Christianity and Critical Race Theory - by Robert Chao Romero & Jeff M Liou

About the Book

Critical race theory is often poorly understood and unfavorably characterized. This accessibly written book offers a critical yet sympathetic introduction, bringing critical race theory into conversation with Christian theology and ministry practice.

Book Synopsis

"People interested in critical race theory and Christians concerned about faith integration and social justice will find this book to be very helpful."--Library Journal

Critical race theory has become a lightning rod in contemporary American politics and evangelical Christianity. This irenic book offers a critical but constructive and sympathetic introduction written from a perspective rooted in Scripture and Christian theology. The authors take us beyond caricatures and misinformation to consider how critical race theory can be an analytical tool to help us understand persistent inequality and injustice--and to see how Christians and churches working for racial justice can engage it in faithful and constructive ways.

The authors explore aspects of critical race theory that resonate with well-trod Christian doctrine but also that challenge or are corrected by Christian theology. They also address the controversial connection that critics see between critical race theory and Marxism. Their aim is to offer objective analysis and critique that go beyond the debates about social identity and the culture wars and aid those who are engaging the issues in Christian life and ministry. The book includes a helpful glossary of key terms.

From the Back Cover

"This deeply nuanced Christian reflection is desperately needed."

Critical race theory has become a lightning rod in contemporary American politics and evangelical Christianity. This irenic book offers a critical but constructive and sympathetic introduction written from a perspective rooted in Scripture and Christian theology.

"This book should be required reading for anyone seeking to explore the intersection of critical race theory and Christian Scripture. It adds much-needed light to a public conversation that tends to be defined by the dimness of ignorance and the heat of reactionary culture-war passions."
--Duke Kwon, coauthor of Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair

"Romero and Liou provide the first comprehensive, insightful, and timely story of the connection between Christian theology, Scripture, and critical race theory. This book is a significant contribution to the fields of critical race theory and liberation theology."
--Daniel G. Solórzano, University of California, Los Angeles

"Romero and Liou invite us to consider how critical race theory contains important truths that help us understand the complexities of racism in our society. No mere apologetic, this book models how to have both deep appreciation and thoughtful critique while also seeking deep faithfulness to God and a faithful witness to the fullness of the gospel in our world."
--Vincent Bacote, Wheaton College

"We need this book, and I hope it is widely read! Although there is angry rhetoric on both sides of this controversy, these authors carefully--and wisely--go after the truth."
--Richard Mouw, Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin University

"When tricky questions come up about critical race theory, Romero and Liou are the first people that I turn to. They help readers understand the larger dynamics, orient them in Christian ways, provide helpful insights, and bring clarity to complicated topics."
--Nikki Toyama-Szeto, executive director, Christians for Social Action

"This deeply nuanced Christian reflection is desperately needed for the divisive time in which we find ourselves."
--Sandra María Van Opstal, pastor, activist, author, and founder of Chasing Justice

About the Author

Robert Chao Romero (PhD, UCLA; JD, UC Berkeley) is associate professor in the UCLA departments of Chicana/o, Central American, and Asian American Studies; director of the Brown Church Initiative, Fuller Theological Seminary; an attorney; and author of the award-winning book Brown Church.

Jeff M. Liou (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is national director of theological formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, an adjunct assistant professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary, and cofounder of the Asian American Christian Collaborative.