One Blood: The Biblical Answer to Racism

by Ken Ham, Carl Wieland, Don Batten

Discusses what the Bible says about how all of us come from "one blood" - Noah!

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Science, Theology, Christianity, Creation Science, Christian Living

174 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. Ken Ham is the president of Answers in Genesis USA and is a well-known speaker and author on the subject of Young-Earth Creationism. He received a bachelor degree in applied science (emphasis on environmental biology) from the Queensland Institute of Technology, and a Diploma of Education from the University of Queensland. He has also received two honorary doctorates: a Doctor of Divinity from Temple Baptist College, and a Doctor of Literature from Baptist Liberty University.

He was a director of Creation Science Foundation (CSF) in Australia, an organization which he jointly founded with John Mackay. In 1987 he moved to the United States, still maintaining his links with CSF.

From 1987 to 1993, Ham worked for the Institute for Creation Research, and in 1994 set up what in 1995 became Answers in Genesis (AiG), a creation ministry dedicated to "upholding the authority of the Bible from the very first verse."

In 2008 Ham was described by well known atheist and evolutionary biologist PZ Myers as a "Wackaloon" for carrying out a prayer session with members of the Pentagon. Ham responded regarding the validity of that prayer breakfastand that PZ Myers and other critics were intolerant of his position.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did an excellent job explaining their view on how all mankind goes back to one people group. The authors do a fantastic job explaining difficult scientific concepts in a layman's tone.

They explain how the term "race" changed meaning during the late 1800's after Darwin wrote his book, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life". For example, before Darwin, races meant more of a culture like the Irish race or the Egyptian race and after the book, it mean different people groups developed from different types of apes.

They spend some time unpacking theh horrors done to Ota Benga, a Congolese Mbuti pygmy, by bringing him to the US and displaying him in a zoo with an orangutan. They describe how all humans are different shades of brown (through our melanin) and not white, black, red or yellow.

I really hope more people will read this book and decide for themselves which worldview makes a better case to describe our origins. It would allow people to have more understanding that its the cultures that are different, not our "races".

[Brian Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ken Ham and his ministry team are doing some fantastic work around the globe destroying the foolish claims of evolution. This book truly destroys the work of the devil.

"...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" - 1 John 3:8

"One Blood" does just that! And with Authority!!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book every Christian (and non-Christian) should read. This book shows that, according to the Bible, all humans are of one blood (come from the same original ancestors) and how modern genetics backs up that there are no "races." A very interesting book.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about how a person's worldview influences the way they view their fellow human beings. Although written by Christians and aimed at a Christian reading audience, I believe this book should be read by everyone.

[Travis · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is no shortage of resources used to create this book but it comes up very vague and misleading when considering the title. A title that explained how Darwinism infected perceptions of race would be more suitable. Race is an extremely complex topic and the authors failed to define adequate perimeters for their research. Chapter three and four seem to be the best constructed chapters in describing how "race" is a socially constructed term. I would have loved for this book to focus primarily on the the distinction between principle and practice of race in the confines of American history. Race in America was distorted far before Darwin postulated his theory of evolution. This book covers a small window in time but claims to be an "answer to racism." Believe the authors should have focused more on the American Church's division on race before Darwin introduced his theory. Good points in the book but Just an underwhelming read.

[Mariah Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. It is full of these types of sentences:

“What a difference it would make in this world if each person understood and adopted this biblical principle!”

How lovely indeed, but people don’t understand these biblical principles. There are worldviews that clash. This type of utopia won’t be found this side of Heaven. Hearts have turned away from God, people are weary of Christians with their pat answers, and it’s going to take actions, being the hands and feet, for the church to provide something that would look like a beautifully imperfect “biblical answer to racism” in this broken world.

[Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a well written book. I have really enjoyed it.

Just watched the video AWESOME!!!

Saw a speaker last week from Salmea, AL, Gwen Brown. AWESOME!!! She really put this book on my heart to finish so I can send it to her. I am floored even more what our views, thoughts and beliefs effect not only us but, the rest of the world.

I wanted to finish this book and send it to Gwen. I hope it helps someone else as much it has helped me.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read. This book gives a biblical and scientific rationale for why there is no such thing as race.

[Tom Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The genius of this book is its simplicity, the authority of its authors to speak to the subjects at hand, and the simplicity of their reliance on Scripture and explanation of the science involved. As such, it is highly recommendable and I plan to do exactly that. On the other hand, as a conservative independent Baptist, though I have no problem with the substance of the primary content, I do with the other aspects. For example, I find it annoying at best when a variety of Scripture versions are presented. I also found most of the application to be rather fuzzy and generic, especially on why/how to build a multi-cultural church. As a veteran of inner-city work for 16 years I know how/why to build a multi-ethnic church. I think they signally failed in this portion of the work. But the larger points - the bibilica/scientific reason to reject racism, the evolutionary thought process behind much of racism, and the direct impact on how we view people and even specific topics such as inter-racial marriage was well done.

For the latter reasons, this is a helpful book, and one I hope is read widely.

[Loy Hower · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book overall. As quoted from the book (p. 83): The answer to racism is to believe and apply the history of the human race as given in Scripture. If ever person were to accept that:
- They are all equal before God,
- All humans are descendants of Adam,
- All people are sinners in need of salvation,
- Everyone needs to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their life,
- Each person much build his or her thinking on God's Word,
- All behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, etc. should be judged against the absolutes of God's Word, not matter what culture one is from -

then the problem of racism would be solved.
A very true statement, "There is only one race - the human race!"

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racism is one of those painful issues that won’t go away unless we deal with it in our hearts, our minds, and our Christian faith. This book can be part of the healing process for us as people and as children of God.

[Danny Proffitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title pretty much states the purpose. According to scripture their is one race. The human race

[Eris Cardin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated this concise, forceful, and thoughtful exploration of racism, its roots, and its consequences. Reading a Biblical book on the subject has assured me of the solid footing I stand on.

[JustAmess · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no such thing as race.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ken Ham does a great job explaining the biological differences between various people groups. He explains genetics in a way that is easy to understand and is helpful to the reader. I appreciated the presentation of the gospel in this book; however, I am not a fan of leading the people to pray a prayer without an explanation that the prayer itself will not save you.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ken Ham is very knowledgeable on the biblical origins. I would recommend reading this for anyone seeking his/her origins. Its simple Exegetical Truth explains the differences between people groups throughout the world. I read the whole book and it catapulted my faith.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that documents why we shouldn't be racist because we are all one blood - human. We come from Adam and Eve so we are all related and worth so much in God's sight so we should be in each other's sight.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I loved the biblical, practical approach to the issue/illusion of race. I think at a time when too many people divide over visual differences, this book brings us back to what matters in the sight of God.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent explanations - very interesting

[Nick Woodall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on how we are all related.