Thanks to Netgalley and Moody Publishers for this ARC.

This was a difficult read for me because it forced me to admit and assess my own prejudices. There is a lot of history here, which was both fascinating and appalling. The arguments for a Woke Church are crystal clear and will resonate in my heart forever, I hope. Honestly, I highlighted 1/3 of the book. The book is filled with clarion calls for justice and action. I was moved profoundly by the comparison of the Church’s reaction to the issues of abortion and human trafficking to its inaction towards the very real issue of systemic racism and injustice. I do not doubt that this is an important book. I was just put off towards the end as it occurred to me that the author who argues so eloquently for racial reconciliation has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to gender equality.

A good introductory work into matters of racism and injustice, particularly in Evangelical Christianity in America, as written by a person of color.

The author is in conversation with, and often dependent upon, other voices discussing similar matters, but also brings his own experience and views to bear upon the matter. The author addresses how the church ought to already be "woke," to speak out regarding the implicit racism of the day and matters of white supremacy, the nature of the Gospel and its inclusion, validation, and fundamental equality of all who would come to Jesus, things regarding which the church ought to lament, finding a voice to speak the truth to society, working toward change and what the church ought to look like in its work, and looking at everything in light of the resurrection and glory to come.

The author puts much emphasis on church related works which might be better served to be accomplished by individuals, but otherwise brings are more theologically conservative voice to the table on matters of race in Evangelicalism, and one of a person of color at that. It's written in a conversational tone and useful for the beginner who has not read up on much regarding the issue.

This book examines racial injustice and inequality, and the roles that majority and minority culture had in shaping the way things are today. Mason further explains what is needed from both sides in order to unite both sides and bring racial equality back to the church. This book is centered on four themes: Be Aware, Be Willing to Acknowledge, Be Accountable, Be Active.

Mason presents an extensive history of race in America and in the Christian church and how that history impacts our present culture. Other areas of interest that are discussed are Biblical manhood, womanhood, and family, and the role that the church must play in restoring the foundational values. Mason stays rooted in scripture throughout this book, stressing that the understanding and practice of Christian witness is rooted in and shaped by the life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

There is also an interesting discussion regarding intervention and prevention relating to the school to prison pipeline, developing community partnerships, and the roles that individual churches can play in the community.

This book serves as a wake up call to all Christians to bring awareness to the culture we are living in. There is not an easy fix to this crisis in our communities and churches, but by living according to the gospel and loving your neighbor as yourself we can collectively change the direction of our culture.

I would recommend this book to all Christians, especially those that have an interest in the racial divide and inner city involvement. I received this as a free ARC from Moody Publishers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Woke Church is a powerful read. The church is desperate for resources that are honest and true. Resources that speak to both the compassion of God and the justice of God are not readily available. I believe this book does both. Eric Mason looks at racism both in the church and around the church. He begs the question, "What is our response? What is our responsibility?" It is meaningful and challenging.

Thanks netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The book is divided into four themes: Be Aware. Be Willing to Acknowledge. Be Accountable. Be Active. Eric talks about the importance of having a faith that fulfills the proclamation in Micah to Love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with our God. The book talks about the history of racism in America and the white church's involvement in allowing and/or perpetuating racism. The book talks about how the church should have been involved and how it now can be involved in correcting injustice in our country. It reminds us that God is a god of justice and action, that the purpose of the gospel is to reunite people who shouldn't otherwise have something in common, and that the church should be a precursor to Jesus' return when people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship God together. It gives action steps that we can take individually and as a church to be part of racial reconciliation.

It was educational, challenging, and encouraging. I hope that this will help me to find ways to be involved and to encourage others to see this as an important mission for all people.

"One of the most powerful points of action that was recommended: whites need to speak up whenever they see something that looks like racism and injustice."