How You Can Help Fight Racism, And 7 Books to Read

Last updated on: July 2, 2015 at 6:37 pm by Andy Gill

How You Can Help Fight Racism, And 7 Books to Read 2015-07-02T18:37:08-05:00 Andy Gill

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

But in my opinion, and experience so far, if someone is unwilling to read something outside of their comfort zone, in order to better understand and empathize with a friend or family member, then they are unable to engage in productive conversation.

The number one problem I find in regards to continued racial segregation within our US Church, but of course not limited to, is a strong disconnect between those who benefit off of white privilege and their understanding in regards to the reality of racial oppression. I think this is due to a lack of knowledge, education, experience, and comprehension on the privileged Christian end.

[Read: WHITE PRIVILEGE EXPLAINED]

Having grown up in predominantly Eurocentric Christian communities I tend to get a lot of emails from friends, past congregants, students, or family asking to chat about race. They are all mostly well intentioned people seeking continued peace, but the disconnect is so far in between the two of us it’s almost always lead to unproductive and unhealthy conversation. There is not a realization that their privileges preserve racial oppressions, such as segregation, police brutality, economic disparity, etc. So any effort that suggests they play a roll in the preservation of these abhorrent acts is viewed as “unjustified malcontent” and/or unnecessary harassment seeking conflict.

After too many unproductive conversations that resulted in lost relationship, I now kindly ask many of them, to check out these books listed below, in gaining more of an understanding on the topic of racial oppression.

I’ve gotten a fair share of angry visceral reactions from some who feel insulted at this suggestion, but in my opinion, and experience so far, if someone is unwilling to read something outside of their comfort zone, in order to better understand and empathize with me as a friend or family member, then they are [most likely] unable to engage in productive conversation. Keeping in mind, most of these people have never read a book, in full [theological or not], written by a nonwhite person…

dear-white-people-andy-gill

Previous Post

June 25, 2015

When Will We Admit that American Christianity is the Same Thing as White Supremacy?

Next Post

July 6, 2015 Bernie Sanders: Revolutionary or Politician?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book Reviews Books Buzzfeed Christian Church Church Culture Dating Dechurched eXvangelical Guest Post Humor Inspirational Justice LGBTQ Life Marriage Media Millennials Mini Post Monday Money Podcast Politics Race Reason Relationships Science Sex Socioeconomic Theology Theology Uncategorized Video Wednesday Youth Ministry

Select a Month June 2020 March 2020 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 January 2013 December 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who became jealous and tried to kill David several times?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Samuel Abner Saul Abiathar

Support this
Column