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A Sin by Any Other Name: Reckoning with Racism and the Heritage of the South
A descendant of Confederate General Robert E Lee chronicles his story of growing up with the South's most honored name, and confronts the privilege, racism, and subversion of the Gospel that came with it.
The Reverend Robert W. Lee was a little-known associate rector at a church in North Carolina until the Charlottesville protests, when he went public with his denunciation of white supremacy. His riveting speech at the 2017 MTV Awards got him appearances on All Things Considered and The View. But as the adulation poured in, so did the death threats. Weeks later, Lee was ousted from his church in North Carolina. Now he tells his story.
The Reverend Robert W. Lee's "memoir with a mission" shows what it was like growing up as a Lee in the South, including an insider's view of the world of the white Christian majority. The author, a professor at Appalachian State University, describes the inculcated nostalgia for the Lost Cause, and his gradual awakening to the cultural blindness and unspoken assumptions of white supremacy which had, almost without him knowing it, distorted his values, even his Christian faith. Lee finds in his own story—which includes a beloved African-American nanny—all the elements of a larger story that continues to unfold in our time, where assumptions about privilege, power and position are still defined by skin color. In particular, Lee will examine how many White Christians in the South continue to be complicit in a culture of racism and injustice.
This is a love letter to the South, from the South, by a Lee—but one that points the way toward change and renewal.
The Reverend Robert W. Lee was a little-known associate rector at a church in North Carolina until the Charlottesville protests, when he went public with his denunciation of white supremacy. His riveting speech at the 2017 MTV Awards got him appearances on All Things Considered and The View. But as the adulation poured in, so did the death threats. Weeks later, Lee was ousted from his church in North Carolina. Now he tells his story.
The Reverend Robert W. Lee's "memoir with a mission" shows what it was like growing up as a Lee in the South, including an insider's view of the world of the white Christian majority. The author, a professor at Appalachian State University, describes the inculcated nostalgia for the Lost Cause, and his gradual awakening to the cultural blindness and unspoken assumptions of white supremacy which had, almost without him knowing it, distorted his values, even his Christian faith. Lee finds in his own story—which includes a beloved African-American nanny—all the elements of a larger story that continues to unfold in our time, where assumptions about privilege, power and position are still defined by skin color. In particular, Lee will examine how many White Christians in the South continue to be complicit in a culture of racism and injustice.
This is a love letter to the South, from the South, by a Lee—but one that points the way toward change and renewal.
5 pages, Audiobook
First published April 2, 2019
46 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Robert W. Lee
6 books2 followersThe Rev. Dr. Robert W. Lee is an author and public theologian living in Statesville, North Carolina. Since 2017, Lee has been a vocal critic of his collateral namesake ancestor, Robert E. Lee and his actions regarding enslavement in the 1800's. This led to his appearance on the MTV Video Music Awards and ABC's The View. Additionally he has appeared on CNN, NPR, MSNBC, ABC News, among others.
Lee is a graduate of Appalachian State University, Duke University, and Pacific School of Religion. In 2020 he testified before the United States Congress on the issue of memory and Confederate monuments. In 2021 he offered a prayer at the Inaugural Prayer Service for President Joe Biden and Vice-President Harris after stumping for them in the 2020 election. In 2022, Rob was inducted into the auspicious Board of Preachers for the College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College. In 2024, Lee offered the invocation for the national 4th of July celebration at the White House.
As an author, Lee is the author of multiple books and forewords including a children's book released in late 2024. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, two daughters, their dogs, and in his spare time is an avid autograph collector.
Lee is a graduate of Appalachian State University, Duke University, and Pacific School of Religion. In 2020 he testified before the United States Congress on the issue of memory and Confederate monuments. In 2021 he offered a prayer at the Inaugural Prayer Service for President Joe Biden and Vice-President Harris after stumping for them in the 2020 election. In 2022, Rob was inducted into the auspicious Board of Preachers for the College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College. In 2024, Lee offered the invocation for the national 4th of July celebration at the White House.
As an author, Lee is the author of multiple books and forewords including a children's book released in late 2024. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, two daughters, their dogs, and in his spare time is an avid autograph collector.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 4, 2019
This is the first book I ever pre-ordered. When it arrived, I read it all in one sitting! I'm a WOC (Asian-American) who was raised in a conservative community in the South. I was taught the Lost Cause of the Confederacy like it was dogma. It was not until the aftermath of Charlottesville that I began to reexamine the heritage of the South. In the turbulent times that followed the tragedy of Charlottesville, Robert W. Lee IV (a descendant of the general whose monument was the center of the riots) appeared at the VMAs and boldly condemned racism and white supremacy. This book chronicles how Lee grew up with legacy of his name in the South, how he was shaped by his parents and black women who mentored him, and how he was called into the work of ministry and activism. Lee challenges his readers to stand up and speak out, and he issues a loving call for repentance and reconciliation.
April 4, 2019
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
I honestly cannot fathom the weight of being named Robert Lee and living in the South whether you are his descendent, as the author is, or not.
As Lee writes, his interactions with strangers generally go in two directions. The first being a quick look of surprise, followed by a “huh!”. The second being a “Oh cool! The South will rise again!”.
It’s the latter that is where this books heart lies.
In the wake of Charlottesville, rising hate, and police brutality, many Americans feel that the toxic hate that surrounds discussions of racial justice is once again on the rise.
While Charlottesville was out in the open and easy to condemn (for most), the more sinister hate and intolerance is the kind we encounter in our daily lives.
