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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much needed for the "Human" race., February 12, 2009
This review is from: More Christian than African-American: and other ways Jesus turned my life upside down (Paperback)
I've been learning more about my own Christian "world view" which has been challenging. It has always disturbed me that people (prior to accepting Christ as Savior -- myself included) identify themselves as "victims" of all kinds regardless of culture, geography or background.
I recently read a book "One Blood" by Ken Hamm who went extensively through Scientific evidence and DNA to show how there is only one (1) race -- the Human Race. How much melanin is in an individual's skin is irrelevant. Ken's minisitry is called Answers in Genesis. As I've continued to learn, the answers really are in the Book of Genesis in the Bible.
Then, as a further note in my amazing journey, I heard Kimberly Cash Tate speak about her book while driving home from work one day. It intrigued me because I've always wondered about Black "culture" and their way of thinking. This started when, as a child who grew up in a predominately white environment, I never heard anything bad said about blacks. In fact, the only thing I recall from childhood was my mother's account of an incident from her young adulthood. She had been raised in the mid-West and taught to respect everyone. She had rarely encountered anyone black. Her husband, my father, was in the Army and they were sent to the deep South -- their first experience of black culture. She related to me how appalled she was when a black woman, seeing my mother approach her on street, stepped off the sidewalk into the gutter so my mother could pass by. My mother related how hurt and confused she was by these attitudes. She was not raised to think of blacks any differently than herself.
She raised me with this same attitude. My revelation came later and was somewhat different. Having also been raised in the mid-West in my youth, I likewise had little encouter with B\blacks and was taught never to hate anyone. During my junior highschool years, we moved to Tennessee. The school I would have attended burned down over the summer, and I (along with other white children) were bused to a predominantely black school. The hatred I saw in the eyes of blacks when they looked at me was frightening and confusing. This was in the 1960's. I never understood it.
Mrs. Tate's book was illuminating for me in so many ways. It was a glimpse into black culture and black ways of thinking. I was surprised by the similarities I see in all cultures and kinds of people. Everyone, regardless of what they look like or where they are brought up want and need love and respect. Too often, we tell ourselves that we can only find that in our own "culture" or "kind." We keep the idea of "racism" going by thinking that way. Thanks be to God and Mrs. Tate for the inspiration to think and act Christian first and foremost. The ground is level at the foot of the Cross and in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek (or Black, White, Brown, Yellow . . . well you get the idea)! There is only one "race" . . . the Human Race and we would all do well to live our lives that way. Thank you Mrs. Tate!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Applicable to All, December 16, 2008
This review is from: More Christian than African-American: and other ways Jesus turned my life upside down (Paperback)
Although the title of this book would make one think it is written only for the African-American community, be assured this book will turn your life upside down if you read it. Kim Tate's transparent sharing of her "before" life shows that her stumbling block was that she sought to find her true identity in her race. God showed her that she is much more than the color of her skin; she was a child of the King...a King who had great plans for her life. She didn't leave the richess of her race behind, God just helped her put it in perspective of His greater purpose for her. Just like Kim, I, as a white woman, have stumbling blocks that keep God from His rightful place in my life. Kim's sharing her journey has inspired me to not miss out on God's best because I am unwilling to put Him first. So as you read, forget the title of the book and be ready to fill in the blank, "More Christian than ___________________."
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Better on the Radio, October 24, 2009
This review is from: More Christian than African-American: and other ways Jesus turned my life upside down (Paperback)
I heard Ms Tate interviewed on local radio and was so intrigued by her story, I included her book in my very next Amazon order.
Although Ms Tate writes clearly and without condescension, her affable, lilting tone is absent here. The essence of her deep transformation is lost on the written word.
Ms Tate is a fervent, devoutly dedicated Christian. She tells the truth about the state of her faith without excuse or compromise.
There are many lessons here, the title being the most important. No matter our physical and/or material lot on earth, Christian is our only true identity and, therefore, must be our priority. Ms Tate aptly illustrates what happens when we forsake Him.
Had I read Ms. Tate's book before hearing her speak, I know I would have enjoyed it more than I have. I can't say it's the most inspiring redemptive I've read or will read, nor would I recommend it. Neither my African-American friend or her daughter felt the story spoke to or about them.
If you're considering this book, save your money and use your library card.
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