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Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation
A slave runs away from his master. A mutual friend steps in to mediate between the two of them. Can there be healing in such a scarred relationship? In the face of such a daunting breach, is reconciliation (not to what was, but to what God designed) even possible?
This is the situation faced in the book of Philemon. From this short New Testament letter, pastor and author Dhati Lewis ( Among Wolves ) unpacks key principles that Paul applied to being an advocate in the midst of division.
The divisions of our day don’t look the same as Paul’s, but the principles are timeless. In 2 Corinthians 5, God commissioned us to be his ambassadors and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Whether we’re engaging in issues of politics, ethnicity, or religious beliefs, our heart posture should be one of an advocate set on reconciliation. The problem is, too many of us approach difficult conversations with the heart of an aggravator. Aggravators sometimes look like they are pursuing good things, but their heart is not toward reconciliation. Any motive less than reconciliation falls short of the desires of God’s heart.
We need godly advocates in every sphere of life. This book will specifically apply these principles to issues of ethnic division. Are you willing to call any division caused by discrimination, prejudice, or racism a sin? Do you want to grow in your ability to navigate tense and emotional conversations about ethnic divisions? Are you ready to become an advocate?
This is the situation faced in the book of Philemon. From this short New Testament letter, pastor and author Dhati Lewis ( Among Wolves ) unpacks key principles that Paul applied to being an advocate in the midst of division.
The divisions of our day don’t look the same as Paul’s, but the principles are timeless. In 2 Corinthians 5, God commissioned us to be his ambassadors and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Whether we’re engaging in issues of politics, ethnicity, or religious beliefs, our heart posture should be one of an advocate set on reconciliation. The problem is, too many of us approach difficult conversations with the heart of an aggravator. Aggravators sometimes look like they are pursuing good things, but their heart is not toward reconciliation. Any motive less than reconciliation falls short of the desires of God’s heart.
We need godly advocates in every sphere of life. This book will specifically apply these principles to issues of ethnic division. Are you willing to call any division caused by discrimination, prejudice, or racism a sin? Do you want to grow in your ability to navigate tense and emotional conversations about ethnic divisions? Are you ready to become an advocate?
160 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2019
39 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 29, 2022
Dhati Lewis, a black pastor, has some very insightful and eye opening ideas concerning race and reconciliation in this short book. It is rooted in scripture for the most part and gives an alternative perspective to the mainstream, secular narrative concerning race. I like that it actually offers ideas for how to come together and move forward as brothers and sisters in Christ. My only issues with the book was that he references two non-christians, Brene Brown and Robin DiAngelo, to form the basis for certain parts of his theory, and I think that this is problematic. But overall, I think that this is a great book and that Christians should definitely read it.
Dhati Lewis came to speak at our church last year and his sermon was wonderful - you can tell he is a man with a huge heart who loves all people, and has a deep desire to bring people together in Christ.
Dhati Lewis came to speak at our church last year and his sermon was wonderful - you can tell he is a man with a huge heart who loves all people, and has a deep desire to bring people together in Christ.
June 21, 2020
Dhati Lewis takes the reader through an honest conversation on racial divisions in the church through the lens of the story of Philemon. He begins with “where are we?”, exposing how the Church got to this place of being the most segregated part of our week. Then moves into a section title “where does God want us to be” which takes the reader through a series of convicting reminders of how God’s grace and love for us should compel us to love others, including those of other races, ethnicities and backgrounds, by relying on Christ, running to the tension and responding to others with dignity. Lastly he finishes up with “how do we get there, and what obstacles will keep us from getting there?” Which gives practical strategies for addressing racial division in our own hearts, families, churches and communities. This book was eye opening, and convicting. I feel more prepared to have tough conversations about racial division after this read.
November 21, 2019
'Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation' by Dhati Lewis is sure to be a handlebar to steer church leaders and Christ-followers toward biblical solutions in conversations on racial reconciliation. If you are someone, like me, who has become aware of the racial tensions and problems we are facing but needs courage and guidance on becoming an advocate who speaks up, then you will want to pick up this book of hope by Dhati Lewis.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2019/11...
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2019/11...
April 25, 2022
“The world is going to have its divisions. But not in God’s house. When the divisions of the world become the divisions of the church, we have to stop everything and address it.”
1. Where are we?
2. Where does God want us to be?
3. How do we get there?
4. What fears and obstacles will keep us from getting there?
“Are we willing to call any division that is caused by racism, discrimination, or prejudice a spiritual and moral problem? Are we willing to call it sin?”
