Gracism: The Art of Inclusion

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

Gracism: The Art of Inclusion

Authors:

David A. Anderson (revised and expanded with David Heiliger), foreword by Erwin Raphael McManus

Publisher:

InterVarsity Press

http://InterVarsity Press

Publication Date:

May 16, 2023 (original edition published in 2007)

Format:

Paperback

Length:

192 pages

OVERVIEW

In 2007, David A. Anderson wrote a book on overcoming racism using what he dubbed gracism—extending mercy and grace to people outside your ethnic group to create a multiracial space in your Christian community. He described gracism as built around seven sayings that signify vital postures:

• I will lift you up
• I will cover you
• I will share with you
• I will honor you
• I will stand with you
• I will consider you
• I will celebrate with you

Since the first edition appeared, race issues in America have only increased, and other stressful events (the COVID pandemic, the 2016 election) have made public discourse more difficult. Working with Gracism Global colleague David Heiliger, Anderson updates the book—adding references to current concerns and a new saying: I will heal with you.

In his book Culture Care, Makoto Fujimura talks about “border stalkers” who travel between communities, building bridges to promote understanding. Anderson performs that role excellently throughout this book. In stories about his work hosting a radio show, he discusses how he’s strived to apply these eight sayings when interacting with listeners, sometimes bringing people together off the air to achieve reconciliation. In stories about his work as a pastor, he talks about tough times when he has learned hard lessons about being more sensitive to racial issues and his successes fostering a multi-ethnic community at his church.

The expanded material necessarily talks about politics, but applies that bridge-building attitude to great effect. Anderson talks about Black Lives Matter, the Ferguson riots, and the George Floyd case. Each time, he exhorts white readers to consider the anguish and drama behind the African-American community’s response. At the same time, he encourages African-American readers to realize that white readers are often unsure of what to say about race, and struggling to deal with the fact that “the browning of America” is shifting their position in American culture. One side of this discussion certainly has more generational trauma than the other, but both sides must recognize the other is struggling, unsure of what to say, before they can have a conversation. Anderson’s choice to speak to both communities, pushing them to converse and have empathy for each other’s position, is a tough choice to make. But he handles it well, crafting a compelling vision for reconciliation.

Time will tell whether the topical references will lose some potency over time. However, the authors consistently produce clear, wise takeaways—like the need to lament injustice, to seek healing and reconciliation—from these topical references. So, the expanded material does what the best kind of expanded books do: add something new yet long-lasting to already great material.

An excellent book for navigating racial struggles and a great primer for churches seeking a vision of multi-ethnic Christianity.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars):

5 out of five stars

Suggested Audience:

Christians seeking to understand American race issues better and seek a vision of how to achieve racial reconciliation.

Christian Impact:

The book carefully unpacks Biblical passages that discuss church conflict (particularly Paul’s exhortations to the Corinthian church) and shows how the passages’ lessons can help churches understand how to achieve reconciliation, honor the downtrodden, and have grace for the underprivileged.

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