Plantation Jesus: Race, Faith, and a New Way Forward

by Skot Welch, Rick Wilson, Andi Cumbo-Floyd (With)

"Deserving of the widest possible readership. Midwest Book Review "This provocative book will encourage conversations about one of American Christianity's most challenging issues.
--Publishers Weekly
Not long ago, most white American Christians believed that Jesus blessed slavery. God wasn t bothered by Jim Crow. Baby Jesus had white skin. Meet Plantation a god who is comfortable with bigotry, and an idol that distorts the message of the real Savior.
That false image of God is dead, right? Wrong, argue the authors of Plantation Jesus , an authoritative new book on one of the most urgent issues of our day.
Through their shared passion for Jesus Christ and with an unblinking look at history, church, and pop culture, authors Skot Welch and Rick Wilson detail the manifold ways that racism damages the church's witness. Together Welch and Wilson take on common responses by white Christians to racial injustice, such as I never owned a slave, I don t see color; only people, and We just need to get over it and move on. Together they call out the church's denials and dodges and evasions of race, and they invite readers to encounter the Christ of the disenfranchised.
With practical resources and Spirit-filled stories, Plantation Jesus nudges readers to learn the history, acknowledge the injury, and face the truth. Only then can the church lead the way toward true reconciliation. Only then can the legacy of Plantation Jesus be replaced with the true way of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Theology, History, Race, Christian, African American, Nonfiction

196 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Sherrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is my personal opinion that we--our country, our society, our culture, and our world--are at a crossroads. We love to proclaim that we have come a long way in settling our differences over race, ethics, ethnicities, diversities, social justice, and related issues. I beg to differ.

Remembering a childhood in the 1950-1960s in the South and returning there now in the 21st century to visit children and grandchildren, I really don't sense a great change. Likewise, now at home in the Pacific NW, I see similar inequities among diverse groups and races. I was pleased when I was asked to read and review this book.

Plantation Jesus is the stuff of game changers. This book asks of all of us the hard questions. It delivers the hard facts about Christianity and slavery. It is an eye opener looking back over our country's history and the history of the basic faith brought to these shores by our forefathers. No stone is left unturned in revealing the truth of matters surrounding issues of slavery, diversity, bigotry, and more.

Every minister of every faith and/or denomination, every governmental official, every teacher, everyone we can get a copy to needs to read this book, take it to heart, and accept that this is who we have been and who we can become.

Thanks to its authors we may yet see a new day rising on the horizon. A day when we all stretch our arms to include anyone--no matter color, religion, ethnicity, politics--in our homes, schools, lives, and society. Please read this book!

[marcus miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book, published in 2018 is more timely than ever. As the country deals with the coronavirus, one result is the evident racial disparities it is exposing.. COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups. This week also saw a video released of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery by two white men as he was out for a run. Though the killing happened in February the two men were just arrested in the first week of May.

The authors, one white, one black provide some background of how they came to know each other and how they came to work on issues of racism, especially in the context of the church. The authors provide brief reviews of how the message of Christianity has been tamed and manipulated to maintain a power structure that justifies slavery, genocide, and a system of racial segregation which lasts to the present.

Plantation Jesus is the Jesus of American Civil Religion. Plantation Jesus is the Jesus that tells me my only concern should be my salvation, not the way I treat others, especially those different from me. Plantation Jesus is Christianity used to support an unjust system.

The authors use Thomas Jefferson as an example of one person who created a plantation Jesus. A founding father, author of the Declaration of Independence, he owned slaves, had a sexual relationship with a much younger slave, and literally cut out the parts of the Bible he didn’t like. In short he created a version of Jesus he could live with, something the authors suggest too many of us white folks do. Rather than looking out for the “least of these,” and calling for justice, Christianity has been used to prop up the rich and powerful.

One helpful chapter attempts to provide answers to common objections to addressing these issues, particularly by white folks. For example, one argument they often heard in their work was, “none of my ancestors owned slaves.” The authors detail how much of the pre-civil war American economy rested on slavery, so that many people benefited, even if they never directly owned slaves.

No doubt this will be a hard book for many to read. The authors clearly have a love for the church. They provide reflective questions at the end of each chapter and a list of helpful resources and exercises for people and congregations to work through.

