Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Book Review: Gracism

The Art of Inclusion


by David A. Anderson

“Gracism, the positive extension of favor on other humans, based on color, class or culture.” This is the definition created by David A. Anderson, who wrote, Gracism, The Art of InclusionAs the minister of a large multicultural church, Anderson teaches how to live from and as grace in our interactions with any and all diversity. As an African American man, he understands racism but he also includes himself in the stories of our prejudices and challenges in accepting people different from us. 

As a Christian minister, Anderson relates stories and teachings from the Bible to illustrate his points and ground us in spiritual principles. This didn’t create any challenge for me. It was easy to see the parallel in Jesus’ call for us to love, and our own teaching's reminder that we are one and our nature is love. His approach is very practical, relevant to  our lives today.

At the end of each chapter he leaves us with questions to ponder about ourselves and our own behaviors. He presents positive suggestions for the opportunities we encounter to bring grace into our interactions with race as well as all expressions of diversity.

In these times of great division, with issues involving diversity extending into all areas of humanity, I find this book very informative, encouraging and empowering.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnhart, a staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

Gracism is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.

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