Another Justice and Righteousness Reading List
In the fall of 2021 I published a blog post that included a 2020-2021 reading list. That blog has been my most read and requested material, and so I thought I would follow up with a few more recommendations.
The world has taken the word and concepts of justice and has done what they saw as right in their own eyes. However, scripture is not unclear about such concepts.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Psalm 89:14
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24
Justice and righteousness must go together. It is time for the church to rise and take her rightful place.
Like the pervious post, some of these books are from a Biblical perspective, other books are not faith based. I believe both can be valuable, as outlined below. I encourage everyone to think critically about all books, comparing them to scripture. These are no exception.
INTRODUCTION BOOKS
While this book doesn’t directly engage the topic of ethnic reconciliation, it does speak significantly to the Biblical mandate of unity. I highly recommend every believer reads this book (especially before the next election cycle).
AMERICAN STORIES
This beautifully printed book tells stories from the history of the Civil Rights Movement. My heart was really impacted as I read it during Black History Month and was able to find stories about people in Nashville. Part of what makes this book so impactful is the pictures, so I highly recommend getting a printed copy.
A Hope in the Unseen – Ron Suskind
A Hope in the Unseen is probably my favorite book from this post. It is also the only novel in this post.
Cedric is an incredibly intelligent student who attended a high school in Washington DC with a high dropout rate and low-grade point average. After high school he continues his education at Brown University. A Hope in the Unseen follows his journey. This book does a brilliant job of telling a story while raising awareness to the issues that Cedric faces – an education system that has failed him, discrimination, cultural Christianity and more.
While this book contains a theme of faith, I would not use it as a plumbline or pillar to develop a theology. I would take it for what it is, a telling of a story that depicts what Cedric’s experience growing up in this neighborhood.
If you live in Nashville, you can get this book for fifty cents at McKays.
Black Like Me – John Howard Griffin
Originally published in 1961, John Howard Griffin was a journalist who temporarily darkened his skin so he could pass as a Black man. He then spent six weeks in Deep South of the United States so he could experience life on the other side of the color line.
It was fascinating to read even 60 years later. What was so impactful for me was not just the stories, but his internal battle. It was startling to realize how many of the reactions Griffin received while perceived as a Black man are like responses I have witnessed in recent years.
The Color of Law – Richard Rothstein
This book is probably best suited for people who are ready to learn about how systems in their city that are probably not serving everybody equally. The Color of Law specifically covers how the history of real estate and property ownership as led to much of the segregation we still see today. For example, many deeds and some HOA’s still have racially exclusive language included in their bylaws.
Many specific cities are mentioned such as San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis and more.
MULTI ETHNIC MISSIONS MOVEMENT
Going Global: Beyond the Boundaries – Dr. Carl Ellis
Now we return to a deeply Biblical and rooted book. It features the historical context of Black missions, the importance of justice and righteousness, and the significance of a multiethnic mission’s movement moving forward. While I perceive the target audience to be the Black Church, I believe it has valuable wisdom for everyone – specifically as we work together to bring a multi-ethnic mission’s movement forward.
What books have you been reading about Biblical justice or reconciliation?