Lee writes about his hometown of Statesville, North Carolina. a small town with about 25,000 people. His childhood was filled with civil war reenactments, trips to museums that celebrated “Southern culture”, and idolization of Robert E. Lee. As with most young men perhaps, the author freely admits that his love of Lee, and his hanging of the Confederate flag above his bed wasn’t primarily out of racism or hate, it is simply what everyone did. Doing what everyone does is always easier than thinking critically and putting yourself at risk to potentially lose a career, friends or family. As Lee writes:
“There are many times when I wish I’d spoken up more. I recognize this is a privileged statement for me, because I get to pick and choose when to engage. Our black siblings aren’t always so lucky.”
Yet as Lee got older he eventually, through conversations with Black people close to his family and coworkers came to realize that his silence in the face of injustice was no longer acceptable if he was to continue calling himself a Christian, much less pursue his life as a pastor. He also recalled his life in a racially mixed high school where in the face of adults hurling invective at a Black student dressed as Santa Claus in a town parade, the town decided to avoid future “controversy” by deciding on the Santa themselves in the future.
He would would suffer consequence both financial and career wise for his willingness to speak but for a 26 year old young man descended from one of the most potent symbols of intolerance in America (Lee himself was neither all good or all evil of course. As with most people he was more complex than that. He did for example free his slaves at the outset of the Civil War as his apologists claim, but profited off of their free and forced labor for many, many years before that) it is highly admirable that he has added his voice to such an important issue in America.
Lee himself recognizes that without his name he probably would not have been called to this national debate but we do not always choose our calling, it often finds us. That this calling found such a seemingly compassionate and articulate man like Lee is a blessing for all of us invested in justice and dignity for all human beings. I eagerly await more from Lee in the future.
I honestly cannot fathom the weight of being named Robert Lee and living in the South whether you are his descendent, as the author is, or not.
As Lee writes, his interactions with strangers generally go in two directions. The first being a quick look of surprise, followed by a “huh!”. The second being a “Oh cool! The South will rise again!”.
It’s the latter that is where this books heart lies.
In the wake of Charlottesville, rising hate, and police brutality, many Americans feel that the toxic hate that surrounds discussions of racial justice is once again on the rise.
While Charlottesville was out in the open and easy to condemn (for most), the more sinister hate and intolerance is the kind we encounter in our daily lives.
Lee writes about his hometown of Statesville, North Carolina. a small town with about 25,000 people. His childhood was filled with civil war reenactments, trips to museums that celebrated “Southern culture”, and idolization of Robert E. Lee. As with most young men perhaps, the author freely admits that his love of Lee, and his hanging of the Confederate flag above his bed wasn’t primarily out of racism or hate, it is simply what everyone did. Doing what everyone does is always easier than thinking critically and putting yourself at risk to potentially lose a career, friends or family. As Lee writes:
“There are many times when I wish I’d spoken up more. I recognize this is a privileged statement for me, because I get to pick and choose when to engage. Our black siblings aren’t always so lucky.”
Yet as Lee got older he eventually, through conversations with Black people close to his family and coworkers came to realize that his silence in the face of injustice was no longer acceptable if he was to continue calling himself a Christian, much less pursue his life as a pastor. He also recalled his life in a racially mixed high school where in the face of adults hurling invective at a Black student dressed as Santa Claus in a town parade, the town decided to avoid future “controversy” by deciding on the Santa themselves in the future.
He would would suffer consequence both financial and career wise for his willingness to speak but for a 26 year old young man descended from one of the most potent symbols of intolerance in America (Lee himself was neither all good or all evil of course. As with most people he was more complex than that. He did for example free his slaves at the outset of the Civil War as his apologists claim, but profited off of their free and forced labor for many, many years before that) it is highly admirable that he has added his voice to such an important issue in America.
Lee himself recognizes that without his name he probably would not have been called to this national debate but we do not always choose our calling, it often finds us. That this calling found such a seemingly compassionate and articulate man like Lee is a blessing for all of us invested in justice and dignity for all human beings. I eagerly await more from Lee in the future.
August 3, 2020
This was...fine. It might be more eye-opening for others who have spent less time reading about this topic already, but I felt like he was mostly rehashing a lot of talking points that I've already read and doing so without quite as much depth. Also, I found the Christian bent off-putting. That being said, I agree with his arguments and I do think his points are important.
January 20, 2020
Robert W. Lee IV is a Methodist pastor and a distant nephew of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. This book is a brief memoir of the younger Lee’s journey towards advocacy for racial reconciliation. I agreed with much of what Lee wrote. America in general and the South in particular has a dark and complicated legacy of systemic racism, something that has lingering effects today. Although not everyone will agree with some of Lee’s proposals (e.g., that statues honoring Confederate generals should be taken down) I do think it’s helpful for us to think and talk through these issues. It’s especially important that we listen to those who are deeply offended by these relics of Southern history.
What concerned me the most in Lee’s memoir was the subtle ways he conflated LGBTQ+ issues with racial reconciliation issues. In my mind this is a great injustice in itself. Honoring the image of God in all humanity regardless of skin should not lead us to ignore what the Bible calls sin. In doing so we may create enemies on both sides of the political aisle, but I believe it is right and possible to speak out against racism while simultaneously upholding the sanctity of marriage and gender according to God’s design.
What concerned me the most in Lee’s memoir was the subtle ways he conflated LGBTQ+ issues with racial reconciliation issues. In my mind this is a great injustice in itself. Honoring the image of God in all humanity regardless of skin should not lead us to ignore what the Bible calls sin. In doing so we may create enemies on both sides of the political aisle, but I believe it is right and possible to speak out against racism while simultaneously upholding the sanctity of marriage and gender according to God’s design.
January 26, 2019
Growing up in the south with a name like "Robert Lee," the author has been pulled into more conversations about the Civil War, the south, and race than the average person. As a member of the Lee family, (Confederate General Robert E. Lee was a distant uncle) Confederate history has always been a significant part of his life. And, at one point in his adolescence, he sheepishly admits that he even decorated his bedroom in Confederate flags.
However, during his childhood of private schools and an all-white country club, he came to meet people who would gently encourage him to rethink this preconceptions of the past and reconsider the effect that commemorating that past may have on people living in the present. This book is partly a letter of appreciation for a few kind and patient older black women who lovingly molded him in his formative years, eventually leading him to join the ministry.
This book is also a lamentation on the state of the American church, including his heartbreak at losing his pulpit after speaking against white supremacy and in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement. Why, he asks, are there often two churches of each denomination in southern cities -- one for white believers and one for black? Doesn't the Bible that both of these churches read say that God "has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility"? He doesn't have the answers, but he is asking the questions, and suggesting that the obligation to answer them shouldn't fall solely on the shoulders of the black church, but is something that the whole church should figure out together.
Reverend Lee, despite his outspoken presence in the pulpit, writes in an almost quiet voice, clearly torn between his fear of drowning out other voices and his fear of staying silently complicit. His attitude reminds me of something Senator Cory Booker said on an episode of "Finding Your Roots" recently, that I feel is worth sharing here: "You have a choice in life, you can just sit back, getting fat, dumb, and happy, consuming all the blessings put before you, or it can metabolize inside of you, become fuel to get you into the fight, to make this democracy real, to make it true to its words that we can be a nation of liberty and justice for all."
This is a short book -- the hardcover comes in at 256 pages -- and is recommended reading for Christians with an interest in racial reconciliation. (Which, the author would argue, should be ALL of them.)
arc received from the publisher
However, during his childhood of private schools and an all-white country club, he came to meet people who would gently encourage him to rethink this preconceptions of the past and reconsider the effect that commemorating that past may have on people living in the present. This book is partly a letter of appreciation for a few kind and patient older black women who lovingly molded him in his formative years, eventually leading him to join the ministry.
This book is also a lamentation on the state of the American church, including his heartbreak at losing his pulpit after speaking against white supremacy and in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement. Why, he asks, are there often two churches of each denomination in southern cities -- one for white believers and one for black? Doesn't the Bible that both of these churches read say that God "has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility"? He doesn't have the answers, but he is asking the questions, and suggesting that the obligation to answer them shouldn't fall solely on the shoulders of the black church, but is something that the whole church should figure out together.
Reverend Lee, despite his outspoken presence in the pulpit, writes in an almost quiet voice, clearly torn between his fear of drowning out other voices and his fear of staying silently complicit. His attitude reminds me of something Senator Cory Booker said on an episode of "Finding Your Roots" recently, that I feel is worth sharing here: "You have a choice in life, you can just sit back, getting fat, dumb, and happy, consuming all the blessings put before you, or it can metabolize inside of you, become fuel to get you into the fight, to make this democracy real, to make it true to its words that we can be a nation of liberty and justice for all."
This is a short book -- the hardcover comes in at 256 pages -- and is recommended reading for Christians with an interest in racial reconciliation. (Which, the author would argue, should be ALL of them.)
arc received from the publisher
January 25, 2019
I originally requested a copy of this book from NetGalley to use for my thesis, in which I'm looking at racial identification in Southern news articles, hoping that it would be able to provide some clarity to current racial tensions. While I appreciated Lee's honest, candid sharing of his experiences, I was a little disappointed that only maybe the first third of the book talked about his experiences with racism. Beyond that, it was about the drama with his church as he called out white supremacy. While I am in no way trying to say that Lee's actions weren't bold or commendable -- because far from it, I think that Lee's actions should be commended -- I felt like I was being preached at by an author from a pulpit. The emphasis shifted from racism in the South to racist white christians who need to radically change the church. While some of the takeaways and calls to action could be used by people not in the church, it was very obvious who the intended audience was. Because of that shift after the one-third mark, I found it challenging feel like I was meant to be reading this book because I'm not a member of that intended audience. So I give it three starts -- it's well written, the stories are vivid, and the honesty is mind-blowing. Yet it was preachy and almost alienating, and those are two big turn offs for me.
March 12, 2020
Hate overshadows so much of lives around us. I have been following Reverend Lee for a long time and reading this memoir had brought me to tears and reflection when reminded of what has happened in recent time of Charlottesville, and the sin of racism still creeping around.
If our God is not a God of justice, redemption, faithfulness and love- then who is it we worship than a mere reflection of ourselves? And if our God IS of those things, then why are we not reflecting that as we were created in his image?
Not just as mere human beings, but as Christians as well, quite frankly it IS our business to fight for and love others- not only what Jesus teaches but even in the OT when it states we are called to be good stewards of His creation. We cannot care for someone’s soul if we do not care for their body.
“Don’t let death bring you to reconciliation with God or one another. The choice and chance for change isnow. We can and must do better and be better. Peoples lives depend on it.”
I am thankful for Reverend Lee’s work and dedication to God’s call in his life and fighting for what the church SHOULD be fighting for, even if he came to this conclusion slowly. I am thankful for the people in his life that have prayed for him and guided him.
I 100% will recommend this book to those willing to read it, despite bias’s of whatever they could hold.
If our God is not a God of justice, redemption, faithfulness and love- then who is it we worship than a mere reflection of ourselves? And if our God IS of those things, then why are we not reflecting that as we were created in his image?
Not just as mere human beings, but as Christians as well, quite frankly it IS our business to fight for and love others- not only what Jesus teaches but even in the OT when it states we are called to be good stewards of His creation. We cannot care for someone’s soul if we do not care for their body.
