Aliens in the Promised Land: Why Minority Leadership Is Overlooked in White Christian Churches and Institutions

by Anthony B. Bradley (editor), Lance Lewis (Contributor), Amos Yong (Contributor)

In an age when church growth is centered in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, evangelicalism must adapt to changing demographics or risk becoming irrelevant. Yet many evangelicals behave "tribally" valuing the perspective of only those like themselves while also denying any evidence of racial attitudes in the church. Anthony Bradley has gathered scholars and leaders from diverse "tribes" black, Hispanic, and Asian to share advice on building relationships with minority denominations and valuing the perspectives and leadership of minority Christians (not just their token presence.) They seek to help evangelicalism more faithfully show the world that the gospel brings together in Christ people from all tribes, languages, and cultures

Genres: Race, Christian, Religion, Church, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian Living

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2013

About the author

Dr. Anthony Bradley (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a professor of religious studies, chair of the program in Religious and Theological Studies, and director of the Center for the Study of Human Flourishing at The King’s College.

Dr. Bradley lectures at colleges, universities, business organizations, conferences, and churches throughout the U.S. and abroad. His writings on religious and cultural issues have been published in a variety of journals, including: the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Washington Examiner, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Detroit News, Christianity Today, and World Magazine.

Reviews

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like any edited volume, the chapters range widely in terms of quality.
Highlights for me were Amos Yong's chapter which helpfully explains how racialized ideas can negatively impact society even after racist laws are abolished, and Carl Ellis's chapter on discipling in the ghetto.

The book is helpful in making the reader aware of the disparity of involvement in theological and Christian education between whites and non-whites in America. While the authors provide the beginnings of proposed solutions, these are typically not worked out all that much. But, the subtitle of the book states that the goal is to look at the 'why' it happens, not the 'how' to fix it, I suppose. As a result, the suggestions for the way forward for things like increased minority involvement in seminaries, etc require much more careful examination of how to address disparity in a sustainable and long-term useful way.

In my opinion, the book suffers from what seems to be letting the tail wag the dog. The assumption for most (not all!) of the authors is that greater diversity in seminaries and denominational leadership will lead to greater diversity in churches. It seems to me that greater diversity in local church leadership is necessary before there can be a natural and durable diversity in parachurch institutions.

[Timothy Hoiland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the demographics of the United States continue to evolve, and as our communities – city, suburb, and country alike – diversify before our very eyes, many North American evangelical churches nonetheless remain strangely vanilla. What’s more, the global church is becoming increasingly non-white and non-western. If people like us (WASPs, roughly) ever were the “center” of global Christianity, that’s certainly no longer the case. The face of Christianity isn’t a recognizable mega-church CEO with cool hair, an outsized ego, and a book deal. Rather, as Philip Jenkins has said, “A ‘typical’ contemporary Christian may be a woman living in a village in Nigeria or in a Brazilian favela.” ...

- See more at: http://tjhoiland.com/wordpress/2013/0...

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Review: Verbally, many Christians would advocate greater diversity within Christian churches and denominations and institutions. Often even when there is leadership in place that is committed to increasing diversity, that diversity is slow to take root. There are many reasons for this, but some of these are rooted in how difficult it is to be a minority within a culturally White institution. The lack of understanding of how White culture dominates these institutions means that minority staff or members not only have to do their jobs, but educate those above and around them on both White and minority culture as well as their jobs.

This series of essays from Asian, Hispanic and African American Christians within White dominated institutions looks at a variety of the ways Christian institutions either have acted to prevent minority voices, or should act to help give power and voice to minority Christians.

I did not think any of the essays were bad and the mix of essays gave a nice roundness to the picture. Amos Yong's voice as an Asian is one type of voice that is often missing. I appreciated Carl Ellis' essay at the end. But I thought it was out of place with the rest of the essays. It wasn't a bad essay, but because it was about discipleship of urban African Americans within a primarily Black church setting, it just didn't really fit.

My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/aliens-in-the-promis...

[Stephen Hoogerhyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard book to read, because it challenged my thinking and caused me to examine my prejudices. But it was a necessary book to read, for the same reasons.

In the introduction, Bradley indicates he struggles to understand why "evangelicalism struggles with diversity in church leadership and in the Christian academy". This book is an attempt to bring the issue to the fore. Due to changing demographics, multi-ethnic leadership is necessary (and by leadership token representation is not what is meant) for the church to survive and thrive.

Included are essays from African-American, Latino, and Asian perspectives; from church leaders, college professors and administrators, and seminary professors; perspectives on church planting, publishing, college and seminary education, educational administrators and professors, and discipling urban men. Some of the essays are relatively narrow and specifically pointed in their intent, others are more generally boots-on-the-ground relative. But every single one of them is thought provoking.