[Dorcas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book lays out a clear, well-researched, and convicting case for how the church has been both complicit and oftentimes an active part of perpetuating white supremacy and white nationalism. I especially appreciated how the authors draw clear lines through history from the slave trade to Jim Crow to systemic prejudice today, including around issues ranging from housing and police brutality to college athletics.

I found the multiple-author voice to be disorienting, especially in the beginning of the book (which isn't helped by the fact that one of the authors has passed away). Thankfully that becomes less of an issue as the focus of the narrative turns to history and practical recommendations. I also wish that there had been more recognition of Asian Americans' experience of racism and prejudice, alongside the mentions of our Hispanic and Native American brothers and sisters.

Overall, though, those were minor issues in what is a rich and worthy read. One of the final chapters about who Jesus really is and the beauty of his diverse kingdom is particularly poignant and nearly brought me to tears. I would recommend this to anyone who desires an American Church that is truly just and inclusive.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This Book. Wow. I knew much of the content already, but it laid it out in more detail. With every book on social justice, I learn more, and I learned more again here.

We have so very far to go. I appreciated the author's comparison of Jesus of Nazareth and Plantation Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth is the one we learn about in the Bible who says to take care of the least, each other, and do so with love. Plantation Jesus says I am the master, and you are my slave, so I may mistreat you, harm you, and certainly not care for you. Plantation Jesus also says I am the important one, not "I am" as in God, but "I", the individual. Where Jesus of Nazareth says that we are all one in the Lord, and we must love one another just as the Lord loves us.

We keep hurting each other. And then we find reason for it in the Bible, so then we defend our need to hurt one another. It reminded me that there are folks who want to claim when I speak of being an anti-racist ally, that I am hurting them by calling out racism in individual or group actions and in our laws and systems. But those are the folks who are okay with the laws that harm our fellow humans of color. It's protecting their right to cause harm. And they are okay with causing harm to others so long as their privilege is both not pointed out to them and not taken from them in any way.

This book was good in that it ended with steps we must take to end the systemic racism our nation was built on which invites individuals to maintain a heavy level of racism. All white folks who are born in this country are racist ... our education system, entertainment system, justice system, financial system, etc. are all built on and continue to strengthen systemic racism by our lack of action and our tight grip on control and power. We must work to break down this racist foundation of our nation.

I pray one day this is a book in a museum where folks can say, "remember when". It won't be in my lifetime, or the lifetime of the next generation, for sure. But maybe one day, we can all worship and model our lives after Jesus of Nazareth.

[Thomas DeWolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure... I've known the three authors of this book for several years, and have worked with them through Coming to the Table, as well as in my work as an author of books also focused on undoing racism and transforming ourselves and our world. Rick, Skot, and Andi are good friends. With that disclosure, I strongly stand by the endorsement quote below, which I offered for Plantation Jesus, and I highly recommend this powerful book to every single one of my Christian friends in particular.

"I've long felt that churches, filled with people of faith, ought to be the vessels within which the difficult, transformative conversations about race could be held. Yet for the most part, this has not been the case. Plantation Jesus boldly shows us why not, and then shows us a path forward. Read this book. Then get busy."

[Fran Sutton-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a Christian. As an African American woman over 65, I stopped going to a church that did not help me heal the wounds of slavery/racism or any other "ism". So, when a friend recommended this book, I was reluctant to read it. After all, it was about Jesus and we had parted company long ago. Out of deference to my friend, I decided to read the first chapter and I was blown away. This book asked the hard questions and gave the hard facts about racism in America and said, unequivocally that Jesus would not be pleased with the way people have embraced racism in His name. I plan to buy many copies of this book and give them to all of my friends, Christian or not! I'm anticipating some deep conversations and the awakening of many souls to the truth. Please read this book, then find someone and have the deep conversations the topic deserves.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful and challenging book. Recommended reading for white people of faith who seek to participate in restoration and reconciliation with our black brothers and sisters. It made me squirm and shift in my seat and mourn the impact white supremacy has had on our nation and its people. I would love to read it with a group and do the activities included at the end.

A much-needed resource for our day.

