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Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love: How a Violent Klansman Became a Champion of Racial Reconciliation
"Riveting, inspiring, at times hard to believe but utterly true...it gives some measure of hope in these rancorous times." -- John Grisham
As an ordinary high school student in the 1960s, Tom Tarrants became deeply unsettled by the social upheaval of the era. In response, he turned for answers to extremist ideology and was soon utterly radicalized. Before long, he became involved in the reign of terror spread by Mississippi's dreaded White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, described by the FBI as the most violent right-wing terrorist organization in America.
In 1969, while attempting to bomb the home of a Jewish leader in Meridian, Mississippi, Tarrants was ambushed by law enforcement and shot multiple times during a high-speed chase. Nearly dead from his wounds, he was arrested and sentenced to thirty years in the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman Farm. Unrepentant, Tarrants and two other inmates made a daring escape from Parchman yet were tracked down by an FBI SWAT team and apprehended in hail of bullets that killed one of the convicts. Tarrants spent the next three years alone in a six-foot-by-nine-foot cell. There he began a search for truth that led him to the Bible and a reading of the gospels, resulting in his conversion to Jesus Christ and liberation from the grip of racial hatred and violence.
Astounded by the change in Tarrants, many of the very people who worked to put him behind bars began advocating for his release. After serving eight years of a 35-year sentence, Tarrants left prison. He attended college, moved to Washington, D.C., and became co-pastor of a racially mixed church. He went on to earn a doctorate and became the president of the C. S. Lewis Institute.
A dramatic story of radical transformation, Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love will appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike.
As an ordinary high school student in the 1960s, Tom Tarrants became deeply unsettled by the social upheaval of the era. In response, he turned for answers to extremist ideology and was soon utterly radicalized. Before long, he became involved in the reign of terror spread by Mississippi's dreaded White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, described by the FBI as the most violent right-wing terrorist organization in America.
In 1969, while attempting to bomb the home of a Jewish leader in Meridian, Mississippi, Tarrants was ambushed by law enforcement and shot multiple times during a high-speed chase. Nearly dead from his wounds, he was arrested and sentenced to thirty years in the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman Farm. Unrepentant, Tarrants and two other inmates made a daring escape from Parchman yet were tracked down by an FBI SWAT team and apprehended in hail of bullets that killed one of the convicts. Tarrants spent the next three years alone in a six-foot-by-nine-foot cell. There he began a search for truth that led him to the Bible and a reading of the gospels, resulting in his conversion to Jesus Christ and liberation from the grip of racial hatred and violence.
Astounded by the change in Tarrants, many of the very people who worked to put him behind bars began advocating for his release. After serving eight years of a 35-year sentence, Tarrants left prison. He attended college, moved to Washington, D.C., and became co-pastor of a racially mixed church. He went on to earn a doctorate and became the president of the C. S. Lewis Institute.
A dramatic story of radical transformation, Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love will appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2019
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936 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 5, 2024
Wow, fascinating true story of a member of the Klu Klux Klan in the 1960s who narrowly escapes death and ends up in prison.
The beginning is very fast paced and thriller-like.
However, through friendship, his mother’s prayers, and reading books that challenged his ideology he ends up becoming a Christian, pastor, and an influence for racial reconciliation.
Some facts to remember
➡️ He thought he was fighting for God and country when he participated in “the cause” for the white man.
➡️ His perspective began to change when he became friends with a black man.
➡️ He realized his critical thinking skills were nonexistent.
➡️ He trusted Christ as Savior on the cement floor of his prison cell. 🙌
➡️ He studied theology and let God use him to minister to many people.
📖 “My mother prayed me through prison.”
📖 “There is white racism just like there is black racism. Every ethnicity tends to think theirs is the best as it’s the most familiar to them.” I appreciate his inclusion of this as my family has experienced white racism, but rarely is that talked about!
