Woke Church: An Urgent Call for Christians in America to Confront Racism and Injustice

by Eric Mason

Hardcover, 2018

Status

Available

Publication

Moody Publishers (2018), 192 pages

Description

"Between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference." -FREDERICK DOUGLASS, 1845 The prophets of old were not easy to listen to because they did not flatter. They did not cajole. They spoke hard words that often chafed and unsettled their listeners. Like the Old Testament prophets, and more recent prophetic voices like Frederick Douglass, Dr. Eric Mason calls the evangelical church to a much-needed reckoning. In a time when many feel confused, complacent, or even angry, he challenges the church to: Be Aware-to understand that the issue of justice is not a black issue, it's a kingdom issue. To learn how the history of racism in America and in the church has tainted our witness to a watching world. Be Redemptive-to grieve and lament what we have lost and to regain our prophetic voice, calling the church to remember our gospel imperative to promote justice and mercy. Be Active-to move beyond polite, safe conversations about reconciliation and begin to set things aright for our soon-coming King, who will be looking for a woke church.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member deusvitae
A good introductory work into matters of racism and injustice, particularly in Evangelical Christianity in America, as written by a person of color.

The author is in conversation with, and often dependent upon, other voices discussing similar matters, but also brings his own experience and views to
Show More
bear upon the matter. The author addresses how the church ought to already be "woke," to speak out regarding the implicit racism of the day and matters of white supremacy, the nature of the Gospel and its inclusion, validation, and fundamental equality of all who would come to Jesus, things regarding which the church ought to lament, finding a voice to speak the truth to society, working toward change and what the church ought to look like in its work, and looking at everything in light of the resurrection and glory to come.

The author puts much emphasis on church related works which might be better served to be accomplished by individuals, but otherwise brings are more theologically conservative voice to the table on matters of race in Evangelicalism, and one of a person of color at that. It's written in a conversational tone and useful for the beginner who has not read up on much regarding the issue.

**--galley received as part of early review program
Show Less
LibraryThing member jmcdbooks
Rated: B+
A wake up call for those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ.
• Our Christ Consciousness elevates our awareness to our responsibility to care for and love our brothers – even those who don’t look like us.
• … legislation doesn’t change hearts … only the gospel does.
Show More
Much of Christian history is painted white.
• Hope is the pillar of the faith that God gives His people so that they can envision change.
• Intervening justice calls us to get involved, to come alongside those who are hurting and make a difference.
• An injustice done to one human being is an injustice done to us all.
Show Less

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

8.5 inches

ISBN

0802416985 / 9780802416988
Page: 0.2791 seconds