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scrow1022's review
4.0
Specifically Episcopalian, useful to me for documenting Episcopalian complicity in American racism (I've read other such but none with that particular focus). Guidelines for a way forward, individually and communally.
robebret's review
3.0
Overall, it is hard to complain about the book when thinking about its goal. I think the book does what the author wants it to, which is to get one of the whitest Mainline Protestant denominations in the U.S. to think about the foundations of racism and colonialism in our church. I was a little taken aback by the simplistic historic takes. I felt like a more nuanced account would have delved into the English church's foundation further back than Henry VIII or discussed the Roman Catholic atrocities in South and Central America. However, I think it served the writer's aim of presenting a really clear picture of the wrongs of history instead of being bogged down in the details that can murky the waters around church politics. Again, this is a great starting place for anyone in the white Mainline Protestant church who is looking to better understand the legacy of colonialism and race in our church. I like the emphasis on the Way of Love as it ties this work to an encounter with Jesus instead of being some extension of an American political agenda.
sapphire525's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Powerful. Direct.
janeallison's review
5.0
Required reading for new returning and long time Episcopalians looking for Jesus’s liberating love.
prgchrqltma's review
challenging
informative
medium-paced
5.0
A clear eyed but very hopeful look at the Episcopal church and white mainstream christianity in America.
bartendm's review
5.0
I always love hearing Stephanie Spellers speak, so I was truly looking forward to her book, which does not disappoint. It is a great addition to the conversation about racism in the US in that it addresses the issues from a theological point of view, giving a mostly unflattering, concise history of the Episcopal Church's participation in the sins of slavery and racism, yet providing hope and tools to help create change, both within the church and within our culture at large. She also highlights individuals who have made a difference so we don’t have to feel disempowered by the enormity of the problems. The historical chapter made me wonder why anyone of color would want to be a member of that denomination. But, of course, Stephanie is an Episcopal priest of color working with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to make lasting changes in love. The book is a great resource, especially for White Christians of all denominations to learn, pray, rethink and act in a post-George Floyd world and would be great for group discussion.
There are so many underlined areas in in my copy, but here are a few of my favorites:
Sin is placing yourself or your group at the center where God belongs and advancing yourself or your group at the expense of others. White supremacy, colonialism, economic exploitation, consumerism, and individualism participate in sin because together they assert that creation should serve not God’s purposes but the purpose of the self and the powerful. These forces become even more dangerous when they insist that their purposes and God’s are the same.
Solidarity is the voice that finally comprehends: “You are not the same as me, but part of you lives in me.
Once your heart has cracked open—or the heart of your institution has cracked open—you are positioned to give your life, privilege, and power away specifically for love of peoples who have suffered under the knee of oppression.
There are so many underlined areas in in my copy, but here are a few of my favorites:
Sin is placing yourself or your group at the center where God belongs and advancing yourself or your group at the expense of others. White supremacy, colonialism, economic exploitation, consumerism, and individualism participate in sin because together they assert that creation should serve not God’s purposes but the purpose of the self and the powerful. These forces become even more dangerous when they insist that their purposes and God’s are the same.
Solidarity is the voice that finally comprehends: “You are not the same as me, but part of you lives in me.
Once your heart has cracked open—or the heart of your institution has cracked open—you are positioned to give your life, privilege, and power away specifically for love of peoples who have suffered under the knee of oppression.