Who Will Be A Witness: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance

by Drew G. I. Hart

Churches have begun awakening to social and political injustices, often carried out in the name of Christianity. But once awakened, how will we respond? Who Will Be a Witness offers a vision for communities of faith to organize for deliverance and justice in their neighborhoods, states, and nation as an essential part of living out the call of Jesus. Author Drew G. I. Hart provides incisive insights into Scripture and history, along with illuminating personal stories, to help us identify how the witness of the church has become mangled by Christendom, white supremacy, and religious nationalism. Hart provides a wide range of options for congregations seeking to give witness to Jesus ethic of love for and solidarity with the vulnerable. At a time when many feel disillusioned and distressed, Hart calls the church to action, offering a way forward that is deeply rooted in the life and witness of Jesus. Dr. Harts testimony is powerful, personal, and profound, serving as a compass that points the church to the future and offers us a path toward meaningful social change and a more faithful witness to the way of Jesus.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Race, Justice, Social Issues, Faith

276 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Lisa Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am committed to the church. Yet something is terribly amiss. I refuse to accept that what typically passes for Christianity in America is the actual embodiment of the faith...I'm not convinced that what we practice is what Jesus desired for us and passed on to the disciples and earliest Christians."

This book unabashedly presents the shortcomings of the Church, not just in 2020, but going allll the way back and showing how the American Church and white supremacy have always gone hand in hand. Despite the fact that some of these shortcomings seem new or recent, Hart shows how time and time again white Christianity failed to correct course, and now we're here.

Who Will Be A Witness is part history, part theology of justice, part reminder of God's calling for His people, and part challenge to live out that calling. It is not a book of theoretical or hypothetical ideas. Hart presents actionable steps to change the behavior not just of individuals (though the individuality focus of white American Christianity is a huge part of the problem), but the Church as a whole.

This book should be mandatory reading for all Christians, especially leading up to an election, and especially in this time where God's justice is needed on earth. Hart does not write with a political bent - he writes about Biblical truth, and our failure at sharing that truth with our neighbors.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, opinions are my own.

[Breanna Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who wants to engage with the "what now?" questions that arise as we face injustice and hypocrisy within the Western church, and our own complicity in those systems.

The author unblinkingly names and addresses the N. American church and its habits/legacy of oppression, its racial supremacy, and its desire to be a part of the dominant culture rather than practice a "Jesus-shaped witness" in the world. The book takes readers through some of the early church history, comparing and contrasting its witness to the surrounding culture with the Western church's witness today.

My favorite chapters of the book were Liberating Barabbas (a discussion of the various theological interpretations of the Barrabas story and how it relates to our own calling to resist a violent empire), and the chapter addressing jubilee economics (Economic Injustice and the Church). All in all, a very timely read for Christians in North America today.

Thanks so much to Menno Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read the author's first book Trouble I've Seen or you are already engaged and/or interested in justice issues, then this book is a must-read. It's full of ways the Church and Christians can participate in social issues while retaining their faith background. It's challenging in that it will ask you to rethink what you've been taught (or not taught) about the Church's role in upholding racism. The chapter on Barrabas alone is worth the price of the book. I appreciate being retaught some foundational truths about the way of Jesus. This book not only led me more toward justice but more toward Jesus.

If you haven't read Hart's first book or are just stepping into the justice waters, start with Trouble I've Seen and read this one next.

I read an advanced e-copy while waiting for my paperback to arrive. Review reflects my honest opinion.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful and timely read! Drew’s follow up to The Trouble I’ve Seen gives the reader a better understanding of the history of the Christian church and its close connection to the spread of white supremacy ideology. We as the church can and must do better! Who Will Be a Witness? is an excellent place to start if you are looking for strategies to join in ecclesial grassroots justice work!

[Tessa Patiño · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mix of history, theology, & personal story that Dr. Hart uses within this book. Chapter two (Liberating Barabbas) & chapter 7 (Economic Justice and the Church) stood out to me the most for their ability to make me reconsider how I theologically view two seemingly different topics within an Anabaptist framework. While each chapter of this book is different & unique, they all come together nicely to still support the same thesis.

