The Wolf Shall Dwell With the Lamb: A Spirituality for Leadership in a Multicultural Community

by Eric H.F. Law

This groundbreaking work explores how certain cultures consciously and unconsciously dominate in multicultural situations and what can be done about it.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Theology, Church, Social Justice, Leadership, Christianity

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eric Law presents a clear but flawed approach to multicultural leadership. His writing style is easy to understand, and his points are applicable to both lay and religious members of all Churches. I appreciate his experience and his suggestion of Mutual Invitation for group discussions. However, I question whether race is still as much of a problem as it has been; instead, I generally find that different races cause much less anxiety than different classes. This distinction may be a sign of the times; after all, Law presents his ideas twenty years before I am experiencing my multicultural community. Also, I wonder if his Mutual Invitation style stifles the group conversation. Where is the liveliness, spontaneity, and flexibility--where is the fun of getting a group of people together to talk? Third, I struggle with his assertion that people who perceive themselves to have less power are not called to take up a cross (p.41). Who was Jesus if not a have-not who accepted His cross? In effect, though I appreciate Law's opinions, I am wary of integrating them into my interactions with other races.

[Bonnie Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is an Episcopalian priest and musician who now works in improving communications between people in the church (Kaleidescope). Great exposition about power in relationships and practical advice about news ways to share power in collaborative work and conversation.

[Shayla Mays · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some really insightful and helpful tips regarding how to better facilitate and lead multicultural groups/settings. However, the author repeated himself a lot which made it less motivating to finish. I do think this is worth reviewing, but I would be careful to not overly generalize people groups like Eric did here to prove his point.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is written from a religious perspective, it also contains insights and resources that can be used by non-religious people and organizations seeking to make multicultural groups and interactions more effective, positive, and meaningful.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this very helpful in thinking about leadership in a multiethnic context.

[Jeff Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful explanation of how power is experienced by different ethnic groups, and how to help those with less power feel more empowered

[Greg Mackay]

Excellent, as relevant as ever. Power dynamics and Whiteness continue to stifle full participation.

[HCC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts of this book haven’t aged all that well over 30 years but still some helpful/practical insights about cross-cultural communication and leadership

[Kristyn Demers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights into Intercultural relationships with the Church!

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though certain parts of the book are extremely outdated, I really believe in Eric Law’s philosophy and approach of facilitating diverse environments.

[Abbey Fagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for cultural intelligence training — definitely outdated but did make me think and push me towards more awareness when in certain settings.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Law presents a theology for multicultural church community and leadership. Without a deep understanding of power dynamics, churches cannot move forward as a lasting multicultural community. He gives practical examples and case studies.

[Bro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cross-cultural insight was good, but as others have said it is hard to grasp that what we think we are doing and what others feel we are doing is actually another thing. I was reading this from 2 contexts. An Asian and a Western. I have a little experience in Asia (where the writer is from) and I know there is a strong social class feeling among all peoples. Every one considers themselves above someone else. I think that plays into the feelings they have about how westerners deal with prejudice too. Whites are not the only ones who deal with this. Every Asian culture struggles prejudice. I have never seen Asians allow others to lead that they feel is lower in status than themselves. It just is not done that way. This book would be helpful to them too.



This book shows me there is a lot of work to do on both sides Asian and Western to be able to lead together. In the US we all have to live and work together, but abroad it is not that way. What he is teaching in this book will help you if you are in the US because these days we are all working in a multi-cultural setting. Abroad it will only help you only if you are a leader that wants to empower others to do their own work. I do want that, so this book is helpful to me in that way. I challenge you to read the whole book, and not put it down when you feel insulted as you will.



I do have problems with his theology. Just read around that and think about his cultural thinking. Worth a thought at least.

[Levon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Law presents an interesting perspective on power. The book, however, seems more like a criticism to white people, who are defined as always having the perception of being powerful over coloured people of always having the perception of being powerless.

His differentiation of power from the perception of power is very helpful. It is not important who has power. The important thing is who do people think has power. However, he reduces the complexity of the power dynamics to a two dimensional powerful and powerless arena. Although this sharpens the differences, and brings forth some interesting underlying causes of conflict, it blends and smooths the less sharp differences which has the opposite effect of covering other causes of conflict.

The complexity of cultural difference and power dynamics is more pronounced in Australia. This book looks at issues from an American perspective that may be helpful in an Australian context but cannot be taken as is. It needs to be adapted analysed and definitely needs to have more than the two dimensions Law uses.

Overall, it is a great book that critically approaches the issue.

If you are a white American or an 'Anglo-Celtic' white Australian, and cannot accept criticism do not read this book. Otherwise, read it with a critical mind.

