Author: George Yancey
Publisher: InterVarsity Press (2006)
Binding: Paperback, 197 pages
Review: Christians have struggled with racial issues for centuries, and often inadvertently contribute to the problem. Many proposed solutions have been helpful, but these only take us so far. Adding to this complex situation is the reality that Christians of different races see the issues differently. Sociologist George Yancey surveys a range of approaches to racial healing that Christians have used and offers a new model for moving forward. The first part of the book analyzes four secular models regarding race used by Christians (colorblindness, Anglo-conformity, multiculturalism and white responsibility) and shows how each has its own advantages and limitations. Part two offers a new "mutual responsibility" model, which acknowledges that both majority and minority cultures have their own challenges, tendencies, and sins to repent of, and that people of different races approach racial reconciliation and justice in differing but complementary ways. Yancey's vision offers hope that people of all races can walk together on a shared path--not as adversaries, but as partners. "A much-needed book! George Yancey proposes to do what is long overdue--systematically analyze race and race relations to suggest a thoughtful Christian approach to racial problems. And I cannot think of a better person to write this book. Dr. Yancey has been working in the area of race relations for many years, written several influential books on the subject and knows how to write readable, to-the-point books for Christians." —Michael O. Emerson, Allyn and Gladys Cline Professor of Sociology, Founding Director of the Center on Race, Religion and Urban Life, Rice University, and coauthor of Divided by Faith and United by Faith "I am so drawn to this book. It gets me beyond my guilt, denial and defensiveness. Yancey, as a black man, is coming along beside me, a white man, and acknowledging that this is our mutual task to figure out how to treat one another well. I don't feel condemned; I feel welcomed into a conversation. What a winsome and inviting way of framing the racial divide in our country." —Mark R. McMinn, Rech Professor of Psychology, Wheaton College, and author of Finding Our Way Home "In Beyond Racial Gridlock, George Yancey once again challenges us to think in fresh ways about the ministry of reconciliation. His assessment of the pros and cons of current strategies is extremely helpful in understanding the present state of racial reconciliation. Yancey's creative thinking further leads the reader to examine racism and the need of reconciliation in new ways using a central premise from an ancient source--the Bible. This book is a much-needed resource for pastors, students, professors, laypersons and others who hunger for a united church in a divided world." —Curtiss Paul DeYoung, associate professor of reconciliation studies, Bethel University, and author of Coming Together "George Yancey has taken the complexity of the racial issue and has distilled it into a clear and comprehensive diagnosis. The best part about his work is that he gives us the ultimate solution that attacks the race problem at its core. Anyone who wants to have a serious discussion about racial issues in American culture must crack open this book!" —David Anderson, Founder and Senior Pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, President of BridgeLeader Network, and nationally syndicated radio talk show host
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