[Eunice Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after being intensely disturbed by the Capitol insurrection on Jan 6th 2021 (like many others) but particularly so by the display of “prayers” and calls to christianity/faith that sounded a little too close to the churches I grew up attending. It was hard to watch people be violent and oppressive while also claiming that Jesus or God was blessing their actions.

I’ve been on a long journey of exploring the intersection of faith and racism (or passive disregard for racism, or the employ of faith toward conservatism) for the past year or so. This book helped me feel more equipped to actually have a conversation with family or friends who are defending Trump as a Christian. Or claiming that Black Lives Matter isn’t “the Christian way.” It helped me put actual historical and exegetical analysis behind what I have always felt deep down were fundamental misinterpretations of what Christianity was always supposed to be.

I was surprised in particular how much reading this book was enhanced by reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X and some of MLK Jr’s lesser known speeches around the Poor People’s Movement and economic inequity in the US. I read each chapter slowly and deliberately and took careful notes to make sure I wasn’t just “arming myself” with rhetoric to be used in debates, but rather actually building out a point of view that I feel I can defend wholeheartedly. I feel better owning the values I was raised with and also recognizing the hypocrisies I was raised to ignore and have struggled to reconcile for a long time.

[Jonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Hart writes a comprehensive guide, full of biblical truth, personal stories, and pastoral wisdom, on how we can all move toward justice and liberation together. He has a keen eye for how the church can engage in activism, and does so in a way that preserves love and peace, while never sacrificing them for justice and progress. This nearly 400-page book is worth every minute you'll spend reading it.

[Nya Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you consider yourself "in" the church or not, if you are drawn to Jesus, read this book. But please do it in community. It's meaty and has much to dialogue through - which is good. There is no choice but to go deep, reflect, and share as you journey through the book. While walking you through the tragedy of the church's unjust and death-dealing history, Dr. Hart beautifully weaves in relatable storytelling and doable calls-to-action so you can truly live out Jesus-shaped justice.

[James Weise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the five best books that I have read in 2020. It was great from the beginning to the end and is both educating, inspiring, and challenging.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Wish I had read it earlier. Highly highly recommended.

[Grant Klinefelter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this, yet sadly was underwhelmed. Hart writes from an Anabaptist tradition that I very much so respect and agree with. While his content is good, I found his delivery to be too broadly focused. He sought to cover too much ground not allowing any of the sections to go deep enough to truly flesh out his ideas.

A couple highlights though:

Dr. Hart has been deeply formed by Dr. King’s thought and theology and his continued reference to his work was a highlight for me.

The best chapter by far is his chapter on Barabbas where he contrasts the way of Jesus—peace and the way of Barabbas—violence. The comparison between these two “Jesus” characters (Matthew 27:16) is not often analyzed and Hart’s work on it is prophetic to our cultural moment today.

For those looking for a smorgasbord of thoughts on race, violence, justice, and reconciliation work, this is a good book. But it will continually leave you itching for a deeper dive into each section he covers.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add this to the list of books I want every Christian to read, especially those who seek to move from being an ally to being a co-conspirator. I appreciate the mix of history and theology, as well as the necessary challenge to look at the way the church has often upheld white supremacy and shift to practicing "Jesus-shaped" justice.

[Stephen Matlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than a how-to manual about discipleship. It is a book to engage one’s mind and heart with the idea that following Jesus means something, likely more than offering words and intentions and feelings.

I was not expecting this book to hit me so hard, and I was not expecting it to stop me & call me in to listen to the words.

What is this book? Some have said it’s a follow-up from Dr. Hart’s first book TROUBLE I’VE SEEN, and perhaps it is, but maybe in the sense that a postcard from a travel agent is a prequel to a wonderful, life-changing trip to another land—what Dr. Hart expressed in TROUBLE I’VE SEEN is only a part of what he sees as normative Christian expressions of faith and practice.

