Abdu Murray - More Than a White Mans Religion: Why the Gospel Has Never Been Merely White, Male-Centered, or Just Another Religion

Im sure this was a hard book for Abdu Murray to write, but it is such an important and insightful book to read. A must-read for anyone grappling with questions about the interaction of faith, race, and gender equality.

SAM ALLBERRY, pastor and author of Is God Anti-Gay?

Over the last few years, Ive had the privilege of getting to know Abdu and his heart for people. Without a doubt hes one of the best at diving deep to answer tough questions in a clear way. His background, compassionate approach, and passion for Jesus gives him the unique ability to impact people all over the world.

TIM TEBOW, former NFL quarterback and author of This Is the Day

In More Than a White Mans Religion, my dear friend Abdu Murray has given us a timely, compelling, thought-provoking, and very helpful resource. He more than delivers when he explains why the gospel has never been white, male-centered, or just another religion. Most importantly, this book is anchored in the Scriptures and tethered to the heart and character of Jesus. As you read through these pages, you will encounter clarity and hope, but you will also be struck by the realization that Jesus is indeed refreshingly contrary to the messes we have made. Thank you, Abdu, for this gift.

DR. CRAWFORD W. LORITTS JR., author, speaker, radio host and president, Beyond our Generation

It seems that fewer people today care whether Christianity is true than care whether it is good. In this important book, Abdu Murray clearly shows that Christianity is indeed goodin fact, much better than a mere religion. Along the way he skillfully explodes the modern myths that Christianity promotes sexism and racism and then directs us back to the person of Christ. More Than a White Mans Religion will not allow the noise of the world to drown out the Word of God. Highly recommended.

FRANK TUREK, author and speaker, CrossExamined.org

Peoples perceptions are clouded concerning Christianityoften seeing it as a rules-oriented religion with limited access to certain kinds of people. In More Than a White Mans Religion, Abdu Murray pierces these myths and helps us grasp the staggering significance of the Bibles teachings about these vital matters, including Pauls words in Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. This is a timely and important book.

MARK MITTELBERG, author of Contagious Faith and The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with Answers)

Once again Abdu Murray has provided us with a much-needed resource for addressing the seemingly insurmountable societal tensions of our day. This is an essential volume for a generation who questions if Christianity is good for people who are marginalized all too often in our society. Abdu writes with a rare blend of humility and brilliance, all while reminding us that the gospel is still and has always been good news for women (and men), ethnic minorities (and majority culture), and for those whose souls are longing for a robust relational faith that is far more than mere religion.

CHRIS BROOKS, author of Urban Apologetics

ZONDERVAN REFLECTIVE

More Than a White Mans Religion

Copyright 2022 by Abdu Murray

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ePub Edition July 2022: ISBN 978-0-310-59007-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Murray, Abdu, author.

Title: More than a white mans religion : why the gospel has never been merely white, male-centered, or just another religion / Abdu H. Murray.

Description: Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 2022.

Identifiers: LCCN 2022013402 (print) | LCCN 2022013403 (ebook) | ISBN 9780310590064 (hardcover) | ISBN 9780310590071 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Church--Catholicity. | Ethnicity--Religious aspects--Christianity. | Christianity and culture. | Jesus Christ--Example. | Christians, White. | BISAC: RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Evangelism | RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues

Classification: LCC BV601.3 .M87 2022 (print) | LCC BV601.3 (ebook) | DDC 262/.72--dc23/eng/20220512

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022013402

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022013403

Jeanne Murray Walker, Staying Power, in New Tracks, Night Falling 2009. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission of the publisher; all rights reserved.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version). Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org.. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.. The Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Cover design: Brian Bobel

Cover art: Hramikona / Shutterstock

Interior design: Sara Colley

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For my daughters, whose spirits widen and deepen my appreciation for the Savior who values all women

and

For Christopher Brooks and Brandon Cleaver: Friends who have nurtured my mind with wisdom born from graciously endured hard knocks

May all of your futures be bettered when the culture looks to and looks more like Jesus, the essential value giver.