Rating: 
Summary: Rock-solid argument with rigorous proof
Review: Michael Emerson and Christian Smith argue in their book Divided By Faith that the values and beliefs that are central to evangelical religion - freewill individualism, relationalism, and antistructuralism - actually help to increase the racial divide in America, even though they are the biggest supporters of racial reconciliation. The book is based a deep probing of evangelical Americans' feelings of race issues through an extensive nationwide survey of over 2000 people. The authors give rock-solid proof for their argument which is presented in a very concise and logical manner. The effective use of statistics and quotes from interviews help solidify the argument. In addition, they describe how the structure of American religious organizations is continually pushed towards internal similarity, leading to racially separate congregations. After reading the book, one will find it difficult to respect the views of evangelicals and their attitudes on race issues.The book begins with a close look at just how racialized our society really is, citing mostly examples of economic disparity between whites and blacks. The problem also exists in the lack of interracial marriages, segregated communities, and in religious affiliation choices. Next the authors give a historical overview of how Christians, particularly evangelicals, have thought of race in the past, and what sorts of actions they have taken to address racial issues. Racial reconciliation was started by blacks in the 1960s as a theology for reconciling the division between races. Its primary tenet is that individuals of different races must develop primary relationships with each other and recognizing social structures of inequality. Evangelicals have since popularized the idea and made it one of their top priorities for bringing and end to racial division. The original message was lost in the translation however, for evangelicals stress individual reconciliation as opposed to challenging social systems of injustice and inequality. Evangelicals see the race problem of one of three types: prejudiced individuals, other groups trying to make race problems a group issue when it is only individual problems, and a fabrication of the self-interested. Emerson and Smith use the idea of a cultural tool kit - ideas and practices that shape one's perception of reality - to explain these views. They explain how accountable freewill individualism, relationalism, and antistructuralism are the racially important cultural tools for white evangelicals and how most do not think America is racialized because of their tools; in addition, most are racially isolated. White evangelicals see no race problem other than bad interpersonal relationships. These tools lead them to "minimize the race problem and racial inequality, and thus propose limited solutions." This strong evidence supports the claim that evangelicals perpetuate a racialized society without any intention to do so. The authors asked people in the survey for their explanations on the reasons for blacks having worse jobs, income, and housing than whites. White evangelicals were significantly more likely to cite individual reasons than structural reasons; most felt that it was due to lack of motivation or will-power on the part of blacks. However, when black evangelicals were asked for their explanations, they overwhelmingly cited less individualistic and more structural reasons; most felt that it was due to discrimination. This shows that evangelical religion "intensifies the different values and experiences of each racial group, sharpening and increasing the divide between black and white Americans." Emerson and Smith also give anecdotal evidence that by not seeing how societal structures impact individual initiative, the racialization problem will continue. The survey also asked people about how to solve the race problem. The results again show that evangelicals overwhelmingly felt that people should "try to get to know people of another race" and that almost none felt that racially integrated residential neighborhoods could solve the problem. What's more, white evangelicals were much more likely to respond this way than non-evangelical whites, further evidence of the cultural tool kit explanation. The authors also give an in-depth examination of the structure of American religious organizations and the view that America has become a "religious marketplace." They explain why congregations are internally similar with the idea that "internally homogeneous congregations more often provide what draws people to religious groups for a lower cost than do internally diverse congregations" in addition to social psychological reasons. The book concludes with a look at how these internally similar congregations produce and maintain racialization. This book is rock-solid evidence for the idea that evangelical religious teachings - although candidly supportive of racial reconciliation - actually do more to perpetuate a racialized society than they do to terminate it. Although the authors provide almost no suggestions for exactly how to end this racialized society, they definitely present a shocking argument along with rigorous proof of the contradiction that exists in American evangelical religion.
Rating: 
Summary: May overlook the power of God
Review: One omission in "Divided by Faith" troubled me -- it did not seem to leave room for the work of God, a concept crucial to evangelicals, no matter the hue of their beauty. Our cross-culture "Bridging the Racial Divide" group spent two months trying to discuss "Divided by Faith." The rock on which we continued to crash was its apparent hopelessness that a multi-ethnic church can prosper and grow long-term. We believe God commands us to unity (JN 10:16 & 17:21), and has the power to fulfill those commands. Our group is now studying Clarence Shuler's "Winning the Race to Unity." Without minimizing the difficulties noted by "Divided by Faith", Shuler manages to retain hope, which makes all the difference (MT 19:24-26.)
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating look at religion and race
Review: Summary:
The book is based on the first author's doctoral dissertation and follows that format... It presents the problem, namely that white evangelical Christians have a long-standing relationship with race in America and that America remains racialized (a term explained in the book). Given the recent trend among white evangelicals to do `something' about the race problem, Emerson and Smith are interested in two things: (1) How do white evangelicals really feel about race and racism in America? (2) What are white evangelicals really doing about it, if anything?