The book takes the reader through a series of chapters that focus on particular aspects of the meaning of Jesus’ words and Jesus’ action (sometimes collectively called “Jesus’ ministry”), and the invites the reader in not only to dialog with the topics but to consider deeply what it might mean if the aspects of following Jesus discussed in this book are worth living for, as well as what it will look like when the reader takes the step of believing what Jesus says we are to do. After all, to be a follower of Christ, regardless of the label, is to be a follower of Christ, not just a student or even a teacher.

I had first treated this as another interesting book with useful information and provocative questions, but I found myself longing for the kind of deep intimacy with faith and trust that this book offers the reader. Perhaps it is possible, the book suggests, to live in harmony with Jesus in such a way as to bring personal balance, hope, and meaning while also bringing about restorative justice, love, and healing to our neighbors by doing what Jesus showed us to do.

Is this a hard book to read? Not really. Dr. Hart writes in an easy, accessible style, sometimes sprinkling the text with words from a professional theologian, but most often he simply writes of what the life of Jesus means for his followers. What is hard about this book is that it will not allow a reader to skim the surface for highlights—this is a book that says “Come sit by the fire with a warm beverage, drink in the silence, and take some time to think about what an intimate, joyful, loving relationship with Jesus could possibly be like.”

As I read this, I felt like I was in a conversation around that fire with Dr. Hart and a few of his many friends, just talking, and listening, and thinking. And then at some point, I realized that I wanted to have that kind of genuine affection and peace, even to share it with others in my life.

So it’s not a book of discipleship or theology or practical tips for living the Christian life. It is a deep, thoughtful, reflective experience with open, honest affection for Jesus and for the people he came to be with: us.

[Marty Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2020 Book of the Year.

If you're looking for spirituality or skills for activism you'll get both in Who Will Be a Witness. The subtitle is exactly what I experienced in reading the 360 well-written pages: Ignited for activism of God's justice, love, and deliverance. Bold public witness is hard to sustain in today's chaotic world. Maybe you're feeling exhausted, confused, or doubtful from trying to make the world a better place. This book is for you. Or maybe you're eager to do something, you just don't yet know what to do to address systemic racism. This book is also for you. Running throughout the book is Dr. Hart's passion to communicate the good news of Jesus' liberating message and of the wonder of our invitation to "become Jesus-shaped through discipleship."

That's worth the book cost right there. But what takes it to an entirely different level is how seamlessly he integrates that spirituality with practical skills. He teaches how to organize a protest, practice nonviolent direct action, understand movements and change theory, and how white people like myself can faithfully join the cause. This book will help you parse things out in your head and put them into action with your hands.

One of the highest compliments I can give this book is that it is difficult to categorize. Is it theology? Is it practical? Is it history? Does it make sense of today? Is it biblical? Is it for my grandma or my activist friends? Is it a quick read or something that requires deeper study? And the answer is YES to all the above.

Following after his marvelous debut, Trouble I've Seen, Drew Hart is leading me and all interested people deeper into the vocation of Jesus as activists for justice, love, and deliverance.

His invitation is simply contagious, "So bet on God's delivering presence by joining the Messiah's revolutionary movement." p 69

The timing of this book could not have been better, coming in the summer of 2020.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a timely and necessary book for anyone listening for intellectual honesty and scriptural truth. Dr. Drew Hart - pastor, theologian, activist and professor - calls the church he loves to awaken to the life-giving and liberating way of Jesus. This book shines a prophetic and well-researched light on our unjust history and current status quo of supremacy and inequality with great hope that we will begin living as Jesus instructed - in solidarity with the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed, “in action and in truth.” You will not be able to read this book sitting down. It is a faithful and urgent call to re-focus our collective and personal world views through the lens of liberating love.

