United by Faith: The Multiracial Congregation as an Answer to the Problem of Race

by George Yancey, Karen Chai Kim, Curtiss Paul DeYoung, et al.

Book Overview

In the last four decades, desegregation has revolutionized almost every aspect of life in the United States: schools, businesses, government offices, even entertainment. But there is one area that remains largely untouched, and that is the church. Now comes a major new call for multiracial congregations in every possible setting--a call that is surprisingly controversial, even in the twenty-first century. In United By Faith, a multiracial team of...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195152158
• ISBN13: 9780195152159
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Racial Reconciliation in the Church

Emerson has convened a multicultural team of co-authors to follow-up his earlier work "Divided by Faith." In "Divided by Faith," Emerson argues that Evangelicals, when they have done anything at all to work toward racial reconciliation, have been too individualistic in their approach. "United by Faith," then argues that the biblical and effective approach is the multi-cultural congregation in which no one race makes up more than 80% of the congregation. The authors explain the biblical and social need for such congregations. They then follow with hope-giving success stories which provide the philosophy, principles, and practices necessary to obtain the biblical social vision of the multicultural people of God. Implied, but not highlighted or extracted in detail, is the truth that such congregations can and should then do two things: 1.) Be a visible testimony exhorting the world to "go and do likewise." 2.) Take a stand against societal racism and promote racial reconciliation and justice. The strength of the book is the theological/biblical development of the argument that God's purpose in history is united multi-cultural worship. From the first church in Jerusalem in Acts 2 to the eternal worship of the Lamb in Revelation 7:9-10, the authors highlight this eschatological goal of God. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Soul Physicians, and Spiritual Friends.

An Alternate Vision

This book stands as a profound appeal to North American Christians to accept the Church's unique challenge to offer a Biblical social vision to the larger culture. The authors' hermeneutic argues for an often overlooked understanding of the true multicultural people of God. The Church in its diversity can present a new cultural alternative by visibly demonstrating that the "wall of separation" has indeed been removed by Christ. Not claiming to have all the answers, the authors seek to help develop new sensibilities in Christians that will recognize and confront the pervasive influence of cultures of origin. The book's outline of the problem, its biblical exposition, and its narratives of possibility lay a strong foundational argument for greater, wider reflection from Christians in North America, and elsewhere for that matter. Further consideration of diverse forms of congregational tradition and cultural context could enhance a continuing discussion, but the authors have already succeeded in their inspiring call for a greater engagement and faithfulness by the Church. This book should be read and discussed in real-life congregations.

Must Read for Christians

A multiethnic group of authors (white, black, asian) tackle the topic of multiethnic Christian congregations (defined as congregations where no race makes up more the 80% of the congregation). These churches are rare today, and the authors lay out the argument for the need and benefit of multiracial congregations. From the sound theological basis the authors lay out to vignettes about successful multiethnic churches to debasing contemporary arguments in support of segregation, this book has it all. You will come away with a better understanding of the multiethnic church and the need for more such churches today, as well as an excitement for the task ahead.