The authors then employ a number of methods to answer this question, including analyzing survey data and conducting extensive interviews with hundreds of white evangelicals. These data are presented in the middle few chapters of the book. The conclusion is best summarized by the authors, "Despite devoting considerable time and energy to solving the problem of racial division, white evangelicalism likely does more to perpetuate the racialized society than to reduce it" (p. 170).
Comments:
Before I offer some criticisms of the book, let me begin by saying that this is an excellent text. It is clearly written and presents a persuasive argument (though the argument isn't without its problems). The authors have done their best to minimize sociological jargon and, when it isn't possible to avoid it, they clearly define the terms they use. The authors also employ a variety of theoretical constructs (the cultural tool kit is probably the clearest), simplified for an educated lay-audience, based in the current literature on the sociology of religion. The result is an easy to read book that clearly illustrates a social problem - white evangelicals talk the talk, but don't really walk the walk that will transform a racialized America into a society where race `doesn't matter'.
A minor criticism to begin with... The authors don't mention that they are evangelical Christians. Given the current trend in the sociology of religion to reveal one's personal religious persuasion so as to inform the reader of any biases that might stem from this, not revealing this fact is an unfortunate oversight. However, I'm inclined to not be concerned about this oversight in this book considering how critical the authors are of their own. This book does not speak highly of the efforts of white evangelicals to reduce the racialization prevalent in America. If the book had been laudatory in light of the evidence, the religious affiliations of the authors would have been suspect.
The other problems I have with the text are a bit bigger in scope, but also would require that the authors delve into issues for which they don't really have adequate data. First, white evangelicals aren't wholly to blame for the racial problems in America today. The authors don't claim they are exclusively to blame for this, but at times one might get that impression. Additional analysis and discussion looking at the roots of racism in America (especially the economic factors involved in slavery) would have helped alleviate this impression.
Second, given the finding that the efforts of white evangelicals to reduce racism are ineffective at best and counter-productive at worst, it would have been nice to see the authors offer some concrete suggestions for what could be done to improve race relations. This criticism rests in the fact that the authors find the individualistic approach of white evangelicals to be ineffective. But when they do offer suggestions as to what should be done, they are generally ambiguous and abstract, "As Stokely Carmichael and others have noted, when problems are at least in part structural, they must be addressed at least in part by structural solutions" (p. 130). The only concrete solution they do offer, integrated worship/mixed race churches, they then say would be impossible to accomplish because it weakens churches. At the end of the book you come away feeling like the authors have done a good job illustrating how white evangelicals are failing in their efforts, but you aren't actually any better informed as to what needs to be done to accomplish this aim.
Despite these criticisms, this remains one of the clearest and most readable books on the sociology of religion I have ever read. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in either white evangelicals or the connections between religion and race relations.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating look at religion and race
Review: Summary:
The book is based on the first author's doctoral dissertation and follows that format... It presents the problem, namely that white evangelical Christians have a long-standing relationship with race in America and that America remains racialized (a term explained in the book). Given the recent trend among white evangelicals to do 'something' about the race problem, Emerson and Smith are interested in two things: (1) How do white evangelicals really feel about race and racism in America? (2) What are white evangelicals really doing about it, if anything?
The authors then employ a number of methods to answer this question, including analyzing survey data and conducting extensive interviews with hundreds of white evangelicals. These data are presented in the middle few chapters of the book. The conclusion is best summarized by the authors, "Despite devoting considÂerable time and energy to solving the problem of racial division, white evangelicalism likely does more to perpetuate the racialized society than to reduce it" (p. 170).
Comments:
Before I offer some criticisms of the book, let me begin by saying that this is an excellent text. It is clearly written and presents a persuasive argument (though the argument isn't without its problems). The authors have done their best to minimize sociological jargon and, when it isn't possible to avoid it, they clearly define the terms they use. The authors also employ a variety of theoretical constructs (the cultural tool kit is probably the clearest), simplified for an educated lay-audience, based in the current literature on the sociology of religion. The result is an easy to read book that clearly illustrates a social problem - white evangelicals talk the talk, but don't really walk the walk that will transform a racialized America into a society where race 'doesn't matter'.
A minor criticism to begin with... The authors don't mention that they are evangelical Christians. Given the current trend in the sociology of religion to reveal one's personal religious persuasion so as to inform the reader of any biases that might stem from this, not revealing this fact is an unfortunate oversight. However, I'm inclined to not be concerned about this oversight in this book considering how critical the authors are of their own. This book does not speak highly of the efforts of white evangelicals to reduce the racialization prevalent in America. If the book had been laudatory in light of the evidence, the religious affiliations of the authors would have been suspect.
The other problems I have with the text are a bit bigger in scope, but also would require that the authors delve into issues for which they don't really have adequate data. First, white evangelicals aren't wholly to blame for the racial problems in America today. The authors don't claim they are exclusively to blame for this, but at times one might get that impression. Additional analysis and discussion looking at the roots of racism in America (especially the economic factors involved in slavery) would have helped alleviate this impression.