“Don’t let death bring you to reconciliation with God or one another. The choice and chance for change isnow. We can and must do better and be better. Peoples lives depend on it.”
I am thankful for Reverend Lee’s work and dedication to God’s call in his life and fighting for what the church SHOULD be fighting for, even if he came to this conclusion slowly. I am thankful for the people in his life that have prayed for him and guided him.
I 100% will recommend this book to those willing to read it, despite bias’s of whatever they could hold.
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August 12, 2020I question the Reverend's relationship to Robert Edward Lee and therefore would not recommend his book until he can provide proof to RE Lee.
I do not believe the Rev. Robert "Wright" Lee is related to the Lee's of Virginia and specifically not to RE Lee. Since 2017 Rev. Lee has presented himself as a 4th great nephew and that his 4th great uncle was the eldest brother of RE Lee, that being Charles Carter Lee. But Charles Carter Lee did not have a son that matches Rev. Lee's family.
Here are the facts. His father, grandfather and great grandfather share the Robert "Wright" Lee name. His 2x great grandfather was John Osborne Lee and his 3x great grandfather was Robert Scothrup Lee. All these men were from either North Carolina or Alabama. His 4x great grandfather was Col. William Lee, originally from Georgia and migrated into Alabama. Not one of these men are related to the Lee's of Virginia.
Rev. Lee has a similar surname but he is not related to the Lee's of Virginia. This is so easy to discover for yourself but everyone who has bought into his claim has done so blindly. I believe Reverend Lee is welcome to his opinion s and his politics but he does not have the right to claim the heritage of someone that is not his own.
I do not believe the Rev. Robert "Wright" Lee is related to the Lee's of Virginia and specifically not to RE Lee. Since 2017 Rev. Lee has presented himself as a 4th great nephew and that his 4th great uncle was the eldest brother of RE Lee, that being Charles Carter Lee. But Charles Carter Lee did not have a son that matches Rev. Lee's family.
Here are the facts. His father, grandfather and great grandfather share the Robert "Wright" Lee name. His 2x great grandfather was John Osborne Lee and his 3x great grandfather was Robert Scothrup Lee. All these men were from either North Carolina or Alabama. His 4x great grandfather was Col. William Lee, originally from Georgia and migrated into Alabama. Not one of these men are related to the Lee's of Virginia.
Rev. Lee has a similar surname but he is not related to the Lee's of Virginia. This is so easy to discover for yourself but everyone who has bought into his claim has done so blindly. I believe Reverend Lee is welcome to his opinion s and his politics but he does not have the right to claim the heritage of someone that is not his own.
May 18, 2019
It's worth the read. Robert W. Lee IV, Methodist minister, descendant of Robert E. Lee, southerner, religion columnist and faculty lecturer at Appalachian State University, has crafted a personal memoir of how he was thrust into the limelight after the Charlottesville protests. It's an easy-to-read volume that is sure to garner the applause of many, and rouse the ire of multitudes.
Lee recounts his childhood days growing up in steeply southern Statesville, North Carolina. But the author spends most of his time rehearsing the widening changes in his heart and mind with regard to race, especially as it is navigated in the South. The flash-point revolves around the Statue of his ancestor at the Charlottesville demonstrations. From that headline-making moment to the present, Lee's world completely changed as he became the poster-child for revising and redressing racial relationships throughout the United States of America, and especially in the South. Lee acknowledges that he comes from a family with progressive trends, and is a minister in a mainline Protestant denomination. Unsurprisingly, then, he subtly slides LGBTQ+ issues in with Civil Rights, and softly paints the opponents of one as opponents of the other (71, 146).
I had two reactions as I read the book. First, I am in agreement with the author's overall desire in regard to fostering a fairer society. I have spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force living out those changes. And in these last 20 years in which I have been a Christian minister, I have sought out ways to build better relational and ecclesiastical bridges with people of color, as the opportunities present themselves. So I read the book to gain insights, of which I acquired several. My second reaction was dissatisfaction. Clearly the author is young, and by his own admission, has "limited life experience" (24). I think this shows up clearly in the pristine idealism that has little to no recognition of the limits of his efforts; that most substantial changes come in small ways not lime-light ways; and that his moment may likely last only as long as he is seen as useful to the elites and intelligentsia. Lee's access to notability comes primarily from his family name and descent, which he seems to be displeased with. If he wasn't from a well-to-do white family, with a degree from Duke, and a descendant of Robert E. Lee, he would likely have remained an unknown minister, husband and son.
"A Sin by Any Other Name" is worth reading. It is a reminder that there are many "of us who in our whiteness have a sanctuary from the ugliness of racism" (177). It is also a valuable read, especially as we think through our national and societal symbols, and try to honestly see them as others see them, to discern if they are unjust. And if they are unjust, to think through ways that we can honor our blemished history without elevating the blemishes. Or, at the least, owning up to those blemishes without despising our forebearers. To be honest, despite all of our chronological snobbery and self-righteous smugness, I seriously doubt we would have done any better if we had been in their shoes. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Lee recounts his childhood days growing up in steeply southern Statesville, North Carolina. But the author spends most of his time rehearsing the widening changes in his heart and mind with regard to race, especially as it is navigated in the South. The flash-point revolves around the Statue of his ancestor at the Charlottesville demonstrations. From that headline-making moment to the present, Lee's world completely changed as he became the poster-child for revising and redressing racial relationships throughout the United States of America, and especially in the South. Lee acknowledges that he comes from a family with progressive trends, and is a minister in a mainline Protestant denomination. Unsurprisingly, then, he subtly slides LGBTQ+ issues in with Civil Rights, and softly paints the opponents of one as opponents of the other (71, 146).
I had two reactions as I read the book. First, I am in agreement with the author's overall desire in regard to fostering a fairer society. I have spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force living out those changes. And in these last 20 years in which I have been a Christian minister, I have sought out ways to build better relational and ecclesiastical bridges with people of color, as the opportunities present themselves. So I read the book to gain insights, of which I acquired several. My second reaction was dissatisfaction. Clearly the author is young, and by his own admission, has "limited life experience" (24). I think this shows up clearly in the pristine idealism that has little to no recognition of the limits of his efforts; that most substantial changes come in small ways not lime-light ways; and that his moment may likely last only as long as he is seen as useful to the elites and intelligentsia. Lee's access to notability comes primarily from his family name and descent, which he seems to be displeased with. If he wasn't from a well-to-do white family, with a degree from Duke, and a descendant of Robert E. Lee, he would likely have remained an unknown minister, husband and son.
"A Sin by Any Other Name" is worth reading. It is a reminder that there are many "of us who in our whiteness have a sanctuary from the ugliness of racism" (177). It is also a valuable read, especially as we think through our national and societal symbols, and try to honestly see them as others see them, to discern if they are unjust. And if they are unjust, to think through ways that we can honor our blemished history without elevating the blemishes. Or, at the least, owning up to those blemishes without despising our forebearers. To be honest, despite all of our chronological snobbery and self-righteous smugness, I seriously doubt we would have done any better if we had been in their shoes. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
July 12, 2020
More like 3.5 stars. The book has an important message, and I appreciate Rev. Lee’s willingness to share his story. For me, the book is at its best when the author recounts his youthful experiences, particularly the story of how his Black confirmation sponsor opened his eyes to a different view of the Confederate flag.
April 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The author (and subject of the book) is young, but I have a lot of respect for people willing to put their own comfort and future on the line to speak up for what they believe to be right. And he did it will humility and vulnerability.
April 26, 2019
Rev. Rob’s love of God and people is undeniable. As always, he is eloquent and thoughtful with his approach to the difficult work he has undertaken.
June 4, 2019
Review forthcoming.
October 25, 2020
But we all have a role to play, especially those of us who in our whiteness have a sanctuary from the ugliness of racism.
This book has 191 pages. I have 30+ highlights. I think that says enough, but just in case it doesn't --
Wow.
There are books I like, there are books I love, and there are books I need. The books I need tend to have something to say to me as an individual but also my cultural and societal upbringing. I love books about England and books about dragons but I don't need them. I need books drawing my attention to the problems of the South. I need books about the ways North Carolina can be better. I need books about the legacy of slavery and what I can do, as a white southerner, to no longer be complicit.
Lee's story resonated with me, as you can definitely tell. I'm from North Carolina. My grandpa started a Protestant church that is very white. My ancestors fought for the Confederates. Individuals at my rural high school would roll up with the stars and bars and Trump/Pence MAGA propaganda and no one would blink an eye. My town neighbors Lee's and recently (within the past year) took our Confederate monument down from the middle of downtown. The picture Lee painted was so, so familiar to me; it was a neighboring patch on the tapestry of the world.
And I'm ashamed.
I'm so ashamed of the pain my relatives have caused and the legacy of bondage and terror that my state is so proud of. But I don't have to let that shame drive me to stillness. I choose to seek out texts like this, and others involving race and modern America. I choose to educate myself and challenge my home. I choose to use my privilege for good and stand with Black individuals and individuals of color to make my state and my country equal for all.
After all, if the descendent of Robert E. Lee can do it -- so can I.
This book has 191 pages. I have 30+ highlights. I think that says enough, but just in case it doesn't --
Wow.
There are books I like, there are books I love, and there are books I need. The books I need tend to have something to say to me as an individual but also my cultural and societal upbringing. I love books about England and books about dragons but I don't need them. I need books drawing my attention to the problems of the South. I need books about the ways North Carolina can be better. I need books about the legacy of slavery and what I can do, as a white southerner, to no longer be complicit.
Lee's story resonated with me, as you can definitely tell. I'm from North Carolina. My grandpa started a Protestant church that is very white. My ancestors fought for the Confederates. Individuals at my rural high school would roll up with the stars and bars and Trump/Pence MAGA propaganda and no one would blink an eye. My town neighbors Lee's and recently (within the past year) took our Confederate monument down from the middle of downtown. The picture Lee painted was so, so familiar to me; it was a neighboring patch on the tapestry of the world.
And I'm ashamed.
I'm so ashamed of the pain my relatives have caused and the legacy of bondage and terror that my state is so proud of. But I don't have to let that shame drive me to stillness. I choose to seek out texts like this, and others involving race and modern America. I choose to educate myself and challenge my home. I choose to use my privilege for good and stand with Black individuals and individuals of color to make my state and my country equal for all.
After all, if the descendent of Robert E. Lee can do it -- so can I.
December 18, 2018
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is an important book to read. You might not agree 100% with what Lee believes, but you cannot argue with his perspective. Lee does have insight into southern ideology and history. Lee does provide a lineage that , if nothing else, gives him unique positioning during the current political debates surrounding the Confederate monuments across the south. His lineage does not validate his position more than another person's, but it does provide for an interesting background for Lee's ideas. Lee does a great job of illustrating small town, southern life, and how race relations are weaved throughout.
Lee could have added more examples of how his lineage influenced interactions with others, and how these interactions conveyed strong reactions from others. The examples in the book are a powerful tool to show others how prejudice spreads, even when it is not intentional. The juxtaposition of Lee's lineage and his belief system is what drives the book. A few more examples would not hurt. Lee explores the friendship he had with his African American nanny (and how this dynamic is replicated throughout the south). This friendship was vital in shaping the man Lee became, but this story stops almost abruptly, and there is a long gap in time in this narrative. I would have liked to at least known why the gap occurred and how Lee coped with the gap being that Janie was so important to his development.
