Intensional: Kingdom Ethnicity in a Divided World

by D.A. Horton

When it comes to the ethnic divisions in our world, we speak often of seeking racial reconciliation. But at no point have all the different ethnicities on Earth been reconciled. Animosity, distrust, and hostility among people from various ethnicities have always existed in American history. Even in the church, we have often built walls—ethnic segregation, classism, sexism, and theological tribes—to divide God’s people from each other.

But it shouldn’t be this way. God’s people are the only people on earth who have experienced true reconciliation. Who better to enter into the ethnic tensions of our day with the hope of Jesus?

In Intensional, pastor D. A. Horton steps into the tension to offer vision and practical guidance for Christians longing to embrace our Kingdom ethnicity, combating the hatred in our culture with the hope of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Race, Faith, Religion, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Theology

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2019

About the author

D.A. Horton, PhD serves as an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Intercultural Studies program at California Baptist University.

He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Theology with a North American Missions emphasis at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His dissertation was titled, The Quantitative and Qualitative Measuring of Spiritual Capital Among Latinas/os in Higher Education. He earned his Masters Degree in Christian Studies and B.S. in Biblical Studies from Calvary University.

He has authored nine books, taught Bible studies virtually through Family Life, Lifeway, and RightNow Media, and is frequently invited to speak at various conferences.

He and his wife Elicia have been married for 22 years, and they have two daughters and one son.

Reviews

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As outlined on the back cover of Intensional, D. A. Horton sets out to reframe the hostility and tension surrounding ethnicity, shifting the reader’s mindset from searching for “racial reconciliation” to “ethnic conciliation”. He believes “the words racial reconciliation usually trigger greater chasms of division rather than healing, repentance, and togetherness.” Horton argues that ethnic conciliation “is accomplished when we affirm (not ignore or idolize) the ethnic heritages of every human being and seek to remove animosity, distrust, and hostility from our interpersonal relationships.” going on to advocate that those who follow Jesus are the only qualified people to take up this holistic work.

He elaborates on this point, referencing Scripture, to illustrate the conciliation and reconciliation highlighted from Genesis to Revelation and the global mission given by Jesus to bring everyone into His family. Equipped with His Word and the Holy Spirit, as Christians, we are best placed to live out this ethnic conciliation work, and through it, share the power of the Gospel. Horton makes a compelling and well-thought through argument which I found enlightening and challenging.

“All people, of every ethnicity, gender, and social class, have the dignity of an image bearer and are therefore due equal respect.“ - From Intensional by D.A. Horton

Building on the above premise, that all people are made in the image of God and worthy of love, Horton summarises the creation of the concept “race” and it’s origins in privilege and dehumanization. Using history and the Bible, he explains the importance of, in comparison, ethnicity and our understanding of where we come from without allowing it to divide us.

“Privilege is not evil in and of itself. But we should be aware of it, and we should leverage our privilege for the benefit of those in the margins, to amplify the voices of those who are dismissed.” - From Intensional by D.A. Horton

Using the Biblical story as a guide, Horton illustrates a practical way to work towards ethnic conciliation. He paints a picture of what it would look like: compassion in our character, our communication, and our communities using Jesus’ parables to explain each. He creates a vivid representation for the importance of each, both to live more as Jesus did and to draw others to Him.

Being a pastor, Horton talks of how the church falls short for those in both the pulpit and the pews. He highlights the partiality the church shows explaining “partiality would not be a sin if it were consistent with God’s character. But Scripture shows us clearly: Our God is not a prejudiced God.” I’ve never heard the negative of partiality summed up quite so elegantly. Drawing on Matthew 7:12 “So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”, Horton reframed it in the context of ethnic conciliation as “we do this when we refuse to show partiality or neglect people because of their ethnicity.” He continues the discussion through an analysis of the Last Supper before explaining a Biblically-based way to go about calling out partiality.

At this point of the book, I was sold on Horton’s approach and fascinated by the way he weaved the Bible into his argument. Believing myself an impartial person, I had only agreed with him and then I hit chapter five where he reframed “colour blind” for me, explaining “Unity is not the same as conformity – and Christian color blindness suggests that conformity is what is required for people of color to be a harmonious part of the body of Christ.” Continuing on from this, he shows God to be the designer of ethnic diversity. He unpacks it into practical steps to appreciate and advocate unified diversity through intellectual equipping ourselves, building interpersonal relationships, and operating with interpersonal endurance.

