Ed’s Books
Birmingham Revolution: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Epic Challenge to the Church (IVP, November 2013)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts as the Moses of the American civil rights movement stand out as the most significant instance of a modern Christian leader acting in a prophetic role to instigate political change. And Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” stands at the center of that movement. In Birmingham Revolution, journalist Edward Gilbreath explores enduring importance of Birmingham 1963.
Birmingham Revolution is not simply a work of historical reflection. It also encourages us to reflect on the relevance of King's work for the church and culture of our day. Whether it’s in debates about immigration, economic redistribution or presidential birth certificates, race continues to play a role in shaping society. What part will the church play in the ongoing struggle?
Download the Birmingham Revolution discussion guide here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts as the Moses of the American civil rights movement stand out as the most significant instance of a modern Christian leader acting in a prophetic role to instigate political change. And Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” stands at the center of that movement. In Birmingham Revolution, journalist Edward Gilbreath explores enduring importance of Birmingham 1963.
Birmingham Revolution is not simply a work of historical reflection. It also encourages us to reflect on the relevance of King's work for the church and culture of our day. Whether it’s in debates about immigration, economic redistribution or presidential birth certificates, race continues to play a role in shaping society. What part will the church play in the ongoing struggle?
Download the Birmingham Revolution discussion guide here.
Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical’s Inside View of White Christianity (IVP, 2006)
Combining a personal memoir with a probing investigative report, journalist Edward Gilbreath gives an insightful, honest picture of both the history and the present state of racial reconciliation in evangelical churches. He looks at a wide range of figures, including Tom Skinner, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and John Perkins. Charting progress as well as setbacks, his words offer encouragement for black evangelicals feeling alone, clarity for white evangelicals who want to understand more deeply, and fresh vision for all who want to move forward toward Christ’s prayer “that all of them may be one.”
Combining a personal memoir with a probing investigative report, journalist Edward Gilbreath gives an insightful, honest picture of both the history and the present state of racial reconciliation in evangelical churches. He looks at a wide range of figures, including Tom Skinner, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and John Perkins. Charting progress as well as setbacks, his words offer encouragement for black evangelicals feeling alone, clarity for white evangelicals who want to understand more deeply, and fresh vision for all who want to move forward toward Christ’s prayer “that all of them may be one.”
Gospel Trailblazer: An African American Preacher’s Historic Journey Across Racial Lines (Moody, 2003)
Billy Graham made a dramatic decision to go against the grain of the segregationist era in the church: he opened his ministry to people of all races. Dr. Howard O. Jones became Dr. Graham’s first African-American colleague, thereby helping him integrate and broaden his ministry. Readers from all backgrounds will be inspired, informed, and challenged as they read Gospel Trailblazer. Even if Dr. Jones isn’t a familiar name, this book will help readers more fully appreciate the triumphs and failures of the 20th Century evangelistic movement.
Billy Graham made a dramatic decision to go against the grain of the segregationist era in the church: he opened his ministry to people of all races. Dr. Howard O. Jones became Dr. Graham’s first African-American colleague, thereby helping him integrate and broaden his ministry. Readers from all backgrounds will be inspired, informed, and challenged as they read Gospel Trailblazer. Even if Dr. Jones isn’t a familiar name, this book will help readers more fully appreciate the triumphs and failures of the 20th Century evangelistic movement.
Reviews & Endorsements
PRAISE FOR BIRMINGHAM REVOLUTION
“Gilbreath adds to the canon of great storytelling about King....
Exploring geography, theology, race, generations, history, and evangelical
leadership is perhaps too ambitious a scope for one volume, but Gilbreath’s
reporting and analysis is still worth a read.”
--Publishers Weekly, Nov. 11, 2013
“Ed Gilbreath offers a masterful retelling of key times in the life of King. He
gives us a holistic view that helps us to understand the great civil rights
leader. Gilbreath does not sidestep controversial issues so that we will engage
in an unspiritual worship of King but places the man in a proper context so that
we gain qualitative insight into the civil rights movement.”
--George Yancey, professor of sociology, University of North Texas,
and author of Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility
We remember Martin Luther King Jr. because he spoke truth to power. We
remember Dr. King because he cast a vision for what we could be, rather than what
we often are. Now, Edward Gilbreath uses historical insight, theological sensitivity,
and nitty-gritty honesty to help us remember King for his challenges to the church.
If you want your congregation to be and remain on the side of justice, you will get one
copy of Birmingham Revolution for your pastor. If you want it to change your life, you´ll
get another one for yourself.
--Edward J. Blum, associate professor of history, San Diego State University,
and co-author of The Color of Christ: The Son of God and the Saga of Race in America
“Edward Gilbreath has provided us with a truly magnificent look at
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Birmingham civil rights campaign of 1963 in this
50th anniversary year. Those new to King will be intrigued, informed, and
inspired. Those very familiar with King and the events in Birmingham will gain
fresh and engaging insights. Birmingham Revolution is a must read for
students, activists, pastors, community leaders, and all persons who claim the
Christian community as their home.”
--Curtiss Paul DeYoung, professor of Reconciliation Studies, Bethel University, and
co-author of Radical Reconciliation
“Edward Gilbreath has written a smart, thoughtful and contemporary account of
Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail.' He analyzes the depth
of King's theological convictions concerning racial injustices and the
controversies they provoked in the city of Birmingham in 1963, as well as the
nation. Gilbreath's book prophetically challenges evangelical Christians to
reexamine King's theological convictions in light of racial and social class
inequities facing the United States and the world today.”
