The Religion of Whiteness: How Racism Distorts Christian Faith

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars | 25 ratings

Price: 15.3

Last update: 10-02-2024


About this item

Recent years have seen a growing recognition of the role that White Christian Nationalism plays in American society. As White Christian Nationalism has become a major force, and as racial and religious attitudes become increasingly aligned among whites-for example, the more likely you are to say that the decline of white people as a share of the population is "bad for society," the more likely you are to believe the government should support religious values-it has become reasonable to wonder which of the adjectives in the phrase "White Christian Nationalism" takes precedence.

In this book, Michael O. Emerson and Glenn E. Bracey II respond definitively: the answer is "white." The majority of white Christians in America, they argue, are believers in a "Religion of Whiteness" that shapes their faith, their politics, and more. The Religion of Whiteness, they argue, raises the perpetuation of racial inequality to a level of spiritual commitment that rivals followers' commitment to Christianity itself.

Using national survey data, in-depth interviews, and focus group results gathered over several years, Emerson and Bracey show how the Religion of Whiteness shapes the practice of Christianity for millions of Americans—and what can be done to confront it.


Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The good: This book reflects reality. The bad: This book reflects reality.
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
If you've ever wondered about the current divide in American Christianity, this book is your answer. Emerson and Bracey II convincingly demonstrate that it's not theology, denominationalism, or liturgical practices that divide the church but The Religion of Whiteness. This is different from your typical abstract work or educated commentaries from personal observations, i.e., mental exercises devoid of real-world interactions. It's a data-driven masterpiece. As sociologists, they've based their findings on years of research, interviews, and data analysis. Their analysis and collected stories, as someone who has experience working and worshiping in primarily white Christian institutions (PWCI), all ring true.

If you're currently in a PWCI and experiencing any form of racial microaggressions, gaslighting, racelighting, or even direct attacks, this book will not only help you understand what's driving the racialized agenda but also validate your experiences. However, I don't recommend this book to those who believe racism was resolved in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or that the USA has never been and is not currently a racist society; it might make you angrier. I believe all seminaries, schools of theology, sociology, etc., and anyone working in the area of public policies and all who care about racial justice should read this book.
Ashley Ochi
5.0 out of 5 stars A challenging must-read for all, especially Christians in America
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2024
This book is an important piece in the progression from naming symptoms of racial inequality in America to uncovering a diagnosis for it. The authors masterfully present the conclusions of years of academic research in a compelling form that doesn't require higher education in sociological or statistical sciences to understand. The interspersed human stories make the analysis more relatable and are curated to personalize strong evidence rather than cherry-picked to cover gaps.

Every person will come into this book with an understanding of race and religion built upon years of lived experience and present emotions. This book needs a warning label - every reader that takes it seriously will encounter some sort of pain. For some, it may be an unwelcome and serious diagnosis of a symptom they may have only noticed in their neighbors. For others, it will press the edges of deep scars that can't find a sterile environment to fully heal. As a biracial person who grew up primarily around my white family and in majority white schools and churches, this book cut both ways. On more than one occasion I had to pause reading to work through the pain of being on the receiving side of betrayal trauma and the shame of being on the perpetrating side. I am no stranger to numbers, having started my career as an engineer and now working in technical market analysis - until this book, I'd never shed tears over statistics.

I highly recommend reading this book and sharing it with people who are in your circle of trust (and who see you as a trusted friend). Again, though it is understandable, it will be a painful read. Regardless of what you think about racial injustice coming into this book, taking it seriously will result in a grave understanding of how intertwined racial injustice and Christianity are. It is a problem that many people find comfort - dare I say emotional safety - in avoidance, but pretending it doesn't exist only makes it worse.
M. J. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I could say the author is wrong but ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
For the last decade or so, I have been bemoaning what I called the "American Secular Religion" that was creeping into and taking over many religious groups in the US, turning several historically Christian denominations into organization I would no longer call Christian. Unfortunately, this book defines the characteristics of the American secular religion and emphasizes the racial aspect in a way I had not. Renamed ROW (Religion of Whiteness) I was horrified by the statistics showing how pervasive the heresy is. A major value of this books is that it gives concrete ways to identify and speak about NOW and provides compelling life stories, not just statistics, confirming its existence. Critical reading for anyone serious about being a Christian.
Larry DeVaughn
5.0 out of 5 stars The Confederates are still in government and the church “
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024
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