Is Christianity the White Man's Religion? - by Antipas L Harris (Hardcover)

About the Book

Biblical Christianity is not just for white Westerners--it's good news for all of us. Theologian and community activist Antipas L. Harris responds to young Americans who struggle with the perception that Christianity is detached from matters of justice, identity, and culture, affirming that the Bible promotes equality for all people.

Book Synopsis

Among many young people of color, there is a growing wariness about organized religion and Christianity in particular. If Christianity is for everyone, why does the Bible seem to endorse slavery? Why do most popular images of Jesus feature a man with white skin and blue eyes? Is evangelical Christianity "good news" or a tool of white supremacy?As our society increases in ethnic and religious diversity, millennials and the next generation of emerging adults harbor suspicions about traditional Christianity. They're looking for a faith that makes sense for the world they see around them. They want to know how Christianity relates to race, ethnicity, and societal injustices. Many young adults have rejected the Christian faith based on what they've seen in churches, the media, and politics. For them, Christianity looks a lot like a "white man's religion."Antipas L. Harris, a theologian and community activist, believes that biblical Christianity is more affirmative of cultural diversity than many realize. In this sweeping social, theological, and historical examination of Christianity, Harris responds to a list of hot topics from young Americans who struggle with the perception that Christianity is detached from matters of justice, identity, and culture. He also looks at the ways in which American evangelicalism may have incubated the race problem.Is Christianity the White Man's Religion? affirms that ethnic diversity has played a powerful role in the formation of the Old and New Testaments and that the Bible is a book of justice, promoting equality for all people. Contrary to popular Eurocentric conceptions, biblical Christianity is not just for white Westerners. It's good news for all of us.

Review Quotes

"In this very timely and provocative book, practical theologian Antipas Harris revisits the age-old question of Christianity's relevance for people of color. Given the resurgence of certain strands of white supremacist iterations of Christianity and the attendant political and ethnic polarization that results, Is Christianity the White Man's Religion? seeks to offer the church a way forward. Adding his voice to the chorus of voices that are struggling to keep American Christianity from losing its soul, Harris deserves a reading by students, ministerial practitioners, and engaged citizens."--Eric Williams, curator of religion at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

"Is Christianity the White Man's Religion? sensitively touches some of the most inflammatory and diversely viewed areas of the Bible. It invites readers to explore their own sensibilities and motives and come to their own conclusions. Dr. Harris has definitely jumped into the ocean of divide with both feet, and this book will definitely make waves. . . . He has presented this controversial topic with truth, tact, and sensitivity. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wants to share the gospel of Jesus Christ without prejudice, and I sincerely hope that all Christians of all cultures get a copy and begin a journey that so many have refused to take. Antipas L. Harris asks the question, Is Christianity the white man's religion? Read this book and I'm sure you'll find the answer."--John Francis, founder and pastor of Ruach City Church

About the Author

Antipas L. Harris (PhD, DMin) is the chairman and CEO of the Harris Institute. He is a theological educator and an ordained pastor with degrees from LaGrange College, Candler School of Theology (Emory University), Yale University, Boston University, and St. Thomas University. Harris is also the founding president of the Urban Renewal Center in Norfolk, Virginia, where he leads initiatives that address the intersections of faith, justice, and community development. He strives for what Martin Luther King Jr. referred to as "The Beloved Community" through advocacy for racial conciliatory practices, multi-ethnic relations, and cross-cultural competence and humility. Harris' previous books include The Gifted Worshiper and The Holy Spirit and Social Justice, volumes one and two.