing. Too much work to have to explain your position. Kevin’s was great because it was simple, practical and applicable. It answers the question “Ok, what can I actually do?”
I have lots of questions as I’ve been out of the church/theology but I’m not sure who this book was for. Who was the target demographic?
All in all, people should read more on race (ethnicity) and racism. It’s something that will never not be beneficial. I give it 4 stars because it was easy to read, practical, and specific. And I like my neighbor.
The format of the book is ok. There’s various contributions by different authors regarding different topics as it relates to racism in the SBC. Some chapters are a little dull as it feels like there was a word minimum that the author had to hit when their section could have been a paragraph honestly.
Ironically, my favorite chapter and my least favorite chapters were from the two main authors. Jarvis’s chapter was what I hate about theology. It’s too complicated. Too much cross referencing. Too much work to have to explain your position. Kevin’s was great because it was simple, practical and applicable. It answers the question “Ok, what can I actually do?”
I have lots of questions as I’ve been out of the church/theology but I’m not sure who this book was for. Who was the target demographic?
All in all, people should read more on race (ethnicity) and racism. It’s something that will never not be beneficial. I give it 4 stars because it was easy to read, practical, and specific. And I like my neighbor.
January 21, 2019
Somehow I missed the subtitle of this book. Though I am not a Southern Baptist, I still found this to be a very worthwhile read. The willingness of the authors to be honest about the history of the Southern Baptist Convention and their connection to slavery was so refreshing in a world lacking humility. The book addressed a lot of questions and thoughts that I've had in a grace-filled, loving, and Biblical way. Plus, the suggested reading lists (there's one for children...eeeek!) I found just make it even better. That alone makes it worth buying in my opinion :)
June 24, 2018
I appreciated the perspective the authors and contributors brought to this very sensitive issue. I was enlightened (and heart-broken) concerning the history of racism in the Southern Baptist Convention. However, I was also encouraged that thoughtful pastors and theologians are calling the SBC to repentance for the sake of gospel unity. A good read for those who care about gospel-centered racial reconciliation, and being a church that reflects the full spectrum of the imago dei.
July 23, 2022
Target audience is SBC pastors, leaders, and seminary professors. However, incredible resource for any southern Baptist or really any believer looking for biblical perspectives on racism and how to fight it within the Christian faith. There were moments where I wished more biblical context was given or the scriptural authority to the specific claim or matter being discussed was more clear. I felt some chapters also jumped from the assigned topic they were to write on.
October 5, 2024
There is abundant ownership (i.e., the lack of deflection) of racism in the SBC as well as the curation of specific historical moments within the SBC to highlight blatant racism. The voices present in this book do a good (4-star) job of giving us context and a path forward. I agree with some of the hindrances/drawbacks listed by others, namely that there are points in the book where a lack of clarity limits helpfulness.
September 4, 2017
Fantastic book. As a white pastor, I have so much to learn from my non-white brothers and sisters. It was a pleasure to sit at their feet and soak up their knowledge. At times, the truth of this book hurt. But the authors spoke the truth in love. Overall, this book leaves me hopeful that by the grace of God the stain of racism can and will be removed in the Southern Baptist Convention.
October 28, 2022
a good read
Reading this for school, but glad to have the opportunity for other voices on this important topic. Feel compelled to make sure that I listen to more podcasts and sermons and read books by baptists who are minority.
We all have work to do to be what God wants us to be. Need to see our blind spots and work on going deeper in relationships with those not like us.
Reading this for school, but glad to have the opportunity for other voices on this important topic. Feel compelled to make sure that I listen to more podcasts and sermons and read books by baptists who are minority.
We all have work to do to be what God wants us to be. Need to see our blind spots and work on going deeper in relationships with those not like us.
October 16, 2017
This book was an amazing compilation of Southern Baptist authors who have a passionate conviction for racial reconciliation, and it makes a compelling case that there should be a lot more focus on these issues in the SBC. My full review: https://medium.com/@jpark_21/removing...
February 1, 2018
For any Southern Baptist -- and Christian truly -- this is a helpful overview of the history of the Southern Baptist Convention, how the gospel fuels racial reconciliation, and some helpful steps that Southern Baptists need to do to see stain of racism eradicated.
August 4, 2018
Really liked the format of multiple authors contributing. A great overview of the issue of race in the SBC, and so honest but hopeful in tone. Also gave some really practical ideas for moving forward.
August 24, 2018
Extremely helpful and worthwhile read in understanding the past and the present while providing some guidance on the future. I am thankful for this volume and for those who contributed to this in giving wisdom and thoughts on an incredibly significant matter.
May 9, 2021
Valuable work on an important topic from a diverse range of authors. However, I’m not 100% sure all of these authors, writing in late 2015-early 2016, would decide to share authorship of the same book with one another in 2021.
June 19, 2017
A thought-provoking and necessary book for Southern Baptists and the wider Evangelical community.
July 25, 2017
A must read for anyone who works with the S.B.C.
March 14, 2019
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews