Reconciliation Blues

A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity

By Edward Gilbreath

(paperback)

Product Details

Line: IVP Books
Length: 207 pages
Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches
Binding: paperback
Published: May 2008

ISBN-10: 0-8308-3362-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-3362-7
IVP Order Code: 3362

Related Subjects

African American Interest
Racial Reconciliation

"Edward Gilbreath is one of the nation's foremost journalists on Christianity and race. Reconciliation Blues is a spellbinding first-person look into his world as he has navigated white evangelicalism. In the process, we are provided with both a powerful teaching tool and an eye-opening journey into what is white about American Christianity. People of all backgrounds will learn much by reading this engaging book."

"Amazingly authentic! A must-read for anyone who wants insight about blacks who must dance on the evangelical floor of multiculturalism."

"Both loving and angry, but always true, Edward Gilbreath's brave exploration of 'white Christianity' takes a daring look at racial disconnection in the evangelical world, then challenges believers to do something redemptive to heal the problem. Bold, topical and urgently on time."

"This is a fine piece of work. Evangelical Christians need to hear it and take heed. I highly recommend this book."

"A fair and balanced, yet frank and honest, assessment of the state of evangelicalism in terms of racism and reconciliation. Gilbreath has lived and worked in the Euro evangelical community for much of his life. He is an appreciative, yet frustrated evangelical. . . . Edward Gilbreath writes with knowledge, sensitivity and insight in a way that will benefit both the Afro and the Euro reader."

"We've needed a book like this for a long time: strong writing, honest observations and hopeful assessments of a complex but nonnegotiable issue for Christians. By providing both a personal and social perspective of racial tensions within evangelical contexts, Ed Gilbreath has done us a great service--especially if we pay attention."

"Edward Gilbreath is a gentle prophet. He forces us to take another look at an issue that many wish would go away, but he does so in a way that encourages us to live up to what we believe. This book both prods us to racial reconciliation and models how to get there."

"This is must reading for anyone committed to racial reconciliation, but especially to white folks like me who have a long way to go in understanding our African American brothers and sisters."

"What Gilbreath has done in his well-researched and very personal book is not only to call out the black Christian experience as what it's always been--unique, pain-filled, rich and diverse--but he's given many African American Christians clear validation for not wanting to or having to assimilate into today's version of evangelicalism. Gilbreath has also given people like me--an Asian American Christian who's also felt like the 'token' nonwhite on historically white evangelical boards--more of a basis for our lingering sense of misgiving and even episodes of outrage. I am going to insist not only that my own church staff and leaders read this book; I'm also going to recommend highly that white Christian organizations with the stated goal of racial righteousness study and discuss it. This book clearly stands out among the many other great books on this subject because of the commitment and courage of the author."

"This is a gifted writer's firsthand account of the black evangelical experience in America . . . a beautifully written chronicle of the strange dilemma of being a black evangelical in a predominately white movement. Gilbreath has written a tough account of his experience as a black evangelical, and he wraps the brick in soft velvet. This reads easily, but it is deeply disturbing after all these years. Oh well . . ."

"Ed Gilbreath is one of those prophets who comes out of nowhere with a message from the heart of God. His words make us uncomfortable, but that is the mission of a prophet. . . . Some of what he is saying to us about race and culture is painful to hear, but we must listen."

"This could be one of the most powerful books you will read this year, one that explores a delicate topic without being so offensive or unreasonable that few will listen."

"Congregations, sessions, Presbyteries and individuals interested in exploring how to go beyond superficial statements of inclusivity will find this easy-to-read but profound and provocative book an eye-opener."

"[The author] paints a vivid picture of the Evangelical Church today as it pertains to racial reconciliation. Without sounding glib, Gilbreath helps us to understand that unity among people can only be achieved by reliance on God. When we trust in God's sovereignty to bring about reconciliation, we discover a divine grace that brings reconciliation and harmony among people."

"[A] refreshing combination of truth telling and rebuke when necessary. Students of Christian history and ecclesiastical officials both within and outside the Evangelical tradition will be challenged by this frank and balanced assessment."

"While a powerful read for those already in the throes of the reconciliation movement, I would also highly recommend Reconciliation Blues for those who have not yet entered. While the issue of racism--especially in the church--is never an easy one, Gilbreath addresses the issue much with gentleness and grace. His vulnerability is a sigh of relief for other nonwhite believers who share his experience of isolation, and a challenge to those of us who too often forget how much we have to learn."