📖 “God is a God of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances and more!” Hallelujah!🙌
I think this is an excellent resource on the topic of racism and also a powerful testimony of the transforming power of God! ❤️
The beginning is very fast paced and thriller-like.
However, through friendship, his mother’s prayers, and reading books that challenged his ideology he ends up becoming a Christian, pastor, and an influence for racial reconciliation.
Some facts to remember
➡️ He thought he was fighting for God and country when he participated in “the cause” for the white man.
➡️ His perspective began to change when he became friends with a black man.
➡️ He realized his critical thinking skills were nonexistent.
➡️ He trusted Christ as Savior on the cement floor of his prison cell. 🙌
➡️ He studied theology and let God use him to minister to many people.
📖 “My mother prayed me through prison.”
📖 “There is white racism just like there is black racism. Every ethnicity tends to think theirs is the best as it’s the most familiar to them.” I appreciate his inclusion of this as my family has experienced white racism, but rarely is that talked about!
📖 “God is a God of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances and more!” Hallelujah!🙌
I think this is an excellent resource on the topic of racism and also a powerful testimony of the transforming power of God! ❤️
June 25, 2023
A violent, racist, anti-Semitic, incarcerated terrorist, involved with the KKK and identified by the FBI as one of the most dangerous men in Mississippi becomes a. . . Christian? And a pastor? And a close friend of many racially and ethnically diverse political and religious leaders? Tarrants's story is a shocking one, and a deeply moving one. This book tells the story of his life, from far right radicalization as a teenager, to life in Parchman prison, to coming to faith in Jesus, to eventually being the president of the C.S. Lewis Institute. His quick, pointed writing reads like an action novel, and the wild, true stories of his life are unbelievably believable. His faith, honesty, humility, and willingness to submit to God's will were deeply inspiring and though-provoking to me. And I particularly enjoyed the brief section at the end, in which he speaks to the importance of racial reconciliation in the American church today, a lesson which he unfolds throughout the book. I found his story particularly relevant to me, as a student who lives in Mississippi and has been to many of the places he talks about in the book. It made his story very real to me, and only empowered the truth that for the depth of darkness in Tarrants's past, there was much deeper grace and love in his future in Christ. If God can change someone with a story like this, maybe He can change us too.
December 4, 2019
This is an amazing book. I’m so glad that it is back in print. Tarrants’ journey from a hate-filled terrorist to a love-filled servant is inspiring.
It gripped me from the very first page as he plunges us directly into the violent days of the civil rights struggles in Mississippi. The action was intense as we follow him through bombings, gunfights, and prison escapes. The story of transformation that followed all of that was equally as gripping. First, Tarrants carefully reviews the dark path that lead him to accept murder in the name of Christ. Then he lets us see his slow but ever more hopeful journey to repentance and the loving forgiveness of the Savior. It was so beautiful. I loved the careful analysis of the thought processes that lead him to each place.
As a voracious reader, I found his story to be both a warning and an encouragement. He is very clear about how detrimental his early reading habits were. There he shows us the dangers of a lack of critical thinking and Biblical knowledge. Then he shares how through broader and more discerning reading eventually he gained the thirst for truth that leads him to repentance and eternal life.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t as inspired by the conclusion as I was by his personal testimony. I don't agree with the list of the most dangerous trends in America today. Those are Race Relations, Anti-Semitism, Political Polarization, Conspiracy Theories, and Lack of Trust in the Government. The first two are addressed in much more detail earlier in the book where he points to a true Biblical solution. The next one seems inevitable when people have deeply held moral standards, and simply saying that we need to be willing to compromise doesn't seem like a good solution. I can understand, based on his history, why he includes Conspiracy Theories, but again I’m not sure that I would include that in my top five worries about our nation. His last worry seems to me to be actually a good thing. We are all aware that governments composed of sinners may, no will, become corrupt and therefore never completely trustworthy. So a healthy distrust seems warranted.
Don’t let that last paragraph dissuade you from reading it. It was still a wonderful story of redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. From what he says about his ministries, I believe that he understands the true fix for America only lies in personal individual relationships with Christ as Savior. I would recommend it to everyone. It covers several very violent events but is written very delicately.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide an honest opinion.
It gripped me from the very first page as he plunges us directly into the violent days of the civil rights struggles in Mississippi. The action was intense as we follow him through bombings, gunfights, and prison escapes. The story of transformation that followed all of that was equally as gripping. First, Tarrants carefully reviews the dark path that lead him to accept murder in the name of Christ. Then he lets us see his slow but ever more hopeful journey to repentance and the loving forgiveness of the Savior. It was so beautiful. I loved the careful analysis of the thought processes that lead him to each place.
As a voracious reader, I found his story to be both a warning and an encouragement. He is very clear about how detrimental his early reading habits were. There he shows us the dangers of a lack of critical thinking and Biblical knowledge. Then he shares how through broader and more discerning reading eventually he gained the thirst for truth that leads him to repentance and eternal life.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t as inspired by the conclusion as I was by his personal testimony. I don't agree with the list of the most dangerous trends in America today. Those are Race Relations, Anti-Semitism, Political Polarization, Conspiracy Theories, and Lack of Trust in the Government. The first two are addressed in much more detail earlier in the book where he points to a true Biblical solution. The next one seems inevitable when people have deeply held moral standards, and simply saying that we need to be willing to compromise doesn't seem like a good solution. I can understand, based on his history, why he includes Conspiracy Theories, but again I’m not sure that I would include that in my top five worries about our nation. His last worry seems to me to be actually a good thing. We are all aware that governments composed of sinners may, no will, become corrupt and therefore never completely trustworthy. So a healthy distrust seems warranted.
Don’t let that last paragraph dissuade you from reading it. It was still a wonderful story of redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. From what he says about his ministries, I believe that he understands the true fix for America only lies in personal individual relationships with Christ as Savior. I would recommend it to everyone. It covers several very violent events but is written very delicately.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide an honest opinion.
December 19, 2020
Among the just-about-all racist deep South of the 60s, young Tarrants apparently found groups to the right of the KKK. Though the details are murky, they carried out domestic terror bombings against Jews. Of course, that’s when the FBI seems to have taken white violence seriously. An FBI sting preempts a bombing of a prominent Jewish leader in Meridian, Mississippi, leading to Tarrants’ arrest and the death of his female terrorist comrade. He gets sent to prison and, after a daring prison break leading to the death of at least one co-conspirator, becomes born-again. Two deaths, but little agony in this book. What struck me about the conversion and then early-release of a would-be terrorist is the degree of white privilege on display. Did model black prisoners get the perks Tarrants received? Invites to conferences and pardons from the governor? Hmm. I guess the conversion was NOT to structural antiracism. Little insight into de-radicalization, as all the credit for change goes to Jesus.
September 14, 2024
Love hearing about the power of God that transforms a life! Every transformation wrought by God is amazing in reality, but to the human eye, some seem more amazing than others - this man’s transformation being one of those. Just brings home the fact that God can change anyone - no one is too far past His amazing grace.
Listened to on hoopla thanks to my local public library.
Listened to on hoopla thanks to my local public library.
July 24, 2025
Such an inspiring story!!!
Oh my goodness. This book reads like a movie, but it’s very much a true story and I loved seeing God work in the author’s life!
In this book you’ll find:
-police chases
-conspiracy, deceptions, bombs, corruption on both sides
-KKK history
-justice and prison life
-jail breaks
-the work of the Gospel 🙌
-mercy of God and Hope in Jesus
I listened to this book on Hoopla, but would love to have a hard copy and highlight. Especially near the end the author had some seriously great advice and counsel. I highly recommend this book!
Content: antisemetism and racism is a big part of this story but as the title states God changes his heart! Mentions (nondescript) of some inmates being homosexual, some death and violence
Oh my goodness. This book reads like a movie, but it’s very much a true story and I loved seeing God work in the author’s life!
In this book you’ll find:
-police chases
-conspiracy, deceptions, bombs, corruption on both sides
-KKK history
-justice and prison life
-jail breaks
-the work of the Gospel 🙌
-mercy of God and Hope in Jesus
I listened to this book on Hoopla, but would love to have a hard copy and highlight. Especially near the end the author had some seriously great advice and counsel. I highly recommend this book!
Content: antisemetism and racism is a big part of this story but as the title states God changes his heart! Mentions (nondescript) of some inmates being homosexual, some death and violence
August 14, 2024
"Racism and ethnic hatred is a sin, and we need to label it as such. Jesus told his disciples to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (Matthew 22:39); and in reply to the question 'Who is my neighbor?' he responded with a pointed parable about a good Samaritan, a member of a despised race (Luke 10:25-37)...
Christians who harbor racism in their attitudes or actions are not following Jesus at this point, for Christ came to bring reconciliation - reconciliation between us and God, and reconciliation between each other." (Billy Graham) 192
Pray to God to give you at least one friend of another race... Such friendship can produce surprising fruit, as Billy Graham discovered. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Had it not been for the ministry of my good friend, Dr Billy Graham, my work in the civil rights movement would not have been as successful as it has been." 194
Our current crisis is ultimately a spiritual problem, not just a social or political one.... we must look to God and his supernatural power to change people, to revive the church, and to bring moral and social reform. 199
Christians who harbor racism in their attitudes or actions are not following Jesus at this point, for Christ came to bring reconciliation - reconciliation between us and God, and reconciliation between each other." (Billy Graham) 192
Pray to God to give you at least one friend of another race... Such friendship can produce surprising fruit, as Billy Graham discovered. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Had it not been for the ministry of my good friend, Dr Billy Graham, my work in the civil rights movement would not have been as successful as it has been." 194
Our current crisis is ultimately a spiritual problem, not just a social or political one.... we must look to God and his supernatural power to change people, to revive the church, and to bring moral and social reform. 199
November 21, 2019
So good. Tarrants's story of radicalization and then transformation is a beautiful depiction of how none of us is too far gone for the love of Christ. The bulk of the book chronicles the events leading up to and during his time in prison, and he concludes with some thoughts for our time that I strongly agreed with. At points, I wanted him to go further, but ultimately the book is more about his change than about his prescription for fixing the world today.
October 2, 2022
A great journey of a man, and how he was called by God from a collision course with evil. His conclusion is especially encouraging and overall his change is evident in the lengths he went to make things right. Redemption and reconciliation are possible. I pray there is more of it, all over the world.
May 18, 2020
This is a riveting autobiography we’re Tarrants does not leave a stone unturned as he walks through the grace of God in his life. It is amazing to read about the power of God in turning this anti-Semite and racist into a radical for Jesus. If you enjoy biographies this is a book for you.
August 10, 2025
I listened to this book as an audiobook, which was really well done. This is a very powerful story of Thomas Tarrants who was a former KKK member who came to know the Lord while serving time in Prison. I appreciated Tarrants describing in great detail how he became involved in the KKK and how he came to accept such radical ideologies and justifying them as "christian." You really can see the slippery slope of his deception and how it grew. Later in Tarrant's life he had many opportunities to share his story among the Christian community. It was beautiful to read about a man who sought the Lord, listened to his voice and walked in obedience to God's voice. Tarrants went on to say, "No" to fame (even Christian fame) and many incredible opportunities, so he could be faithful to the Lord alone and maintain a low profile.
Tarrant's testimony is needed now more than ever. He concludes his book calling the Church to see the roots of racism and the many injustices we are facing as a failure of the Church's discipleship. Believers have not lived obedient lives before Christ as they should be and yet still claim to be his followers. He reminds his readers that the most needed thing is to have people's hearts changed so they can live lives of genuine repentance. It was a quick "read" and a beautiful story of Tarrant's transformation as a radical KKK member to going into full time ministry to pursue racial reconciliation. A powerful story of forgiveness!
Tarrant's testimony is needed now more than ever. He concludes his book calling the Church to see the roots of racism and the many injustices we are facing as a failure of the Church's discipleship. Believers have not lived obedient lives before Christ as they should be and yet still claim to be his followers. He reminds his readers that the most needed thing is to have people's hearts changed so they can live lives of genuine repentance. It was a quick "read" and a beautiful story of Tarrant's transformation as a radical KKK member to going into full time ministry to pursue racial reconciliation. A powerful story of forgiveness!
October 3, 2022
Picked this up because a Bible teacher asked me “How do I really feel about God forgiving sinners? Can I forgive injustices and allow God to be sovereign?”
This was an incredible story! The first part gave me a lot of insight into white supremest ideology. The redemptive part moved me to tears several times as I thought about my own family in similar situations. Losing a star because the narrative didn’t flow as smoothly as it could have.
This was an incredible story! The first part gave me a lot of insight into white supremest ideology. The redemptive part moved me to tears several times as I thought about my own family in similar situations. Losing a star because the narrative didn’t flow as smoothly as it could have.
December 10, 2019
Incredible! The power of Scripture can change the hardest of hearts.
May 15, 2020
Excellent book. Helpful for to see the journey into and out of White Supremacy. God can redeem and reconcile people, and it's beautiful to see.
July 6, 2019
This was good, although it focused more on his early involvement with the Klan, and less on modern-day racial reconciliation than I’d hoped. Or at least his vision of “racial reconciliation” wasn't as detailed as I'd hoped. 3.5 stars, full review coming for Shelf Awareness.
August 9, 2019
The true story of Terrants radical conversation from hate to the healing love of Christ is almost unheard of except it is true. This journey takes a troubled teen through a life of wrong decisions and bad choices to time in prison where he met Jesus Christ and was changed. But by the grace of God, Terrance is able to tell his story of redemption and healing.
This story is one that we see on the news in 2019, except the healing is not coming. The ending is different for the news stories we see played out today. The hate seems to not stop.
This story also tells the small impact my in-laws played in the life of this man. It is also an amazing story of how God uses us-when we are available!
This book is a must read! It is about race relations, political relations and how we as human beings must walk together. It is about how Jesus Christ can pursue and capture even the least of these-He wants to be in relationship with ALL of us.
This story is one that we see on the news in 2019, except the healing is not coming. The ending is different for the news stories we see played out today. The hate seems to not stop.
This story also tells the small impact my in-laws played in the life of this man. It is also an amazing story of how God uses us-when we are available!
This book is a must read! It is about race relations, political relations and how we as human beings must walk together. It is about how Jesus Christ can pursue and capture even the least of these-He wants to be in relationship with ALL of us.
August 7, 2019
Compelling Read
This is a remarkable book that I read in a day. An amazing story of a life transformed by Jesus. Whether you are Christian or not, the story in this book has resonance for our times. Highly recommended.
This is a remarkable book that I read in a day. An amazing story of a life transformed by Jesus. Whether you are Christian or not, the story in this book has resonance for our times. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2019
Such a powerful and remarkable witness to the power of the Holy Spirit. No one is beyond salvation.
September 21, 2019
A surprisingly good autobiography about a prison conversion. The author was affiliated with the KKK and was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for attempting to bomb the home of a prominent Jewish civil rights activist. His female accomplice was killed in a gun battle with the police who had been tipped off about the bombing plot. The author tried to escape, but was captured after being shot multiple times with a shot gun at close range. He returned fire and shot a policeman in the chest. Fortunately the officer survived so the author got a long prison sentence, but not the death penalty.
While the details of the authors’ criminal life are interesting, the book gains momentum when the author is placed in solitary confinement and begins reading voraciously. He begins with books and articles that support his beliefs of white supremacy and anti-Semitism, but moves to philosophy and finally to Scripture. His reading opened his eyes to the lack of critical thinking that resulted in his bigoted world view. As he read widely and began to meet Jews and African Americans, his world view began to fall apart and he became open to true Christianity. He had considered himself a patriot and a Christian, but realized that it was all based on an uncritical acceptance of what others told him.
This book was written because the author saw the return of such false patriotism and bigotry in American society.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While the details of the authors’ criminal life are interesting, the book gains momentum when the author is placed in solitary confinement and begins reading voraciously. He begins with books and articles that support his beliefs of white supremacy and anti-Semitism, but moves to philosophy and finally to Scripture. His reading opened his eyes to the lack of critical thinking that resulted in his bigoted world view. As he read widely and began to meet Jews and African Americans, his world view began to fall apart and he became open to true Christianity. He had considered himself a patriot and a Christian, but realized that it was all based on an uncritical acceptance of what others told him.
This book was written because the author saw the return of such false patriotism and bigotry in American society.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2019
I'm noticing a theme lately in books that I have read, and it is the power of an education, even just reading books, to change a person's whole world. The author's conversion from white supremacy and the KKK comes from reading books in prison that expand his worldview. It is so important to read widely and not just from one point of view, a dangerous practice that led the author to neo-Nazism in the first place. Another important aspect is building relationships with people that are different from you. The author first seeks to protect his homogeneous lifestyle, but when he makes friends with people of other races in prison, the lies he was taught about other races begin to unravel. The author also points to God and the Bible as the main impetus for his change of heart.
Since I did not grow up in the 1960's, it was enlightening, and scary, to read about the racial terrorism during that time and notice that it is still happening all these years later. I also learned about the people, books, and movements that taught and encouraged white supremacy during that time and the crazy conspiracy theories that fueled these movements and were repeated by people in positions of authority. The message is clear. Conspiracy theories are literally dangerous.
The second half of the book is mostly an evangelical sermon recounting the author's continued efforts at racial reconciliation and preaching about the true Christian's need to join these efforts.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Since I did not grow up in the 1960's, it was enlightening, and scary, to read about the racial terrorism during that time and notice that it is still happening all these years later. I also learned about the people, books, and movements that taught and encouraged white supremacy during that time and the crazy conspiracy theories that fueled these movements and were repeated by people in positions of authority. The message is clear. Conspiracy theories are literally dangerous.
The second half of the book is mostly an evangelical sermon recounting the author's continued efforts at racial reconciliation and preaching about the true Christian's need to join these efforts.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2023
Thomas Tarrants was a KKK, right wing, cop shooting, synagogue bombing extremist. His original hangup was with the supposed Jewish/Communist taking over the world fear. In this book he does an excellent job of summarizing the 50s/60s culture of the gun toting South. He shows that the KKK were a rogue group; that is, not approved by the larger Mississippi society. They were outlaws in the law's eyes. Good, solid American history.
Prison life is well-evoked without hyperbole. That portion of the book contains brilliant escape plans and run for your life pursuit and shoot out scenes.
Tarrants gradually changes all his perverse problems concerning blacks and Jews as he becomes a Christian religious thinker. But he doesn't shove it down your throat. I'm grateful that this didn't become another "saved" story with the usual born-again bombast. It's more about love. If you love me (God or Jesus), you must also love your fellow man regardless of color, creed or political persuasion. [He doesn't mention gays other than a mention of fighting over prison boyfriends being a cause of riots.]
Prison life is well-evoked without hyperbole. That portion of the book contains brilliant escape plans and run for your life pursuit and shoot out scenes.
Tarrants gradually changes all his perverse problems concerning blacks and Jews as he becomes a Christian religious thinker. But he doesn't shove it down your throat. I'm grateful that this didn't become another "saved" story with the usual born-again bombast. It's more about love. If you love me (God or Jesus), you must also love your fellow man regardless of color, creed or political persuasion. [He doesn't mention gays other than a mention of fighting over prison boyfriends being a cause of riots.]
January 10, 2025
This is one of the most accessible Christian testimonies I’ve read. It is both a history lesson into the business and dealings of the Ku Klux Klan and white nationalist groups of the 1960s and a first-person perspective on how people can believe and practice extremist ideas - often, there are gaps in the basic family structure, and young people who are impressionable are seduced into these worldviews and then pursue them further on their own. Yet, this book trumpets the graciousness of God, as expressed in Tom Tarrants’ live even before he became a Christian. God preserved his life even when Tarrants was filled with hate and evil to the very brim. He was lost and could not see it. He could have died multiple times, and it would be justified, but God spared him. In the midst of his torment, depression, and loneliness, God helped him to be free of his ideology and to be open to knowing the truth. In his journey of intellectual freedom, he came to know God by reading the Bible. God guided him to fellow believers and gave him a purpose from prison that continues today.
I recommend this book to any one who wonders whether God can change people.
I recommend this book to any one who wonders whether God can change people.
April 8, 2021
WOW. Wow. Wow. Wow.
This is one fascinating story! I was completely gripped through the whole thing! Not only is it a fantastic story, but it’s written incredibly well. It’s vulnerable and honest. It’s concise. It’s humble.
Tarrants credits his change of heart to his faith, and studying the Bible while in jail. If you are not a Christian, or a person who believes in God, it MAY be a little “preachy” for you at times, but I think you would still enjoy reading about his journey and experiences.
I’m honestly somewhat at a loss of words over this one. It was just SO good and very timely. At the end of the book, Tarrants discusses the current political turmoil, and it’s interesting to hear his perspective on it. Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love was just released in 2019, and I’m so glad it came out when it did. This is a message I think we all need to hear. Whether we believe in a higher power or not; whatever the higher power you believe in is called, we need to love each other.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. I absolutely loved it.
This is one fascinating story! I was completely gripped through the whole thing! Not only is it a fantastic story, but it’s written incredibly well. It’s vulnerable and honest. It’s concise. It’s humble.
Tarrants credits his change of heart to his faith, and studying the Bible while in jail. If you are not a Christian, or a person who believes in God, it MAY be a little “preachy” for you at times, but I think you would still enjoy reading about his journey and experiences.
I’m honestly somewhat at a loss of words over this one. It was just SO good and very timely. At the end of the book, Tarrants discusses the current political turmoil, and it’s interesting to hear his perspective on it. Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love was just released in 2019, and I’m so glad it came out when it did. This is a message I think we all need to hear. Whether we believe in a higher power or not; whatever the higher power you believe in is called, we need to love each other.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. I absolutely loved it.
April 25, 2024
This is an incredible autobiography of a example on how even though your life may seem completely lost and led astray from virtue, God will come in on the most unexpected moments and turn your life around if you're willing to accept him.
Thomas Tarrants was a radical terrorist who did many unspeakable things in his life. After countless close calls, many immoral crimes, a prison escape attempt, nearly losing his life MULTIPLE TIMES, and so much more, he felt defeated. He found himself gravitating towards God's word in prison. He was hopeless. Little did he know that God would call to him, and he would hear him in a way that changed his life for the better. And he soon began to realize the tremendous mercy God had bestowed on his life.
Truly amazing life story on how God gives us another shot at life. Makes me feel so much empathy for the people struggling with accepting God for the wrongs they've done in the past.
Very interesting book that I borrowed from my history teacher ✨️
Thomas Tarrants was a radical terrorist who did many unspeakable things in his life. After countless close calls, many immoral crimes, a prison escape attempt, nearly losing his life MULTIPLE TIMES, and so much more, he felt defeated. He found himself gravitating towards God's word in prison. He was hopeless. Little did he know that God would call to him, and he would hear him in a way that changed his life for the better. And he soon began to realize the tremendous mercy God had bestowed on his life.
Truly amazing life story on how God gives us another shot at life. Makes me feel so much empathy for the people struggling with accepting God for the wrongs they've done in the past.
Very interesting book that I borrowed from my history teacher ✨️
February 4, 2020
A while back, I ran across a book that stated that the person described had been,but no longer was a white supremacist. I seriously wondered how some one could so drastically change thier way of thinking, their very deeply held beliefs. So anyway i read both books. I absolutely belive Thomas A. Tarrants faith led him to truly honor and love people regardless of their skin color and ethnicity. There were two things i noticed these ex-haters shared in common, getting to know people who shattered their viewpoints of race and the development of critical thinking skills. Their way of believing was changed by their way of thinking. Tarrants was a terrorist. His love of Jesus changed that. Now he works for racial reconciliation as well as teaching biblical discipleship. Actually as he points out, they go hand in hand..
February 22, 2021
Talk about a 180 degree life-change! Yet, somehow none of this book seemed fantastical or outlandish, but true-to-life. While explanations of Thomas's radicalized thinking were given, it was for the reader to understand, not to make excuses.
The transformation of Tom Tarrants mind and heart could only come through a life committed to Christ. What really made me believe that his experience with Christ was real was his willingness to say "No" to having his story told by Billy Graham's World Wide Pictures. Rather Tom Tarrants worked quietly with small groups and individuals, working toward erasing racism, anti-Semitism, and polarized political views. And we need as much help in building toward peace as we can.
The transformation of Tom Tarrants mind and heart could only come through a life committed to Christ. What really made me believe that his experience with Christ was real was his willingness to say "No" to having his story told by Billy Graham's World Wide Pictures. Rather Tom Tarrants worked quietly with small groups and individuals, working toward erasing racism, anti-Semitism, and polarized political views. And we need as much help in building toward peace as we can.
February 12, 2022
What an incredible story! This needs to be made into a movie! Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love should be mandatory reading for every single High School student (and adult!) around the Nation and around the world. This will absolutely be added to my “Top 10 Books Every Person Should Read” list. Truly grateful for the Grace of God so clearly on display in this incredible story of redemption and reconciliation in the life of the author. Truly “Anything is possible with God.” Wow, what a story.
If anyone really and truly wants to bring healing, reconciliation, and restoration to the United States of America (or any other Nation for that matter) everything you need to do so will be found in the pages of this book. No exaggeration. Highly, HIGHLY recommended!
If anyone really and truly wants to bring healing, reconciliation, and restoration to the United States of America (or any other Nation for that matter) everything you need to do so will be found in the pages of this book. No exaggeration. Highly, HIGHLY recommended!
February 25, 2021
Thomas Tarrants story from the 1960's that totally resonates with today's America. His descent into radical terrorist groups that fomented racist ideas is one that is repeated so often today. Fortunately he was open to other philosophies and turned to the gospel to raise himself up out of that mindset. A good read for anyone wanting to understand how someone could be swayed into such beliefs and inspiring for anyone who would like to have at least conversation with someone in such a position.
February 15, 2021
Tarrants used to be a big ol' racist KKK supporting domestic terrorist. And now he's a pastor and works for racial reconciliation. That's a cool gospel story.
Also, his book is full of good stuff about how people who think differently can love each other and that is nice. And full of disconcerting stuff about how Communists can actually be blamed for anything we don't like in our society and it gives our hatreds an air of political holiness. Possibly you should read this book.
Also, his book is full of good stuff about how people who think differently can love each other and that is nice. And full of disconcerting stuff about how Communists can actually be blamed for anything we don't like in our society and it gives our hatreds an air of political holiness. Possibly you should read this book.
March 3, 2023
Wow, wow, wow! I could barely put this title down! Tarrants shares his testimony of God's work in his life. Part 1 describes Tarrants life in the 60s getting involved with the KKK and eventual imprisonment!🤯 (There is SO much more to say but you'll have to read that yourself!)Part 2 is his life after conversion and how God has dramatically changed his life! Praise God! A wonderful reminder that God can change any heart for His glory!
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