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Might from the Margins: The Gospel's Power to Turn the Tables on Injustice
God has empowered marginalized Christians to transform the church. The power of the gospel is often most visible among those who have been the least respected, including racial or ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, women, and people who have been displaced from their homeland. Yet in many faith communities, these are the same people whose leadership gifts are least likely to be recognized. But the power of the gospel comes from God, not from other humans. This book is a passionate affirmation of the power already present among marginalized Christians and a call to recognize and embrace this power for the sake of helping the church become more like Christ. Marginalized Christians are already changing the face of the church. Will we embrace their power to change the church’s heart?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2020
32 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Dennis R. Edwards
11 books6 followersDennis R. Edwards is associate professor of New Testament at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. An author and sought-after speaker at conferences and universities, Edwards has served as a church planter in Brooklyn and Washington, DC. He has worked in urban ministry for nearly three decades. Edwards holds degrees from Cornell University (BS, chemical engineering), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MDiv, Urban Ministry), and Catholic University of America (MA & PhD, Biblical Studies), and is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 6, 2020
Centers POC reader. One of the few that had me going into scripture to read closer to some new revelations.
July 7, 2024
Such an important and well written book. This is a necessary exhortation, written in truth and love.
October 31, 2020
A must read!
June 27, 2022
The story of the early church is the story of a marginalized and oppressed people. It should come as not surprise, then, that the Gospel message is quite concerned about the presence of injustice and highlights the power of marginalized people. Written by New Testament scholar Dennis Edwards, Might from the Margins shows how the church finds strength through recognizing what God is doing through marginalized Christians.
Each chapter of this book is hard-hitting and worth a summary in its own right. The Power of a Diaspora People talks about how minority Christians have influenced and shaped Christianity outside of their homeland. The Power to Discern Injustice focuses on how listening to marginalized Christians helps us discern the pervasiveness of white supremacy and patriarchy with Christianity. The Power of Anger is a very good chapter about the positive use of anger and the righteousness of anger as a response to injustice.
Edwards’ rhetoric is powerful and compelling. For the marginalized, this book is a reminder that they are not powerless and, indeed, come much closer to the love and presence of God than those empowered. For those Christians in cultural power, it is a prophetic indictment that we have ignored those on the margins for our own gain and thus have lost this power that resides with marginalized communities.
One thing of note is that Might from the Margins pretty much has only ethnic marginalization in mind, remaining silent on other examples of marginalization, such as LGBTQ+ people. I think it is worth recognizing, even if Edwards does not feel like it is within the scope of his work, that much of what Edwards reveals about the Gospel’s power in the lives of marginalized is true as well of those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Might from the Margins is a unique look at the empowerment of marginalized peoples. It shows how marginalization has inculcated sensitivities, proclivities, discernments, and movements that help spread the Gospel. This does not mean we leave a marginalized people in their oppressed state, or that we justify oppression on the basis of how those who overcome end up stronger. Rather, it shows how God is especially at work among those whom the world deems on the margins of life. It’s a reflection of the New Testament, which constantly uplifts women, the poor, Samaritans, and others thought to be far from the center of power. Though far from the center of cultural power, Might from the Margins offers marginalized people groups a greater and longer-lasting power through Christ and calls empowered Christians—read white American evangelicals, for the most part—to learning from this group of people.
Each chapter of this book is hard-hitting and worth a summary in its own right. The Power of a Diaspora People talks about how minority Christians have influenced and shaped Christianity outside of their homeland. The Power to Discern Injustice focuses on how listening to marginalized Christians helps us discern the pervasiveness of white supremacy and patriarchy with Christianity. The Power of Anger is a very good chapter about the positive use of anger and the righteousness of anger as a response to injustice.
Edwards’ rhetoric is powerful and compelling. For the marginalized, this book is a reminder that they are not powerless and, indeed, come much closer to the love and presence of God than those empowered. For those Christians in cultural power, it is a prophetic indictment that we have ignored those on the margins for our own gain and thus have lost this power that resides with marginalized communities.
