Healing Conversations on Race - by Veola Vazquez & Joshua Knabb & Charles Lee-Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

Racism complicates our relationships, even when we reject it and seek to walk a better path. In this book, four experts in psychology and social work present a Scripturally-grounded model for building and deepening cross-race relationships.

Book Synopsis

Racism complicates our relationships, even when we reject it and seek to walk a better path. In this book, four experts in psychology and social work present a Scripturally-grounded model for building and deepening cross-race relationships. These insights and practices will help Christians grow in Christlikeness and follow his example.

Review Quotes

"Racism in America today is not the same as it was in the past. Substantial improvements have occurred in the lives of African Americans since the end of forced segregation. Yet enormous racial suspicion, animosity, and confusion remain so that, in some respects, understanding between Whites and people of color has gotten worse. Is there anything followers of Christ can do to make things better? I don't know of a better remedy than the one described in this book. Based on biblical teaching, relationship research, and Christian love, the authors' practical but profound model for promoting racial understanding has great potential to change the church-and maybe even the world-one relationship at a time."

"The history of the church when it comes to race is a mixed bag. Some Christians have done great work to build bridges and work toward racial healing and justice. Others have used their interpretations of the Bible to make things worse. This book is a welcome step in the right direction. The authors bring together their personal and professional experience to provide a practical road map to help Christians who want to become more like Christ and bring about healing in their communities. If that describes you, this book will help light the path."

"The next generation of scholarship in the world of integration (of Christianity and psychology) needs to speak more directly to the problems of everyday life experienced by both Christians as well as non-Christians. And as I reflect on the many social ills of our day, I cannot think of an issue that is more pressing than the topic of race, and I cannot think of a work more compelling than the cultivation of Christ-inspired healing and shalom. I am so pleased to offer my endorsement of Healing Conversations on Race-it is an honest, personal, and practical resource informed by recent scholarship."

"Veola Vazquez, Joshua Knabb, Charles Lee-Johnson, and Krystal Hays have written a very helpful and biblically based book that describes their HEAL model for having healing conversations on race focusing on humility, empathy, acceptance, and love. The authors humbly and transparently share their own stories and struggles and provide practical skills and steps for engaging in the process of building racial understanding and unity and overcoming racism. Highly recommended!"

About the Author

Joshua Knabb, PsyD, ABPP, is a board certified clinical psychologist (American Board of Professional Psychology) and the director of the PsyD program at California Baptist University.

Charles Lee-Johnson, DMin, MSW, is one of the founders and chair of the Social Work Department at California Baptist University and the CEO of National Family Life and Education Center.

Krystal Hays, PhD, is the director of the Doctor of Social Work program and an assistant professor of social work at California Baptist University.

Veola Vazquez, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and a tenured professor of psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University.