This is definitely a recommended read.

[Roger Leonhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book was going to be about Minorities, Race and the Church, I had a great desire to read it. There is a big need in dealing with racism today. Racism comes from the fall of man and should be repented of through Christ.

I am Reformed in belief, a Caucasian, and a member at a Multicultural church. My church is not reformed but is associated with the Southern Baptist. It has been one of the greatest experiences in my life to see people of different races and backgrounds worshiping the God who created us all. It is one of the closest things to heaven that we will see on earth. Heaven will consist of people from every tribe, nation, and tongue.

It is the greatest feeling in the world to know that no matter what color we are, we are one in Christ. It feels right, because it is right. I know that this is the desire God has for his Church - that we should be one, even as Jesus and the Father are one.

God's desire for us to be one, does not negate the fact that we are from different cultures. God doesn't want us to change those things that have no bearing on our Christian walk. God does not care what kind of music you like. It is not the beat that he is concerned about; It is your heart.

I was glad to see people of the reformed faith speaking out on this subject. In the past, many traditions were steeped in racism, including some in the Reformed Faith. Many have now repented and changed. We can not make up for what our ancestors did wrong, but we can live our lives today with love and integrity.

This book was a great read. It consists of pastors and theologians of different races and backgrounds. This shows us that racism can be found in any denomination and any race. Each essay shows problems that need to be confronted and fixed in much of the leadership of the Church. I believe this book is a good start to bring that change about.

I recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book, free of charge, from P&R Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Aarik Danielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true must-read for any and every white Christian. Bradley draws on the earned and natural wisdom of thinkers such as Amos Yong and Carl Ellis to construct a portrait of the failings of white evangelical institutions — and to illustrate what all Christians miss out on when we fail to fellowship, collaborate and colabor across racial and ethnic lines. A book both full of diagnoses and ways forward, it contributes much to the conversation about reconciliation and solidarity.

[Matt Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

These chapters were definitely hit or miss, but what's a miss for me, might be a hit for someone else. The Appendix might be good, but I wonder if it's necessary to include here instead of just referencing it.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an exploration of the problem of race in evangelicalism (and particularly Reformed Christianity), but it is set within the specific reality of, well, as the subtitle says, "Why Minority Leadership Is Overlooked in White Christian Churches and Institutions"

The book is a collection of essays, many of which are written by either Reformed Christians (mostly PCA) or Christians in other parts of evangelicalism.

There are several ethnicities represented in the book: Black, Asian American, and Hispanic. They are all speaking to the same reality of the pervasiveness of white culture's dominating influence on leadership in the church in America.

One pervasive theme of the book is that white culture is often taken as a given by whites--as not even 'there,' we simply treat it as 'reality as it is.' Sometimes we have had a hard time accepting the particularity of our white viewpoint, and have not always been receptive to Christians of other ethnicities showing us that our viewpoint is much more privileged and culturally and historically shaped than we had realized.

Anthony Bradley's opening essay about his bad experiences of race in Reformed circles, along with his quoting of Propaganda's "Precious Puritans," felt like a kick to the gut. I wanted to say, "MY Reformed theology wouldn't do that." Yet, humility requires me to say, "Maybe it does, and I have just been very blind to it."

Carl Ellis's closing chapter on discipling urban men is, among many other things, indirectly helpful for demythologizing some viewpoints on the problems in the black community. One pervasive political critique is that all of the black community's problems are reducible to its reliance on the welfare state and Democratic policies. Ellis Jr actually shows that the causes of urban dysfunction are considerably more complicated and socially-oriented than that.

This too is a good book for learning about racial problems in evangelicalism. But you have to have a humble and teachable heart for its message to have a chance.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking. It is easy to read in that it is clearly and succinctly written (and passionately so). I read it in two days! This is important for conservative evangelical, Reformed Christians, whether minority or not. Regardless of your views, this book is critical to help readers who may be clueless of some minority realities (myself included) to be informed and willing to listen.

This book was challenging in that I found myself unsure of what to agree or disagree with. Yet, I found the authors helpful in explaining and supporting their views. This was a book that made me think. One need not agree with all of the book. One might even vehemently disagree on many things. But if we are to engage the issue of race constructively and wisely (surely a biblical mandate!), then one ought to listen and understand and even empathize, regardless of where one's opinions and views ultimately end up.

[Tyler Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started following Bradley on Twitter, I had to get this book. I thought I’d love it; I wound up only liking it.

This feels more like a collection of testimonies (which is much needed and very helpful), then an attempt to answer why minority leadership is overlooked (the book’s subtitle). As a local church member and para church worker, I hoped that Bradley would address identifying and rooting out racism in local churches: most focus in on Christian schools and seminaries though.

