I’m a middle-class white man born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia.

That means I have certain privileges and a particular set of lenses through which I see the world. It turns out those lenses create some massive blind spots. People like Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove are helping me see. 

Not too long ago, Jonathan joined our staff video call. As he talked, the fog of my small, overly-introspective world began to lift and I gained some much needed visibility. 

When we chose his book Reconstructing the Gospel: Finding Freedom from Slaveholder Religion, some folks asked, ​“Why would Renovaré choose a political book?” 

For those of us who grew up in America, especially in the South, we have been formed by a Christianity which in its history vigorously supported slaveholding. As Jonathan shares with Nathan on the podcast this week, the effects of that system — and the thinking and theology behind it — are surprisingly far-reaching, forming us in ways we might not expect.

You can see how the heart of the matter isn’t political — though political ramifications exist. The more central matter is how we’ve been formed, and how in Christ we can be formed anew and learn how to ​“do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.”

Looking at these matters can stir up defensiveness within us. Dallas Willard—in a different context, but no less appropo — has helpful advice. In short, be devoted to the humble examination of facts rather than simply blindly defending your position.

Rounding out this week’s picks, African-American pastor and Renovaré Ministry Team member Juanita Rasmus shares how to practice shalom in the midst of troubling times.

Blessings,