It is no secret that Reformed Theology is not overly popular among African American Christians. Instead, African American churches appear to have a particular theology that unites and drives them and it is usually quite perpendicular to the doctrines of grace. But at the same time we have heard leaders in the Reformed camp express their prayerful longings for an opening and spread of healthy, viberant, gospel-saturated awakening in the African American community. So we remain eagerly optimistic and burdened.
In the last few years we have seen and heard various African American pastors and authors write and speak passionately about the doctrines of grace. And there seems to be a fermenting excitement among some younger men in this community. This, of course, is as exciting as it is encouraging.
Whether it was their design or not the contributes of Glory Road substantiate and promote this. The book contains the testimony of God’s grace in 10 African American men into Christianity, and in particular, into Reformed Theology. The editor is Anthony Carter. Carter himself is a pastor in East Point, Georgia. He is also the author of several books including On Being Black and Reformed and Experiencing the Truth. Among the contributors are Thabit Anyabwile, Eric Redmond, Ken Jones, and Anthony Bradley.
The book is basically each individual’s testimony of God’s grace in their respective lives. Each man has unique experiences that God used to draw them to Christ and to see the importance of biblical doctrine. As you read the book your heart resonates with the excitement, joy, and zeal that attends their discoveries. Regardless of your particular background there is a universal ability to relate to the experience and testimony of the powerful drawing of God through his Spirit to open blind eyes to see the riches of Christ! Therefore, in reading this book I found much encouragement in what God has done, is doing and will do in his church in general, but in particular through African American ministers of the gospel.
One of the endorsements was, in my view, spot on:
Readable, compelling personal histories that, at the same time, teach us more about God, Christ and the Bible and give accounts of these men coming to Christ. To be encouraged and edified, read these stories. (Mark Dever-Senior Pastor, Capital Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC)
You may find the book on sale at Westminster Books or Amazon.