The diversity of writers denominationally is purposeful and helpful; unfortunately they sometime approach the topic itself differently which leads to some contradictions between their suggestions.

Thankful for this book and I will definitely revisit it.

[Benjamin John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful read, focussed on America which sometimes not applicable (Not a criticism just we don’t have as much of a Latino community as in America). Some of the essays could definitely be developed, especially the first which critiques church planting (targeting a specific group) and then tags on an alternative right at the end, which is much more what I want / should read (i.e more detail on what *does* work). All in all good, but still have a lot of questions (which is good as gets you thinking about these things)

[Antonio Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays dealing with issues faced by Christians of color in evangelical churches and institutions

Not all of these essays are equally interesting or helpful, but some of the highlights include Carl Ellis' contribution and the statement on race produced by the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in the 1990s

It's a shame how much of this book is still relevant in 2020

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good.

Really appreciated Carl Ellis’s essay on discipling in an urban context, first because I live in the city, and second because it provides principles applicable to other communities I interact with.

But I appreciated all of these essays. They all bring important insights to the table.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Bradley edits together several biblical scholars and their views on the church and minority leadership. I really enjoyed Ralph C. Watkins chapter and the report from the Lutheran church- missouri synod.

[DeAron Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bradley uses this book to amplify the voices of minorities who offer a needed critique of white evangelical institutions. However, they critique and offer a way forward. For any minorities working or thinking about working in a white evangelical institution they should read this book.

[Bob Ayres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a "must read" for anyone serious about racial reconciliation and cross-cultural ministry. Excellent... insightful... challenging.

[Andrew K · Rating 3 out of 5]

the more that I think about it, the more that I think evangelicals’ attempt to plant churches in minority communities is a bad idea

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong collection of essays on the issue of the relationship between U.S. minorities and a caucasian dominated Evangelical movement. I say movement, because the book doesn't just speak to the realities in churches, but also in educational institutions, publishing companies, and other parachurch organizations. The authors include numerous personal anecdotes to illustrate the difficult realities for minorities congregating in organizations that are in many ways, for them, other. The book is an excellent opportunity to listen to voices that are often simply not heard over the "white-noise" of Evangelicalism. I would offer some push-back in a few places, most notably in Ralph Watkins treatment of church history (I don't disagree with his underlying point--we certainly need more Africa in our telling of our history--but his presentation of an alternative narrative is in need of nuance). However, the nature of any theological topic spurs such debates, which provide valuable opportunity for dialogue and increased understanding. In general, the book offers points that simply make a great deal of sense, as I seek to incorporate my own experience of Christian higher education with the kinds of voices Bradley gathers in this book. I am grateful for the book and Bradley for this reason, and genuinely wish that the church continues to seek to embody the kingdom vision of all nations that forms such a large part of the content of Christian hope.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aliens in the Promised Land is a collection of nine essays from nine different minority American evangelical church leaders about the struggles and differences faced in a dominant culture that assumes a great deal of white privilege.

Anthony Bradley, the editor and a black man from the South and active in the Presbyterian Church in America and professor at a New York college, is well placed to lead the reader from the assumptions of mostly white, conservative evangelical culture towards seeing how minority scholars, pastors and churchmen are forced to deal with growing the church.

Sometimes edited books with multiple authors can flail about for consistent messages and themes. This isn't really an issue with Aliens in a Promised Land though, because it is well edited and the authors are passionate about a consistent theme, if at times bringing in widely different perspectives.

The strongest chapters, for me, were by Carl Ellis, a professor at Redeemer Seminary, who brought practical theological applications to issues facing many urban minority men, and Bradley's closing chapter, where he urges racial solidarity, going beyond just racial reconciliation.

This work should stir hopes and real plans for that kind of solidarity, particularly in churches and in leadership training institutions like seminaries and colleges.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book that won't be widely read, except by minorities. Though I have a few disagreements, the authors points are clear, about the need to learn about theological movements. This however mat become a doctrinal issue, for example, feminist theology, which in my mind is unbiblical. ISo we can and should expose ourselves to differing views, but at some point these issues will no longer be cultural, only doctrinal.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

More academic in tone, this collection of essays should be read by every pastor. Also, anyone who is interested in racial reconciliation- which should be all of us. Insights abound. I found Carl Ellis's essay to be the strongest of the bunch but each was well worth reading.

[Jonathan Latshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Anthony Bradley did a great job in compiling and editing this book. He shined light into a lot of dark areas of American Evangelicalism. He also outlined many problems evangelical churches and institutions will face in the very near future.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very important and well written book. Enjoy the diversity of perspectives inside and outside of the Academy on the issue of racism.

[Joost Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

As in all multi-author works, the chapters are hit and miss. I found mostly misses. The best part of the book is the appendix.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great points, lots of weak ones. Worth a read.