The Myth of Equality
Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege
by Ken Wytsma
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Pub Date May 14 2017 | Archive Date Jul 07 2017
InterVarsity Press | IVP Books
Description
Is privilege real or imagined?
In this timely book, Ken Wytsma, founder of the Justice Conference, unpacks the origins of racial tension in America and the reconciling role Christians need to play. His lucid and honest approach opens eyes to issues many never realize are present in our society and world.
The Myth of Equality offers the information needed for grounded conversation about the race-related issues dominating headlines and our news feeds.
Advance Praise
"White progressives, evangelical and not, seem to enjoy feeling bad about racial injustice and wagging self-righteous fingers at others, but they often exacerbate the injustices of racism by hardening the lines of defense. Far too often the only solutions proposed are more laws, tightening existing laws, and social engineering through public education. What we need are not resolutions but solutions—solutions emerging from real people in real settings, with leaders who have discovered the long, painful path that leads from white privilege and white invisibility to social integration, racial reconciliation, and churches abounding in fellowship across racial lines and celebrating the glories of ethnicities. Ken Wytsma is the kind of leader who offers real solutions toward social integration and racial reconciliation, and he comes from that kind of community and church. The Myth of Equality is a genuine contribution for those of us looking for ways forward."
—Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary
"With great sensitivity, wisdom, and boldness, Ken takes on the tough, often-taboo topics of privilege and race. He makes a cogent, powerful, and compelling argument for why addressing race and understanding privilege allows us to more fully live out the gospel. He boils down complicated concepts to relatable points through his interweaving of scholars' writings, activists' thinking, historical realities, and personal stories. His humility and posture of learning from others, particularly people of color, make this book an authentic, effective tool for followers of Christ taking seriously the call to pursue justice. This book is needed, timely, and will help reshape the conversation around race in America."
—Jenny Yang, vice president of advocacy and policy, World Relief
"It is impossible to deny that Christ is moving his church today toward racial reconciliation. It is likewise impossible to deny that many white Christians like me are not as comfortable with that movement as we say we are. In The Myth of Equality, Ken engages a visceral topic with clarity, compassion, and inspiring conviction. He prompts us to engage the deep and bitter roots of racial bias and privilege in American faith. A must-read resource for those beginning to feel that 'the way things are' is not okay. A readable, well-reasoned push toward Christ's justice."
—Paul J. Pastor, author of The Face of the Deep
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9780830844821 |
| PRICE | $18.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 208 |
Featured Reviews
Ethan L, Reviewer
A reasonable but thorough examination by an Evangelical into the challenges of racial inequality in America.
The author, who is white, starts off with his own story and the "normal" (read: white) American experience. He then speaks to the history of racism and oppression in America, including slavery, the post-Reconstruction South, and even regarding redlining and other such forms of discrimination whose effects remain to this day.
He then turns to Christianity and speaks regarding the comfort of privilege, whether racial/social justice has any standing in terms of the Gospel message, and the theological challenges posed by escapist salvation and individualism in American Christianity.
From there he discusses how difficult it can be to recognize one's privilege and what to do about it: how racism went from something evident and obvious to implicit and subliminal, a defense of elements of liberation theology, and being willing to give space to others, to hear and get to understand their position without defensiveness, and proving willing to work toward real and substantive equality.
I doubt this will be a comfortable book for much of Evangelicalism and Christians who would align on the conservative side of the spectrum religiously and/or politically, but it would be an important work to consider.
Librarian 25725
A great overview for Christians for those new to the topic of racism in the church. However, I feel like Drew Hart's "Trouble I've Seen" may be even stronger and more personal. Wytsma talks about elevating others into leadership and stepping aside to allow Christian leaders of color to have a more prominent voice, which does have me wondering why he didn't attempt to co-author in some way...
Jeanie S, Reviewer
To be good at justice means we realize we are both a part of the solution and part of the problem. Our actions complicate as well as fix the problems we see, which means a whole lot of brokenness in this world results either from us or from systems we are complicit in or benefit from. There is much to be owned and repented of.
A book for it's time. As a Christian, we must see racism as a gospel issue. To deny racism is to deny the gospel. To put a we vs them is to deny the gospel. To say things are much better than the slave days, is to deny the gospel. Do you see a pattern? What are you doing about racism? It is challenging because we have to have empathy for our brothers and sisters where we have no experience of White supremacy.
In reading this text, you will get a history lesson that has some hard truths. It does not deny the sins of the West. It does not deny the sins of the church. It embraces it and displays the gospel.
Fighting racism is a call to better understand our own humanity and experience diversity. Is there diversity where you work? In your place of worship? In your community? It is diversity where all is represented and unity will grow. Where Martin Luther King's own words will be a reality. Racism is about being comfortable with others that are like us. To fight racism, we must get uncomfortable and have community with those that are different.
Ken Wystma is passionate about racism of all kinds and you hear his heart among these pages but he is also passionate about the authority of the word. A read that is humbling and spoken with humility. Highly Recommend.
A Special Thank You to InterVarsity Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Benjamin S, Reviewer
This book is timely, bold, and necessary. Ken Wytsma has produced a helpful resource for thinking about race--its history, origins, and challenges--speaking a prophetic word to evangelical Christianity, which all too often eschews difficult conversations about the legacy of racial injustice in the United States and the present demands of justice. Rather than be subjugated by fear, Christians should embrace the radical love revealed to us in Jesus Christ, who came not only to redeem sinners but to empower his church for holiness, that they might work toward the flourishing and prosperity of all humanity, whatever their tribe, tongue, or nation. Wytsma helps point the way.
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