More Than a White Man's Religion: Why the Gospel Has Never Been Merely White, Male-Centered, or Just Another Religion

by Abdu Murray

Though many today accuse Christianity of being a white, imperialistic religion, it is actually the source for cherished Western ideals of racial and gender equality. In More Than a White Man's Religion , author and speaker Abdu Murray shares stories from the Bible and his own experiences as a global apologist, a member of an ethnic minority, a son of immigrants, and a former Muslim to show that the gospel message provides dignity and liberty to non-whites and women. More Than a White Man's Religion Without overlooking the places where Christianity has failed to live up to its own ideals, Murray challenges the myth that Christianity is an oppressive, Western religion and shows believers how to better fulfill their God-given mandate to uphold the dignity of every human being. Tackling head-on one of the most serious challenges to the Christian faith in our multicultural age, More Than a White Man's Religion demonstrates how the gospel can inspire positive change for modern culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Theology, Christian, Evangelism, Christian Living

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 27, 2022

About the author

Abdu Murray is North American Director with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and is the author of three books, including his latest, Saving Truth: Finding Meaning and Clarity in a Post-Truth World. For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim who studied the Qur’an and Islam. After a nine year investigation into the historical, philosophical, and scientific underpinnings of the major world religions and views, Abdu discovered that the historic Christian faith can answer the questions of the mind and the longings of the heart. Abdu has spoken to diverse international audiences and has participated in debates and dialogues across the globe. He has appeared as a guest on numerous radio and television programs all over the world. Abdu holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. As an attorney, Abdu was named several times in Best Lawyers in America and Michigan Super Lawyer. Abdu is the Scholar in Residence of Christian Thought and Apologetics at the Josh McDowell Institute of Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This type of book needs to be written in the current cultural climate, but it needs to be done so in a more robust manner. This is a rather average apologetic book, probably fine for helping Christians but not terribly convincing otherwise. Some parts felt like special pleading, and if I am I agreement with Murray on his overall points and still felt that way, it will probably feel even more so for someone who does not agree. An okay start, but we need better books written.

[Becca Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version narrated by the author. As a Christian who was very inspired by Ravi Zacharias and then greatly distressed after his secret sins came to light, I found it very healing to hear Abdu testify how God has worked in his life through that time. Murray's legal background really benefits the reader as he expounds on Scriptures that can cause doubts especially if we don't understand the context. This is a book I hope to return to when my kids are closer to highschool age. I highly recommend it for Christians and anyone who has thought that the Bible is out of touch with today's culture.

[Jacob Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murray's perspective, personal background, and expertise is precisely what is needed for a book like this. I'm so grateful to be in a world where the message of Christ is being received and followed by people from the majority world to counteract the narrative that is being brought against the Gospel message - that is that it is only for the minority world of the Americas and Europe.
More than a White Man's Religion focuses in on 2 key parts in great detail - 1) More than just for one ethnicity or race and 2) More than just for men. The issues and solutions proposed are backed by and filled with Scripture, historical context, personal narrative, apologetical breakdowns, challenges to assumptions on all sides, thoughtful deep-dives, and the narratives of others as well. The topic this book presents is vast and is dabbled with at an overview level. There is so much more to be said about nearly all of the sub-topics he discusses. I hope this book is an encouragement to our brothers and sisters from the majority world (or majority world backgrounds) to pour what they have into this challenge from the world - for this faith is so much greater than any one type of man or woman, but surely is one for all those who will believe from every nation, tribe, tongue, and period of history around the globe.

[Joe Keefhaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the title and subject matter, it is very appropriate that this book is written by an olive-skinned man of Lebanese-American ethnicity who was raised as a Muslim. Murray does a very good job of explaining the Middle Eastern origins of Christianity, as well as the non-European backgrounds of many of the faith's early leaders. A major concern of many Bible readers is its apparent failure to condemn slavery and a perceived second-class status being assigned to women. Murray does an excellent job of handling these misconceptions. In particular, he does a convincing job of blaming translations from the original languages for causing some to think the Bible supports slavery. Murray demolishes the arguments of those who, in earlier centuries, used the Bible to say slavery was God's plan for certain groups of people. He also interprets several Bible passages involving women, bringing new understanding.

