The Color of Compromise Summary

Summary of The Color of Compromise Book by Jemar Tisby

Name: The Color of Compromise
Rating: 4.7 (3537 reviews)
Author: Jemar Tisby

4.7 . 3537 reviews

Short summary

The American church was not merely an accomplice for racism but also perpetrated it. White supremacy is wrapped in American Christianity. Action towards reconciliation and justice comes from telling the whole truth about the history of the white evangelical church. We have to be as intentional about tearing down the walls as we were in building them. “The Color of Compromise” is a New York Times Bestseller written by the CEO of The Witness Inc., Jemar Tisby. The author shines the light on an often-overlooked participant in the perpetuation of racism in America. However uneasy it may seem, truth-telling is an inescapable path toward reconciliation. Lament mixed with hope, humility, and courage will get us on the right track to achieving racial justice. “By looking back, ‘The Color of Compromise’ pushes us to look forward to living out a courageous Christianity that is authentically grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.” ~ Patrick Smith

16 min

9 key points

14 insights

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Table of content

Summary of The Color of Compromise
About the author
What is The Color of Compromise about?
Who should read The Color of Compromise
Topics in The Color of Compromise

first key point

We must be willing to tell the whole truth about the church’s role in racism in America

Listen the first key point

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So many people, Christians inclusive, like to tell a one-sided story about America’s history. Cherry-picking the good and ignoring the ugly parts of our history goes against the grain of Christianity. Scriptures record the good, bad, and ugly aspects of the faith heroes’ lives, like Abraham’s lies, Peter’s denial, and Jonah’s selfishness.

Education should lead to informed action, and informed action should lead to liberation, justice, and repair. ~ Lecrae

By examining humanity’s heritage, we can clearly see ourselves and what we are capable of doing. Then we can choose to do better.

Truth begets confession, confession generates repentance, and repentance is vital to reconciliation.

Knowing the truth is not enough. We must take action based on the truth we know.

The refusal to act in the midst of injustice is itself an act of injustice. Indifference to oppression perpetuates oppression. ~ Jemar Tisby

When four Black girls died on September 15, 1963, from an explosion at the “Youth Day” Sunday Service of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, everyone was shocked with grief. The following day, a young white lawyer, Charles Morgan Jr., delivered a sobering speech that indicted everyone as complicit in the bombing. He attributed the atrocious act to the atmosphere of hatred and racism that everyone had created through their actions or inaction. This speech sparked adverse reactions from white residents in Birmingham until Morgan relocated his family elsewhere for safety concerns. Racism festered because many Southern Christians did not take decisive action against it.

“The Color of Compromise” exposes how racism played out in the American church and suggests ways by which we can achieve reconciliation and solidarity. It shows how the church supported racism and tries to cover up its complicity. Transformation is possible only to the extent that we are willing to make sacrifices. True sacrifice requires truth-telling.

second key point

Christianity was compromised to create room for racism

Psychologist Beverly Daniel Tatum defined racism as “a system of oppression based on race.” Racism is a blend of prejudice and power. It encompasses personal bigotry toward someone and the imposition of bigoted ideas on others. Money, politics, and terrorism are tools that many white people have used to maintain their convenience at the expense of Black people.

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third key point

Between 1500 A.D. and 1700 A.D., a choice of dividends over dignity led to a race-based stratification

fourth key point

The Great Awakening made Protestantism appealing to the enslaved during the mid-1700s

fifth key point

The Protestant churches were complicit in enslavement and racism in America

sixth key point

White supremacy became the identity of the United States after the Revolutionary War

seventh key point

Theological justifications for slavery show the extent of the complicity of Christianity during the Civil War

eighth key point

After the Civil War, the Blacks had a short-lived shot at equality

ninth key point

Conclusion

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What is The Color of Compromise about?

"The Color of Compromise" by Jemar Tisby is a thought-provoking exploration of the American church's role in perpetuating racism throughout history. Tisby delves into the uncomfortable truths, exposing how the church has often been complicit in maintaining racial inequality. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, this book challenges readers to confront the past and present realities of racism, urging them to actively work towards a more just and inclusive future.

Who should read The Color of Compromise

Christians seeking to understand the historical role of the American Church in perpetuating racism.
Activists and scholars interested in exploring the intersection of race and religion in America.
Individuals committed to dismantling systemic racism and promoting racial reconciliation.

Topics in The Color of Compromise

Social Justice Equality Leadership Ethics Society Race American History Religion

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