Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
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3 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

This is the most helpful book I've read on a subject most of us are afraid to dialogue about. I am a pastor of a multi-cultural church and we are using this book to help facilitate our own dialogue. It get's a the core problem of racism, "sin" and it gives some very helpful steps toward "reconciliation".

Pastor David Anderson and author Brent Zuercher have penned a groundbreaking and unique book. What happens when two friends of different races explore racism and faith? "Letters across the Divide" happens. For a firsthand account of what multicultural relationships could look like, read this book.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, and Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction.

Anderson and Zuercher should be applauded for their courage to tackle the ongoing subject of Racism in America. I found the book very informative and encouraging, especially when Mr. Zuercher admitted to thoughts he did not realized he harbored against Blacks. I found the book informative as Mr. Anderson set an example for all us, on how to deal with persons who hate just because of something they see on the outside (skin color, religion style, etc.) This book is for anyone wanting to grow in their relationships with others.

This book is what its title indicates. It's a series of letters between a White and a Black man, both Christians, wrestling with differing perspectives on race and racism in America. Their different views come from their different upbringings and subcultures, not theology. In fact, their biblical understanding and the values that develops from it are remarkably similar.

What they are trying to do is apply their faith to everyday life. It's a good exercise and they do it well. Whatever your race or ethnic background, you can learn something from this text. It promotes understanding and, therefore, their greater goal, genuine respect and friendship.

I happened to be up early this morning and turned on C-Span's "booknotes" to hear David Anderson. When he was finished speaking, I knew I had to buy this book. Even though I have not yet read it, the message that Mr. Anderson shared about commitment, respect, sincerity and acceptance and his evident faith and alignment with his Christian beliefs were so incredibly powerful, that I knew I needed to place an order immediately.
I can't honestly offer a "star" rating as yet, but since I had to make a choice, I feel my rating is justified based on what I've seen so far.

I attend Bridgeway Community Church on a regular basis. I have attended this church for about 5 years now. I know David Anderson personally, and I am very proud of him and his many achievements since I have known him.