Reconciliation Blues - by Edward Gilbreath (Paperback)

About the Book

Edward Gilbreath offers a black perspective on what it is like to live in a mostly white Christian culture. He also presents a historical perspective on the evangelical movement and racial reconciliation and then gives suggestions for creating unity.

Book Synopsis

Edward Gilbreath offers a black perspective on what it is like to live in a mostly white Christian culture. He also presents a historical perspective on the evangelical movement and racial reconciliation and then gives suggestions for creating unity.

Review Quotes

"[A] refreshing combination of truth telling and rebuke when necessary. Students of Christian history and ecclesiastical officials both within and outside the Evangelical tradition will be challenged by this frank and balanced assessment."

"[The author] paints a vivid picture of the Evangelical Church today as it pertains to racial reconciliation. Without sounding glib, Gilbreath helps us to understand that unity among people can only be achieved by reliance on God. When we trust in God's sovereignty to bring about reconciliation, we discover a divine grace that brings reconciliation and harmony among people."

"Congregations, sessions, Presbyteries and individuals interested in exploring how to go beyond superficial statements of inclusivity will find this easy-to-read but profound and provocative book an eye-opener."

"Ed Gilbreath is one of those prophets who comes out of nowhere with a message from the heart of God. His words make us uncomfortable, but that is the mission of a prophet. . . . Some of what he is saying to us about race and culture is painful to hear, but we must listen."

"Edward Gilbreath is a gentle prophet. He forces us to take another look at an issue that many wish would go away, but he does so in a way that encourages us to live up to what we believe. This book both prods us to racial reconciliation and models how to get there."

"This could be one of the most powerful books you will read this year, one that explores a delicate topic without being so offensive or unreasonable that few will listen."

"This is a gifted writer's firsthand account of the black evangelical experience in America . . . a beautifully written chronicle of the strange dilemma of being a black evangelical in a predominately white movement. Gilbreath has written a tough account of his experience as a black evangelical, and he wraps the brick in soft velvet. This reads easily, but it is deeply disturbing after all these years. Oh well . . ."

"This is must reading for anyone committed to racial reconciliation, but especially to white folks like me who have a long way to go in understanding our African American brothers and sisters."

"What Gilbreath has done in his well-researched and very personal book is not only to call out the black Christian experience as what it's always been--unique, pain-filled, rich and diverse--but he's given many African American Christians clear validation for not wanting to or having to assimilate into today's version of evangelicalism. Gilbreath has also given people like me--an Asian American Christian who's also felt like the 'token' nonwhite on historically white evangelical boards--more of a basis for our lingering sense of misgiving and even episodes of outrage. I am going to insist not only that my own church staff and leaders read this book; I'm also going to recommend highly that white Christian organizations with the stated goal of racial righteousness study and discuss it. This book clearly stands out among the many other great books on this subject because of the commitment and courage of the author."

"While a powerful read for those already in the throes of the reconciliation movement, I would also highly recommend Reconciliation Blues for those who have not yet entered. While the issue of racism--especially in the church--is never an easy one, Gilbreath addresses the issue much with gentleness and grace. His vulnerability is a sigh of relief for other nonwhite believers who share his experience of isolation, and a challenge to those of us who too often forget how much we have to learn."

About the Author

Edward Gilbreath is director of editorial for Urban Ministries, Inc., and an editor at large for Christianity Today. Previously, he was editor of Today's Christian and New Man, the official magazine of the Promise Keepers men's ministry. He is a coauthor of Gospel Trailblazer (Moody), the story of African American evangelist Howard O. Jones, the first black evangelist on Billy Graham's crusade team. Visit him at www.edgilbreath.com.