Letters Across the Divide: Two Friends Explore Racism, Friendship, and Faith [Paperback]

David Anderson (Author), Brent Zuercher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2001

In this stirring book, two friends--a black minister and a white businessman--hash out their differences, giving voice to feelings most of us have had but would never express out loud. The result is a book that provokes thought, arouses emotion, and ultimately spurs actions, stressing that the most effective way of dealing with the many facets of racial reconciliation is through real and connected friendships.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

-Why is everything a racial issue with blacks?
-Why do so many whites refuse to believe that racism is a problem in America?
-Should all whites apologize for the wrongs committed against African Americans?

These questions aren't asked out loud, except in the closest and rarest of friendships. David Anderson and Brent Zuercher are the kind of friends who can candidly discuss these thorny issues. Although their letters aren't always-or usually-tension free, Anderson and Zuercher continue the dialogue because the issues are so vital to them.

This intimate view of an intensely personal journey will disturb your coziest assumptions, make you squirm, maybe even incite a riot in your mind and heart-causing you to think differently about racial reconciliation. As you eavesdrop on the discussion of these two friends, you will see that when blacks and whites open their minds and hearts to each other, understanding dawns, healing sets in, and bridges with eternal significance are built.

"I've known, watched, and experienced David Anderson's love for Christ applied to the touchy issues of reconciliation. If you want to be part of the healing work of Christ, this book is a step in the right direction." -Joseph M. Stowell, president

About the Author

David Andersonis the senior pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, a multicultural congregation located in Columbia, Maryland. He is president of a consulting and resource organization called the BridgeLeader Network and a professor of cultural diversity at the University of Phoenix. Anderson received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Moody Bible Institute and is currently a doctoral candidate at Oxford Graduate School.

Brent Zuercher is a CPA and received his undergraduate degree from Southwest Baptist University and his master's degree from DePaul University. He lives in the Chicago suburbs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books; Reprinted edition (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801063434
• ISBN-13: 978-0801063435
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #849,458 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moved to Tears, February 6, 2001

By 

Dana L. Boyer (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters Across the Divide: Two Friends Explore Racism, Friendship, and Faith (Paperback)

The book entitled "Across Racial Divides was an extreamley emotional story of two friends that openly discuss racial issues very openly and honestly. The book touched me dramatically and gave me a new insight on racisim in the world today. Some of the topics hit home and made me realize just how many people feel on the subject of racisim. Across Racial Divides gets to the very heart of the subject. It is gripping, compelling and will surely touch each person who reads it. The book really had a positive effect.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Letters Across the Divide, April 19, 2001

By 

Cynthia Beard (Columbia, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters Across the Divide: Two Friends Explore Racism, Friendship, and Faith (Paperback)

Amazing book. Anyone that reads it will find it difficult to put down. I would personally recommend this book for personal use, but also for corporate use in diversity training. Emotional and educational. As you read these remarkable letters shared between two friends, you will examine your own life, both spiritually and emotionally.

Never have I witnessed two people express their emotions and feelings in such an honest and open way. This book is destined to make the Oprah Winfrey Book of the Month Club.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book On Racism, May 10, 2004

By 

Pastor Roger "Roger R." (Chicago, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters Across the Divide: Two Friends Explore Racism, Friendship, and Faith (Paperback)

Let me say upfront that I'm a white conservative male. In & of itself, there's nothing wrong there. However, most white conservative males don't think racism is a problem in America anymore. To anyone out there-white conservative or otherwise-if you share that believe, then this bookmis a must read for you.

This book covers reoccuring things like why most whites don't think that racism is a problem anymore & why African Americans answer it so differently. All too often, most white conservatives 0never ask their minoritiy friends & associates if they think racism is still a problem. If they did, they'd get an earfull, just like what is presented in this book.

In addition to being an ordained minister, the Lord has also called me to the ministry of Racial Reconcilliation. It's been a tough challenge but by his grace, I've stayed with it. This book has already been a valuable asset to my work. It's helped me to see things through the eyes of an African American (David)& through the eyes of a white guy, too (Brent). In listening to their correspondence back & forth, it's helped me look at several key issues connected with racism that never came to my mind at all. This book also helps to explain why America hasn't moved forward inb the area of Racial Reconcilliation. Sure, we've passed many anti-racism laws. But laws don't change the minds & hearts of people. And laws don't prevent individual racism 1-on-1.

This book should be a must read for all Christians out there. If you think you've heard everything there is to know about racism, think again. This book will challenge what you believe on the issue.

As I stated above, I work in the field of Racial reconcilliation. If any of you out there have any thoughts, feelings, opinions, suggestions, etc. on this issue, by all means get in touch with me.