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What is Critical Race Theory?
It may be one of the most widely referenced issues of the day, but it's also one of the least understood. In its translation from the academic world to the general public, Critical Race Theory (CRT) has inaccurately become a catch-all term for anything related to race. But what does it actually mean, and how should Christians engage it?
Ed Uszynski-whose PhD in American culture studies navigated readings in Marxism, Critical Theory, and Critical Race Theory-carefully unpacks what critical race theorists seek to accomplish and what Christians can learn from them. Uszynski generously explores CRT's roots, context, and central tenets, revealing how its insights are used and distorted but also how they might benefit the church. With responsible answers to legitimate concerns, Uszynski goes beyond the surface to provide a reliable path of just discernment and cultural engagement.
It may be one of the most widely referenced issues of the day, but it's also one of the least understood. In its translation from the academic world to the general public, Critical Race Theory (CRT) has inaccurately become a catch-all term for anything related to race. But what does it actually mean, and how should Christians engage it?
Ed Uszynski-whose PhD in American culture studies navigated readings in Marxism, Critical Theory, and Critical Race Theory-carefully unpacks what critical race theorists seek to accomplish and what Christians can learn from them. Uszynski generously explores CRT's roots, context, and central tenets, revealing how its insights are used and distorted but also how they might benefit the church. With responsible answers to legitimate concerns, Uszynski goes beyond the surface to provide a reliable path of just discernment and cultural engagement.
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Reviews
"Ed's book is not only a responsible, fair, and honest evaluation of CRT and its Marxist roots, but it is also a model of what evangelical scholarship should look like. If you want an intellectually lazy approach to CRT that takes a binary-'CRT is evil!' or 'CRT is 100 percent true!'-then stick to your favorite partisan pundit to spoon feed you the 'truth.' But if you want an honest and responsible guide to help you think through the complexities of CRT and how it contributes to our understanding of race relations, then I cannot more highly recommend this book."
Preston Sprinkle, author and host of Theology in the Raw podcast, from the foreword
"This is one of the most important books I have read in recent years. . . . Understanding what gave rise to Critical Race Theory should put the spotlight on compassion and motivate followers of Christ to do what should have been done. Thank you, Ed, for calling us to be portraits of the solution."
Crawford Loritts, founder and president of Beyond Our Generation, from the foreword
"Critical Race Theory can be used as an excuse to not talk about race, racial divisions, or systemic racial disparities. But we are called to the ministry of reconciliation. That requires us to talk honestly about the history of race in our country and the church. Part of that conversation is an accurate understanding of CRT: what it is, what it is not, and what we can learn from it. I have yet to come across anyone who leads that conversation with the same level of background, gospel-centered truth, and wisdom as Ed. This book is a vital part of engaging in the work of racial justice and reconciliation."
Schelli Cronk, chief operating officer of Transform Minnesota