Gracism: The Art of Inclusion (BridgeLeader Books)

Product Description ECPA Christian Book Awards"The parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor." 1 Corinthians 12:23When people deal with color, class or culture in a negative way, that's racism. But the answer is not to ignore these as if they don't matter. Instead, we can look at color, class and culture in a positive way. That's gracism.Pastor David Anderson responds to prejudice and injustice with the principle of gracism: radical inclusion for the marginalized and excluded. Building on the apostle Paul's exhortations in 1 Corinthians 12 to honor the weaker member, Anderson presents a biblical model for showing special grace to others on the basis of ethnicity, class or other social distinction. He offers seven sayings of the gracist with practical examples for building bridges and including others.A Christian alternative to secular models of affirmative action or colorblindness, gracism is an opportunity to extend God's grace to people of all backgrounds.Now in paper! Review In this book the author encourages people to be gracious to minorities and help them live a quality life. Anderson skillfully explains this biblical mandate to care for the marginalized. -- Book Bargains and Previews, May 2008If you have been exposed to this idea of God desiring ethnic reconciliation and justice but have felt overwhelmed by the task or wondered why it'should even be a priority, this book is for you. -- Being Redefined Blog, May 25, 2007Anderson has practiced what he preaches, which is to honor diversity and be committed to the dignity of other races and cultures. His concept of gracism--as opposed to racism--involves not accepting special treatment at the expense of another and not just ministering to the "least of these," but standing alongside them. -- Outreach, July/August 2007Anderson's framework is innovative, and the discussion questions included after each chapter will usefully guide the conversations that this provocative manifesto is sure to inspire. -- Publishers Weekly, April 9, 2007 Review "David Anderson is a powerful voice of hope and a national leader in racial reconciliation. This book provides a new--and the only--'ism' that can heal the deep wounds of racism." -- Donald T. Floyd Jr., President and CEO, National 4-H Council About the Author David A. Anderson is the founder and senior pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, one of the nation's leading multicultural churches, located in Columbia, Maryland. His previous books include Letters Across the Divide and Multicultural Ministry.