Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations

by Isaac Adams

Conversations about racism are as important as they are hard for American Christians. Yet the conversation often gets so ugly, even among the faithful who claim unity in Jesus. Why is that the case? Why does it matter? Can things get better, or are we permanently divided? In this honest and hopeful book, pastor Isaac Adams doesn't just show you how to have the race conversation, he begins it for you. By offering a fictional, racially charged tragedy in order to understand varying perspectives and responses, he examines what is at stake if we ignore this conversation, and why there's just as much at stake in how we have that discussion, especially across color lines--that is, with people of another ethnicity. This unique approach offers insight into how to listen to one another well and seek unity in Christ. Looking to God's Word, Christians can find wisdom to speak gracefully and truthfully about racism for the glory of God, the good of their neighbors, and the building up of the church. Some feel that the time for talking is over, and that we've heard all this before. But given how polarized American society is becoming--its churches not exempt--fresh attention on the dysfunctional communication between ethnicities is more than warranted. Adams offers an invitation to faithfully combat the racism so many of us say we hate and maintain the unity so many of us say we want. Together we can learn to speak in such a way that we show a divided world a different world. Talking About Race points to the starting line, not the finish line, when it comes to following Jesus amid race relations. It’s high time to begin running.

Genres: Christian, Race, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Social Issues, Faith

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 4, 2022

About the author

Adams studied journalism and religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his Masters of Divinity from Southern Seminary. Isaac served briefly overseas with the International Mission Board before serving on staff with organizations like Together for the Gospel, CROSS Conference, and The Front Porch.

In 2017, he founded United? We Pray, a ministry devoted to praying about racial strife—especially between Christians. He is the lead pastor of Iron City Church in Birmingham.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac wades into the race conversation not as a pundit or self-styled prophet, but as a pastor. If Christians in droves began reading and applying the insights contained in this book, our churches—and nation—would be in a much better place.

It’s possible that my church members will grow tired of me recommending this book. So be it. They—and their pastor—need its truth and wisdom, over and over again.

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only comparison I have to my experience reading it was when I read Owen's Mortification of Sin--in that I felt emotionally exhausted engaging with it, but putting it down felt like stopping in the middle of open-heart surgery.

Truthfully, I was pretty skeptical of the whole fictional scenario thing walking into it. But I was sold on it by the end of the Hunter chapter. I think it allowed Adams to winsomely and kindly raise statements that are all too familiar, and critique them without it feeling like he's criticizing 'my guy' at any point. His encouragement for each person is pastoral, gentle and firm. The model of beginning with encouragement and what you can affirm (especially with the two sisters) is helpful and instructive. Much of 'the discussion' on race so lacks that pastoral care. I'm thankful to Adams for modelling so well what it looks like to love brothers and sisters, especially when they differ from you on even incredibly important issues.

More than that, he's written something I personally know I will benefit from returning to multiple times. I'm praying right now for the Lord to use it to build up his church, expose sin, promote humility and care for one another in general. And in particular that it would help saints discuss race and racial divisions in a way that not only honors Christ in our tone, but sets the stage for useful, practical progress. May we enjoy even more the unity we have in Christ!

[Jeremy Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve honestly never read a book on race quite like Isaac’s Talking about Race. You know when a racial tragedy occurs and you hear a cacophony of voices competing to share their opinion? How do you wade through these conversations? Isaac shows us. Using dialogue between fictionalized characters (from a variety of ethnic and vocational backgrounds), Isaac lays bare the varying assumptions, beliefs, and desires we carry into conversations about race. Taking it a step further, Isaac packs hope and affection into his writing with his pastorally wise and compassionate instincts. Something I love about Isaac in this book and in real life is that he is eager to point out evidence of God’s grace in the lives of others…even in those with whom he might find disagreement. In modeling a ministry of grace, Isaac charts a path toward redemption and unity in conversations on race. He gives us the guardrails for engaging in this difficult conversation with charity and empathy, all for the purpose of unity in Christ. If you want to gain an enhanced perspective on the lives and experiences of the “other” and a more empathetic posture toward those who are hurting, buy a copy of this book. Better yet, buy two copies and read it with someone! Better still, read it with someone you *know* disagrees with you on issues surrounding race. I pray God uses it to build our love for one another and our unity in Christ.

[Rob McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is important; this book is relevant; this book is filled with much needed nuance, counsel, and love. Such a unique format that gives invaluable and balanced insights into different perspectives in race that Christians can bring into already charged conversations. My friend has written a tremendous work that will help guide all who love Jesus through these challenges with a heart to glorify God more.

[Mark Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting at all.

Adams presents something of a case study with a series of individuals responding to another news story with racial dynamics. He evaluates and offers wise encouragements and godly critiques.

No pat answers or quick fixes are provided (which might frustrate some), instead gracious, gospel saturated encouragements and calls to pray.