[Allen Madding · Rating 5 out of 5]

a well written, eye opening book that explores our country's struggle at equality and the roadblocks that currently exist. This should be a required text for government officials and church staff members.

[Josh Cranston · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read. Pretty provocative and disturbing in very important ways. I recommend it.

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skot Welch and Rick Wilson met in the late 1990’s when they were both members of a large Christian church in Grand Rapids, MI. They later joined another large church desired to be “multi-ethnic” but was over 99% white. Under the leadership of a visionary pastor the church started on a path to become more authentically multi-ethnic. Skot and Rick were part of a group called “Mosaic” whose job it was to facilitate the church’s transition to this new multi-ethnic status. However, their efforts were quickly undermined by the overwhelming congregational resistance to the pastor’s multi-ethnic vision. Despite this frustrating experience, Skot, who is black, and Rick, who was white (Rick died in 2014), created a radio show called Radio in Black and White, which addressed issues of racism, diversity and inclusion in society at large and the church in particular. This book is a result of that program and all that the authors learned in their dialogues and conversations with their guests, listeners and each other.
The first chapter begins by identifying the meaning of “Plantation Jesus,” the overriding concept throughout the book. Plantation Jesus is “a god who is comfortable with pain and suffering, an idol who can only exist in oppression and codified bigotry” (pp. 9-10). Plantation Jesus reflects a church that arises of out of the history of slavery, and racial oppression, and refuses to face the effects and implications of that history on its current life. Instead these churches insist that racism and bigotry are a thing of the past and not a concern of the present. Explicitly, “Plantation Jesus is the god of white supremacy: the system that undergirds the belief that white people are more valuable than others,” (p. 17) and is still implicitly and explicitly at large in many Christian churches today.
In chapter 2, the authors identify ten roadblocks to real conversation in U.S. society today. These roadblocks often lead to hostility toward those who would raise issues of race and often are met with an uncomfortable silence. This observation reminds one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s condemnation of the “white moderate” in his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” those who say they care about justice but fail to speak or act. The roadblocks listed are common responses one gets when they seek to start a conversation about race, such as “Race has nothing to do with me,” “I never owned a slave” and “I don’t see color, only people.” For each of these and the other seven roadblocks, the authors offer brief but pointed rejoinders that reveal the fallacy of any attempt to avoid responsibility for the continuing racism in U.S. society.
Chapters 3 and 4 address the Eurocentric readings of the Bible that present many Christians with highly racialized, white interpretations of the Scripture. The third chapter takes up the racial/ethnic nature of Jesus himself, “a typical Galilean Semite” (p. 63), a dark-skinned Afro- Arabic Jew who looks nothing like the blond white figure depicted in most pictures and movies about Jesus. How we “see” Jesus is important because a “white Jesus” implicitly legitimates the notion of white superiority in relation to persons of color. The fourth chapter continues this theme by addressing the misreading of key Scriptural passages that have historically been used justify and neutralize any meaningful discussion of race in many Christian circles. They take up passages, such as Ephesians 6.5 and I Peter 2.18 that seem support slavery. They address the misuse of passages like Genesis 9.20-27 (“the curse of Ham”) and Genesis 4.11-16 (“the mark of Cain”), which were used to support slavery and racial segregation well into the 20th century. As an alternative the authors challenge the reader to “read the Bible thru the lens of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection” (p. 80), and to ask if such racist interpretations align with way Jesus dealt with people of different ethnicities and backgrounds.
Chapters 5, 6, and 7 deal with the institutional manifestations of white supremacy in terms of social power, civil religion and economics. After defining their understanding of white privilege – “the advantages enjoyed by white people that are unavailable to nonwhite people” – the authors go on to discuss white supremacy – “the system behind the privilege” (pp. 87, 88). They highlight social policies such as redlining, mass incarceration and residential segregation. They deconstruct the popular image around Thomas Jefferson as a benevolent master and describe him as a “very broken, very racist man” (p. 92). They debunk the myth of American meritocracy and call for Christians to address the racism in their own lives and social circles. They further debunk the notion that the U.S. is a “Christian nation” and illustrate how in some of the most religiously committed areas of the country racial discrimination and hatred have not only been allowed but encouraged. They challenge the family values orientation and fervent patriotism of many conservative evangelical congregations, suggesting that often these values are a form of racial exclusion. In terms of economics, the authors show how in the past through slavery and peonage people of color were regarded not as human beings but as property and how even today “plantation economics” is a means by which college athletes and prison inmates are exploited for material gain.
In chapter 8, referring to Dr. King’s 1967 speech “Where Do We go From Here?’, the authors implore their readers with these words: “Sisters and brothers, we as churches have to accept the challenge of confronting and overturning racial injustice” (p. 147). They then offer several examples of churches across the country that are seeking to become racially inclusive and deliberately anti-racist in their programming, worship, staffing and community outreach. This chapter is then followed by an appendix filled with various resources and exercises designed to help a group begin a meaningful conversation about racism and the disparities it continues to create.
The target audience for Plantation Jesus seems to be the concerned white layperson in the local church. While it draws on recent research on topics such as mass incarceration and Critical Race Theory, it is not primarily designed for an academic audience. Likewise, while it draws on theological resources, most pastors would not find the Biblical and theological depth somewhat lacking. While the book deals with race in its many forms, most of the examples seem to be directed at white folks, rather than people of color. However, for the average white person, this would be an excellent book for a small group discussion, Sunday School, youth groups and special retreats. Many of the assertions made about U.S. history, the manner in which whites tend to avoid the topic of race, and the subtle and overt ways racism is expressed, will be challenging enough for the average white person. The authors are to be commended for providing a valuable resource for white Christians willing to move out of their comfortable ignorance, face painful facts, reject the racist expressions in the evangelical church, and commit themselves to work for a more equitable and racially just society.