The next chapter talks of tangible repentance and walking alongside the marginalized. The Bible speaks of this frequently and Horton links this approach to that of the changes needed in the church, in our communities and in us as individuals. He walks the reader through our marginalized presuppositions and how to shift them to a compassionate posture, how to engage with people in the margins; and adjusting our prayers to stay in God’s strength and will.

Chapter 7 outlines a plan to mobilize transformation through the church and change how it responds to racism and prejudice. It is succinct, well-argued and, if actioned, would radically change our communities. Hortons discusses it’s challenges and shares his success and failure stories, he’s walked this talk. He doesn’t pretend it will be quick or easy but rather worthwhile and rewarding.

The closing chapter frames unified diversity as kingdom ethics for a kingdom ethnicity – becoming a brochure of Heaven. It is Horton’s call to look to eternity, to live out God’s principles and prepare to live in a diverse Heaven.

“We can root our identity not in where we live or where we were born but in God’s Kingdom, which transcends every country, culture, and comfort.“ - From Intensional by D.A. Horton

The book covers a tough topic and doesn’t beat about the bush when talking about the scale of the challenge but Horton does it in a way that instills hope! Hope in the power of God, in humanity’s ability to change, in the power of love and in compassion. Full of stories, Biblical truth and practical steps, I loved this book from start to finish and will be chewing over it’s wisdom for days to come! It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In America Today, Christians are divided on how to define the gospel. In evangelicalism, leaders express the central gospel message (in content) but neglect to apply this message to the social turmoil surrounding them (in context). On the the other hand, those in mainline Christianity see the church's mission as mobilizing social action to alleviate injustice, representing the Kingdom of God and loving our neighbors-while forsaking the message of Christ's atoning work. But we miss the full gospel if we choose one side over the other. Our behavior as Christians is an outward expression of what we believe, and what we believe should trace back to the words of King Jesus.

Racial and gender tension is at an all time high. D.A. Horton challenges his readers with the gospel of racial and gender tension. To see fellow human beings made in the image of God and to have empathy with the tension. He does not claim it is all one sided, however, that each side should not be one against the other. It is not about being color blind but recognizing differences and embracing and learning from the differences to make us a community of believers. He is advocating community and what that looks like. What does leadership look like in the community. Does it speak for all or one? Leaders must take lead in how we all address the gospel. Jesus is not just for the white person or the black, or yellow. Jesus is not democrat or republican. Jesus is for the Kingdom of God and the rule of God.

Horton's voice is a much needed and one that challenges us on what we believe about the gospel. How the gospel can be spread when we operate with all made in the image of God and not one with superiority. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Tyndale House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Brandon Elrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

As evangelicals continue discussing how the church needs to be a part of the solution when dealing with ethnic tensions, Horton’s book provides a valuable perspective on how believers can move forward.

Horton shares his experiences navigating the challenges, and readers will benefit from hearing his story even if they don’t always agree with his proposals.

One thing that elevates his book, though, is Horton’s unwavering hope—his esperanza—as he trusts in the power of the gospel and believes God will ultimately set all things right.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book on why and how to fight racism that is based on biblical teaching. This is an awesome one. The author is a pastor. He really motivates readers to self-examine and, more importantly, do things we can do in our lane. He goes to the Scripture and point out because Scripture condemns the sin of partiality, that's the basis for Christians to stand against racism and treat it very seriously. He also talks about how the foundational sin behind the institution of slavery (and other policies that put other people groups at a disadvantage) is greed, which is also something Christians should take very seriously. He laid out many aspects Christians (and specifically Christian leaders) should pay attention to in order to see reconciliation happening between people groups.

For me, it is moving to see that an issue that seems so complicated and hard to resolve can be so simply and elegantly resolved by Christians following the word of God. By examining, repenting of, and taking seriously the sins of partiality and greed, just the way Christians are supposed to do in the first place.

In laying out a blueprint for things Christians can do or aspects we should pay particulary attention to, the author used a ton of acronyms that I struggle to remember even after reading them twice! I'm not an acronym person. But the vision he laid out is beautiful and makes me want to live out my faith more earnestly.