[AddyF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be the most unifying book on racial justice that is on the market for evangelical Christians. Isaac Adams takes a unique approach by creating a fictionalized story of a police shooting and then telling the story through the perspective of several different characters who are all part of the same church. He devotes a chapter to each character and then follows up each chapter with a chapter of "pastoral counseling" for each character. He points out the evidences of grace in each character's perspective, but he also points out how each character's perspective falls short and gives encouragement on how he/she can grow. I think we can all see ourselves in at least one of the characters, and we can probably see those we love but strongly disagree with in the other characters. In a culture where we tend to see our brothers' and sisters' perspectives according to caricatures from sensational media stories, Adams' approach encourages an environment where people from different perspectives can discuss this book together and grow in understanding and love. I recommend that you not only read this, but that you ask someone who disagrees with you on racial issues to read it with you and discuss it together.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important for those looking to engage with the conversation about race that so often seems avoided. Adams’s overarching theme of prayer is evident on every page as he traces the difficulty of the conversation about race by providing helpful stories to illustrate the difficulties that plague this hard but necessary conversation. A worthwhile read for those seeking to love brothers and sisters across the color line.

[Rick Ruble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I would recommend for anyone interested in grappling with how they can make a positive difference in our current (2022) racial environment.
It is difficult to read because it challenges the assumptions and worldview of whites and blacks.
It's not a book that tackles solutions to systemic problems, but one that tackles the critical question of how to talk about race and racial issues.

It was very difficult for me to read because it challenged my worldview (as someone committed to friendship and reconciliation across racial lines).

It is written from a Biblical worldview, so the issue is how can a follower of Jesus find a way to have honest and hard conversations without being offensive or defensive.

I think that it is an equally hard read for whites, for blacks, and anyone not in the majority race/heritage of a culture. It is well worth your time.

[Trent Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talking about Race is the best book I’ve read this calendar year. The book is nuanced, honest, pastoral, and hopeful. Corvallis friends, check it out from the library.

[mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting

[Josh Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books on racial relations, particularly from a Christian perspective, and after a while you begin to recognize the familiar beats. Most books are written to rally the troops. Some books are meant to educate those who are willing to go on the journey of reconciliation. Very few are written ironically, comprehensively, and compassionately enough to draw in those who needs their minds changed. Talking About Race is a book meant to engage others in how to have a conversation about racial issues and it practices what it preaches. Early on, Isaac Adams makes his book’s point very clear: Christians in America have a communication problem regarding race and racism that’s worth studying in light of God’s Word.

Adams divides Talking About Race into two parts. The first is a character study that introduces five diverse, fictional individuals who hear the news that an unarmed, Black man was shot and killed by police in Chicago. Each of the first five chapters follows that characters’ perspective. Adams attempts to faithfully present each perspective with compassion and nuance. This is followed by a non-fictional reflection of why each character held the perspective they had and what needs to be done to alter their perspective or speak about their perspective in a meaningful way.

Along the way, Adams has advice for both Black and white Christians. Should Black Christians leave majority-white churches? What’s the issue with color-blindness? How can pastors navigate building a multicultural community? By using story as a means of teaching (how very like Jesus), Talking About Race is able to put readers in the safety of the hypothetical. That’s what good fiction does. It allows us to see things from a different perspective and learn from that. The stories that Adams tells will be familiar. They’re amalgamations of thousands of stories lived out in reality. And by exploring those stories and conversation, Adams hopes to bring the fictional into reality and improve how we talk about racial injustice and inequality.

Talking About Race believes that the key to racial reconciliation is racial conversation and the relationships that develop through sharing life with one another and understanding one another’s perspectives. Real-life conversations aren’t fiction. They won’t be as easy or as clear-cut as Adams describes. But they’re necessary. There are a lot of books that clearly explain the roots and the continuance of racial injustice. Adams teaches readers how to talk about what we’ve learned in those books, and the news, and through the culture, and from the pulpit, in ways that beneficial and God-honoring. It’s a worthy addition to the conversation.

[David Clouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adams offers a unique writing perspective on the topic of race in this book. The first half of the book is comprised of fake characters and situations (that I believe were based on real events or similar situations). These characters are all different ages and ethnicities and they’re wrestling with news of a recent murder of a black man. One chapter shows events in their life and the next has the author showing how he might counsel someone going through that situation. He typically shows the good and bad thoughts or actions of each character. The second half of the book becomes more practical about how and why we should be talking about race. Overall, good book on race and how to begin having conversations with others about race.

[John Pawlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully encouraging book! Most of the books on race and the church that I’ve read are either addressing the topic of racism itself, it’s structural nature, narratives about race, or criticism of certain methods.

This book is a conversation between two people in the church who almost see eye to eye, but are caught up on a few things that make it difficult to have race conversations. Most people I meet tend to fall into this middle confused category where they have desires for understanding but difficulty talking about it with others, particularly black friends of theirs! Written from Isaac’s pastoral heart, and filled with good wisdom!