I highlighted nearly every page of the book, but keep returning to this passage in particular: “We participate in God’s salvation on the earth when we refuse to give divine sanction to the status quo and the way things are, and instead prophetically imagine God’s dream for a new humanity and new society. We can begin living into that world right now, believing that God’s liberation from death-dealing forces is able to break into our world, even amid this old order’s persistence. It requires that we believe that another world, and another way of relating to one another, is possible. It requires that we lean into the kind of love, the kind of justice, the kind of empathy, the kind of shared belonging with others that is available in and through Christ” (131).

[Emily Fenty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Drew G.I. Hart’s book is an inspired revelation. Not only is it incredibly powerful, it is educational and constructed in a way that reveals the truths of the Bible & society in a new way. The connections to the life of Jesus & his mission to end the structures of oppression at the time made sense of so many biblical narratives that held little meaning for me before. It makes a great case for the peace-centred, non-violent revolution of Jesus through careful examination of the historical context surrounding him & the other characters of the biblical narrative in the gospels. It provides a stirring call to action to the church to stand up and be true disciples of Jesus through action and activism inside and outside of the building walls. Hart has reminded the church that one of the fundamental attributes of God's character is justice, and we as his followers are called to embody that in love and perseverance. 10/10 - I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for justice-related Jesus content.

[Simon Risson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Drew takes personal experience, connected with history of nations, and dissects our history according to Scripture. He challenges the attention we have failed to give. He critiques the church, those who proclaim to follow Jesus , reminding g us of what we are really being called into. It is a confronting personal read as you realise the power that white, middle class comfort and security has afforded to a large percentage of the population. His challenge is strong and almost too much ... it probably is too much if you don’t want to read with hope. There is a Walsh hope. Hope is an invitation to participate in a different way. While each chapter took my breath a way and left me feeling overwhelmed with sadness at times, it is also a book that invites hope. This too, is great reflection of Dr Drew’s experience. He isn’t just writing about ideals, but seeking to bring them to life in real time. This book will bring goosebumps and challenge my way of thinking and engaging in the world for years to come.

[Tabatha Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Drew Hart's first book Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism and was eagerly anticipating this release. Dr. Hart is a skillful writer and teacher with a prophetic gift - not in the sense of future prediction, but rather the ability to speak what is with searing clarity and bring the call to every lover and follower of Jesus to be faithful in their witness and to their baptism. This book encourages us in our intentional pursuit of Jesus to renounce the racism, white dominant values, and idolatrous nationalism that for too long have been the witness of the American church and its members. I appreciated the weaving together of history, Scriptural exegesis, and stories from his own life to encourage and lead us into a true, everyday discipleship with practical ways of living love for our neighbor and solidarity with the most vulnerable. Who Will Be a Witness is both remarkably current and a book to return to for many years.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many themes hit hard here. Collective and communal and systematic and structural sin vs. personal sin/salvation. That's a starting point.

But Drew also covers so much more ... financial apartheid, Christian Supremacy (yep - helped fuel white supremacy as far back as Constantine), jubilee economics, the difference between marginalization and decentralization, and more. A challenging, necessary, critical view of both the church and America.

"The lie is that, at its heart, America is an innocent nation primarily serving the interests of goodness, justice, and equality. The truth is that the very people who were WRITTEN OUT of full belonging and participation in the American experiment are now CENTRAL to the rebirth of this land and continue to invite everyone to imagine a world beyond what currently exists. Rebirth requires the end of the world as we know it."

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for everyone in the process of decolonizing their faith. Everyone who has been angered, hurt, and harmed by the church's apathetic response to racial and social injustice. This book was challenging, edifying, redemptive, and affirming. Prof. Drew Hart is a prophetic voice in an age where the church is telling us that "up is down and down is up." Prof. Hart holds up the mirror and leads us to the truth in a way that empowers and mobilizes you into action. Thank you for the labor that went into writing this Prof. Hart, I am forever changed.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking. A must read for every person that identifies as Christian. Hart gives a history for readers to grasp the deeply rooted racism that has
Infiltrated our churches, political policies and almost every facet of American history. Furthermore, racism and white supremacy is still starkly alive and present today - even in the church! This book inspired me to speak out against racism and help my church break down barriers that keep us tethered to patriotism instead of aligning ourselves with Christ. As followers of Christ, our allegiance is to Christ first and foremost.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the bible and faithfully attending church for 40+ years, Hart helped me to understand Scripture more deeply. As the back cover states, Who Will Be a Witness? offers a vision for communities of faith to organize for deliverance and justice in their neighborhoods, states, and nations. Hart issues a bold and confrontive call to action. He is a desperately needed prophetic voice for the American church. I hope and pray that we will listen.

