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The Color of Compromise

summary ofThe Color of CompromiseBook by Jemar Tisby

11 min
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You’ll learn

  • About the church’s role in racism
  • How history shapes injustices
  • Why the church must confront its past
  • The steps to true healing

first KEY POINT

Facing the ugly truth

People love to tell stories that make them look good and hide the less attractive sides of their experiences. Even the Christian Church is no exception when it comes to its history. However, cherry-picking the good and ignoring the ugly parts goes against the grain of Christianity.The Bible itself records the good, bad, and ugly aspects of the lives of key individuals, like Abraham’s lies or David’s murder. These stories are valuable because they are authentic. Through them, we learn to admit our transgressions and can attempt to put things right.

If you take one part of the truth and present it as the whole truth, it becomes a lie.

The essence of Jesus Christ’s message allows no space for racial discrimination. Yet, racism has managed to secure a place in the American Christian Church for a long time. And instead of making this topic taboo, we should learn from this bitter history.Further, we will explore multiple cases where the Christian Church compromised with racism. This narrative aims to let the truth set us free from illusions and give us a chance to do better in the future.Stay tuned to unveil the obscure parts of history.

second KEY POINT

Tinkering with freedom

Historically, white people have been able to place themselves higher than people of color. Using money, politics, and terrorism, many white people maintained their convenience at the expense of Black people, enslaving them and forcing them to do unpaid work.One can hope that the Church could be a refuge and a source of justice for such oppressed individuals as people of color. Yet, this wasn’t the case throughout history. While claiming Black people their sisters and brothers, Christians took part in building the system of white supremacy — an order where white culture is seen as superior.

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first KEY POINT

The origins of racial inequality

second KEY POINT

One in spirit, segregated in flesh

third KEY POINT

Coming out of hiding

fourth KEY POINT

How theology attempted to justify slavery

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Jemar Tisby is a respected historian and speaker who delves into the complex links between race, religion, and history in the U.S. He uses his expertise to foster understanding and advocate for racial justice.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism about?

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, authored by Jemar Tisby, explores the historical and ongoing involvement of the American church in systemic racism. Tisby interrogates the complexities and challenges within the church, encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism and its impact on faith communities.

What are the key takeaways from The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism?

Key takeaways from The Color of Compromise include the idea that racism is not just a personal issue but a systemic problem deeply intertwined with American Christianity. Tisby emphasizes the need for the church to actively engage in anti-racist efforts and to acknowledge its own role in perpetuating racial injustice.

Is The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism worth reading?

Yes, The Color of Compromise is worth reading, especially for those interested in understanding the intersection of faith and social justice. Its insightful analysis by Jemar Tisby provides important perspectives that challenge conventional views on race within the church.

How many pages is The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism and when was it published?

The Color of Compromise has 256 pages and was published on January 10, 2019. This length allows for a thorough exploration of its themes without overwhelming the reader.

How does The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism address racial issues in America?

In The Color of Compromise, Jemar Tisby addresses racial issues by providing a historical overview of the American church's involvement in racism and urging congregations to take accountability for their actions. Tisby advocates for a commitment to racial justice and promotes conversations around difficult issues within the context of faith.