1. Where are we?
2. Where does God want us to be?
3. How do we get there?
4. What fears and obstacles will keep us from getting there?
“Are we willing to call any division that is caused by racism, discrimination, or prejudice a spiritual and moral problem? Are we willing to call it sin?”
June 10, 2020
Dhati does a great job of using scripture to call Christians to action in regards to racial reconciliation. He uses the book of Philemon as an example throughout the book of what reconciliation should look like. He presents questions we should ask ourselves to see our own prejudices and sin against fellow image bearers of God. He provides seps/actions seen in scripture to take now to work towards racial reconciliation. I will refer back to this book in the future!
February 21, 2021
Super helpful. Very pastoral. Awesome life experience speaking into the issues.
Highly recommend for Christians. Didn’t blow my mind, but GREAT reminders for everybody.
Highly recommend for Christians. Didn’t blow my mind, but GREAT reminders for everybody.
August 5, 2019
At every turn we hear the term ‘racist’ or ‘racism’ or some other word to describe our differences, and the issues that ‘different’ implies. Dhati Lewis focuses mostly on ‘Black’ and ‘White’, mainly because his skin is one color, and that of his wife is the other. This ‘different’ has caused him problems within his family, because they were focused on their skin color and found it difficult to accept that one of their own would wish to be with someone of another color.
All in all, the discussion about racial profiling, racism in general, and racist comments and behavior needs to be addressed, and it would seem that a book like Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation would be the perfect vehicle to start the discussion. Lewis is Black, his wife is White. He is Black and pastors a predominantly White church. He has a perspective that most of us lack, yet the passion that he writes about having for seeing reconciliation doesn’t come across in the book.
He starts by telling us how Webster defines certain words, and then how he will use them; you can go to a dictionary and see how most people would use ‘advocate’ and ‘aggravator’. Lewis puts his own nuance on the words: an advocate has the goal of reconciliation. An aggravator describes any type of interaction where the goal is not reconciliation
And when it comes to ‘reconciliation’ he says he prefers to use the word in the biblical sense, (which isn’t defined as clearly as I would have liked to see since he is making it a major part of his thesis statement)
So, in this short book, Lewis address 4 main points. First is an awareness of the current situation—where we are. Then he moves into a discussion of where God wants us to be, and what that looks like. Next he moves on to developing a strategy for making that move, and ends with a discussion of the courage that we need to face the fears and challenges ahead.
Given the seriousness of the subject, this book had the potential to change our world, starting with our churches, unfortunately it falls short.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
3/5
All in all, the discussion about racial profiling, racism in general, and racist comments and behavior needs to be addressed, and it would seem that a book like Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation would be the perfect vehicle to start the discussion. Lewis is Black, his wife is White. He is Black and pastors a predominantly White church. He has a perspective that most of us lack, yet the passion that he writes about having for seeing reconciliation doesn’t come across in the book.
He starts by telling us how Webster defines certain words, and then how he will use them; you can go to a dictionary and see how most people would use ‘advocate’ and ‘aggravator’. Lewis puts his own nuance on the words: an advocate has the goal of reconciliation. An aggravator describes any type of interaction where the goal is not reconciliation
And when it comes to ‘reconciliation’ he says he prefers to use the word in the biblical sense, (which isn’t defined as clearly as I would have liked to see since he is making it a major part of his thesis statement)
So, in this short book, Lewis address 4 main points. First is an awareness of the current situation—where we are. Then he moves into a discussion of where God wants us to be, and what that looks like. Next he moves on to developing a strategy for making that move, and ends with a discussion of the courage that we need to face the fears and challenges ahead.
Given the seriousness of the subject, this book had the potential to change our world, starting with our churches, unfortunately it falls short.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
3/5
July 17, 2019
I am fatigued from all the talk of race relations. Author Dhati Lewis acknowledges that fatigue “comes from being worn out and exhausted after years of engaging and not feeling like any change is taking place.”
I did not want to read this book. But I read the book because I know it is a needed one. Thankfully, Lewis has succeeded in writing a clear and compelling vision for racial reconciliation.
A Narrow Path
Lewis acknowledges from the beginning of the book that he has his own biases. He is a black man with a white wife. And throughout the book, he confesses his own sins of regarding race relations. But despite his background, he maintains Biblical convictions and encourages the reader to do the same.
The book is less than 150 pages and Lewis writes with brevity. Even his illustrations are short and to the point. But this adds to the belief that we cannot cut corners when it comes to racial reconciliation. He presents his arguments as urgent and his applications as necessary.
Racial Reconciliation
After defining terms and The bulk of the book is spent on Philemon and Matthew 7:12-14 (The Golden Rule). The current presidency looms over this book but Lewis does not take political sides. Rather, he points us to Christ and encourages us to think through the issues.
