This site is a study guide for the book,
No Partiality: The Idolatry of Race &
The New Humanity (Downers Grove:
InterVarsity Press, 2002) by
Douglas R. Sharp,
Dean of the Academy at Protestants for the Common Good.
No Partiality
addresses how the idea of "race" has been developed and how "racism" is a
characteristic feature of life in the United States. As an analysis of race
and racism, the book explores some of the ways they have been constructed
and continue to be maintained in our social and cultural environments. The
discussion probes how race and racism become an objective reality, "out
there" in our social world and relations, and how they become a subjective
reality, "in here" in our sense of identity and the way we assess our
experience.
Why was the book written?
The book was written out of several
concerns and convictions. First and foremost, race is a fallacious idea and
racism is an insidious evil. Second, they are firmly entrenched in our ways
of life in America, in the patterns and practices, structures and systems of
our national life. Third, race and racism have developed and worked for a
long time to shape not only the course of our history but also our personal
and communal identities. And fourth, they have posed a moral challenge to
the Christian faith that for the most part has gone unanswered, and they
negate the gospel of Jesus Christ because they are the indication of human
sinfulness.
The purpose of the book is to equip
persons to discern race differently, to recognize the expressions of racism
more clearly, and to take up the struggle against racism by challenging it
wherever it is present. In particular, the book is a challenge to Christians
and their communities of faith to understand more deeply the personal,
social and cultural reality of racism in order to develop a theological
basis for dismantling racism and expressing racial reconciliation.
Thus the book asks and seeks to
answer these questions: How was a culture of race and racism constructed and
how is it maintained? and How should Christians regard the culture of race
and racism and respond to it in light of the fact that the Scriptures not
only orient their faith but put forth an entirely different vision for
humanity? The book's final chapter addresses this latter question by
developing a theology of reconciliation.
What's the purpose of the
study guide?
This web site is intended to guide
persons through the reading of the book, and to assist them in taking up the
task of understanding and dismantling racism and promoting racial
reconciliation. It is designed to be used by groups, many different kinds of
groups. For example, it might be used by an adult class in a local church,
or a group of employees at a church-related organization, or a group of
campus ministry students, or a group of pastors or church leaders at local
or denominational levels. It might also be used in college or graduate
school classrooms in subjects as diverse as sociology, psychology, cultural
studies, cross-cultural studies, anthropology or religion. It might also be
used by community groups, virtually any association of persons who come
together for a common purpose and who feel the need to "do something" about
racism in their community.
How do I get around this
site?
When you click on the
Orientation button in the sidebar (or below),
you will be taken to a page that explains how the site is organized and how
the study guide can be used. In the early stages of the study, users of this
guide may find it useful to return to that page from time to time in order
to familiarize themselves with the site.
The Sessions
Index is the main gateway to the study guide. It indicates the title
of each session followed by a brief description of the session's issues,
topics, etc. From that gateway you can go to each of the sessions.
When you click on the book's cover or
the IVP logo at the top of any page (or below), a window will open on
InterVarsity Press Online where you can order a copy of
No Partiality
or browse IVP publications catalog. Just type in "no partiality" or "Douglas
Sharp" in the box in the upper right corner and click on the "search" button
and follow the links to the order page.
And while you're at it, visit
Northern Seminary by clicking on the link below.
So... Welcome aboard!