Second, given the finding that the efforts of white evangelicals to reduce racism are ineffective at best and counter-productive at worst, it would have been nice to see the authors offer some concrete suggestions for what could be done to improve race relations. This criticism rests in the fact that the authors find the individualistic approach of white evangelicals to be ineffective. But when they do offer suggestions as to what should be done, they are generally ambiguous and abstract, "As Stokely Carmichael and others have noted, when problems are at least in part structural, they must be addressed at least in part by structural soluÂtions" (p. 130). The only concrete solution they do offer, integrated worship/mixed race churches, they then say would be impossible to accomplish because it weakens churches. At the end of the book you come away feeling like the authors have done a good job illustrating how white evangelicals are failing in their efforts, but you aren't actually any better informed as to what needs to be done to accomplish this aim.
Despite these criticisms, this remains one of the clearest and most readable books on the sociology of religion I have ever read. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in either white evangelicals or the connections between religion and race relations.
Rating:
Summary: Not very satisfying!
Review: This book was very well researched, showing that there is indeed a divide between the white evangelical church and black congregations. It includes a good deal of statistical data as well as numerous interviews from individuals about the subject. The feeling I got from the book however, is that the tone was very dismissive towards the opinions of white Christians, and put a higher amount of weight on the opinions of black Christians. The author implied that the racial issue can be solved by policies of reconciliation, and that it is not an individual issue. However, for most of us that is all we have at our disposal. If we are not personally affected by racism we have no personal stake to push for social justice. After highlighting the fact that although there is racial inequality in America, to which most people can agree, the author admits that he can offer no solution to solve the problem. In addition, racisim doesn't simply exist between blacks and whites, people of all cultures face it as well, but the views of those smaller people groups are largely ignored. This book does more to fuel the fire of the differences that lead to racism than solve the problem. Anyone can complain, few can be constructive.
Rating:
Summary: Not very satisfying!
Review: This book was very well researched, showing that there is indeed a divide between the white evangelical church and black congregations. It includes a good deal of statistical data as well as numerous interviews from individuals about the subject. The feeling I got from the book however, is that the tone was very dismissive towards the opinions of white Christians, and put a higher amount of weight on the opinions of black Christians. The author implied that the racial issue can be solved by policies of reconciliation, and that it is not an individual issue. However, for most of us that is all we have at our disposal. If we are not personally affected by racism we have no personal stake to push for social justice. After highlighting the fact that although there is racial inequality in America, to which most people can agree, the author admits that he can offer no solution to solve the problem. In addition, racisim doesn't simply exist between blacks and whites, people of all cultures face it as well, but the views of those smaller people groups are largely ignored. This book does more to fuel the fire of the differences that lead to racism than solve the problem. Anyone can complain, few can be constructive.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: This is a powerful book that illuminates the reasons for the continued racial divide between black and white Christians. In engaging and accesible chapters,the authors meticulously show how white evangelicals look at the world, and how that makes it difficult for them to see racial injustice. The great hope of this book--winner of the 2001 Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion--is that by showing us what has been and what is, it provides the needed knowledge to spur our society to change. The review that follows assumes that the authors have left God out, but this is wrong. As a leader in a multi-ethnic congregation, I know that this book is critical for understanding how God views injustice and how this understanding is key to living in the kind of just and united relationships that God calls us to. This book is a must read for all thinking Christians.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: This is a powerful book that illuminates the reasons for the continued racial divide between black and white Christians. In engaging and accesible chapters,the authors meticulously show how white evangelicals look at the world, and how that makes it difficult for them to see racial injustice. The great hope of this book--winner of the 2001 Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion--is that by showing us what has been and what is, it provides the needed knowledge to spur our society to change. The review that follows assumes that the authors have left God out, but this is wrong. As a leader in a multi-ethnic congregation, I know that this book is critical for understanding how God views injustice and how this understanding is key to living in the kind of just and united relationships that God calls us to. This book is a must read for all thinking Christians.
Rating:
Summary: Solid scholarship, profound implications
Review: This is one of the best books in the sociology of religion to be published in a long time. It is theoretically sophisticated, methodologically sound, and on top of it all -- fun and easy to read and digest.
The conclusions are often repeated too much -- the 69th time I read that white evangelicals prefer individualistic solutions to racial problems rather than structursal, I got mildly irritated. But that's the only critique I have of this amazing book. Oh, well, one more: they didn't really draw from Du Bois's work on race and religion, which already covered a lot of these ideas decades ago...(see Zuckerman's DU BOIS ON RELIGION for starters)....
Each chapter is well presented, the findings are clear, and the mix of qualitative and quantitative data is beautiful. This should serve as a "model" study/book -- would that all sociology of religion books be like this one.
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