One thing of note is that Might from the Margins pretty much has only ethnic marginalization in mind, remaining silent on other examples of marginalization, such as LGBTQ+ people. I think it is worth recognizing, even if Edwards does not feel like it is within the scope of his work, that much of what Edwards reveals about the Gospel’s power in the lives of marginalized is true as well of those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Might from the Margins is a unique look at the empowerment of marginalized peoples. It shows how marginalization has inculcated sensitivities, proclivities, discernments, and movements that help spread the Gospel. This does not mean we leave a marginalized people in their oppressed state, or that we justify oppression on the basis of how those who overcome end up stronger. Rather, it shows how God is especially at work among those whom the world deems on the margins of life. It’s a reflection of the New Testament, which constantly uplifts women, the poor, Samaritans, and others thought to be far from the center of power. Though far from the center of cultural power, Might from the Margins offers marginalized people groups a greater and longer-lasting power through Christ and calls empowered Christians—read white American evangelicals, for the most part—to learning from this group of people.
May 22, 2024
A must read for every Black Christian in America. Sadly, it only gives a couple of token mentions to anyone other than Black, this was expected given the race of the author. As a 'Latinx' (HATE that word) it spoke some, but lacked any significant 'real world' situations/circumstances that 'we' would be more familiar with. In fact, one paragraph from the book appears to dismiss the continuing struggle of Hispanics by stating, “Latinx Christians, for example, have long figured out how to live within majority white culture, moving deftly between worlds.” Speaking as a lifelong American of Mexican descent, (not Latinx), I know scores of immigrants (my parents), and their offspring (ME), from ‘south of the border’. I’ve yet to hear one who would proudly say that they have ‘figured out how to live within majority white culture.” Or, would say that they know how to ‘move deftly between worlds.’ I could almost hear him saying, ‘you ‘browns’ have figured it out, we ‘blacks’ are still struggling.’ News flash for Mr. Edwards "we do struggle."
There was much information, personal, cultural, and social in the book. And, while I found myself many times yelling, “yes, that’s exactly right!”; I also found myself many times muttering, “really? Wow, dude.” Overall, I would highly recommend this book to all my African-American brethren. And, to anyone interested in hearing a concise opinion of racial relations in America from an African-American Christian perspective. Just don't go into it expecting answers.
There was much information, personal, cultural, and social in the book. And, while I found myself many times yelling, “yes, that’s exactly right!”; I also found myself many times muttering, “really? Wow, dude.” Overall, I would highly recommend this book to all my African-American brethren. And, to anyone interested in hearing a concise opinion of racial relations in America from an African-American Christian perspective. Just don't go into it expecting answers.
June 25, 2020
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a powerful read!
Edwards highlights how social justice, particularly regarding race and class, are highlighted in the Bible but lacking in many churches. Using verses and anecdotes Edwards talks about how the Bible calls for Christians to push the status quo and protect those with less power, whether they're immigrants or people of color or those who are not as wealthy.
There is not a lot of how to be more inclusive included in this book, but it lays the case for why churches in particular should be standing up to injustice and marginalization. Similarly sexuality is notably absent in this book that talks about the importance of building up communities that have traditionally be marginalized even within the church.
Overall it's a thought provoking read that explains why any Christian should be doing their part to change power dynamics and support movements like Black Lives Matter.
This is a powerful read!
Edwards highlights how social justice, particularly regarding race and class, are highlighted in the Bible but lacking in many churches. Using verses and anecdotes Edwards talks about how the Bible calls for Christians to push the status quo and protect those with less power, whether they're immigrants or people of color or those who are not as wealthy.
There is not a lot of how to be more inclusive included in this book, but it lays the case for why churches in particular should be standing up to injustice and marginalization. Similarly sexuality is notably absent in this book that talks about the importance of building up communities that have traditionally be marginalized even within the church.
Overall it's a thought provoking read that explains why any Christian should be doing their part to change power dynamics and support movements like Black Lives Matter.
August 27, 2020
A good, quick read for those wanting to dip their toes into how racial reconciliation and restoration within Christianity can look. Edwards writes in an accessible manner, drawing on both his personal experience and historical examples to make his point. He makes his theological points easy to understand, not requiring a seminarian's understanding of the Bible to follow the points he makes. It's a good overview and introduction to how racism affects Christian communities, particular American Evangelicals. He relies heavily on turning MLK's white-washed history on his head, but rarely lifts up other revolutionary voices and points. He also critiques communism at one point, but the evils of capitalism and its incompatibility with Christianity were not mentioned. For someone who wants to understand how Christians have a mandate to fight for social justice, this is a great book to start with.