[Jody Luck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and engaging, timely and relevant, this book is a must-read for anyone who sees the racial problems we face currently. It is even more of a must-read for those who still question what problems, if any, still exist.
Beginning with a definition of “Plantation Jesus”, an idol we have created in our own (white) image, the authors skillfully cover the historical aspects of religiously acceptable racism. The focus on improper exegesis that allows us to arrive here is clear to a layperson who may not have considered such things before, and without leaving the main points, plants a seed that inspires exploration into what other areas of our lives we may be modeling on faulty understanding of scripture.
The section on supremacy and privilege is a powerful expose' of what this has looked like throughout our US history, and what it looks like today. The reader is made clearly aware that not all racism is overt or labeled. The subject is handled masterfully, without making individual accusation, but at the same time, pulling no punches concerning systemic and ingrained attitudes that led (and lead) to oppression.
An open-hearted reader may experience a major paradigm shift during the discussion of using the word “Christian” as an adjective rather than a noun. What is a “christian” home, family, bookstore, or nation? What happens when the value of “faith and family” leads to idolatry? This is a thoughtful and careful dissection of the idolatry of nationalism. The book continues with an eye-opening look at the economics of modern day slavery in the form of collegiate sports (!) and mass incarceration.
Far from leaving us staggering from this impressive exploration of racism within the the US Christian Church, the authors begin to explore real options, real solutions. Not a symbolic diversity for diversity's sake, but an introduction to True Jesus, and how we can learn to walk with him. Practical ideas and resources for what this may look like both individually and corporately; ways to begin purposefully practicing this within your own local faith community.
This book is not only a revelation of the problems, leading to individual epiphany; but a proclamation of solution, leading to the possibility of real progress.

[John Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, quick read on the ugly history of appropriating the Christian story in the “peculiar institution” of slavery. I especially appreciated the Ten Roadblocks to Real Conversations chapter, which could serve as a road map for conversations surrounding race in America in 2018.

I also appreciated how the authors provided examples of churches doing the real heart-level work of encountering the real Jesus as it pertains to race. Helpful read. Would commend it to anyone interested in seeing how the “ghosts of America’s past” still haunt the Christian community.

[Nancy Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thoughtful book is written with a sharp pencil and no apologies. And it doesn't let us "just get over it" - in the very best way.

[Dan Laubach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Well articulated arguments with a kind approach.

[Joelendil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book addresses a genuine problem in white American Evangelicalism: an attitude that says (though usually not in so many words) “serious racism doesn’t really exist anymore, you lazy, over-sensitive whiners.” However, for a book with “a new way forward” in the title, it offers relatively little practical help in dealing with the issue (just some “how do you think you can fix this?” questions in the discussion exercises).

