May 2023 MBR The Christian Studies Shelf

The Christian Studies Shelf

Christianity and Critical Race Theory
Robert Chao Romero, author
Jeff M. Liou, author
Baker Academic
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
9781540966148, $49.99, HC, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Critical-Race-Theory-Constructive/dp/1540966143

Synopsis: Critical race theory (CRT) is a cross-disciplinary examination by social and civil-rights scholars and activists of how laws, social and political movements, and media shape, and are shaped by, social conceptions of race and ethnicity. The word critical in the name is an academic reference to critical thinking, critical theory, and scholarly criticism, rather than criticizing or blaming people. (Wikipedia)

Critical race theory has become a lightning rod in contemporary American politics and evangelical Christianity. With the publication of "Christianity and Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation" co-authors Robert Chao Romero and Jeff M. Liou provide a critical but constructive and sympathetic introduction written from a perspective rooted in Scripture and Christian theology.

The authors take us beyond caricatures and misinformation to consider how critical race theory can be an analytical tool to help us understand persistent inequality and injustice--and to see how Christians and churches working for racial justice can engage it in faithful and constructive ways.

"Christianity and Critical Race Theory" explore aspects of critical race theory that resonate with well-trod Christian doctrine but also that challenge or are corrected by Christian theology. It also address the controversial connection that critics see between critical race theory and Marxism. The aim is to offer objective analysis and critique that go beyond the debates about social identity and the culture wars and aid those who are engaging the issues in Christian life and ministry.

Of special note is the inclusion of a helpful glossary of key terms.

Critique: A timely and invaluable contribution to our current national discussion on and about Critical Race Theory (and in view of the Maga Republican political attacks on CRT being all too often an ideological attempt to dress up simple racism with the veneer of intellectual legitimacy), "Christianity and Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation" deserves the widest readership possible and is unreservedly recommended reading for clergy, seminary students, academia, political activists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject. While an essential and core addition to community, seminary, and academic library Religious Ethics, Social Issues, and Contemporary Race Relations collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Christianity and Critical Race Theory" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781540965196, $23.99) and in digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).

Editorial Note #1: Robert Chao Romero (PhD, UCLA; JD, UC Berkeley) is associate professor in the UCLA departments of Chicana/o, Central American, and Asian American Studies in Los Angeles, California; director of the Brown Church Initiative at Fuller Theological Seminary; and an attorney. His award-winning books include The Chinese in Mexico, 1882-1940 and Brown Church.

Editorial Note: Jeff M. Liou (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is national director of theological formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA and adjunct assistant professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He cofounded the Asian American Christian Collaborative and writes on race and justice, Asian American Christianity, theological ethics, and political theology. Ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, Liou has served as a campus minister, pastor, and university chaplain.

Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart
Emily Jaminet
Ave Maria Press
PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556
www.avemariapress.com
9781646802180, $15.95, PB, 160pp

https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Habits-Sacred-Heart-Relationships/dp/1646802187

Synopsis: Jesus invites you to experience his love through devotion to his Sacred Heart, a powerful source of spiritual and personal healing that can also transform your relationships with family, friends, and others around you.

With the publication of "Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart: Ten Ways to Build Stronger, More Loving Relationships", Emily Jaminet (who is the Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network) identifies ten habits and virtues that come from the Sacred Heart. She also shows how you can intentionally practice these virtues in order to get closer to Jesus and strengthen the relationships that are most important to you.

Having Jesus at the center of family life isn't reserved for the pious; it's a form of practical spirituality that is open to everyone. "Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus" has been a cornerstone of Jaminet's life bolstering the faith of four generations of her family members. In this book she shares her own story as well as the real-life experiences of regular Catholics whose families have been changed for the better by the love and virtue that came from devotion to the Sacred Heart.

The habits and virtues include: Encounter the King (welcome Jesus into your home with the virtue of docility); Welcome the Light (have courage to rid your heart of shame); Let Go of the Need to Control (rediscover the liberating virtue of humility); Put Jesus at the Center of Relationships (experience the release of forgiveness); and Live in the Kingdom of Peace (experience the transforming power of prudence).

Each chapter includes a prayer, reflection questions, and wisdom from St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (who began the Sacred Heart devotion) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Critique: Inspired and inspiring, "Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart: Ten Ways to Build Stronger, More Loving Relationships" is especially and unreservedly recommended reading for clergy, seminary students, and all members of the Roman Catholic community. It should be noted for personal reading lists of those with an interest in Catholic Christian Devotionals, that "Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart" is also available in a a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Editorial Note: Emily Jaminet (https://www.emilyjaminet.com) is also the author of the "Secrets of the Sacred Heart" and the co-author of "Divine Mercy for Moms", "The Friendship Project", "Pray Fully", and "Our Friend Faustina". She is the co-host of Inspired by Faith on St. Gabriel Radio and the host of the Emily Jaminet Podcast. She is the director of adult faith formation and coordinates RCIA for her parish. Jaminet has appeared on EWTN's Women of Grace, Bookmark, and At Home with Jim and Joy. She is a monthly contributor on Spirit Catholic Radio, Relevant Radio, and Diocesan.com. She also writes for CatholicMom.com

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