Blog Archives
Making It Plain: Deconstructing a Fictitious and Vicious Story About Racism
Ronald S. Bonner’s Making It Plain is a faith-rooted examination of racism that brings together history, theology, social science, personal experience, and practical reflection. Bonner establishes his vocabulary early and uses it consistently: White supremacy is the belief in the innate superiority of White people, racism is the system of power that sustains that belief, and bigotry is the hate-filled prejudice that fuels the system. From there, his central argument is that racial hierarchy is a constructed story that became embedded in American institutions, culture, education, and everyday assumptions. Because it was constructed and learned, he believes it can also be dismantled and unlearned. The Christian framework isn’t simply decorative. Bonner repeatedly returns to love, the renewal of the mind, truth-telling, and the moral obligation to reject ideas of human superiority. His larger purpose is practical: he wants readers to understand how these ideas took hold and then become capable of having more honest conversations about race.
The book’s seventeen chapters cover an unusually wide range of territory, moving from the historical construction of race and the economics of enslavement to White privilege, equality and equity, trust, colorblindness, stigmatized language, reparations, racial trauma, conversations between Black parents and their children, bias in artificial intelligence, friendship, and strategies for changing entrenched beliefs. Bonner has a teacher’s instinct for analogy. Highways illustrate the difference between racism, bigotry, and White supremacy; poker hands become a way of explaining unequal starting conditions; a sunburn illustrates the lingering effects of historical injury; “black light vision” describes the ability to see racial patterns that others may miss; and later, “heretical friendships” describe relationships formed across familiar racial and cultural boundaries. The personal stories are especially useful because they move the discussion out of abstraction. His memories of interracial workplace conversations, encounters with police, church life, and conversations with White friends show what his ideas look like in ordinary relationships. The historical photograph and caption documenting the 1892 lynching of four Black men on page 109 also reveal the book’s documentary impulse. Bonner wants readers to encounter the human reality behind the concepts, not just their definitions.
Bonner’s method is cumulative and deliberately repetitive. He keeps returning to a small group of ideas such as bigotry, power, false narratives, trust, language, and learned behavior, examining them from different angles until they form a connected framework. That gives Making It Plain the feel of an extended seminar or church study led by someone who expects the reader to participate. Nearly every chapter closes with review questions, and the writing regularly shifts from historical material to scholarly citations, personal memories, scriptural reflection, contemporary examples, and direct questions to the reader. The strongest passages come when those elements reinforce one another, particularly in the chapters on building trust, reparations as more than financial compensation, “the talk,” and cross-cultural friendship. By the final chapters, the many strands converge around one of Bonner’s clearest convictions: racist narratives can be unlearned, and relationships that cross racial, religious, or ethnic boundaries can play a meaningful role in that process. His voice throughout is pastoral, insistent, personal, and frequently provocative, with the expectation that learning should lead to changed behavior.
I recommend Making It Plain to people who want to explore racial justice through a combination of Christian ethics, American history, personal testimony, and guided discussion. Church groups, adult education classes, community organizations, workplace discussion groups, antiracism facilitators, and book clubs would probably get the most from its structure because the book is designed to generate conversation, not just private reflection. It would also appeal to readers interested in the intersection of faith and racial reconciliation, especially those willing to examine how inherited stories and everyday language shape what people believe about one another. Bonner makes his intended use especially clear at the end, when he challenges readers to have three conversations about race in the coming year and to form three new friendships or acquaintances outside their usual social circle. That closing challenge captures the character of the whole book. Making It Plain is a teaching book about changing minds through historical understanding, honest speech, self-examination, trust, and relationships that make it harder to keep seeing other people through inherited stereotypes.
Pages: 198 | ISBN : 978-1662962165
CONTROVERSIAL: And What Do You Think of Original Sin?
William G. Joseph’s Controversial: And What Do You Think of Original Sin? is a theological inquiry into one of Christianity’s most enduring doctrines, approached through the combined lenses of Scripture, history, science, psychology, and personal experience. The second edition expands the original discussion of original sin into a broader investigation of human evolution, spirituality, personhood, and immortality. Joseph’s central concern is the relationship between traditional Christian teaching and modern knowledge about the physical world. Rather than treating Genesis as a scientific or historical account, he reads its story of Adam and Eve as a myth in the constructive sense, a narrative created to express truths about sin, suffering, death, and humanity’s relationship with God. He makes his purpose clear from the beginning: the book seeks to clarify the questions surrounding original sin while recognizing that definitive answers may remain out of reach.