Lewis has left a clear mark on what it means to be an advocate instead of an aggravator. It is a calling to Christ-likeness. It is not to be fighting, fleeing, or frozen. We are to love. He points us to hope in God through the power of the Holy Spirit while providing a look at his own practical strategic initiatives.
Advocates
As an Asian American, I do not know what it is like to be white or black. But Asian Americans share similar struggles. And while I am still fatigued with the current states of race relations, I am encouraged to pursue racial reconciliation. I needed to read this book, and I urge you to do the same.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation in exchange for an honest review.
I did not want to read this book. But I read the book because I know it is a needed one. Thankfully, Lewis has succeeded in writing a clear and compelling vision for racial reconciliation.
A Narrow Path
Lewis acknowledges from the beginning of the book that he has his own biases. He is a black man with a white wife. And throughout the book, he confesses his own sins of regarding race relations. But despite his background, he maintains Biblical convictions and encourages the reader to do the same.
The book is less than 150 pages and Lewis writes with brevity. Even his illustrations are short and to the point. But this adds to the belief that we cannot cut corners when it comes to racial reconciliation. He presents his arguments as urgent and his applications as necessary.
Racial Reconciliation
After defining terms and The bulk of the book is spent on Philemon and Matthew 7:12-14 (The Golden Rule). The current presidency looms over this book but Lewis does not take political sides. Rather, he points us to Christ and encourages us to think through the issues.
Lewis has left a clear mark on what it means to be an advocate instead of an aggravator. It is a calling to Christ-likeness. It is not to be fighting, fleeing, or frozen. We are to love. He points us to hope in God through the power of the Holy Spirit while providing a look at his own practical strategic initiatives.
Advocates
As an Asian American, I do not know what it is like to be white or black. But Asian Americans share similar struggles. And while I am still fatigued with the current states of race relations, I am encouraged to pursue racial reconciliation. I needed to read this book, and I urge you to do the same.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the Advocates: The Narrow Path to Racial Reconciliation in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2020
Dhati Lewis is a black pastor with a white wife in metro Atlanta. He’s had encounters with police officers unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. He pastors a multi-cultural inner-city church that’s part of a denomination that was founded by slaveowners (my own denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention). All these experiences and more make Lewis a natural candidate to write on issues of racial reconciliation.
In Advocates, Lewis challenges American Christians to follow Paul’s example in Philemon by relying on Christ, running to the tension orbiting racial issues, and responding to others with dignity. To be advocates for racial reconciliation, we must learn to “REP” Christ well by Reflecting personally, Empathizing corporately, and Pursuing reconciliation.
Many of those who read this review may wonder if a book like this is necessary. “I’m not racist! Why should I take time to read a book about racial reconciliation?” Near the book’s conclusion, Lewis contends that “white people in the United States (and particularly communities where the majority of people are White, like many evangelical churches) do not have nearly the same amount of critical conversations or engagement with racial issues as those of other races. . . . Because most White people do not experience racism on a regular basis, they wouldn’t often come home talking about it.”
Because many in my circle of influence have never/rarely experienced racism, we’ve spent little time studying, thinking, and talking about racism. As a result, our worldview is often weak because those muscles haven’t been exercised by truth. If you’ve never read a book on racial reconciliation from a Christian worldview, Advocates by Dhati Lewis might be a good place to start exercising those muscles for the glory of God.
In Advocates, Lewis challenges American Christians to follow Paul’s example in Philemon by relying on Christ, running to the tension orbiting racial issues, and responding to others with dignity. To be advocates for racial reconciliation, we must learn to “REP” Christ well by Reflecting personally, Empathizing corporately, and Pursuing reconciliation.
Many of those who read this review may wonder if a book like this is necessary. “I’m not racist! Why should I take time to read a book about racial reconciliation?” Near the book’s conclusion, Lewis contends that “white people in the United States (and particularly communities where the majority of people are White, like many evangelical churches) do not have nearly the same amount of critical conversations or engagement with racial issues as those of other races. . . . Because most White people do not experience racism on a regular basis, they wouldn’t often come home talking about it.”
Because many in my circle of influence have never/rarely experienced racism, we’ve spent little time studying, thinking, and talking about racism. As a result, our worldview is often weak because those muscles haven’t been exercised by truth. If you’ve never read a book on racial reconciliation from a Christian worldview, Advocates by Dhati Lewis might be a good place to start exercising those muscles for the glory of God.