[Adam Cresswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

People are going to refer to this text for years and years to come. Who Will Be a Witness is intensely readable while also being an incredibly deep and surgical dive into the liberative work of God in the world, and the call for Christians not only to understand justice but to GET IN ON IT with their heart mind soul (and wallets). Don't read it if you prefer not to see what can't be unseen, because you will walk away changed. Read it, or listen to Drew's brilliant reading of the audiobook.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an eye opener. This book is jam packed full of wisdom, church history, real life accounts, prophecy and a stunning picture of the how we can become a witness together. It’s challenging in all the best ways, and I’d encourage people to read this in a group as a book study chapter by chapter and work out ways that we can do better as a community.

It’s been such a gift to me and I cannot recommend it enough. Enjoy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Steve Kimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is aimed at a higher education level than his first book, Trouble I've Seen. He is trying to prove that the church should be active against racism and give many examples about how the church should be active. Some excellent examples of how the church can be allies and not get in the way of the very people they are trying to help. The best work I've read about the institution of the church and racism.

[Lydia Pebly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, this book was powerful, well-written, and convicting. Such an important read for our current context, especially for white, American Christians. As one friend said, it's so hot it might burn your eyebrows off. Definitely something I'll be returning to. I already highlighted and underlined most of it, but I know I'll get more from it with every re-read; it's just that good!

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will bring clarity and practicality. Who is Jesus? How did He live, who did He associate with? What is Gods dream for our world and how can we 'participate in Gods delivering presence'? Dr Hart gives clear analysis of culture, church, pratices and how we can live in our times to bring wholeness to all peoples. His books are a must read!!

[David S Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical ,theological and challenging.

“The response to Jesus’ clash with the establishment and his willingness to lay down his life should lead to more than just worshiping and celebrating him for what he did—it should also ignite a revolutionary, grassroots, Jesus-shaped witness in society.” Drew Hart

Dr Hart brings some compelling perspectives, theology and experience together to make “Who will be a witness?” an uncomfortable but formative read for those who are interested to know more about how they can work out their understanding and attitude towards justice. Rooted in Bible and lived experience, Hart invites us to think for ourselves about these issues, but ensures we have the facts to inform us properly. Articulately presented and deeply practical, he devotes the largest chapter of the book to practical ways that individuals and churches can work for justice.

From the start an attractive part of the book is the grace that Hart navigates with. He has some big rocks to throw and he does throw them, but he does it from within the church - he’s not simply throwing rocks, he’s showing us how to rebuild. In chapter 1 a chord of hope is struck by showing how empire isn’t permanent (cf Mark’s Temple Clearing) and this gives us hope that inequality in the present might also change. However, change requires the church to reject passivity, as chapter 2 shows us, in a unique reflection on the role of Barabbas in the crucifixion narrative. In chapter 3 Hart considers how modern Christianity is shaped by Columbus and Constantine - racial inequality and a quest for power. This particularly shapes how US Americans see themselves, and chapter 4 makes uncomfortable reading for the privileged. At this point I note that the focus is US America, but the application is much wider even if the examples tell that story particularly.

Chapters 5 and 6 felt, to me, like essential reading for pastors, particularly white pastors. Hart notes how often the language of marginalisation is used by those in privileged positions when what they are actually experiencing is decentralisation. The church however is resisting this happening (more effectively than society) and this is wrong. As such our response as the church and church leaders should be to ensure that justice is central to our conversation and that it shapes our worship. It’s a failure of discipleship that sees justice as other than central and of prime importance to the church and Jesus’s kingdom.

Chapter 7 asks “How might a jubilee ethic fulfilled in Christ get reimagined for our twenty-first century, and how do we begin to embody that through Christ’s presence in our community?” Currently, the accusation is levelled (accurately in my mind), that the church represents not the gospel economics that we see in Zacchaeus but rather that of the rich young ruler who abandons following Jesus.

As mentioned the longest chapter (8) brings a feature missing in many many books, but Hart offers some practical but well reasoned ways in which individuals and churches can act in a way that leans towards justice. Protests, grassroots movements, and politics are considered in a really balanced way
while reminding the church of it's called to participate in the things that make for peace. Finally the conclusion reminds us that love must be at the root of this change. But again, our love must be informed by God’s justice - namely, do we love equally and with equity… do we love our enemies?

A fantastic read. The sort of book I’d recommend to a book club wanting to have serious discussions around racism and justice. Also a good follow up text to those who have read DD Gilliard’s “Subversive Witness” and want to be further stretched in their thinking in the area of justice and race in the church. Practical ,theological and challenging, “Who will be a Witness: Igniting Activism for God’s Justice, Love and Deliverance” offers it all

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having spent considerable time in Anabaptist and Quaker settings, the basic premise of this book is not new to me. Discipleship, or following after the way of Jesus, doesn’t simply mean intellectual assent to particular doctrines; following Jesus requires a faith that produces action. Jesus spent time with the poor, the vulnerable, and disadvantaged, and he proclaimed the good news of God’s reign; so should we. Neither did Drew Hart’s discussion of the Constantinian shift surprise me, either; this is well-known history to Mennonites and some Quakers. For Christians in evangelical settings, Hart’s critique of political power and United States as a chosen nation might be more challenging.

In Who Will be a Witness?, Hart examines scripture for numerous references to God calling God’s people to help the poor and needy. He spends a lot of time looking at the actions of Jesus in the Gospels. He also holds up as a mirror the prophetic voice of the black church in America and calls on figures such as Henry McNeal Turner, Howard Thurman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Jeremiah Wright. He lifts up the work and voices of other African Americans who worked for justice, such as Ella Baker, who worked with Dr. King, and Ida Barnett Wells, who fought against lynching through investigative journalism and public speaking.

Like Jesus, we need to put our bodies where our faith is. Where many Christians have actually put their bodies throughout history, however, is in power and domination of others, and this runs counter to the life and witness of Jesus. We can see this failure in the Crusades, the treatment of Native Americans, American slavery, and white supremacy. Hart argues that it is our Christian duty to work against unjust practices and systems in our society that undermine the well being of black, brown, and other vulnerable people. To this end, he offers practical suggestions on how congregations might move forward in Jesus-shaped witness and action. Hart is especially skillful in these suggestions: he does not tell congregations or individuals what to do, but rather speaks from his own experience as to what has been helpful or effective. A discussion guide of Who Will Be a Witness? would be a useful congregational resource.

As a white person who spends time among white Christians who are concerned about (and act for) social justice, I think my greatest learning from Who Will Be a Witness? is my/our need to read and hear the prophetic voices from black people in the church. On page 152, Hart tells his readers that if they haven’t read Frederick Douglass’ full speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?,” they should put the book down and and read the speech immediately. I know I have plenty more reading and listening to do, and Hart’s endnotes are just the beginning.

[Liz Bahati · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is my second read by dr. hart. i definitely preferred this book to his previous one, maybe because it feels particularly relevant right now. the political climate has gotten even more intense in the past year, & this book skillfully addresses ways that christians can participate in bringing God's "justice, love, & deliverance" to the world (well, to america, at the very least). there are so many of this parts where i just wanted to snap my fingers because dr. hart hit the nail on the head. my only critique is that the writing has a lot of cliches in it, but that's not really that big of a deal. anyways, definitely recommend to any christian who wants to get started in pursuing godly social justice.