ePub Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism by Drew G. I. Hart; Christena Cleveland (foreword) in History

Review

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book! Drew Hart writes "truth in love" about ...By Marta CastilloExcellent book! Drew Hart writes "truth in love" about racism to white Christians in the U.S. using clear examples of personal experiences and knowledge of the Bible; history; and current events. Jesus and his life and teachings are front and center. I will need to re-read to capture the layers. And buy a few more copies to share with friends.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Christians; this book is aimed at youBy ClifThe message of this book is aimed at American Christians with a goal to make them (including me) aware of racism and their own culpability with it. From the inherent contradictions of those who claim colorblindness the author concludes; "... that it is not color that they are not seeing; rather; it is racism that is being missed." He continues; "Colorblind ideology is the twenty-first-century continuation of white Christian silence to racism."The author uses the language of a preacher in an effort to penetrate the self-confident (a.k.a self-righteous) understanding of white Christians. The author is a PhD candidate in biblical studies so he knows how to make his case based on the life and teachings of Jesus.This book is structured to "guide the readers through the challenges of racism for the church by confronting Christian frameworks for how racism operates and how it affects our lives." It does this by focusing on the hierarchy of power in social relationships that are so much a part of history and everyday life that they're often not recognized.First the book challenges the shortcomings of commonly held individualistic views on racism while offering a framework that helps identify the patterns and social realities of our radicalized society. Building on this the author continues through the book alternating between visiting biblical scripture; personal experiences from his own life; and sociological facts and figures taken from other well know publications such as The Color of Wealth by Robles and Leondar-Wright; The New Jim Crow by Alexander; Slavery by Another Name by Blackmon; and many others which are listed in footnoted bibliographies following chapter conclusions.One of the stories the author tells from his own life that I found interesting was his recall of his experiences from attending schools. From grade school through high school and college he experienced situations where he was part of a majority black student body and a high school where is was nearly the only student of color. Through all of this; the student situation where he felt the most racism was in a mostly white Christian College.Another lesson from history I found poignant was the fact that most white Christians today are willing to agree that their Christian ancestors were wrong when they defended slavery; Jim Crow laws; and were critical of Civil Rights demonstrations in the twentieth century. But these same white Christians confidently say there's no racism today. In other words blacks were right and whites were wrong for four hundred years; then suddenly now in the twenty-first century the whites are right and the blacks are wrong. There's a suggestion here that white people have historically been unable to see their own faults. Perhaps that's still true.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Needed book in the conversation on race today! Pick up a copy and dig in.By Stephen GonzalezTroubles I Have Seen is a needed book in regards to dealing with racism in the church. This book takes a hard; grim look on racism today. I’ll be honest; this book isn’t for the faint of heart. You may not agree with everything said; but you’ll benefit greatly from reading this.In nine chapters he speaks of how sin has fleshed itself out in racism; white supremacy; and anti-black ideology; not just in America but in the church. And through it shows how to subvert these realities in the church.He goes back to the beginning of American history showing how from this country’s birth till now; white supremacy has infiltrated everything; even down to our theology. Even more; he shows how majority culture; even the church; has been blind to the mistreatment of people of color. And if we were honest; the white church today at large misses the full extent of how black folks are oppressed today. And the only way to see is to enter into the pain as Jesus did.I must highlight chapter 3 and chapter 9. It may not have been his intent; but chapter 3 reminded me how important it is to keep Jesus in his historical context. His re-telling of Jesus’ story put steel in my spine as I re-discovered a Savior who can identify with people of color today. Often the gospel is simplified down to justification ripping Jesus from the world he lived in. Drew shows how in Jesus; God is uniquely at work amongst the poor; marginalized; and unwanted and the way to serve is amongst them in humility.Chapter 9 gives 7 practices that will help communities deconstruct the white supremacy; racial hierarchy; and racial prejudice we’ve inherited. May Jesus give us the courage for the days ahead.I wish I could give more; every chapter is necessary but you’ll have to get the book.