White Too Long

 

Absolutely fantastic. This is by no means an easy read, but a necessary one. We are long overdue on acknowledging and atoning for past (and present) transgressions against the BIPOC community. White American Christianity cultivated and fostered slavery, segregation, and fear mongering far too long to just wipe it under the rug and say "sorry." Robert P. Jones does an exemplary job describing the roots of racism in American Christianity (Catholics, Protestants, Lutherans, Episcopalians), the theology, the practice, and the monuments (I was appalled to find out how much Confederate imagery is found in Southern Churches - Robert E Lee depicted as a saint in stained glass?!). The author also scientifically and historically backs up all his claims which adds that extra gut punch. It's not all doom and gloom though. He ends by telling stories of change from around the country and then maps out ways in which white Christian Americans can move forward hand in hand with their Black brethren. It's time to come together to acknowledge, condemn, and work towards meaningful change - not just platitudes. A phenomenal book. 

The Shack

I don't normally read books on theology but this was on The Great American Read list so I HAD to get to it. It wasn't an awful read, I loved the narrator who really made the whole sad story sound homey and comforting. Mackenzie Phillips isn't in a great place in his life. After the brutal disappearance of his daughter and the strain it placed on his family, he's hardly equipped to deal with religion, he's just going through the motions. One day he receives an odd piece of mail, a note from God telling him to meet him at the shack (the last known place his daughter was at), and against his better judgement he actually goes. What transpires there in that shack changes his outlook on life, his attitude, and his spirituality. This book questions your beliefs on God, Jesus, the Holy Trinity, the afterlife, the what ifs and many other questions, especially the classic; "why do bad things happen to good people?"

The Seed

A profound look at an old tale in a new light. A remarkable journey filled with truth, darkness, fear, and hope. Haunted by a terrible shadow and a fearsome dragon; Tatus, Madeline, and Roark work diligently to create a labyrinth in which to trap the shadow that haunts them. Convinced that God will be pleased with their man-made Labyrinth symbol, they begin to toil on it ceaselessly, never thinking of anything else, only doing that which is familiar to keep the darkness at bay. Brick by brick they build a fortress without realizing that it is the darkness trapping them in, not vice-versa. Faced with the truth and the light, they discover the past and a path to set them free, if only they can accept it. A must read for those interested in theology and hearing God's word in another light.

I received this book for free from Litfuse in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.

Devoted

Rachel has grown up as a strict, devout Christian. She and her 9 brothers and sisters have been homeschooled and warned of the dangers of "worldly people." When Rachel discovers that a Lauren, young girl who left the church several years ago, has returned to town, her curiosity is peaked. Already, questioning several aspects of her life (being expected to marry young and bear children is the only role designated for her), she decides to sneak onto the computer and learn more about Lauren. What made her leave? What is she doing now? Does she still believe in God? All of these questions, and eventual answers, spark in her a restlessness that is bound to get her in trouble. When the inevitable comes she is forced to make a life changing decision. Powerful, raw, and emotional, this young adult book about coming to terms with religion and staying true to yourself will have readers hooked. The audiobook is brilliantly narrated and worth a listen.

I received this audiobook for free from Librarything in return for my honest, unbiased review.