This is an important book to read. You might not agree 100% with what Lee believes, but you cannot argue with his perspective. Lee does have insight into southern ideology and history. Lee does provide a lineage that , if nothing else, gives him unique positioning during the current political debates surrounding the Confederate monuments across the south. His lineage does not validate his position more than another person's, but it does provide for an interesting background for Lee's ideas. Lee does a great job of illustrating small town, southern life, and how race relations are weaved throughout.
Lee could have added more examples of how his lineage influenced interactions with others, and how these interactions conveyed strong reactions from others. The examples in the book are a powerful tool to show others how prejudice spreads, even when it is not intentional. The juxtaposition of Lee's lineage and his belief system is what drives the book. A few more examples would not hurt. Lee explores the friendship he had with his African American nanny (and how this dynamic is replicated throughout the south). This friendship was vital in shaping the man Lee became, but this story stops almost abruptly, and there is a long gap in time in this narrative. I would have liked to at least known why the gap occurred and how Lee coped with the gap being that Janie was so important to his development.
October 19, 2019
An interesting story, but a tad preachy. I had hoped for more personal stories. I did find it interesting to hear that as a kid Robert Lee wanted a postcard of his namesake and a Confederate flag to decorate his room. This seemed natural for a child of the South who's related to the man. What I found disturbing was that his parents never commented on his choice. Later in his life when he talks to his folks about this incident they explain that they felt very uncomfortable with his purchases, but they wanted him to make his own choices. How is he to make an informed decision if the adults in his life aren't willing to share their feelings and show him a better way to be in the world? His peers all have Confederate flags. It was only a black woman mentor that showed him the error of his ways. How many young white boys have this kind of influence in their lives? It was sad to read knowing that this kind of parenting perpetuates the problem. I wonder how prevalent this thinking is?
June 25, 2019
A quick but heartening read, A Sin By Any Other Name is lovely and uplifting albeit light. I was disappointed by the shallow level of analysis considering although a memoir, Lee aimed to tackle the complexities of contemporary Christianity, Southern heritage, race, and post-slavery justice. On the one hand, Lee's sincerity and beautiful spirituality jump off every page, but despite his unfailing earnestness and his strong language, the wholeness of the message feels unrealized. On the other hand, the simplicity of his message (and it's challenge to white people) is refreshing and an antidote to the constant apologizing and equivating that so many Christian leaders exercise when confronted with the topic of race. Overall, worth a read, not for the purposes of a better intellectual understanding of any of these issues, but some tangible inspiration to keep going.
June 25, 2019
A short book by a descendant and namesake of General Robert E. Lee that takes an honest look at the strengths and the challenges facing the South as a result of its history, this book was outstanding. Lee takes on hard issue after hard issue (language, the Confederate flag, statues and memorials, his family’s relationship with the household help, and more) while holding tight to the virtues of his native land (faith, community, hospitality, natural beauty). He is able to speak to the benefits that accrued to him as a White man, as a native son, and as the descendant of a regional hero, and take a hard and honest look at what that means to those who do not share those traits. This book has a lot to say, no matter where you live, but especially if you are White.
December 10, 2019
I have decided to read this book and support the author. I am glad for a breath of fresh air to hear people like Reverend Lee who has paid a price for calling out White Christian America for its continuous support of Racism. I have been disappointed for the silence of the majority of White Christians for not calling out Racism especially in the climate that this nation is in at this time.
The discussion is long overdue and time. I cannot understand why White Christians still support symbols of Racism and making an idol of Mr. Lee's ancestor. I am for honoring one's culture, not at the expense of those who have felt oppressed as a result of it. This book should be required reading for everyone who is against Racism and willing to speak truth to power despite the cost.
The discussion is long overdue and time. I cannot understand why White Christians still support symbols of Racism and making an idol of Mr. Lee's ancestor. I am for honoring one's culture, not at the expense of those who have felt oppressed as a result of it. This book should be required reading for everyone who is against Racism and willing to speak truth to power despite the cost.
June 6, 2020
I feel sure Lee is sincere in his battle against racism and thought his book was well written. I did have a few issues with it, though.
He infers that the south is the only region of the country that has a problem with racism even though he tells of an encounter he had in New Jersey. Current events tell us this is a nationwide problem that needs to be addressed.
A lot of Lee’s identity seems to be tied to the fact that he’s distantly related to Confederate General Robert E. Lee and that relation is supposed to make people more impressed that he’s fighting racism by speaking out against it.
In the end, this book felt like it was more about Lee’s moment in the spotlight than about ways to bring about change.
He infers that the south is the only region of the country that has a problem with racism even though he tells of an encounter he had in New Jersey. Current events tell us this is a nationwide problem that needs to be addressed.
A lot of Lee’s identity seems to be tied to the fact that he’s distantly related to Confederate General Robert E. Lee and that relation is supposed to make people more impressed that he’s fighting racism by speaking out against it.
In the end, this book felt like it was more about Lee’s moment in the spotlight than about ways to bring about change.
December 4, 2020
While much of the racism in the news today focuses on unconscious bias, where good people unintentionally do things that hurt others, or look the other way and excuse those who do, this book is about a different aspect, openly talked about in the south and growing among other groups and on the internet. This is the history some people talk about in southern states focusing on the motives and honor of the peoples in the civil war. This is one man's story of his connection to that viewpoint, his experiences inside of it and how he came to speak out to challenge and reform it. It helped to connect some of the odd things people have said on the news with my own very different experiences, but wasn't quite what I was looking for.