November 14, 2020
This was a really good book. So much information to dwell in. Basically the gist of it is that marginalized Christians have a unique role in Christianity. Christian people of color have a unique relationship with God because of the obstacles we face. The book also exposes the problems of white Christianity. The author uses Scripture, personal stories, and other mediums to support his thoughts. This book couldn’t have come at a perfect time when this country is facing its own race issues.
I received this book thru Herald Press via NetGalley. All words expressed in this review are my opinions.
I received this book thru Herald Press via NetGalley. All words expressed in this review are my opinions.
March 2, 2021
Written by a New Testament scholar who brings his experience as a Black man ministering in various church contexts, Might From The Margins provides encouragement to the marginalized (POC, women, the poor, children and anyone suffering from any type of disability) that God has empowered them to embody the Gospel in the face of injustice.
As a reader who does not personally reside on the margins of society, I was honored to overhear this conversation and I found that it increased my desire to be with those on the margins, not only to defend and restore what belongs to them but to receive the powerful gifts that God has given them because they live on the margins.
As a reader who does not personally reside on the margins of society, I was honored to overhear this conversation and I found that it increased my desire to be with those on the margins, not only to defend and restore what belongs to them but to receive the powerful gifts that God has given them because they live on the margins.
October 30, 2023
A book of some of the most important themes of the gospel — but in a way the centers the marginalized, especially people of color.
What I appreciate is how these themes not only take on deeper meaning, but Edwards reveals the power and resources God gives the rest of the body because they understand things like hope, power, and love *as* oppressed people.
Edwards is also clear to “show his work” with the Scriptures, but in a way that you don’t get lost in the weeds.
He does draw predominantly from the Black American perspective, though not exclusively. I’d complement this with other books like Ekblad’s Reading the Bible with the Damned, etc
What I appreciate is how these themes not only take on deeper meaning, but Edwards reveals the power and resources God gives the rest of the body because they understand things like hope, power, and love *as* oppressed people.
Edwards is also clear to “show his work” with the Scriptures, but in a way that you don’t get lost in the weeds.
He does draw predominantly from the Black American perspective, though not exclusively. I’d complement this with other books like Ekblad’s Reading the Bible with the Damned, etc
November 14, 2020
This was a really good book. So much information to dwell in. Basically the gist of it is that marginalized Christians have a unique role in Christianity. Christian people of color have a unique relationship with God because of the obstacles we face. The book also exposes the problems of white Christianity. The author uses Scripture, personal stories, and other mediums to support his thoughts. This book couldn’t have come at a perfect time when this country is facing its own race issues.
August 4, 2021
I appreciated Dennis Edwards explanation of how marginalized Christians are best suited to transform the church. If you want to know where Jesus can be found in the neighborhood, look forward those who have been and are on the margins. Those best able to show us the way and the power the church reside on the margins. Very readable with a powerful message.
January 22, 2021
A must read for all Jesus followers serious about injustice.
August 25, 2022
Dr. Jemar Tisby has a saying - "Black people who press for racial justice in predominantly white spaces for long enough either sell out, burn out, or get pushed out."
This book gives Black Christians a gospel mission and Jesus-centered hope that does not rely on the approval of White people and can withstand persecution. In other words, this is a scripture grounded book that advocates agency and therefore restores dignity to Black Christians.
I found the chapter on the Power of Prophecy to be especially helpful, since in my faith tradition in a racially diverse church, the gift of prophecy is downplayed and misunderstood.
This book gives Black Christians a gospel mission and Jesus-centered hope that does not rely on the approval of White people and can withstand persecution. In other words, this is a scripture grounded book that advocates agency and therefore restores dignity to Black Christians.
I found the chapter on the Power of Prophecy to be especially helpful, since in my faith tradition in a racially diverse church, the gift of prophecy is downplayed and misunderstood.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews