“What Kind of Christianity” Book Study and Author Talk at St. Andrews

This month we begin a four-week foray into the difficult history of American Presbyterians’ complicity in slavery and anti-black racism as we collectively read and digest William Yoo’s award winning book, “What Kind of Christianity.” On three consecutive Sunday afternoons, April 14, 21 and 28th at 4:00 pm in the Youth Room, we will discuss the three-part study in which the Columbia Seminary Professor recounts the concurrent development of the Presbyterian denomination in America alongside Presbyterians’ promotion of slavery and anti-Black racism. Contrary to common misconceptions of the Presbyterian church as abolitionist, most Presbyterians supported the institution of slavery, and knew of its inherent physical and sexual violence, either tacitly approving or ignoring it. Whether in the north or south, Presbyterians held racist attitudes toward African Americans and readily acted on them. As the Presbyterian church today seeks to promote racial justice, we must first acknowledge and understand the deep-rootedness of racial injustice in our history and identity as a denomination.

The April book discussions will prepare us for Dr. Yoo’s May 5th appearance at St. Andrews, (4 pm in the sanctuary) where he will present the themes of his book and entertain our questions. Numerous reviews of “What Kind of Christianity” laud it for its “clear-eyed view of the truth of the past,” but also for its attention to anti-Blackness in the present. Not leaving us totally hopeless, Yoo also offers imaginings of a different possible future. As Kirk Nolan, of Presbyterian College notes, “Yoo highlights a way forward for all Christians committed to addressing systemic racism.” Start now to prepare yourself to participate in this important book study by beginning to read “What Kind of Christianity” and by viewing Dr. Yoo’s recent Matthew 25 summit address, which touches on some of the same themes as the book. [Note: Yoo’s presentation starts at 1:15:30] Discounted copies are available for $15.00 in the church office. For more information contact LaVerne Byas-Smith