Customer Reviews

More Christian than African-American: and other ways Jesus turned my life upside down

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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!

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 ___________________."

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.

As one might imagine, "More Christian than African-American" was a controversial title a decade ago when it was first published. The controversy has not changed, nor has the book with the recent re-release. Author Kimberly Cash Tate continues to tell the tale of two parts of her personal journey, weaving them together.

As her sub-title suggests, her new identity in Christ turned her life upside down. From a person who saw herself first through her racial identity--black, and second through her gender identity--female, Tate has become a person who sees herself through her spiritual identity--Christian.

Reading the title closely ("More...than") one sees that Tate never negates the richness of her cultural heritage. Rather, she explains how Christ adds riches to who we already are by making us who we were always designed to be.

In an age when intercultural ministry and relationships are finally becoming more common, this is an important book. While not all will agree with the extent to which Tate takes the metaphor of change, all will be challenged to open the dialogue about our true identity and how we relate to one another.

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

More Christian than African American was a breath of fresh air. I thank God that a Kimberly Cash-Tate, a Christian, African American women spoke the truth above putting God first before her race and everything else. I am a believer that my Christianity should supersede my culture and this book depicts this. If you have a problem with this well-written book then I challenge you to examine yourself. This book gives clarity on how we must trust God for direction in all of the areas of our lives. God wants full control and we must all die to ourselves as Kimberly did. This is a great read.

Wendell - Michigan

This book is amazing and thought-provoking. I was intrigued by the title but it is a great read for people of any race or culture.

A must read for everyone, regardless of race. Mrs. Tate is a gifted writer who tells the story of how Jesus changed her life. This book is inspirational and educational. As a white forty-something woman, I learned so much about the black culture that I never knew. Kim captivated me with her story. Make sure you have a lot of time when you start reading this book....you will not want to put it down!!!! I loved it so much I am giving several as Christmas gifts!!

When I initially began reading Kim's journey, I was fascinated by our differences. However, I began to realize her words sounded like my own as she was sensing God calling her to Him. Kim's honesty is refreshing and challenging. God used this book to speak to me on many different levels. What a blessing! A great read and perfect gift for any woman!

On top of being a really good read, this book takes you on a personal journey that honors God and is reflective of His redemptive plan in the lives of all His children. Mrs. Tate's story also provides invaluable perspective for those of us who have never had to make a choice or distinction between our heritage and our religion. The struggle is real and definitely not easy. Don't pick this book up until you have the time to read it because you will not want to put it down until you're finished!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough!!! I always love to hear peoples' personal stories and this book had me hooked in the first couple of pages. But as I read on, I was grew more and more intrigued with Ms. Tate's completely honest reflections on how her ethnicity affected all areas of her life. Her journey into a life of faith is fascinating and the challenge of reconciling her faith with her feelings about her race is incredibly thought provoking. This is a book for everyone regardless of race.