More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel [Paperback]

Spencer Perkins (Author), Chris Rice (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 26, 2000

Recipient of a Christianity Today 1994 Critics Choice Award! Here is living proof that white and black Christians can live together. When Spencer Perkins was sixteen years old, he visited his bloodied and swollen father (pastor John Perkins) in jail. Police had beaten the black activist severely, and Spencer never forgot the moment. He couldn't imagine living in community with a white person after that. But his plans were changed. Chris Rice grew up in very different circumstances, of "Vermont Yankee stock," attending an elite Eastern college and looking forward to a career in law and government. But his plans were changed. Spencer and Chris became not only friends, but yokefellows--partners for more than a decade in the difficult ministry of racial reconciliation. From their own hard-won experience, they show that there is hope for our frightening race problem, that whites and African-Americans can live together in peace. This revised and expanded edition includes a new introduction, a new afterword, a new study guide, updated resources and a new chapter by Spencer, "Playing the Grace Card." In compellingly practical detail, Chris and Spencer present their hope, which is boldly and radically Christian. "The cause of racial reconciliation needs yokefellows," they argue, ". . . not solely for the sake of racial harmony--even though it will lead to that--but for the witness of the gospel."

Product Details

• Paperback: 285 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books; Rev Exp Su edition (April 26, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830822569
• ISBN-13: 978-0830822560
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,559 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Tribal & Ethnic

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Christian solution to America's race problems, October 13, 1999

By 

John J. Henderson - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel (Paperback)

A wonderful book! Rice and Perkins hold nothing back as they show that the race problems in America cannot be worked out simply by passing laws. The only way true healing can take place between hostile races is through Christ's unconditional love for all of us. They strongly encourage churches to open their doors and arms to people of different races and cultures and to work out their differences through God's Grace rather than simply passing legislation. This book offers strong, proven examples of black and white Christians learning to live and worship together in Jackson, MS. Highly recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reconciliation ahead, July 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel (Paperback)

A friend of mine and I read this book. We both have had experiences of being in all-Black and all-White congregations and the authors are right on target. This is definitely a must read for all that are concerned about reconciling the races for the greater cause of Christ. 5 stars!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is racial harmony possible? Yes AND No!, May 7, 2004

By 

R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel (Paperback)

Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice offer us a vivid portrayal of two men from extremely different backgrounds coming together with their families in true Christian community. The book is open and honest. It will help to lift the cultural blinders we all wear.

IS IT EASY? No, this book describes the self sacrifice, forgiveness, and difficulty of such an endeavour with great detail.

IS IT POSSIBLE? Yes AND No. The book ends happily ever after, but the true friendship between Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice did not. Only a week before he died of heart failure at the age of 44 Perkins spoke of his difficulties in dealing with "White Folks" and the need to forgive. In a July 13, 1998 issue of Christianity Today Perkins describes how after more than 10 years of partnership with Chris Rice they still came to what seemed like insurmountable obstacles in their relationship, but they worked through it.

WHY STRUGGLE? Because it is the right thing to do. God calls us to a ministry of reconciliation. Relationships are difficult, especially relationships with people from different backgrounds. It is not easy to remain married for 50 years, but the ones who make it are the ones who don't give up.

WHY READ THIS BOOK? It will encourage you to embrace the struggle. It will help you see others from a different perspective. It will help you to grow. It may change your life.