The book as whole focuses almost exclusively on getting white Christians to acknowledge that they are cavalierly ignorant of systemic racism and shamefully benefited by white privilege. The lack of specific applications left me with little more than the (I’m sure unintended) message that “you and your ancestors are bad and you should feel bad.” Add to this occasional poisoning the well argumentation (“if this is painful for you or you disagree with this it’s because you’re racist/ignorant”) and I just wasn’t at all impressed (and slightly worried about writing this review). Basically, I think that these authors do have important things to say (I have observed and confronted serious racism in both churches I have pastored), but I don’t think that they were said in a helpful way.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addressed to white American Evangelical Christians (a group I don’t belong to), the book catalogues how Christianity was used to bolster slavery and continues to bolster white privilege. For instance, the persons in the Bible are pictured as Northern Europeans rather than the Middle Eastern people they were, and this is particularly true of the many “portraits”of Jesus found in churches. When I visited the history of scripture diarama exhibits off Temple Square in Salt Lake City, for example, I was appalled at all the blond, light-eyed, light-skinned “biblical” figures - and amazed that they didn’t bother my husband at all. The authors make many valid points and deplore the continuing segregation in churches, but the book didn’t seem to lead to solutions beyond pointing out the problem and seeking to get white people to admit the problem. For me, the book was 2 1/2 stars.

[Maryanne P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really wanted to read this book!

Wanted to read this book to open a dialog. The author is excellent at laying out the facts of overt and hidden white privilege. The tone of the book is not what I was hoping for for a reconciliation group in a mosaic congregation. The author is angry, wants to accuse and blame , get some kind of revenge or restitution - I can’t really understand what he wants. He certainly does not want to open a dialog and work toward peace and togetherness in the church

[Rachelle Impink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A call for Christians to follow Christ’s example - to love all people. Simple and easy to read, direct and to the point, complex in putting into practice in a culture that is counter. A necessary read for any Christian - and helpful for all those on the antiracism movement.
This is a special reminder that not everything you’re taught is accurate and that the images you grew up seeing and became your reality, might not be conveying truth. Instead religious imagery of white, blue eyed, brown hair Jesus can further push from the true message of Jesus.

[Heather Caliri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A damning portrait of how Plantation Jesus has been part of American Christianity since the very beginning. Reading the book, I was convicted of how pervasive and twisted white-supremacist theology is--its consequences for white people (ignorance, apathy, and contempt for others made in God's image) and for people of color (shame, trauma, violence, and othering). A helpful overview of how racism affects our theology.

[Steven May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slot Welch and Rick Wilson compare the values and ministry of those who follow the Jesus of cultural past to following the Jesus of the New Testament. They challenge the culture of white supremacy that exists in our churches and values. A book each person that cares about reconciliation of racial issue must read.

[Elissa Hamon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was going to be a 3-star review for me - mostly because I’m not entirely certain it’s written in such a way that the hoped for if not intended audience would be willing to get past the second chapter. But the Resources and Exercises section alone is invaluable, perhaps even the starting point for many who may not be willing to give this book or these insights even a cursory look.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Jesus this is a MUST READ. If you don't love Jesus, this will open your eyes to the tremendous power that religion has held for people for a long time. White Christians and Evangelicals would do well to practice the values and example of Jesus. Stop talking and WALK.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

The book helps us understand racism in the United States. Each chapter has discussion questions that help in our own understanding of in a group discussion. The book is well written.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concrete, straightforward and spot-on. I especially appreciate the “exercises” at the end that I think are going to be a really helpful resource.
(I don’t know why the cover looks like a wanted poster from the Wild West, it’s kept me from opening this book for a long time. I’m glad I finally did.)

[Raelee Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but an important one. I recommend it to every white Christian.

[Ricky Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking book on an issue that is still plaguing America. Really asks questions that give you pause for thought

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW - I can't think of anyone that should not read this book - eye opening and encouraging/challenging. Definitely worth the read.

[Jilian Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great starting point for group discussions around racial reconciliation and the church

[Ryan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, scriptural, faith-based denunciation of the false Christianity that has created and supported systemic racism in the U.S.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, great book.