Book Review

AUTHOR LOOKS AT BLACK/WHITE CHURCH RELATIONS



Book cover for"Reconciliation Blues ."

InterVarsity Press published author Ed Gilbreath’s book, “Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical’s Inside View of White Christianity.”

Gilbreath discussed the book during a March 20th luncheon event. After the 12 noon Pause & Enrich lunch at the First Presbyterian Church, 325 East Downer Place (Chicago), the book was then available for sale.

The book describes the state of racial reconciliation in evangelical churches today and whether we are truly united.

Journalist Edward Gilbreath gives an insightful honest picture of both the history and the present state of racial reconciliation. He looks at a wide range of figures, such as Howard O. Jones, Tom Skinner, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesse Jackson and John Perkins.

The book charts progress, as well as setbacks; his words offer encouragement for black evangelicals feeling alone; clarity for white evangelicals who want to understand more deeply, and a fresh vision for all who want to move forward toward Christ’s prayer “that all of them may be one.”

“Reconciliation Blues,” is a Merit Award winner for the 2007 Christianity Today’s Christianity and Culture Book.

Pause & Enrich is scheduled each month with a book author or other reviewer on the third Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. Individuals usually bring a bag lunch and have beverages provided by FPC. It is a special hour for nourishing the mind, body and soul.

Edward Gilbreath is director of editorial for Urban Ministries, Inc., a national publishing and communication company based in Chicago. He formerly was the Editor of Today’s Christian magazine and currently continues as an editor at large for Christianity Today.

In addition to his editorial work, he has written award-winning articles and is the coauthor of the book, “Gospel Trailblazer: An African-American Preacher’s Historic Journey Across Racial Lines,” in 2003.