21 Comments
author

Loving these questions, folks! So excited to respond to as many as I can. Keep them coming!

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The “New Antisemitism” and the Logic of Whiteness by Megan Wachspress connected the strong pro-Palestinian response of white liberals to avoiding facing our own complicity. She also suggests that the strong assertions that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism are rooted in an attempt to cling to Whiteness. She uses some of James Baldwin's thoughts are a launching pad.

Do you think this is a fair representation of Baldwin? Does her analysis of the situation resonate with you based on your expertise on the issues of race and power in the US? Given your skill and character in framing things in a graceful yet challenging way, you have any suggestions on how to broach these topics with people close to us?

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What is the difference between anti-semitism and anti-Zionism? Thank you ahead of time for the answer.

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Twila, i’ve been asking this question too. I’m learning, and I’ve started with reading the resources on telosgroup.org (The Telos Group, DC nonprofit) as well as Telos newsletters & webinars.

I joined a webinar last week to learn more; it’s referenced in my posed question to which I tried to reply with the links to the recording & transcript. I’m having issues & wonder if they can viewed, if helpful.

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Thank you! I just got into the website and will start reading!

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Grace and Peace!

Can you explore “honor thy parents”? What’s “Biblical” (READ: God intended understanding of ‘honoring’) vs. “cultural” (READ: “European” or ‘authoritarian’ or ‘Gothard-esque’)? I can find resources related to leaving abusive spouses. Also, the “leave loud” church-exit series from you and your brilliant colleagues may have many relevant parallels…but I don’t know where to find “good scholarship” Re: when/how/if one can or should “cut-off” parents. Thanks!

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What can people of faith contribute to social justice work that is advantageous over purely secular efforts? It seems there is a plethora of good work across the religious and non religious ideological spectrum in the racial justice arena and very often from non-Jesus followers. I’m interested in your perspective on what is unique to our position as Jesus followers.

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I ask a second ? for whenever time allows. Do you have additional thoughts and suggestions for addressing the U.S. racial wealth gap (I noted this from your podcast with Center for Formation, Justice & Peace, I think.)

Any thoughts on the book, “Poverty, by America” (Matthew Desmond)? I finished book for Telosgroup.org Learning Corps discussion, but I’m still processing the book’s recommended actions.) You’ve recommended supporting Black businesses and elevating diverse voices--purchasing & reading books by diverse authors too. I’d like to learn more. Thanks!

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I enjoyed the video of you speaking about criminal justice reform. Please tell us more about your work in that area as well as reading resources. Also I'd love to see more videos of you speaking about...anything! Your passion and intensity are infectious! It touched my soul deeply.

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I so appreciate your work? What are you reading? What are some recommended reads? I am new to this social justice journey and want to immerse myself in the literature. Thank you.

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founding

I've heard you share recently about the pain and loss you've experienced via those who were influential in your spiritual formation. That is a hard road to walk. How are you doing? Is there a way that you and your family can be meaningfully and directly supported?

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I would love to know how the two professors, Dr Sam Joekell & Julie Moore, who were ousted unjustly from their Christian university teaching roles are doing now. Have they found new work? Have so appreciated how you raised what went on with them, and how you came alongside of them both. Thank you

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founding

In my denomination, the Reformed Church in America (RCA), we have The Belhar Confession as one of our standards that we adopted. One of the lines from this confession is this: We believe that "the church as the possession of God must stand where the Lord stands, namely against injustice and with the wronged; that in following Christ the church must witness against all the powerful and privileged who selfishly seek their own interests and thus control and harm others."

This is not an option with the word "must" being used. How then can white Christians who seek justice (in the RCA)motivate other white Christians in our denomination to live out this statement that we have adopted? Any advice is helpful. Thank you!

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I had to self-publish my book, Restoring The Glory: Breathing New Life Into the Rural Black Church. What is the best way to get traction with the support of major publishers.

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What are you reading right now? What gives you hope? Thank you for the work you are doing!

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founding

What is your top list of biographies that you loved reading?

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Hello! I’ve been wanting to ask: What seminaries would you recommend?

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Would you like to come over to our house? We live in Louisville (and have lived in MA and AR) and have been praying for your family's adjustment to Louisville over the past year.

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Recently I was in a group that debated that the Civil War was over “States Rights” not slavery. Most of the white group thought it was definitely about slavery (progress?). Can you give more historical details regarding this topic?

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