[Bayley Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love sitting under my pastor’s teaching on Sundays. It came as no surprise to me that I loved reading his writing in this book throughout the week. Isaac Adams has a God-given gift of words and compassion. He writes from personal experience as well as learning from his neighbors. This book has encouraged, strengthened, and convicted me in the ways I interact with the racism of our fallen world. In addition to teaching and explaining, practical steps are given toward making earth as it is in heaven—what we as Christians pray and work for!!
5/5 stars.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to recommend about this book. I think that anyone would find this a helpful primer on how to get better in how we talk about race. There is a narrative framework to the book that I found incredibly helpful in helping me engage with different perspectives, and which helped Adams give pointed and helpful counsel to participants coming from various vantage points. Highly recommended.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent first step in learning how to talk about racial issues. Adams is fair minded and compassionate. He interprets and applies the scriptures accurately. You will have better insight into the challenges that black members in mostly white churches face when racial issues become a focal point in our culture. Highly recommended.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of wonderful biblical corrections and helps

[Ched Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible and well-written treatment of race and the impact of the gospel in these conversations. Adams blends stories, pastoral counsel, and theological reflection throughout. The great strength of the book is how it allows a reader to consider multiple perspectives and consider the types of masks that someone might use in conversations about race. Anchored in the hope of the gospel, Adams asks hard questions and navigates difficult topics (he addresses broad concerns but also examines specific issues). The structure of the book is nicely designed for discussion groups and includes resources for further study. Highly recommended!

[Peter Krol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended, if you could use some gospel hope for hard conversations.

2023 update: Really great to read to my teenagers. Sparked quite a few important conversations.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaac Adams isn’t just a good pastor and a good theologian. He’s a good writer. That makes a difference. Sometimes the trope of telling a story or presenting a case study to make your points, a la Patrick Lencioni, can feel a little forced or artificial. But Isaac pulls it off extremely well. He writes about the reactions of several different people in one community to the latest shooting of an unarmed Black man to put skin and bones on why it’s so hard for Christians to talk about race even with fellow Christians. Then, he offers what he would say as a Black pastor to each of the characters. With a less gifted writer, it would be easy to sink to straw man argument— setting up a fake character and creating him to say everything you want to say just so you can refute him. But Isaac pulls it off by making each character nuanced and multi dimensional. I personally benefited from this book, and I think it will be my go to for anyone in my circle of influence that wants to know how to talk about the subject across color lines.

[Eddie Mercado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Emphatic on the Christian’s identity being found chiefly in Christ, but with great care in providing a better way to discuss matters of race in the church. He does not seek to tear down one group or another, but working out the doctrine of union with Christ and one another, he brings helpful correctives for all Christians to consider. The afterward from Karen Ellis was a pleasant surprise, and a good word for parents with small children. This book, I pray, will help our churches to grow in patience, kindness, and unity, all for the glory of God and leading to the faithful proclamation of the Gospel (and its consequences).

[Brooke Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and convicting. Gospel centered and full of kindness towards failures. I still struggle with some of the ideas presented in this book, but I needed to read it. Glad I did.

Here are some quotes that stood out to me:

Live before God as your audience, no one else.

Do you want to sin less? Speak less…

We can rest in this truth: our job is not to completely eradicate the world of racism; it is to faithfully follow the One who will.

It’s much easier to burn the house down, then build one. It’s much easier to criticize than create.

Hell is diverse too… diversity is not the end goal; faithfulness with what God has given us is.

We often seem more troubled by the accusation of racism than the presence of racism…

[Wagner Floriani · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most distinctively Christian handbooks on the subject. The pastoral concerns throughout, and it’s reflective format, really make this a great conversation partner for those wrestling with these issues.

It takes the posture of a counselor, equally desiring to educate as well as model Christlikeness in race conversations that often sideline the fundamental principles of Christian love. Should be on every church leader’s shelf.

[Graham Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It follows a similar format to my Pastoral Care and Counseling class in seminary. One of my friends asked when I finished Fault Lines, "Is he compassionate?" And that was a hard question to answer (because it's so intellectual). It is not hard to answer that question with Isaac's book. It oozes with compassion. And Isaac is my pastor, he's a great guy. This book truly reflects his heart and character

[Erik Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. It was so charitable, pastoral, poignant and insightful. The subtitle is not just marketing - it really offers gospel hope for a complex conversation in our historical moment. A great primer that is kind enough to inspire people to go deeper into the conversation and grace-filled enough to give them courage and confidence to do so.

As a side note, I have historically hated books with modern “parables” or schmaltzy narratives to flesh out the content. This book was the first that used a fictional storyline to great effect and as a powerful teaching tool.

[Tanner B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I plan on reading it again soon so I can further delve into the workbook aspect of it. I love how biblically based it is and how measured Adams is in his approach to all sorts of believers in his treatment of how we can talk to each other. This book will cause you to pray more, seek God more, and hopefully love your brothers and sisters of different races better.

[Salvador Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adams is deep and plain. Deep enough to challenge pastors and deep thinkers about the race conversation; and yet, plain enough for anyone to gain sound biblical instruction (the book drips with Scripture) to navigate conversations about race.

[Peter McNamee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and necessary. Isaac does a great job giving handles for an important conversation. I recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who want to enter the conversation, but don't know where to begin.

[Matt Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was extremely helpful. Need to read again.

[Micah Dorsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, this book by Isaac is very thoughtfully written and a true encouragement to foster healthy communication in our churches! Highly recommend