Blacks and Whites in Christian America : how racial discrimination shapes religious convictions /

Sociologists Shelton (Univ. of Texas, Arlington) and Emerson (Rice Univ.) offer a critical sociological perspective on religion and racialization in the US. The complexity of this subject matter is borne out in the fact that all "Christians" follow a religion supposedly based on love for one's fellow man (and woman), but rarely has this been a reality, due to the persistence of racism in the Christian church. Moreover, the writers provide viable empirical data to strengthen their perspective that historical forms of racism have had, for example, a significant impact on how African Americans go about their daily prayers. At bottom, blacks and whites view Christianity in very dissimilar ways, and this has roots clearly in the way both communities have experienced life in the US. The history of racial oppression obviously has tentacles in all institutions, but, sadly, it has been ubiquitous in Christian circles. This book will prove to be required reading for those that seek to comprehend the nuances in why religion and "race" have historically created and shaped an outcome that now distinguishes different forms of Christianity. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates, graduates, researchers, and faculty. M. Christian Lehman College