Christianity and Critical Race Theory
A Faithful and Constructive Conversation
by Robert Chao Romero; Jeff M. Liou
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Pub Date Apr 25 2023 | Archive Date Jul 12 2023
Baker Academic & Brazos Press | Baker Academic
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Description
Critical race theory has become a lightning rod in contemporary American politics and evangelical Christianity. This irenic book offers a critical but constructive and sympathetic introduction written from a perspective rooted in Scripture and Christian theology. The authors take us beyond caricatures and misinformation to consider how critical race theory can be an analytical tool to help us understand persistent inequality and injustice--and to see how Christians and churches working for racial justice can engage it in faithful and constructive ways.
The authors explore aspects of critical race theory that resonate with well-trod Christian doctrine but also that challenge or are corrected by Christian theology. They also address the controversial connection that critics see between critical race theory and Marxism. Their aim is to offer objective analysis and critique that go beyond the debates about social identity and the culture wars and aid those who are engaging the issues in Christian life and ministry. The book includes a helpful glossary of key terms.
Advance Praise
“This book should be required reading for anyone seeking to explore the intersection of critical race theory and Christian Scripture. With the erudition of scholars and the care of pastors, Romero and Liou helpfully demystify the basic tenets of CRT, critique popular misconceptions, and highlight various points of resonance (and dissonance) with biblical truth. Firmly anchored in singularly Christian eschatological hope, Christianity and Critical Race Theory adds much-needed light to a public conversation that tends to be defined by the dimness of ignorance and the heat of reactionary culture-war passions.”
Duke Kwon, coauthor of Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair
“In Christianity and Critical Race Theory, Romero and Liou provide the first comprehensive, insightful, and timely story of the connection between Christian theology, Scripture, and critical race theory. This book is a significant contribution to the fields of critical race theory and liberation theology. Critical race scholars today and in the future will be served by this gift.”
Daniel G. Solórzano, professor, University of California, Los Angeles
“Many Christians say, ‘All truth is God’s truth.’ Robert Chao Romero and Jeff Liou heartily agree and invite us to consider how critical race theory contains important truths that help us understand the complexities of racism in our society. No mere apologetic, this book models how to have both deep appreciation and thoughtful critique while also seeking deep faithfulness to God and a faithful witness to the fullness of the gospel in our world. Instead of letting the winds of hype sway us one way or another, we should walk forward with clarity, courage, and hope.”
Vincent Bacote, Wheaton College
“We need this book, and I hope it is widely read! Although there is angry rhetoric on both sides of this controversy, these authors carefully—and wisely—go after the truth.”
Richard Mouw, senior research fellow, Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin University
“When tricky questions come up about critical race theory, Romero and Liou are the first people that I turn to. Their deep commitment to theological reflection and their nuanced understanding about race make them reliable, insightful, and helpful guides. Sidestepping the cultural mines that make conversations around race tricky, Romero and Liou help readers understand the larger dynamics, orient them in Christian ways, provide helpful insights, and bring clarity to complicated topics. Thank you for this resource!”
Nikki Toyama-Szeto, executive director, Christians for Social Action
“Romero and Liou combine their expertise and scholarship with decades of pastoral insight to help us as readers understand the intersection of biblical ideas and the tools offered by critical race theory. This deeply nuanced Christian reflection is desperately needed for the divisive time in which we find ourselves.”
Sandra María Van Opstal, pastor, activist, author, and founder of Chasing Justice
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781540965196 |
| PRICE | $23.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 208 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Bethany S, Reviewer
I want to start this review off by saying thank you to Robert Chao Romero and Jeff Liou for writing this book. It has become not just another book for me but a resource that I can use to help in my own writings on different topics regarding race and the “whiteness” of Christianity in America. This book stands as a powerful testimony of not only the authors’ lives as BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) Christians but includes stories of people that the authors know very well - some students, some professors, some family members.
Although the book is written by two very intellectual men, it is not hard to read and understand. Romero and Liou do a great job at breaking down the term Critical Race Theory very early on in the book and continue to reiterate the importance of it throughout the text. I was hesitant that this book would read more like an academic text without too much biblical context included but I was proven wrong very early in my reading. I spent a lot of time highlighting different lines in the book that discuss racism and the excuses people use for it.
After reading this book I realize that, as a country, America has come a long way from where we once stood but we still have a LONG way to go. Romero and Liou provide some insight as to how we can continue to move toward a nation in which Christian people claim their BIPOC brothers and sisters in Christ as just that - brothers and sisters in Christ - and not look at them as any “different” than their white counterparts. After all, God created all men and women in His image. Whenever we look at our fellow Christians, we should see Christ and not the color of the skin they’re in.
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