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theunreadshelf's review
4.0
Newbell is an African-American theologian and Christian writer who shares her experience in the American evangelical church and biblical inspiration for pursuing diversity within our faith communities. She discusses pain points from her personal story and the history of the church at large that illustrate advances made and work yet unfinished. It’s a short book that I wish was a bit more fleshed out in the practical ‘how-to.’ But that also gives the reader the freedom to apply her principals within their own context, without feeling the pressure to adhere to a specific image. It’s an encouraging and timely read for all Christians.
rinda's review
4.0
A good introduction, personal, and biblical approach to a challenging topic. Trillia tackles the need for diversity in the church through the lens of scripture in gratefulness for where the church has progressed but in hope and conviction for where the church must continue to pursue! Her purpose is to see the beauty of Gods diversity on full display in order to bring about the glory of God. She sticks to scripture and personal examples in her own life as she begins the dialogue of capturing the desire to reflect Him to a broken world. It convicted me, encouraged me, and challenged me in my own desire to see this grow in my own church.
danad's review
1.0
I read this for a reading challenge. I was disappointed by how one-sided it was. As a white girl, in a small southern town, I was almost offended. Mrs. Newbell wants white churches to reach out to the black community. Never was it suggested that the black church reach out to the whites. Or really any other race. Then she encouraged biracial marriages, to the point that God intended for only biracial, and we should be embarrassed to be married to a same race spouse. Ashamed when I walk into my all white church. I am in my church because it seeks to worship God in a way I can relate to, participate in. I have visited all-black churches in my town, and been shunned. I have sat through worship that made me singled out, because I do not shout, or dance, or speak in tongue. Would God be happier if I attended a church with people of a difference race, but was never able to worship? No! This is not diversity for God's Glory.
The author also never mentioned economic diversity, just black/white race. She went to a church with her college friends, and campus ministry. The truth is, I would not have fit into her church, even though I am white. We need to keep in mind that the color of our skin is not the only barrier in our worship. Financial status, education status, and fashion status also separates and divide. Guess she didn't see that issue.
The author also never mentioned economic diversity, just black/white race. She went to a church with her college friends, and campus ministry. The truth is, I would not have fit into her church, even though I am white. We need to keep in mind that the color of our skin is not the only barrier in our worship. Financial status, education status, and fashion status also separates and divide. Guess she didn't see that issue.
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