More Than a White Man's Religion: Why the Gospel Has Never Been Merely White, Male-Centered, or Just Another Religion

by Abdu Murray

Overview

Though many today accuse Christianity of being a white, imperialistic religion, it is actually the source for cherished Western ideals of racial and gender equality. In More Than a White Man's Religion, author and speaker Abdu Murray shares stories from the Bible and his own experiences as a global apologist, a member of an ethnic minority, a son of immigrants, and a former Muslim to show that the gospel message provides dignity and liberty to non-whites and women.

More Than a White Man's Religion reveals:

• The ethnically diverse roots of biblical stories and passages that inspired some of the greatest social reforms in history
• How challenging and sometimes confusing Bible passages and stories can be best understood to champion equality for ethnically diverse people and women
• Ways believers can bring real and lasting change to our culture's pervasive racial, ethnic, and gender equality issues by following Jesus' and his followers' examples

Without overlooking the places where Christianity has failed to live up to its own ideals, Murray challenges the myth that Christianity is an oppressive, Western religion and shows believers how to better fulfill their God-given mandate to uphold the dignity of every human being.

Tackling head-on one of the most serious challenges to the Christian faith in our multicultural age, More Than a White Man's Religion demonstrates how the gospel can inspire positive change for modern culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310590064
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	09/27/2022
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	1,059,402
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Abdu Murray (JD, University of Michigan) is an apologist, leading debates, dialogues, and open forums around the world for churches, college campuses, and business and government gatherings. He hosts the podcast The Defense Rests. He is the author of many articles and three books, including Grand Central Question and Saving Truth.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

1 Seeing the Social Surge 1

2 Defining the Objection 19

3 The Moral Heart of the Social Matter 47

Part I Not Just for Whites Only

4 Scripture, Slavery, and Race 79

5 Jesus and Authentic Ethnic Equality 105

Part 2 Not Just for Men

6 Challenging the Interpretations of the Texts That Challenge Us 143

7 When God Puts Women in Their Place 179

Part 3 Not Merely Religion

8 The Person in Whom We Find the Answers 211

Acknowledgments 231

Notes 233

Editorial Reviews

'In More Than a White Man's Religion, my dear friend Abdu Murray has given us a timely, compelling, thought-provoking, and very helpful resource. He more than delivers when he explains why the gospel has never been white, male-centered, or just another religion. Most importantly, this book is anchored in the Scriptures and tethered to the heart and character of Jesus. As you read through these pages, you will encounter clarity and hope, but you will also be struck by the realization that Jesus is indeed refreshingly contrary to the messes we have made. Thank you, Abdu, for this gift.'

DR. CRAWFORD W. LORITTS JR.

'I'm sure this was a hard book for Abdu Murray to write, but it is such an important and insightful book to read. A must-read for anyone grappling with questions about the interaction of faith, race, and gender equality.'

pastor and author of Is God Anti-Gay? SAM ALLBERRY

'Once again Abdu Murray has provided us with a much-needed resource for addressing the seemingly insurmountable societal tensions of our day. This is an essential volume for a generation who questions if Christianity is good for people who are marginalized all too often in our society. Abdu writes with a rare blend of humility and brilliance, all while reminding us that the gospel is still and has always been good news for women (and men), ethnic minorities (and majority culture), and for those whose souls are longing for a robust relational faith that is far more than mere religion.'

author of Urban Apologetics CHRIS BROOKS

'People's perceptions are clouded concerning Christianity—often seeing it as a rules-oriented religion with limited access to certain kinds of people. In More Than a White Man's Religion, Abdu Murray pierces these myths and helps us grasp the staggering significance of the Bible's teachings about these vital matters, including Paul's words in Galatians 3:28: 'There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' This is a timely and important book.'

author of Contagious Faith and The Questions Chris MARK MITTELBERG

'Over the last few years, I've had the privilege of getting to know Abdu and his heart for people. Without a doubt he's one of the best at diving deep to answer tough questions in a clear way. His background, compassionate approach, and passion for Jesus gives him the unique ability to impact people all over the world.'

former NFL quarterback and author of This Is the D TIM TEBOW

'It seems that fewer people today care whether Christianity is true than care whether it is good. In this important book, Abdu Murray clearly shows that Christianity is indeed good—in fact, much better than a mere religion. Along the way he skillfully explodes the modern myths that Christianity promotes sexism and racism and then directs us back to the person of Christ. More Than a White Man's Religion will not allow the noise of the world to drown out the Word of God. Highly recommended.'

FRANK TUREK