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Healing the Divides: How every Christian can advance God’s vision for racial unity and justice
A biblical perspective on race and how Christians and churches can advance God’s vision for racial unity and justice.
The Bible paints a compelling picture of a diverse people united in worship of Jesus. In a society that is divided along lines of race, culture and class, such a vision can feel out of reach. But in the power of the Holy Spirit, it really is possible for our churches to increasingly become the communities of unity and justice that they are called to be. So, what are the practical steps every Christian can take to help make this a reality?
This book combines the voices of Jason Roach, Director of Ministries at London City Mission and founding pastor of The Bridge Church, a multi-ethnic church in London, and Jessamin Birdsall, a researcher and consultant with a PhD in Sociology and Social Policy from Princeton University specializing in religion, race and ethnicity, and inequality. Together, they give a biblical perspective on race, ethnicity and justice. Readers will see that in the gospel, Jesus has done something he has made us one in him.
As well as inspiring readers with God’s vision for unity and diversity, this book will help them better understand the experiences of others and become aware of any blind spots in their church culture that may be putting up barriers to inclusivity. It will also help them to engage constructively with the wider conversation in our culture around movements like Black Lives Matter.
So be inspired by God’s vision for racial unity and justice, consider things from a different point of view, and play your part in healing the divides—to the glory of God.
The Bible paints a compelling picture of a diverse people united in worship of Jesus. In a society that is divided along lines of race, culture and class, such a vision can feel out of reach. But in the power of the Holy Spirit, it really is possible for our churches to increasingly become the communities of unity and justice that they are called to be. So, what are the practical steps every Christian can take to help make this a reality?
This book combines the voices of Jason Roach, Director of Ministries at London City Mission and founding pastor of The Bridge Church, a multi-ethnic church in London, and Jessamin Birdsall, a researcher and consultant with a PhD in Sociology and Social Policy from Princeton University specializing in religion, race and ethnicity, and inequality. Together, they give a biblical perspective on race, ethnicity and justice. Readers will see that in the gospel, Jesus has done something he has made us one in him.
As well as inspiring readers with God’s vision for unity and diversity, this book will help them better understand the experiences of others and become aware of any blind spots in their church culture that may be putting up barriers to inclusivity. It will also help them to engage constructively with the wider conversation in our culture around movements like Black Lives Matter.
So be inspired by God’s vision for racial unity and justice, consider things from a different point of view, and play your part in healing the divides—to the glory of God.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 28, 2022
A helpful book that looks at the racial issues that can be both conscious and unconscious within Christian churches and communities.
October 4, 2022
The authors modestly state that their aim in writing this book was 'to equip Christians in the UK with some ideas and tools to navigate the current conversation on race more thoughtfully and biblically'. They hope that the book 'can help inform and motivate readers to act in ways that promote racial justice and unity'.
It starts with the biblical principle that there is one human race, collectively reflecting the image of the triune God through our ethnic and cultural diversity and that racial justice 'means treating people with equal dignity and respect, protecting the rights of the vulnerable, and holding to account those who have caused harm on the basis of racism'.
The book is clearly and concisely written, saturated with Scripture, gracious in tone and gentle but firm in its application. It engages effectively with the likes of 'Black Lives Matter', 'Critical Race Theory' and 'intersectionality' offering a robust biblical and sociological critique while also asking what we can learn as Christians from what today's radical anti-racist activists are reacting to.
I was educated, encouraged and challenged. I thoroughly recommend it.
It starts with the biblical principle that there is one human race, collectively reflecting the image of the triune God through our ethnic and cultural diversity and that racial justice 'means treating people with equal dignity and respect, protecting the rights of the vulnerable, and holding to account those who have caused harm on the basis of racism'.
The book is clearly and concisely written, saturated with Scripture, gracious in tone and gentle but firm in its application. It engages effectively with the likes of 'Black Lives Matter', 'Critical Race Theory' and 'intersectionality' offering a robust biblical and sociological critique while also asking what we can learn as Christians from what today's radical anti-racist activists are reacting to.
I was educated, encouraged and challenged. I thoroughly recommend it.
April 5, 2024
This book succeeds well in what it sets out to do. The authors write to provide those approaching the issue of racial injustice from a faith perspective with some helpful tools and insights to know how to helpfully engage in the conversation rather than being dismissive or avoidant.
This is a great, if not introductory, book that handles the interplay between the Christian faith and race, racial injustice and inequality. The authors do particularly well to address the question of racism as largely an individual or systemic problem, bringing much needed nuance to the topic. This is a good book for anyone looking to learn more on this issue.
This is a great, if not introductory, book that handles the interplay between the Christian faith and race, racial injustice and inequality. The authors do particularly well to address the question of racism as largely an individual or systemic problem, bringing much needed nuance to the topic. This is a good book for anyone looking to learn more on this issue.
February 3, 2023
Everybody should read this book, especially Christians from the UK context. It's great for people who are new to thinking about racial justice/intercultural church, as well as a good reminder for those who are already pursuing it. Terms are helpfully and easily define. This book is accessible and succint, with good examples and not too many of them. It's practical, AND has a section for those who identify as 'minority ethnic'!! All too often books like this are written to educate the white majority. It is a MUST READ!
December 17, 2022
A very helpful and accessible book. Thoroughly based on scripture, though rooted also in UK society. Much to process in my heart now, and pray I will now be more aware of what's going on around me. Recommended!
April 4, 2023
A truly excellent book on racism and our response to it in churches. Would highly recommend to others. Challenges perceptions whilst also giving strong direction towards change and steps everyone can take.
August 24, 2022
Thoughtful and thought-provoking about racism, how it can be present churches and how we should begin to deal with it.
August 22, 2022
Really helpful, clearly a lot of thought and prayer has gone into writing this.
Clearly structured into different chapters dealing with the situation we are currently in, looking at different movements such as BLM and CRT, and discussing why we should, and how we can, start to ‘heal the divides’ within our churches. There is lots of acknowledgement of hurt and how we can look to God for comfort in this, but also forgiveness and practical advice for how we can all try and change the culture.
I would have liked some points to be expanded on a bit more, but I get that this book was written as a starting point, and can’t achieve everything!
Clearly structured into different chapters dealing with the situation we are currently in, looking at different movements such as BLM and CRT, and discussing why we should, and how we can, start to ‘heal the divides’ within our churches. There is lots of acknowledgement of hurt and how we can look to God for comfort in this, but also forgiveness and practical advice for how we can all try and change the culture.
I would have liked some points to be expanded on a bit more, but I get that this book was written as a starting point, and can’t achieve everything!
August 6, 2022
A strong introduction to how Christians might approach issues around ethnicity and racism. It is just an introduction, but one I look forward to the students I work with reading.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews