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On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery was killed while running in a Georgia neighborhood. Though the investigation into this matter is not yet complete, the available evidence points strongly to these conclusions: (1) the killing of Ahmaud Arbery was racially motivated or, at least, involved some form of racial profiling and (2) the authorities initially failed to properly investigate or at least prosecute this matter due to the shooter’s former relationship with the District Attorney’s office and the police. Perhaps additional evidence will come to light, but the current video evidence (including the video of Ahmaud at the house under construction) point strongly to these conclusions. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and US Department of Justice are now investigating the matter, and I pray that justice is done.

This case brings up an important point. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Christians have rightly expressed concern about religious freedom and the sanctity of human life; and, we should continue to do so. But, as gospel-centered citizens, we should also deeply care about racial unity grounded in the principle that all people are made in the image of God and are, therefore, of equal dignity and worth.

In this episode, Evangelist Adrian Burden joins me to discuss the Arbery case and the painful but important issue it raises: racial bias in our communities and even churches. Adrian shares historical evidence and, most powerfully, personal experiences about how the church has, at times, failed to practice and promote racial unity. And, he clarifies this issue as a Biblical rather than a political or cultural one. Finally, he explains some practical steps that church leaders and other committed Christians can take to address this problem and strengthen efforts to build churches and communities that value and respect all people.

Below, you will find a bibliography of the books and resources Adrian mentions in the podcast. Note the spirit in which these resources are shared. As thinking Christians, we should strive to fully understand the past (even if ugly or painful) so that we can properly explain the church’s history and confidently respond in the present and future. Many white American Christians may not be aware of the history set out in these works (I was not until I studied the matter), so I recommend these resources for your consideration (click the link to download):

Bibliography for Conversation on Running Toward Racial Unity