--Randal Maurice Jelks, author of Benjamin Elijah Mays, Schoolmaster of
the Movement
“This book offers a unique facet to the multifaceted jewel of Martin Luther
King Jr. and the Birmingham revolution. The one who dares to take another look
into the life, work and ministry of King by reading this book will experience
the transition from a glimpse to a glance to a glaze.”
--Robert Smith Jr., professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Birmingham,
Alabama
“Today, the historical significance of Dr. Martin Luther King has either been
virtually forgotten or has given way to a slew of one-dimensional caricatures.
In Birmingham Revolution, Ed Gilbreath not only gives a fresh analysis
of an important chapter of the civil rights movement, he also thoughtfully
reintroduces Dr. King to a whole new generation. He challenges us to reexamine
Dr. King's renowned 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail' in order to rediscover the
clear biblical concerns and mandates for justice. This book will prove to be a
valuable tool in equipping those we disciple with a fuller application of God's
Word in the cultural marketplace.”
--Carl Ellis Jr., assistant professor of practical theology, Redeemer
Seminary
“The calling of a prophet is a glorious burden. The prophetic voice of Martin
Luther King is as needed by the church today as it was half a century ago.
Edward Gilbreath allows us to hear it with depth and power.”
--John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and author of
Who Is This Man?
PRAISE FOR RECONCILIATION BLUES
Edward Gilbreath is a gentle prophet. He forces us to take another look at an
issue that many wish would go away, but he does so in a way that encourages us
to live up to what we believe. This book both prods us to racial reconciliation
and models how to get there.”
Philip Yancey, author of What’s So Amazing About Grace?
“What Gilbreath has done in his well-researched and very personal book is not
only to call out the black Christian experience as what it’s always
been--unique, pain-filled, rich and diverse--but he’s given many African
American Christians clear validation for not wanting to or having to assimilate
into today’s version of evangelicalism. Gilbreath has also given people like
me--an Asian American Christian who’s also felt like the ‘token’ nonwhite on
historically white evangelical boards--more of a basis for our lingering sense
of misgiving and even episodes of outrage. I am going to insist not only that
my own church staff and leaders read this book; I’m also going to recommend
highly that white Christian organizations with the stated goal of racial
righteousness study and discuss it. This book clearly stands out among the many
other great books on this subject because of the commitment and courage of the
author.”
Ken Fong, Senior Pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles
“This is a fine piece of work. Evangelical Christians need to hear it and
take heed. I highly recommend this book.”
John Perkins, Founder, John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation and
Development, Inc.
“This is a gifted writer’s firsthand account of the black evangelical
experience in America . . . a beautifully written chronicle of the strange
dilemma of being a black evangelical in a predominately white movement.
Gilbreath has written a tough account of his experience as a black evangelical,
and he wraps the brick in soft velvet. This reads easily, but it is deeply
disturbing after all these years. Oh well . . .”
William Pannell, senior professor of preaching, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Edward Gilbreath is one of the nation’s foremost journalists on Christianity
and race. Reconciliation Blues is a spellbinding first-person look into
his world as he has navigated white evangelicalism. In the process, we are
provided with both a powerful teaching tool and an eye-opening journey into
what is white about American Christianity. People of all backgrounds will learn
much by reading this engaging book.”
Michael O. Emerson, Cline Professor of Sociology at Rice University
and author of Divided by Faith
“Amazingly authentic! A must-read for anyone who wants insight about blacks
who must dance on the evangelical floor of multiculturalism.”
Dr. David Anderson, senior pastor, Bridgeway Community Church, and
president, BridgeLeader Network
“Ed Gilbreath is one of those prophets who comes out of nowhere with a
message from the heart of God. His words make us uncomfortable, but that is the
mission of a prophet. . . . Some of what he is saying to us about race and
culture is painful to hear, but we must listen.”
J. Lee Grady, editor, Charisma magazine
“Both loving and angry, but always true, Edward Gilbreath’s brave exploration
of ‘white Christianity’ takes a daring look at racial disconnection in the
evangelical world, then challenges believers to do something redemptive to heal
the problem. Bold, topical and urgently on time.”
Patricia Raybon, author of I Told the Mountain to Move
and My First White Friend
“A fair and balanced, yet frank and honest, assessment of the state of
evangelicalism in terms of racism and reconciliation. Gilbreath has lived and
worked in the Euro evangelical community for much of his life. He is an
appreciative, yet frustrated evangelical. . . . Edward Gilbreath writes with
knowledge, sensitivity and insight in a way that will benefit both the Afro and
the Euro reader.”
Lowell Noble, Resident Professor, John M. Perkins Foundation
“We’ve needed a book like this for a long time: strong writing, honest
observations and hopeful assessments of a complex but nonnegotiable issue for
Christians. By providing both a personal and social perspective of racial
tensions within evangelical contexts, Ed Gilbreath has done us a great
service--especially if we pay attention.”
Jo Kadlecek, author and assistant professor of creative writing,
Gordon College
“This is must reading for anyone committed to racial reconciliation, but
especially to white folks like me who have a long way to go in understanding
our African American brothers and sisters.”
Tony Campolo, speaker andauthor of Speaking My Mind
