Dayton Hartman

This book is well worth the time to read. Like most books that have different authors for each chapter, the chapters stand alone as well as contribute to the book as a whole. Part 1 addresses the Western Christian mind and the abhorrent racial practices on which the United States was founded. If we are to build a more perfect union, it must come through repentance, forgiveness, and the reconciliation of the gospel. We must do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Part 2 focuses on issues including race, a pro-life ethic, welcoming and ministering to and with immigrants, and apologetics. I found Bruce Ashford's chapter on overcoming a culture of death and degradation by developing a whole-life, pro-life ethic to be particularly informative and challenging.

Part 3 addresses practical theological issues such as racial reconciliation, moving from western thinking to global inclusion, and the roles of men and women in the church and home. Western thought has been driven for the most part by homogeneous white males. There are many blind spots for those of us who have studied under mostly white, male teachers and read books authored by the same group. We have missed a more expansive and richer understanding of God's work in the majority world. We must hold on to theological faithfulness while embracing the global mission of God. There is also a chapter with brief and powerful testimonies from people in the trenches. The book concludes with a short chapter describing the difference between "hard" and "soft" complementarianism.

My favorite quote is by Walter R. Strickland II, "Exegesis rooted in a high view of Scripture is essential to sermon preparation, but preaching is a far cry from simply reading an exegesis paper in the pulpit." I fear that conservative academia sometimes forgets the latter.… (mer)