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Law is a Chinese American Episcopal priest who writes and consults on leading multi-cultural groups. This book presents a unique perspective on inter-racial/intercultural power dynamics by referring to Hofstede's concept of power distance as it relates to culture. His basic thesis is that most European cultures have a low power distance leading whites to have a sense of power in relationship to leaders where as African, Asian and Latin American cultures have a high power distance leading many people of color to feel powerless. I'm not sure I buy his analysis of why the power differential exists, but his discussion on how leaders can empower people who feel powerless and help whites to relate appropriately from their real or perceived position of power is very insightful. To that he adds a theological perspective suggesting that people who are in positions of power must start by living out a theology of the cross (sacrifice) while oppressed and powerless persons need to begin with a theology of the resurrection (transcending powerlessness) is also interesting. All in all this little book gave me a lot to think about and more to pursue.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been suggested to me for years, as I am a leader in a multi-cultural church community. Having read it, I can understand why. Law provides an excellent introduction to the basics of intercultural relationships in a clear, accessible way. His illustrations brought to mind many times when, our own parish, we have done rather poorly at intercultural dialogue - but also explains why this might have been so. His thoughts on why this may have been so have provided much food for thought at how I can do better next time.

If I had a complaint, it would be that there were portions of the book that felt somewhat repetitive. Having said that, this is clearly done to reinforce the concepts he's trying to teach. The repetition did not become overwhelming or offensive, so hopefully you'll be willing to accept it for what it is.

Enjoy this important work.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading the bible changes lives. That is the foundational premise behind Eric Law's book. His method for bible study, mutual invitation, respectful guidelines, and his theology of the cross are portable and accessible to those congregations that have very little in the way of bible study and/or have are willing to broach the subject of a multicultural world.

However, this book is not a cure-all! Those wanting to go even deeper may want to start with this book and then look to other authors and speakers to move their congregations/communities/diocese into the deeper dynamics of racism, culture, and faith. If you are looking for a place to start, here's one place to start...many diocese and congregations have affirmed his work.

[Eric Ledermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric Law is a voice that needs to be heard more when it comes to intercultural and intra-cultural dialogue. This book lays the foundations that helped him lead others through the dialogue after the 1992 L.A. riots following the verdict of the Rodney King police brutality case. This is a must read for leaders in spiritual/religious communities of all sorts.

I just finished reading this book again for a D.Min. class I'm taking on group dynamics. Law's second book, "The Bush Was Blazing But Not Consumed" (1996) was actually the assigned reading, but this book lays much of the foundation for the second. It was worth the read!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Law addresses the problem that frequently confronts people who want to be inclusive. Each of us carry a certain amount of power, whether we are recognize it or not. The amount of power may change from situation to situation and it is not enough that we intend to be inclusive, we need to be aware of how others see us in each situation and adjust our responses accordingly.

The book leans heavily on "white" and "people of color" descriptions, but Law does state up front that he is aware these are generalizations and that it is really much more complex.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I like to read over and over again. It's beautifully written and instructs us on how to communicate/serve humbly and effectively in multicultural communities, encouraging all of us to practice the spirituality of the resurrection AND the cross. in particular, it elaborates on the concept of power distance. One interesting thing I learned in this book is that culture/assimilation always trumps ethnicity/race. It's excellent!

[Lindsey De Pew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this previous to leaving form my YAV year in Guatemala. It talks about power dynamics between different cultures and gives some tools on how to break down some of those dynamics in group settings. This was my first introduction to Mutual Invitation. I think it's a great book for anyone who lives in community. While it is meant for multicultural communities, it can serve in multigender communities as well.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plodding style; important content. Law writes about various cultural perceptions about who has power and how people should negotiate relationships in groups. He offers some concrete suggestions about managing Christian groups when members of two or more cultures are present. For example, those who are perceived as powerful -- let them listen. Those who are perceived as less powerful -- invite them to speak.

[Jolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives helpful insight to those of us in multi-cultural church settings--especially those settings in which East and West meet. I'm recommending it to other leaders in the congregation I serve. I believe Law's book will give us some better ways to relate and to make sure that different voices are heard and respected. I highly recommend this book!

[Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great perspective and schematic for multicultural ministries and cross-cultural conversations. A little dated but still valuable and applicable.

[Jack Kooyman]

I wish I had known about and read this book many years ago. It would have helped me understand, communicate, and lead much more effectively in a multicultural setting. Definitely a must read for anyone involved in ministry--especially white folks in the U.S.--in a multicultural context.

[Teri Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

re-read this book after 10 years...it was great to be reminded of some of the things I'd forgotten, beyond simply the Mutual Invitation model (which I have used occasionally and will now probably use more). In particular, Law's reflection on power is really helpful.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone who works with people of other cultures.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book everyone who wants to do cross-cultural ministry should read!

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent discussion on power dynamics in multiethnic settings. Though I do not completely agree with his theology, Law proves insightful and timely in this growing multiethnic world.