April 24, 2019
The rich, young ruler asked Jesus “What must I do to be saved?” Jesus responded “keep the commandments.” To which the ruler replied “I am already doing that. “ Jesus then said Give everything you have to the poor. Take up your cross, and follow Me. The Bible says that he went away sorrowful, because he possessed much. This book admonishes me to not be happy just keeping the commandments, but to acknowledge the burden of racism in the past and in the here-and-now, and to be more active in reconciliation.
January 10, 2019
Robert W. Lee was a young, newly minted pastor when his family connection to Robert E. Lee brought a spotlight to him, and he became a passionate spokesperson for race relations and the end to the glorification of the confederacy. Unfortunately, his church voted him out for his views, but he was unbowed. This fascinating book tells his story, and calls us to do our part in building bridges instead of walls. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2019
This book is especially intriguing because of the firsthand account of a member of the Lee family, which is a useful window into the tortured psychology of the South. This is a quick read that doesn't necessarily break any new ground on racism, but is nonetheless valuable for its contribution to the struggle for Southerners attempting to better understand their own narrative as set against the backdrop of their conflicted heritage.
February 15, 2019
Robert W. Lee writes with a clarity and honesty that is not at all common in most of my nonfiction reading. A Sin by Any Other Name treats on important and relevant topics and does so in a way that is compelling and clearly written.
April 13, 2019
Pastor Rob’s story is incredible, and his devotion and commitment to fighting for racial justice so that God’s Grace can permeate the darkness can be seen through this memoir. If you don’t know his story, pick up this book. It’s worth the read.
February 28, 2022
I think the author needs about 15 more years' experience before deciding to write a memoir. I agree with most of the points he made except for conflating LGBT issues with race. His book was light on theology and took on a "Hey look how brave I am because I was on TV tone."
December 2, 2019
When I first heard about this book I was interested, but I wasn't familiar with Robert W. Lee and his speaking out against white supremacy as a descendant of the Civil War general Robert E. Lee. Lee talks about growing up in Statesville, NC (which is only about an hour from where I grew up) and how as was age-appropriate his family told him about his famous ancestor. Lee's family didn't idolize General Lee, but his grandmother did have a portrait of him in her home and often told Lee and his brother stories about the famous Lee and many of their ancestors. When Lee went to high school he was exposed to more diversity and became friends with many African-American peers in the marching band. As he got older, he also became more uncomfortable with how his ancestor General Lee was so revered by many white Southerners. Having always felt called to ministry, Lee attended the Duke Divinity School and racial justice became part of his ministry focus. He had just started pastoring a church in Statesville when the Charlottesville, VA "Unite the Right" rally took place leading to violence and a few deaths. Because of a previous article he had written about the need to take down Confederate statues, NPR reached out to Lee for an interview. After the interview aired, MTV asked him to come and speak at the VMAs. Both of these events led to Lee being asked to resign as pastor of his church. While he was incredibly saddened to be asked to resign, he did and now speaks and writes about how the Church can play an important role in racial justice. While Lee is still pretty young, he has obviously been called to speak about this issue and has the family connection that might make some give his words more weight. His main message is that the Church should accept everyone and churches shouldn't be racially segregated and that for white Southerners speaking out against racism is the only way things will ever improve.
In my opinion, as a white Southerner, too many people put their faith in their comfort zone instead of God. Jesus was very radical, but the Church often shies away from truly being radically loving and challenging the status quo as Jesus did. In order for things to get better we need to focus more on God and less on South/North, White/Black, Democrat/Republican, Male/Female, etc.
Some quotes I liked:
"Michael Korda, in his biography of Lee, includes an observation about Lee and his legacy that's stuck with me: 'As the Confederacy shrank, [Lee] grew, symbolizing the unshakable spirit of resistance, stubborn hope, courage, and honor - beyond criticism, perhaps even beyond reason.' It's true. As the old ways of life in the South are rightfully challenged, people resistant to change cling ever tighter to Lee and what he represented." (p. 88)
[When he started getting hate mail and threats after speaking out against white supremacy and Confederate statues] "Then, several emails arrived. 'You need to be quiet,' one said. 'You're treading on dangerous grounds,' read another. The messages were vaguely threatening, but in an oddly Southern way. The words almost sounded kind, as if the senders were worried about the trouble I'd face if I kept making noise about these issues. But peel back that veneer of politeness and the message was clear: If you're gonna keep it up, watch out." (p. 123)
In my opinion, as a white Southerner, too many people put their faith in their comfort zone instead of God. Jesus was very radical, but the Church often shies away from truly being radically loving and challenging the status quo as Jesus did. In order for things to get better we need to focus more on God and less on South/North, White/Black, Democrat/Republican, Male/Female, etc.
Some quotes I liked:
"Michael Korda, in his biography of Lee, includes an observation about Lee and his legacy that's stuck with me: 'As the Confederacy shrank, [Lee] grew, symbolizing the unshakable spirit of resistance, stubborn hope, courage, and honor - beyond criticism, perhaps even beyond reason.' It's true. As the old ways of life in the South are rightfully challenged, people resistant to change cling ever tighter to Lee and what he represented." (p. 88)
[When he started getting hate mail and threats after speaking out against white supremacy and Confederate statues] "Then, several emails arrived. 'You need to be quiet,' one said. 'You're treading on dangerous grounds,' read another. The messages were vaguely threatening, but in an oddly Southern way. The words almost sounded kind, as if the senders were worried about the trouble I'd face if I kept making noise about these issues. But peel back that veneer of politeness and the message was clear: If you're gonna keep it up, watch out." (p. 123)
September 3, 2019
A quick, important read from a fellow North Carolinian and a descendant of General Robert E. Lee. He is young and hungry to follow the will of God and the example of Jesus.
