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A review by mindtravelagent
The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby
5.0
My fantasy is that every "Christian" would read and discuss this book. Dag nabbit, everyone would do well to do so. This is timely, given current headlines.
In his level toned and compassionate book, the author Jemar Tisby shared that a Barna Research Group study found that:
"94 percent of evangelicals thought the Christian church 'plays an important role in racial reconciliation' as compared to 73 percent of all adults. In a summary of the survey’s findings, researchers concluded, “If you’re a white evangelical Republican, you are less likely to think race is a problem, but more likely to think you are a *victim* of reverse racism.' They further contended, 'You are also less convinced that people of color are socially disadvantaged.' Citing the importance evangelicals attribute to the church in racial reconciliation, the researchers said, “This dilemma demonstrates that those supposedly most equipped for reconciliation 'do not see the need for it.'”
The author gives a thorough detailing of the (not so) hidden racism inherent in the evangelical white Christian church, and he also provides useful suggestions on how it can be addressed in those communities.
At the end of the book he notes that, "I am convinced that a fear of other people--what they will say, think, and do if we stand against racism--holds the church back from more aggressive action to bring about justice. Indifference certainly plays a role. Apathy has its part. But when confronted with a choice to oppose racism or to acquiesce to business as usual, people of God too often shrink back. This goes for Christians of all colors. Even minorities fear causing too much of a stir over racism for fear they will lose their job, money, status, or opportunities (and with good reason!) Fear affects us all."
"Another type of fear that may affect some of us is the fear of getting it wrong. We worry that we do not know enough yet, that our good intentions may have unintended negative consequences, or that the very people we seek to serve will rebuke us for our ignorance or missteps. I cannot say this will no happen. Standing for racial justice involves risk. But effective advocacy is a skill just like any other, and skill can be learned. Ultimately, though, you cannot read your way, listen your way, or watch your way into skillful advocacy. At some point you must act. Go forth not in fear but in faith that even your mistakes will increase your capacity to disrupt racism."
In his level toned and compassionate book, the author Jemar Tisby shared that a Barna Research Group study found that:
"94 percent of evangelicals thought the Christian church 'plays an important role in racial reconciliation' as compared to 73 percent of all adults. In a summary of the survey’s findings, researchers concluded, “If you’re a white evangelical Republican, you are less likely to think race is a problem, but more likely to think you are a *victim* of reverse racism.' They further contended, 'You are also less convinced that people of color are socially disadvantaged.' Citing the importance evangelicals attribute to the church in racial reconciliation, the researchers said, “This dilemma demonstrates that those supposedly most equipped for reconciliation 'do not see the need for it.'”
The author gives a thorough detailing of the (not so) hidden racism inherent in the evangelical white Christian church, and he also provides useful suggestions on how it can be addressed in those communities.
At the end of the book he notes that, "I am convinced that a fear of other people--what they will say, think, and do if we stand against racism--holds the church back from more aggressive action to bring about justice. Indifference certainly plays a role. Apathy has its part. But when confronted with a choice to oppose racism or to acquiesce to business as usual, people of God too often shrink back. This goes for Christians of all colors. Even minorities fear causing too much of a stir over racism for fear they will lose their job, money, status, or opportunities (and with good reason!) Fear affects us all."
"Another type of fear that may affect some of us is the fear of getting it wrong. We worry that we do not know enough yet, that our good intentions may have unintended negative consequences, or that the very people we seek to serve will rebuke us for our ignorance or missteps. I cannot say this will no happen. Standing for racial justice involves risk. But effective advocacy is a skill just like any other, and skill can be learned. Ultimately, though, you cannot read your way, listen your way, or watch your way into skillful advocacy. At some point you must act. Go forth not in fear but in faith that even your mistakes will increase your capacity to disrupt racism."