[Kian.ting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank u for writing this book it expounded alot of the scripture for me and cleared a lot of my doubts and it encouraged me a lot. I am sorry for what you have to go through I understand because I went through a lot of it myself and yes it does get to us sometimes and being a father it pains me to know that my children will potentially face the same prejudices, racism and bullying that we have faced, but what encouraged me the most is that we know our worth made in the image of God and adopted into God’s family through Jesus saving grace, I was so inspired I told my children about your book and also how the value of gold is the same no matter if it is in the dirt or refined into jewellery, how much more are we who are adopted children of God, our value don’t change no matter where we are or what hardship we face. Cannot thank you enough for writing this book, knowing my future generations will also be encouraged by it.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the heat of social upheaval, Murray offers some helpful perspective about the relation between race, gender, and the gospel.
After the BLM riots and the fall of Ravi Zacharias brought the issues of racism and misogyny to the forefront, Murray wrote this book - in the midst of the Covid years. Also, being of Arab descent and having two daughters have made these issues particularly relevant for the author.

Despite the contextual nature of this book, Murray's insights are deeply rooted in history and Scripture. Not only has the critical mass of Christianity shifted to the south, but for much of the first millennium AD, it was in the east. Murray addresses several questions about problem sections of scripture that give people the wrong impression about Christianity, and offers a strong defense of it being a liberating force for race and gender.

[Ashley Kochis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In such a politically charged climate, this book is so so important. Jesus loves you. He died for you, no matter who you, what you’ve done, or what you look like. Male or female, black or white, you are so valued in the eyes of Christ.

This book covers two topics: how the Bible portrays people of color, and how the Bible portrays women. It debunks the cultural beliefs that God is partial to only the white man using historical context, the Hebrew language, and the intentions of Jesus- God incarnate. Then it goes on to say that if Christ is for everyone and His Grace truthfully knows no limits, then Christianity is not just any other religion.

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, accessible look at and answer to some of the major "defeater" topics commonly thrown at Christianity.

(full disclosure: the agency of which I'm a partner represented Murray on this book)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts II and III are excellent for defense of God's word and what it says about the acceptance of all people by our Heavenly Father. Jesus came to earth to reiterate that God wants to redeem all people through him and secure our identities as children of God.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably would give this a 3.75 (if I could- Goodreads!).

This was good but I wanted more. I have been on this journey. This is for someone who is just starting down that path. Still an important book.

[Brittany]

Worlds book of the year 2022 runner up

https://wng.org/articles/a-gospel-for...

[David Holl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to understand the significance of the Gospel from another culture or from a woman's perspective.

[Caroline Pesterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biblical views on equality & justice for people of color and women! So good :,)

[Robin Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are seeking Jesus, wanting to learn more about the world today and Jesus, agnostic? this is a great book for you.

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: g
Recommend: hs and up. Christians : to be involved in this discusssion and have an answer.

I have told so many people about this book. I love how he takes the argument in two sections, race and gender. I think his ethnic heritage is a benefit for his points. Read it.

[Stephen M. Legler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book, especially if you are engaged in discussions with people that think the Bible and Christianity are built on racism and sexism. Abdu Murray, former Muslim, lawyer and now Apologist does an amazing job going through the perceived "hard parts" of the Bible. Abdu does this with grace and provides the evidence.

I have marked this book throughout the pages... here are three quotes near the end:

"Tribal Christendom is a maze of division. But Christianity as an allegiance to the person whose nature, character, and work changed the world is a flower bed. Beautiful flower beds are mosaics of diversity. Different flowers bloom at different times, in different shades, and at different heights. Yet all draw from the same soil, the same water, and the same sun. There is unity amid the diversity" (p. 227).

"In a world where we should have found ourselves enlightened by now to have outgrown racism and sexism, we still dwell in their darkness. We are to shine the light, in word and deed, that reflects the powerful vulnerability Christ lived out in elevating women and challenging ethnic prejudice" (p. 229).

"Let us resist the cultural surge to get on the train that relegates Christ to a historical figure who may have said and done some good things once. Let us resist the even stronger urge to get on the train that would lead us to decry Christianity as a white man's religion that inspires racism and promotes sexism. The doors have opened to us to get on the train that leads us to look to the olive-skinned, black-haired, transcendent person of Jesus, who offers us more than a white man's religion" (p. 229).