A Master Class on Being Human: A Black Christian and a Black Secular Humanist on Religion, Race, and Justice

by Brad R. Braxton, Anthony B. Pinn

A conversation between 2 eminent Black thinkers on how to work together to make the world a better place despite deep religious differences

Brad Braxton and Anthony Pinn represent two traditions--Christianity and Secular Humanism respectively--that have for centuries existed in bitter opposition. For too long, people with different worldviews have disparaged and harmed one another. Instead of fighting each other, Braxton and Pinn talk with, listen to, and learn from one another. Their wide-ranging conversation demonstrates the possibility of fruitful exchange that accounts for--rather than masks--their differences.

Written amid the Covid-19 pandemic, threats to our democracy, and national protests for racial justice, A Master Class on Being Human shows us that constructive dialogue can help us pursue the common good without sacrificing our distinctive identities. In conversations that are frank, personal, and deeply informed by scholarship, Braxton and Pinn discuss topics that are urgent and immediate, such as the ongoing violence against Black communities, the rise of religiously unaffiliated communities, the Black Lives Matter movement. They also ponder those broader philosophical and theological questions that inform our politics and sense of what it means to be human: the meaning of religion, the stubborn dilemma of moral evil, the power and problems of hope.

Braxton and Pinn invite us to join them in a master class as they strive to create a world where differences are not tolerated but instead celebrated. In that kind of courageous classroom, all can learn how to be better people who in turn transform the world into a better place.

Genres: Politics, Race, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion

240 pages, Hardcover

Published July 25, 2023

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I worked hard to read this book for nine months. This is not a "curl up with a warm beverage" kind of book; it is an "engage your brain and bring a highlighter" book. The topics and ambition between the covers warrant 6 stars out of 5. Two black American men on different sides of a discourse about religion and justice in our country piqued my interest as relevant, meaningful and sophisticated. While the book checked all those boxes, it was also a challenge to read. There are seven chapters, each starting with a prompt: "What is religion and does it help or hurt?", "What have we learned from Black Lives Matter?", "Does (or should) religion have a public role?" and others. Dr. Pinn and Dr. Braxton collaborated over email during the COVID lockdown, and the exchange allowed them to explore nuances of their discussion without interruption or emotional outbursts. The writing was eloquent but rarely flowed. Both men, especially Dr. Pinn, drilled down on details and definitions that often distracted from the concept of the prompt. Hence the highlighter; I needed to find the big ideas and make sure that I could refer back to them. The strongest chapter was the last one (Does religion have a public role?), because their words were more practical. I loved the big-picture thinking of this book, and I love a good intellectual challenge. The authors demonstrated peaceful discourse that unfortunately had too many side paths and rabbit holes. Overall, yes, I am glad that I read it. I wonder how many readers will persevere through it.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough read, pretty academic at times, but with interesting perspectives on how religion and humanism influence culture and their possibilities for moving us towards justice. The first several chapters felt a bit forced; I don’t think the authors really disagree on much other than the existence of God. However, I found the later chapters much more engaging with the authors articulating their observations of current realities and future possibilities – and the reasons for continuing to work toward lofty ideals even when those ideals may never be achieved. I’m glad I read this book even though I struggled with it at times.

[Hannah]

As a former Christian, I had a really hard time connecting to the context. I tried really hard, but it was too difficult. DNFing it.

[Matt Easton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for those religiously associated and those who are not!