The first part of the book traces the development of original sin and considers how interpretations of Genesis became increasingly elaborate over centuries of Christian theology. Joseph pays particular attention to Augustine, Church tradition, changing methods of biblical interpretation, and the later influence of scientific discoveries. His recurring argument is that evolution supplies a more coherent account of humanity’s physical and psychological condition than the idea that human nature was fundamentally altered by one primordial act of disobedience. This position is captured in one of the book’s clearest statements: “Humanity is not a fallen species but an evolving species.” Joseph then draws psychology into the discussion, arguing that human selfishness, impulse, moral development, and capacity for relationships can be understood as features of an evolving species. This interdisciplinary approach gives the book much of its energy because theology is continually placed in conversation with discoveries about the world theology is attempting to explain.
The second part carries that reasoning into more speculative territory by asking whether the complete human person, including what Christianity calls the soul or spirit, might itself be the product of evolution. Joseph presents these ideas deliberately as hypotheses. He explores consciousness, free choice, grace, spiritual energy, and the possibility that increasingly complex physical life can produce genuinely trans-physical characteristics such as love, moral judgment, and altruism. His concept of personhood is especially important to this section. Earlier in the book he writes, “Relationships are the essence of personhood,” and the later chapters develop that insight into a view of human beings as physical, psychological, social, and spiritual persons whose identities emerge through freedom and relationship. The discussion of immortality therefore grows naturally from the book’s larger argument: Joseph asks whether the personal and relational dimension that emerges through evolution might have a destiny beyond the death of the body.
Controversial is an ambitious work of theological reflection shaped by Joseph’s desire to make Christian thought responsive to contemporary knowledge. Its style is conversational and frequently personal, with scientific examples, historical episodes, theological sources, humor, and autobiographical recollections used to make difficult subjects accessible. Joseph is most persuasive when he shows how doctrines develop within particular historical circumstances and asks how those doctrines should be reconsidered when human understanding changes. His later hypotheses about spirit and immortality require more speculation, but he openly identifies their provisional character, which fits the intellectual method he advocates throughout the book. The result is a sustained argument for a Christianity that understands creation as an evolutionary process and human beings as participants in that continuing creation. The closing “Hymn to Creator” gives that argument a devotional conclusion, bringing the book’s scientific and theological themes together in an expression of gratitude for a universe in which consciousness, freedom, love, and relationship have emerged.
Pages: 129 | ASIN : B0FZ2V2N1Z
Before I Was Jesus: Twenty-Five Secret Identities of Jesus
Before I Was Jesus: Twenty-Five Secret Identities of Jesus is a devotional Bible study built around one central claim: the visible appearances of God throughout the Old Testament were appearances of the pre-incarnate Christ. Dr. Gerald D. Robison asks readers to consider who Jesus was, what he was called, and what he was doing before his birth in Bethlehem. His stated purpose is personal as well as theological, encouraging readers to recognize Jesus more readily and deepen their relationship with him.
The book develops that idea through twenty-five identities, including “I Am,” the Angel of the Lord, the Word of the Lord, the Commander of the Lord’s Army, Immanuel, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shalom, the Good Shepherd, and the Rock. Robison moves between Old and New Testament passages, treating the Bible as one continuous account centered on Christ. Rather than presenting the material as an academic argument, he writes much of the book in Jesus’s voice, as though Jesus were personally guiding the reader through familiar stories and pointing out where he had previously gone unrecognized.
That first-person approach gives the book warmth and immediacy. Robison’s voice is enthusiastic, pastoral, and easy to follow, with everyday illustrations drawn from superheroes, songs, historical figures, and ordinary life. He frequently pauses to summarize his reasoning or speak directly to the reader, which makes the book feel closer to a sermon or guided devotional than a conventional work of theology. The same ideas return often, especially the distinction between the invisible Father and the visible Son. That repetition reinforces the book’s message, though readers accustomed to denser biblical scholarship may feel that some chapters could make their point more efficiently.
This book will be appreciated most by evangelical Christian readers who enjoy devotional studies, Christ-centered interpretations of the Old Testament, and a teacher who writes with strong personal conviction. It would also suit Bible study groups looking for a clear theme that can spark discussion about theophanies, the Trinity, and the relationship between the two Testaments. Readers should approach it as Robison’s confident theological interpretation. For its intended audience, it offers an affectionate and accessible invitation to reread familiar biblical stories with Jesus placed firmly at their center.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0FD4GBC9L
Apostolic Technologies – Supernatural Algorithms
David Stafford’s Apostolic Technologies: Supernatural Algorithms is a bold, scripture-rich exploration of how divine knowledge becomes spiritual practice. Stafford takes familiar language from technology, including coding, operating systems, DNA, input values, and algorithms, and uses it to explain the orderly ways God works through revelation, obedience, prayer, unity, and apostolic ministry. The concept gives the book a distinctive vocabulary and makes its central message clear: spiritual power isn’t random, and biblical principles are meant to be understood, applied, and lived.
The book begins by building a theological foundation around the first and last Adam, the apostolic seed, spiritual rebirth, and the believer’s new identity in Christ. From there, Stafford develops his vision of the church as a living body carrying divine truth, nurturing relationships, and an apostolic mission. His teaching is energetic and direct, moving between close readings of Scripture, word studies, scientific comparisons, church history, and personal ministry experience. It feels less like a quiet devotional and more like sitting in an intensive training session with a teacher who expects readers to engage, think, and act.
As the book progresses, its focus widens from personal identity to corporate reformation. Stafford calls for an active, Spirit-led church marked by apostolic and prophetic partnership, spiritual unity, courageous leadership, and practical obedience. His chapters on ancient Israel’s technologies, laying on of hands, spiritual confrontation, and the dangers of controlling leadership all serve this larger vision. The language of systems and processes helps connect subjects that might otherwise seem unrelated, showing them as parts of one spiritual framework designed to equip believers for service.
The final chapters on fasting bring the book’s ideas into their most practical form. Stafford presents fasting as consecration, spiritual warfare, disciplined desire, corporate agreement, and persistent prayer, with Daniel’s twenty-one-day fast serving as a powerful closing model. Throughout the book, his conviction is unmistakable: believers have been given more than a place in the pew, they’ve been given an identity, an assignment, and spiritual tools for carrying it out. Apostolic Technologies turns biblical revelation into a working blueprint for believers who are ready to move from spiritual potential to kingdom action.
Pages: 182 | ASIN : B0BKTMKDP7
Human Nature, Systems, and Christianity
Huizhen Sheng’s Human Nature, Systems, and Christianity is an ambitious work of philosophy, theology, psychology, and political thought. Its central idea is that human consciousness has two competing dimensions. Self-consciousness drives survival, ambition, creativity, and competition, while transcendental consciousness gives rise to conscience, compassion, justice, and concern for the common good. Sheng uses this framework to explain everything from personal behavior to economic systems, democratic government, social conflict, and Christian belief. The book’s scope is wide, but its argument remains consistent: societies reflect the inner lives of the people who build and maintain them.
The book is organized in a way that helps the reader follow that argument as it expands. The early chapters establish Sheng’s model of self-consciousness, transcendental consciousness, and collective human consciousness. The middle sections apply this model to democracy, capitalism, socialism, communism, political power, and technological production. The final chapters move more fully into theology, presenting Christianity as a bridge between human and divine consciousness and reinterpreting the Trinity, the Cross, resurrection, and salvation through that lens. This progression gives the book a sense of movement. What begins as a theory of the human mind gradually becomes a vision of moral society and, eventually, of humanity’s relationship with God.
One of the book’s strongest qualities is its serious treatment of human contradiction. Sheng doesn’t describe self-interest as simply evil. She sees it as the source of productivity and progress as well as greed, pride, domination, and violence. That balanced insight gives the discussion more depth than a basic argument about selfishness versus goodness. Her claim that “political systems are, in the final analysis, externalized architectures of inward motivations” captures the book’s most interesting contribution. Institutions matter, but Sheng argues that they can’t remain healthy unless people develop the conscience needed to use them responsibly. This connection between private character and public life is especially effective in the chapters on democratic checks and balances, civic virtue, and the abuse of power.
Sheng writes clearly about difficult subjects, although the book’s broad scope sometimes makes its conclusions feel more certain than the supporting discussion allows. Its treatment of Christianity’s influence on democracy is thoughtful and passionate, but readers may question whether Christianity is as historically irreplaceable as the book proposes, especially since other religious and philosophical traditions also cultivate compassion, restraint, and moral responsibility. Some political and historical sections rely on large generalizations, and the later idea of a Cosmic Consciousness Matrix is more speculative than the earlier analysis of ego, conscience, and institutions. Still, these leaps are part of what makes the book engaging. Sheng isn’t merely describing established theories. She’s trying to construct a unified explanation of consciousness, social order, morality, and faith.
Human Nature, Systems, and Christianity is a challenging but approachable book for readers interested in how spiritual beliefs might shape political and social life. Its most persuasive message is that laws and systems can restrain harmful behavior, but they can’t replace inward moral development. As Sheng puts it, “moral progress is impossible without spiritual renewal.” Even readers who don’t share all of her theological conclusions will find worthwhile questions here about conscience, freedom, power, technology, and the conditions that allow democracy to endure. The book works best as an invitation to think across boundaries that are often kept separate, particularly the boundaries between faith and reason, psychology and politics, and individual morality and collective life.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B0H64WBVNY
My Journey As A Christian
In Curing Christianity, you examine the ways evangelical Christianity can become healthier without losing its center in Jesus. What inspired you to write this book?
Through my journey as a Christian, I spent years wrestling how to best understand Christianity, the bible, and how we should live. Additionally, I’ve read or heard stories from numerous people regarding the challenging ideas and hurtful experiences they had with Christianity. I recognized that these things were unnecessary to Christianity. Christianity has a positive impact in numerous people’s lives, but other have also experienced harm. I believe I have gained insight into the challenges which aren’t clear to many Christians. I truly desire to illuminate these in order that Christians and the church as a whole can avoid the harmful ideas and unnecessary experiences which sometime accompany Christianity.
Fear is a recurring theme in the book, and you argue that many believers have been shaped more by fear than by love. What led you to that conclusion?
I have heard or read many passionate responses Christians have, especially to controversial topics. I’m fascinated in trying to understand why people have responded in the ways they do, and why they feel so strongly about certain topics. The best way I have been able to understand it is that people are often reacting in fear.
You write in a way that’s accessible to everyday readers rather than using highly academic language. Who did you most hope would pick up this book?
Thank you. I certainly intend Curing Christianity for “lay people”, the everyday Christian living their life and trying to incorporate their faith within it. I certainly hope that Christian leaders will engage with the book as well, and I believe that has significant value for them. I hope that it will help leaders to avoid some of the pitfalls others have fallen into before. That said, I didn’t write it exclusively for leaders, but for all Christians.
If readers finish Curing Christianity remembering one central message, what do you hope stays with them?
I feel that the third chapter, “Who Do You Say that I Am?” is the central core of the book. It’s about how we view God and our relationship to him. I think the most crucial concept is to understand God’s love.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Thousands have left Christianity through deconstruction—and not just casual Christians, but also sincere believers struggling with doctrines that don’t seem to align with Jesus’s message of love and grace. But there is good news: most of the reasons for deconstruction are unnecessary.
In Curing Christianity, D.L. Webster examines ten common beliefs which may be causing you confusion, doubt, and spiritual harm. Learn how you can avoid these common pitfalls through a constructive approach that focuses on healing rather than leaving.
Inside, you’ll discover:How fear-based theology undermines genuine faith
What the Bible really says about God’s love and character
How to understand hell, salvation, and scripture in healthier ways
Why some beliefs cause anxiety and spiritual trauma
How to build a robust faith that withstands cultural currents
If you’ve ever felt confused by contradictory teachings, wounded by religious practices, or watched friends walk away from their faith—you’re not alone. Whether you’re questioning your beliefs, supporting someone who is, or simply want to strengthen your understanding of Jesus, this book offers a path toward authentic, resilient Christianity.
Too many Christians are spiritually unwell. It’s time for a cure.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