[Conrade Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different groups describe justice differently. For some, it is about retaliation. For others, it is about making sure the culprits are brought to justice and punished accordingly. Then, there are those who would use perceptions of injustice to do other forms of injustice. In a divided world, it is not just definitions or perceptions that are divided. People are deeply divided over matters of religion, political stance, language, looks, and especially ethnicities. If there is one thing that is badly needed, it is reconciliation. It is about building bridges instead of walls. It is about learning how to live and to accept one another's differences with grace and humility. This is what the kingdom of God looks like when it comes into the world. The biblical story is divided into four seasons: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration. As Horton works through the process of conciliation, he guides us with a theological principles of how the Church should practice and embody Galatians 3:26-28, the part about all people baptized into Christ, regardless of human distinctions. He warns the Church, especially the American Church about the "sin of partiality." If we take sides among our human race, then we are sinning against God. Looking at James 2, we learn about the dangers of using poverty and social ranks to judge people. We need to apply the golden rule. We need a "Color Blind Christianity," one that affirms a person's ethnicity. Affirmation is neither idolizing nor ignoring. Accepting one another's ethnic differences means we don't make it superior nor inferior.

As the author deals with the complexities of the divided world of opinions, perceptions, and tensions, he asks some pertinent questions:

What is ethnic conciliation? What does it look like?
How are we to show compassion?
What does it take to enable human flourishing?
Politics before faith? American Christians or Christian Americans?
What are the social commands of Jesus? Spiritual commands?
...

Apart from these, Horton also makes us face our own presuppositions as well. If there is any racial issues, remember that we are all part of the human race. He shares the story of a homeless man suffering from stage four pancreatic cancer wanting to receive the gospel. It seems like some of the most marginalized people in the world may very well be the most receptive to the gospel. Theologically speaking, the world we live in often push the gospel to the margins. If it is true that the discarded and the unwanted are most receptive, perhaps that is where more of our gospel work needs to be. Even as we work toward greater ethnic conciliation, it is important not to forget the higher calling to make the gospel known to all people, and not just to the people we like or feel comfortable with.

My Thoughts
==============
Ethnic conciliation and racial reconciliation is a long term project. It begins at a tender young age. I remember the times in which I have friends of all colours. We play together, eat together, and do many things together. Children don't have that tendency to distinguish between the different colours. By nature, they are gullible and innocent. The same cannot be said when they grow up and enter the larger world. Upon entering mainstream society, many people gravitate toward their own kinds, their comfortable cliques and their recognizable ethnic groups. Some would burst into a language they feel comfortable with. Others might do things according to interest and cultural patterns. It is inevitable for people to behave that way. The point is: Nurture often trumps nature in the world of ethnic relationships. It is not enough just to train children from young. What they learn then could easily disappear once the mainstream world takes hold of them. This is where Christians can lead the way to be children of God at all times. Horton shows us how to do just that. With the set of social commands, we are reminded to treat one another humanely, with mercy and grace.

Breaking the ethnic barriers is also a continual work in progress. Even if we succeed in one generation, with rising global movement of people and the growing refugee crisis in many parts of the world, we will always meet people from different walks of life. It is a case where instead of us going out into the world, the world may very well be coming in at us. Education is key and this book is one of many resources to help us do that. Having said that, teaching is one thing. Practicing it is another. Even though most people would agree that love, mercy, and justice are important, they all have different takes on that, just like the earlier mention about what justice means and how it is meted out.

For the work of conciliation to be sustained, we need as many partners as possible. From government to churches, businesses to individuals, whenever there is an opportunity to build bridges, use them. It is hard to build relationships, easy to break them. Education takes a long time. Tearing down relationships only takes a moment. Talk with one another more. Spend time understanding the different cultural differences. Learn to communicate at a level that is comfortable for all. Even while we acknowledge the presence of privilege, recognize the need to uphold the dignity of all. When in doubt, practice the golden rule. At all other times, work toward the practice of humility and love, grace and mercy, justice for all. "Together" is a great way to start, a great way to end, and a powerful way to journey with.

We need more reminders like this book from Horton. Every generation needs it. For all we know, this generation might need it more.

D A Horton is an assistant professor of intercultural studies at California Baptist University and pastor of Reach Fellowship, a church plant in Long Beach, California. He holds a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Calvary Bible College, a Masters Degree in Christian Studies from Calvary Theological Seminary and is currently working on his PhD in Applied Theology with a North American Missions emphasis at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Tyndale Publishing House, NavPress, and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like D. A. Horton. He's been on the forefront of standing for biblical ethnic conciliation for years. This was a good book, but nothing groundbreaking for me. I do appreciate that he remained biblically focused and rooted. He frames racism as the sin of partiality. I really found this needed. Most will argue that racism is a political tool. But, no bible believing Christian can deny partiality as a sin that must be dealt with in all our lives. The latter chapters dealt with a lot of practical tools to combat injustice and I believe we'll all find challenging things throughout the content. Yet, something felt lacking for me. It's a good book. But, I think it may be that the book seemed slow to start. He spent a lot of time initially presenting the Gospel. I am all the way here for the Gospel. But when you pick up a book about Kingdom Ethnicity in a Divided World, you don't necessarily expect chapters about the Gospel. So, I think I felt that the actual content I picked this book up to read, didn't begin until about Chapter 3 or 4. That led to the latter chapters feeling a bit rushed. I wish more time had been spent there. I'd actually rate this a 3.5

[Nathan Kornegay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really appreciate the importance of reframing language around racial issues. This book is great for new terms for how to understand how to love brothers and sisters from other backgrounds. However, the book lacks a lot of content and creative writing. One chapter alone includes 5 acronyms for how Christians are supposed to live. The book ends up sputtering out towards the end as the author seems to run out of things to say, but wants a book of substantial length. Ultimately a book with a few great ideas, but is very repetitive and not creative enough to be memorable.

[Brandon Woodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of brother Horton. This one took me longer to finish because I felt like it was a bit redundant in the beginning but I’m glad I picked the book back up. This book really is a good work in ethnic conciliation. I love the terms he uses and the roadmap for hope during these troubling times.

I encourage this work for those looking for a minority’s voice in ethnic conciliation or what many people call racial reconciliation.

[Noah Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, but not groundbreaking. A good place to start if you’re seeking to learn more about how to listen and fight for “ethnic conciliation”. Horton’s “in between” perspective is thoughtful and kind, but also stern and straightforward. There is no place for the sin of partiality in the church and ONLY Jesus and his church can bring the ethnic conciliation for which we long as a nation.

[Stephanie Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent challenge to the American church of 2020. Divisive times call for a Church dedicated to the radical unity of the Gospel. It begins with what Horton calls "ethnic conciliation" and leads to a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, multi-cultural church that meets the needs of the community in which it dwells.

[Otis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great material and excellent resource for encouragement on how to stay the course with the truth of God’s word toward ethical cleansing in the American church. Pastor D.A Horton book, is written with a purpose to move into this cleanse we need within the body of Christ. Great quick read with solid biblical truths. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. For me it’s a 4.5 stars.

[Natalie Eshman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a unique perspective on the issues that America is currently facing. I think everyone in the church would benefit from reading it; specifically chapters 4-7. I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horton prefers the term ethnic conciliation to racial reconciliation and makes a good case for it. There were helpful nuggets throughout the book. I thought the chapter on color blindness was particularly helpful.

[Frank Troth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a seasoned Latino (his preferred term) pastor in CA and author of several books, Horton addresses ethnic (preferred over race) issues in our culture at large, and in the church. Repentance and engagement. A couple of longer chapters on engagement near the end. It's a good book for a group discussion which is how I read it.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A convicting read about our true citizenship is in heaven. As Christians we form a new ethnic/cultural group together - one that includes all ethnicities under King Jesus.

Horton writes challenging and true words about the history, and subsequent division, of the word “race,” as well as the impact it has had on our world and church. He pushes us to recognize our own racism and ethnic prejudices as we build relationships and churches in order to be an example of the future City of God to the divided world we live in now.

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with wisdom, D.A.'s "brown voice" speaks with insight, candor, and hope for the church in regards to "Kingdom ethnicity."

My favorite concepts that Horton introduced me to and that will play in my mind for a long time include "ethnic conciliation" (instead of the typical "racial reconciliation") and "partiality."

(full disclosure: the literary agency I work for represents D.A. on this book)

[Misty Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book very interesting