August 10, 2021
If we are believers in Christ, how should that impact the way we approach questions of race and justice? If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, what should our heart attitude look like? I've read many books on race from both Christian and secular perspectives, and I found this one to be very helpful to me on a personal level. It's Scripture-saturated, very pastoral, and challenged my thinking on race but also a host of other areas of biblical application.
One example: I've sometimes bristled at Christians' focus on "racial reconciliation" because it's often done in a way that skips over the hard work of understanding and lamenting injustice and pain in order to achieve a quick but superficial unity, and because it sounds as if it presupposes a prior state of conciliation. This book helped me understand how racial reconciliation is to be our goal because it's an application of the ministry of reconciliation that the gospel is all about. And as Christians, we have something valuable to say about that the world does not.
This book is short, which makes it more accessible, but some sections could have benefited from being fleshed out better. No book can do or cover everything: I wouldn't recommend this to someone as an introduction to the topic of race and the gospel (it presumes a certain level of awareness and engagement already), but I also wouldn't want someone to get too far into considering these issues without reading this either.
One example: I've sometimes bristled at Christians' focus on "racial reconciliation" because it's often done in a way that skips over the hard work of understanding and lamenting injustice and pain in order to achieve a quick but superficial unity, and because it sounds as if it presupposes a prior state of conciliation. This book helped me understand how racial reconciliation is to be our goal because it's an application of the ministry of reconciliation that the gospel is all about. And as Christians, we have something valuable to say about that the world does not.
This book is short, which makes it more accessible, but some sections could have benefited from being fleshed out better. No book can do or cover everything: I wouldn't recommend this to someone as an introduction to the topic of race and the gospel (it presumes a certain level of awareness and engagement already), but I also wouldn't want someone to get too far into considering these issues without reading this either.
June 6, 2022
I don’t have to agree with every sentence in order to say this: This is one of the best books of practical theology about race I have ever read—an exploration of biblical Justice from a very conservative Black pastor which deliberately avoided taking “culture war” shots by focusing on the character of Christ and our impacts on our neighbours.
I am usually a freeze, fight, flee agitator (in that order) when it comes to issues of race. I realise this is sin and I am working to repent and become a better advocate and ambassador. Realizing that empathy is about emotional rather than experiential identification was an important confirmation for me. I recognize most of what Lewis says from my work with queer people and conservative Christians—now my challenge is to embody the Gospel better in conversations and advocacy around race.
I am usually a freeze, fight, flee agitator (in that order) when it comes to issues of race. I realise this is sin and I am working to repent and become a better advocate and ambassador. Realizing that empathy is about emotional rather than experiential identification was an important confirmation for me. I recognize most of what Lewis says from my work with queer people and conservative Christians—now my challenge is to embody the Gospel better in conversations and advocacy around race.
June 1, 2020
In light of recent tragic events, including the murder of George Floyd and the phone call of Amy Cooper, this book seemed like an important read.
Advocates presents a great introduction to the biblical basis for racial reconciliation. Drawing on the very heart of God, advocates rely on Christ, run to the tension, and respond with dignity.
It doesn’t spend much time dealing with practical action steps, but instead helps you understand the biblical imperative to seek justice and the heart motive that we must have as Christians in doing so.
This is a great place to start for anyone wanting to pursue peace and reconciliation in Christ.
Advocates presents a great introduction to the biblical basis for racial reconciliation. Drawing on the very heart of God, advocates rely on Christ, run to the tension, and respond with dignity.
It doesn’t spend much time dealing with practical action steps, but instead helps you understand the biblical imperative to seek justice and the heart motive that we must have as Christians in doing so.
This is a great place to start for anyone wanting to pursue peace and reconciliation in Christ.
November 11, 2019
Lewis explains what it means for Christians to become advocates in accordance with Christ's call and ministry of reconciliation through his church in a very approachable, honest, and practical way. How can we learn to listen to empathize, understand, and heal versus listening to argue? Why do radical issues make members of majority culture so uncomfortable and defensive? What place does a social justice issue like this really have in church life? The author addresses all of these things and more.
June 20, 2020
Dhati Lewis writes an important book on race and relationships with the Gospel leading reconciliation in our country. The chapters offer self-reflection and communal opportunity for all of us to take the chance to be apart of racial reconciliation in the country. The book goes through 7 key chapters and ends with an understanding of being brave and bold to address these issues. While Critical Race is evaluated in the book, it’s evaluated under a Gospel lens and displays how impactful, the theory when under Gospel authority can be to helping understand the need for reconciliation.
May 20, 2021
Advocates was a great intro into a biblical perspective in racial reconciliation. The advice Dhati gave is great not only for dealing with race issues, but for any area of conflict. The book does feel a bit dated though in that it was written to the American church shortly after the 2016 Presidential election. I hope that someone will take the wisdom of this book and write new book that will last through the ages.
