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Book Cover for: Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity, Edward Gilbreath

Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity

Edward Gilbreath

Merit Award, 2007 Christianity Today Christianity and Culture Book

What is the state of racial reconciliation in evangelical churches today? Are we truly united?

In Reconciliation Blues journalist Edward Gilbreath gives an insightful, honest picture of both the history and the present state of racial reconciliation in evangelical churches. In his thoughtful overview he looks at a wide range of figures, such as Howard O. Jones, Tom Skinner, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson and John Perkins.

Charting progress as well as setbacks, his words offer encouragement for black evangelicals feeling alone, clarity for white evangelicals who want to understand more deeply, and fresh vision for all who want to move forward toward Christ's prayer "that all of them may be one."

Now in paper!

Book Details

  • Publisher: IVP
  • Publish Date: May 21st, 2008
  • Pages: 207
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.22in - 6.38in - 0.60in - 0.63lb
  • EAN: 9780830833627
  • Categories: Christian Living - Social IssuesChristianity - History

About the Author

Gilbreath, Edward: -

Edward Gilbreath is the author of Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity. An award-winning journalist, he serves as an editor at large for Christianity Today magazine and as the executive director of communications for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Since the release of Reconciliation Blues, he has spoken to thousands of people across the nation at churches, conferences, and university campuses on issues of race, faith and culture.

Praise for this book

"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."

--The Link Between, July 5, 2008

"[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."

--Lewis Brogdon in Religious Studies Review, July 2007

"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."

--Ken Walker, Charisma, March 2007

"[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."

--InterVarsity Christian Fellowship website, July 11, 2007

"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."

--Presbyterians Today Online, November 2007

"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."

--Michael O. Emerson, Cline Professor of Sociology at Rice University and author of Divided by Faith