Bibliography

Suggestions regarding white privilege, anti-racism in our church and society

America's Original Sin: A Study Guide on White Racism

White racism still exists, and there is much the church can do to fight it. America's Original Sin explores historical and present-day stories of racism, and provides necessary background information along with practical suggestions for people of faith. Fosters listening, critical thinking, and action. With suggestions for activities, lists of national organizations, and resources for further study. Ideal for college classes, small group study, or communities looking to address racism honestly and constructively. Nine sessions, 180 pages.

Price: 1-24 copies; $6.00 each (formerly $10!); 25+ copies, $5.00 each

Available from Sojourners

Crossing the Racial Divide: America's Struggle for Justice and Reconciliation

Go beneath the surface of diversity rhetoric and get to the heart of your assumptions about race and privilege. Voices from the streets and from the gospel provide insights into institutional racism and white supremacy. Puts forth practical models for dismantling racism and for reconciliation with justice. Includes lesson plans and study questions. Ideal for churches and communities looking for biblical models to combat racism. Four sessions, 84 pages.

Price: 1-24 copies; $3.00 each (formerly $7!); 25+ copies, $2.00 each

Available from Sojourners

Coming Together: The Bible's Message In An Age Of Diversity

by Curtiss DeYoung

A unique resource that works toward reconciliation by addressing racial and cultural diversity from a biblical perspective. Building on the insights of scholars from the major cultural and racial groups around the world, Curtis DeYoung explores the cultural diversity found within the pages of the Bible. DeYoung examines the racial and cultural background of Jesus and critically examines Jesus' universal presence as the risen Christ.

In addition, he illustrates some of the different ways that people of color interpret the Bible and shows how these understandings not only can intersect with traditional European perspectives but can also be helpful in presenting biblical truths. Coming Together surveys what the Bible has to say about racism, sexism, and classism. Coming Together is an essential primer and a highly recommended addition to any personal, church or seminary library Biblical or multicultural collection.

Divided By Faith

By Michael Emerson and Christian Smith (Oxford Univ. Press, 2000)

Monumental book in the field of theology and racism. This work reveals that Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour of the week in North America. Has statistics explaining the discrepancies between different racial groups economically, socially, and spiritually, and challenges the white church.

More Then Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel

By Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice (Intervarsity, 1993)

The emotional story of an African-American (Perkins) and an Anglo-American (Rice) who intentionally became "yokefellows" in their quest for reconciliation through personal relationships.

Making Friends in a Multi-Cultural World: A Beginner's Guide to Crossing Cultures

By Patty Lane (Intervarsity, 2002)

This basic, introduction-level book reviews our demographically-changing world, God's desire for us to have relationships with those different then us, and gives stories of diverse relationships that work.

Living in Color: Embracing God's Passion for Diversity

By Randy Woodlet (Baker)

This Native-American minister and author explores the biblical and historical foundation for diversity. Woodley exposes the painful wounds of racism and ethnocentricity that have splintered our nation and our churches without bitterness, and goes on to offer a model for racial reconciliation.

A House of Prayer for All Peoples: Congregations Building Multiracial Community

By Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook

Contrary to the oft-repeated truism, there are churches in America where Sunday is not the "most segregated day of the week," as Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook convincingly demonstrates in her compelling exploration of congregations tackling racial justice issues. Yet the truism continues to haunt many congregations, and Kujawa-Holbrook reveals, through story and thoughtful analysis, what it means to create and live out multiracial community.

Focusing on six congregations from different denominations, geographical regions, and settings, the author shows us the joys and struggles in their intentional pursuits of a more diverse and just community. The stories in A House of Prayer for All Peoples will inspire leaders to explore their congregation’s history, study their community’s demographics, and, most of all, search their souls for ways they can develop and celebrate the diversity in their midst. The book is capped by an extensive annotated resource list for readers who want to explore the topic further.

White Privilege: Essential Readings On The Other Side Of Racism

Edited by Paula S. Rothenberg

Studies of racism often focus on its devastating effects on the victims of prejudice. But no discussion of race is complete without exploring the other side – the ways in which some people or groups actually benefit, deliberately or inadvertently, from racial bias.

White Privilege, Second Edition, the revision to the ground-breaking anthology from Paula Rothenberg, continues her efforts from the first edition. Two new essays contribute to the discussion of the nature and history of white power. The concluding section again challenges readers to explore ideas for using the power and the concept of white privilege to help combat racism in their own lives.

Worth Publishers 2001 148 PP. Paper