December 25, 2020
Dhati uses this short book to push the church further down the road as we discuss racial injustices. I admire how he bypasses the argument about content and dedicates a lot of his time focusing on the postures of our hearts. If we seek to have unity we must have our hearts set on reconciliation not revenge.
March 16, 2021
This book caused me to look at myself and recognize how often I am the antigonizer in a sitaution about race. I am passionate and want to see change and sometimes get so caught up in that passion that I scream and cry and try to find ways to simply win. This book helped me take a step back and see a more Christ-filled approach to being an advocate in racial reconciliation
June 23, 2020
A Useful Framework
If you are seeking to enter into conversations of racism and how you might navigate those waters, you would do well to read this book. It provides a easy to understand and explain framework for becoming an advocate for reconciliation.
If you are seeking to enter into conversations of racism and how you might navigate those waters, you would do well to read this book. It provides a easy to understand and explain framework for becoming an advocate for reconciliation.
February 8, 2021
Great Christian perspective on reconciliation! Practical applications, backed (mostly) by scripture. Would recommend for the Christian that isn’t sure what their role is, or how to go about achieving their role, in racial reconciliation.
September 21, 2021
This is a short, pithy, and incredibly “doable” book that does a thorough job addressing racial reconciliation in a gospel-centered way. I really admire Dhati’s tone throughout the book, and would recommend this book to believers seeking to understand their role as “ministers of reconciliation”.
February 16, 2022
Super readable and understandable book, great place to start for ANYONE who feels like they want to enter in but “don’t know how.” Here’s how: read something from someone with experience, care and thoughtfulness, and the gospel in view.
June 21, 2020
It's a good starting point. Definitely the most powerful part were his personal stories from chapter 6. Hopeful to be able to apply some of these principles in my context going forward.
July 2, 2020
A balanced voice and practical application that is grounded in the Scriptures and rooted in the local church.
July 14, 2020
great book in applying the gospel to our current struggle for racial justice
July 28, 2019
Thought provoking. Would be great read in community.
September 8, 2021
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did, but it felt poorly edited. The content was good, but all of the thoughts seemed a bit too jumbled for me.
April 17, 2023
I began this tiny book almost 4 years ago. I have begun the book at least three times. I get to around the same place (between pages 80 and 90) and get bogged down and confused. Something doesn't make sense to me at about that point and I have to put the book aside and eventually begin again. While discussing this issue with Lewis' Advocates with my wife after this most recent attempt, I finally realized what was bothering me. Lewis starts conflating an advocate and an ambassador. In the scriptural corpus, we HAVE an advocate, but we are called to BE ambassadors. Those roles are widely different.
Where does this leave me with his book? Lewis has some interesting things to say but he bases his call to action on a faulty premise. I found it to be something I will just set aside and not bother about it any further. His premise is faulty, his error seems big to me, and the application from this fault is a call for a human to take the role of the Holy Spirit. That is a sure recipe for failure.
In preparing this review, I read some of the other, visible reviews on Good Reads. I see the giddiness of those reviewers and their strong praise and high marks. I wish I could join them, but I just can't. I'll hope to find something better in the future but I'm beginning to doubt I ever will.
Where does this leave me with his book? Lewis has some interesting things to say but he bases his call to action on a faulty premise. I found it to be something I will just set aside and not bother about it any further. His premise is faulty, his error seems big to me, and the application from this fault is a call for a human to take the role of the Holy Spirit. That is a sure recipe for failure.
In preparing this review, I read some of the other, visible reviews on Good Reads. I see the giddiness of those reviewers and their strong praise and high marks. I wish I could join them, but I just can't. I'll hope to find something better in the future but I'm beginning to doubt I ever will.
December 9, 2020
Advocates was a wonderful and challenging book to read. Lewis is able to eloquently and succinctly share his story and provide practical steps that we can take to pursue reconciliation. He makes it crystal clear that reconciliation isn’t a pipe dream or a “nice to have” but is a command that we are empowered to follow through on. This book is grounded in truth and filled to the brim with practicality.
Read more here: https://workinprogressblog.co/2020/06...
Read more here: https://workinprogressblog.co/2020/06...
February 26, 2022
Love Dhati Lewis’ writing. His thoughts and breakdown on what being an advocate vs. an aggravator has been incredibly helpful in analyzing the motivations behind my actions both in predominantly white and predominantly black spaces. Been through this book 5 times now and every time I draw something new out.
August 15, 2022
As a personal take, this is an insightful book but imo it is not abstract enough to truly address the issues the author wants to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews