By Pam Hinrichs
Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings.
Beyond race, class, or other factors, a powerful caste system influences people's lives and behavior and the nation's fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, and stigma. Using stories about real people, she shows the way the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. She documents how the Nazis studied the racial systems in America to plan their outcasting of the Jews; she discusses why the cruel logic of caste requires a bottom rung for those in the middle to measure themselves against.
Reviewed by Nancy Gibson
"A clear biblical theology for why racial solidarity is integral to discipleship-one that is not influenced by the right or the left but by Jesus." --Dave Ferguson, lead pastor of Community Christian Church
"Color-Courageous Discipleship is our guidebook to a deeper connection with God through the adventure of racial discipleship. Grounded in the gospel, this practical and thought-provoking book reveals multiple ways that the racial dynamics of our society have already formed us, explores what it means to biblically and proactively address racial inequity for the sake of God's glory, equips us to engage in challenging conversations about racial reconciliation with grace and truth, offers hope, creative answers, and a path forward both individually and as beloved community." -- from Amazon.com
by Maggie Ford
From a Social Science lens, Cleveland breaks down some of the key points of division within the Christian Church and offers tools to overcome them. Some of these include the divide among "Right Christians and Wrong Christians", categorization, our personal "in groups" (close friends), bias, and culture. Cleveland comes from a place of observation, but also a deep love for the Christian Church. Through these key factors, Cleveland strives to teach us (as Christians) how to first address these divides, how to overcome them, and how to love each other better, just as Christ loves us.
by Dennis A. Jacobsen
Reviewed by Alyssa Caulley
This book is for folks who have done some learning about systemic racism, have worked to look at changes they can make in their own life, and are wondering how change happens at a systemic level and how Christians and the church can be involved. Specifically, it's an introduction to the practice of "congregation-based community organizing". It covers both theology (why congregations would get involved from a biblical, theological, moral perspective) as well as some concrete strategies for congregations utilizing this method.
Reviewed by LaVonne DuBois
Immediately following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans were under suspicion and soon found themselves herded into internment (War Relocation) camps, leaving behind homes and businesses they had spent decades building. Despite this harsh treatment, many of the young men volunteered to enlist in the military, serving their country in Europe. Brown followed the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an all Japanese American regiment, who were deployed to France, Germany and Italy. They were asked to do nearly impossible missions, which they successfully carried out with determination and valor. Many died in these battles but this regiment earned more distinguished service awards and crosses than any other group in the war.
Reviewed by Jocelyn Garner
"Faithful Antiracism" by Christina Edmondson and Chad Brennan is a remarkable book that diligently applies Scripture to the practice of racial justice, and carefully examines the current attitudes, practices, and activities of those who want to support racial justice in the United States. It is deeply rooted in Scripture. The book is based on three extensive national research projects:
Reviewed by Kate Kim
Desmond Tutu packs a punch with God Has A Dream. My book was soaked with highlights and accessorized with fluorescent tabs. It's a short read but takes time to process and fully absorb the richness of his words. The direct but loving way he communicates simple truths often required me to pause and reflect on all his teachings.
Tutu elegantly writes about God's unchanging and majestic character, the importance of social and communal harmony, and the hope God has for each of us (even in our own pain and suffering). Written by someone who experienced first hand the cruelties of apartheid and the gift of redemption that comes from reconciliation, this book gives me hope in humanity and in God's greater purpose for His people. I can read and re-read for many years to come.
Review by Heather Hedlund
If you talk to nearly anyone in the Seattle area about the greatest challenges in our community, they'll almost always mention housing affordability. Nearly everyone in our region is affected in some way by the lack of affordable housing, but it is particularly evident in our high rate of homelessness. I've gotten a first-hand view of this since I started volunteering at Lake Washington UMC's Safe Parking program last summer. This program serves women and families with children who are living in their cars. A similar program at Overlake Christian Church serves single men and couples. As I empty trash cans and put away donations, I pray that each person will be able to find safe and permanent housing.
Because housing insecurity shows up in so many of the places where I serve, I'm always on the lookout for new ideas on how to make things better. I was excited to read Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness by Kevin Nye, who has worked in homeless services in Los Angeles and Minneapolis. Nye's first-hand experience dispels some of the myths and stereotypes around homelessness and offers a distinctly Christian perspective on how to address it.
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