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Who Will Be a Witness: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance by Drew G. I. Hart
mnmtbookworm's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
haveyoumetlisa's review against another edition
5.0
"I am committed to the church. Yet something is terribly amiss. I refuse to accept that what typically passes for Christianity in America is the actual embodiment of the faith...I'm not convinced that what we practice is what Jesus desired for us and passed on to the disciples and earliest Christians."
This book unabashedly presents the shortcomings of the Church, not just in 2020, but going allll the way back and showing how the American Church and white supremacy have always gone hand in hand. Despite the fact that some of these shortcomings seem new or recent, Hart shows how time and time again white Christianity failed to correct course, and now we're here.
Who Will Be A Witness is part history, part theology of justice, part reminder of God's calling for His people, and part challenge to live out that calling. It is not a book of theoretical or hypothetical ideas. Hart presents actionable steps to change the behavior not just of individuals (though the individuality focus of white American Christianity is a huge part of the problem), but the Church as a whole.
This book should be mandatory reading for all Christians, especially leading up to an election, and especially in this time where God's justice is needed on earth. Hart does not write with a political bent - he writes about Biblical truth, and our failure at sharing that truth with our neighbors.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, opinions are my own.
This book unabashedly presents the shortcomings of the Church, not just in 2020, but going allll the way back and showing how the American Church and white supremacy have always gone hand in hand. Despite the fact that some of these shortcomings seem new or recent, Hart shows how time and time again white Christianity failed to correct course, and now we're here.
Who Will Be A Witness is part history, part theology of justice, part reminder of God's calling for His people, and part challenge to live out that calling. It is not a book of theoretical or hypothetical ideas. Hart presents actionable steps to change the behavior not just of individuals (though the individuality focus of white American Christianity is a huge part of the problem), but the Church as a whole.
This book should be mandatory reading for all Christians, especially leading up to an election, and especially in this time where God's justice is needed on earth. Hart does not write with a political bent - he writes about Biblical truth, and our failure at sharing that truth with our neighbors.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, opinions are my own.
lmbartelt's review against another edition
5.0
If you've read the author's first book Trouble I've Seen or you are already engaged and/or interested in justice issues, then this book is a must-read. It's full of ways the Church and Christians can participate in social issues while retaining their faith background. It's challenging in that it will ask you to rethink what you've been taught (or not taught) about the Church's role in upholding racism. The chapter on Barrabas alone is worth the price of the book. I appreciate being retaught some foundational truths about the way of Jesus. This book not only led me more toward justice but more toward Jesus.
If you haven't read Hart's first book or are just stepping into the justice waters, start with Trouble I've Seen and read this one next.
I read an advanced e-copy while waiting for my paperback to arrive. Review reflects my honest opinion.
If you haven't read Hart's first book or are just stepping into the justice waters, start with Trouble I've Seen and read this one next.
I read an advanced e-copy while waiting for my paperback to arrive. Review reflects my honest opinion.
mpeverhart's review against another edition
3.0
This book is a good overview of how American Christianity can be rethought and reclaim a relevant and liberative voice in the public sphere. It's compellingly written in a clear, accessible voice and offers a variety of theological and exegetical resources. If you're progressive clergy or already on a lefty Christian path, some of it may feel fairly obvious. Might make for a good church book study to assist with activating laity and charting a path toward a more faithful and engaged Christian life. Overall, I'm glad I read it but don't necessarily think I am the target audience.
grantklinefelter's review against another edition
3.0
I was very excited to read this, yet sadly was underwhelmed. Hart writes from an Anabaptist tradition that I very much so respect and agree with. While his content is good, I found his delivery to be too broadly focused. He sought to cover too much ground not allowing any of the sections to go deep enough to truly flesh out his ideas.
A couple highlights though:
Dr. Hart has been deeply formed by Dr. King’s thought and theology and his continued reference to his work was a highlight for me.
The best chapter by far is his chapter on Barabbas where he contrasts the way of Jesus—peace and the way of Barabbas—violence. The comparison between these two “Jesus” characters (Matthew 27:16) is not often analyzed and Hart’s work on it is prophetic to our cultural moment today.
For those looking for a smorgasbord of thoughts on race, violence, justice, and reconciliation work, this is a good book. But it will continually leave you itching for a deeper dive into each section he covers.
A couple highlights though:
Dr. Hart has been deeply formed by Dr. King’s thought and theology and his continued reference to his work was a highlight for me.
The best chapter by far is his chapter on Barabbas where he contrasts the way of Jesus—peace and the way of Barabbas—violence. The comparison between these two “Jesus” characters (Matthew 27:16) is not often analyzed and Hart’s work on it is prophetic to our cultural moment today.
For those looking for a smorgasbord of thoughts on race, violence, justice, and reconciliation work, this is a good book. But it will continually leave you itching for a deeper dive into each section he covers.
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