“We have a choice. We can remain bystanders, complicit in our silence, or we can seek to be agents and effectors of change.
Plenty of well-meaning people have come to me after a sermon and said, ‘I just don’t know if I can do it by myself; I don’t know if it’s worth it to stir the pot.’
These are heartbreaking sentiments. There’s a cost to speaking up, and people have real and honest reasons for choosing to stay silent. But I remember looking at the lectionary one Sunday as I was about to preach, and having a verse from that week’s reading hit me like a train. In the Gospel of Mark it says, ‘What good is it if you gain the world, but forfeit your soul?’”
***
“Please hear me when I say I know this is risky business. But even in my relatively short experience of ministry, I have found more people willing to say yes to God’s dream than no. I met many of them not in church, but through social media outlets, around dinner tables with friends, and even in unexpected holy moments that took place outside the four walls of a church building. Howard Thurman is famously credited with saying, ‘Don’t be so heavenly minded that you do no earthly good.’ For too long, the church has existed as the gatekeeper to what is acceptable to the God we serve. Perhaps we could move into tomorrow with strong and certain hope that the Kingdom of God leaves no one behind.”
***
“The temptation to believe that we as individuals have no role in healing America’s sin of racism is too powerful. It’s demonic. I’ve been given a platform because of my family lineage, and because I was at the right place and ignorant enough to think I could make a difference...I feel a sense of responsibility because of my name. But we all have a role to play, especially those of us who in our whiteness have a sanctuary from the ugliness of racism. It’s easy to shield ourselves from the reality of race-based hatred in the United States. But our faith demands more. Our faith calls us to speak up, even when it is difficult. Anything less is complicity in sinfulness. We must resist.”
“We have a choice. We can remain bystanders, complicit in our silence, or we can seek to be agents and effectors of change.
Plenty of well-meaning people have come to me after a sermon and said, ‘I just don’t know if I can do it by myself; I don’t know if it’s worth it to stir the pot.’
These are heartbreaking sentiments. There’s a cost to speaking up, and people have real and honest reasons for choosing to stay silent. But I remember looking at the lectionary one Sunday as I was about to preach, and having a verse from that week’s reading hit me like a train. In the Gospel of Mark it says, ‘What good is it if you gain the world, but forfeit your soul?’”
***
“Please hear me when I say I know this is risky business. But even in my relatively short experience of ministry, I have found more people willing to say yes to God’s dream than no. I met many of them not in church, but through social media outlets, around dinner tables with friends, and even in unexpected holy moments that took place outside the four walls of a church building. Howard Thurman is famously credited with saying, ‘Don’t be so heavenly minded that you do no earthly good.’ For too long, the church has existed as the gatekeeper to what is acceptable to the God we serve. Perhaps we could move into tomorrow with strong and certain hope that the Kingdom of God leaves no one behind.”
***
“The temptation to believe that we as individuals have no role in healing America’s sin of racism is too powerful. It’s demonic. I’ve been given a platform because of my family lineage, and because I was at the right place and ignorant enough to think I could make a difference...I feel a sense of responsibility because of my name. But we all have a role to play, especially those of us who in our whiteness have a sanctuary from the ugliness of racism. It’s easy to shield ourselves from the reality of race-based hatred in the United States. But our faith demands more. Our faith calls us to speak up, even when it is difficult. Anything less is complicity in sinfulness. We must resist.”
October 16, 2020
Robert W. Lee, IV was given a platform, to speak about something that was meaningful to him, because of his name (and his claim to be a descendant 0f General Robert E. Lee). Now, I do not intend to insinuate that he is NOT descended from the former Confederate General; I don't know, and it does not matter to me (but, Lee is a common name in the south). He did take advantage of that platform, and I am glad that he did. Things that he says are important for people to hear, whatever your opinion might be. I have struggled with the problems that he has talked about all of my life, and that's not something that I am proud of. I was taught the Civil War was not about slavery, but about the Federal Government's ability to be able to tell states what they had to do. I was taught that Robert E. Lee was a godly Christian man, and a good man to all people. I can remember the Daughters of the Confederacy coming to our class room, and telling us about how the South had been falsely characterized about the reason for the war. When I was 7 or 8 years old, I can remember that African-Americans were not allowed to go into the same entrance of the theater, and not allowed to even sit on the same floor; attend the schools that white kids did, and the public pools that I know about were for whites only.
In this short book, he did good job of identifying the problem in the south, and in our country in general. He recognizes a problem that many southern whites could pass a polygraph on whether they were racist or not. The troubling part is that many don't want to be, but it is so deeply ingrained into the very fabric of their being -- that they don't recognize they are, until a ticklish situation raises its head; and they struggle with the way they feel. The overall theme of the book is that we need to communicate with each other, and until we do nothing will happen. I'm not sure how that communication will ever happen, because people can not be made to communicate.
I would recommend that people read, or listen, to this story -- especially people of the south. Approach it with a receptive heart, and the message should touch your heart.
In this short book, he did good job of identifying the problem in the south, and in our country in general. He recognizes a problem that many southern whites could pass a polygraph on whether they were racist or not. The troubling part is that many don't want to be, but it is so deeply ingrained into the very fabric of their being -- that they don't recognize they are, until a ticklish situation raises its head; and they struggle with the way they feel. The overall theme of the book is that we need to communicate with each other, and until we do nothing will happen. I'm not sure how that communication will ever happen, because people can not be made to communicate.
I would recommend that people read, or listen, to this story -- especially people of the south. Approach it with a receptive heart, and the message should touch your heart.
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