White Too Long

The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity

By: Robert P. Jones

Narrated by: Holter Graham

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

“An indispensible study” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) drawing on history, public opinion surveys, and personal experience that presents a provocative examination of the unholy relationship between American Christianity and white supremacy, and issues an urgent call for White Christians to reckon with this legacy for the sake of themselves and the nation.

As the nation grapples with demographic changes and the legacy of racism in America, Christianity’s role as a cornerstone of white supremacy has been largely overlooked. But White Christians - from evangelicals in the South to mainline Protestants in the Midwest and Catholics in the Northeast - have not just been complacent or complicit; rather, as the dominant cultural power, they have constructed and sustained a project of protecting white supremacy and opposing black equality that has framed the entire American story.

With his family’s 1815 Bible in one hand and contemporary public opinion surveys by Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) in the other, Robert P. Jones delivers “a refreshing blend of historical accounting, soul searching reflection, and analysis” (Publishers Weekly) of the repressed relationship between Christianity and white supremacy. White Too Long is “a marvel” (Booklist, starred review) that demonstrates how deeply racist attitudes have become embedded in the DNA of white Christian identity over time and calls for an honest reckoning with a complicated, painful, and even shameful past. Jones challenges White Christians to acknowledge that public apologies are not enough - accepting responsibility for the past requires work toward repair in the present.

White Too Long is not an appeal to altruism. It is “a powerful and much-needed book” (Eddie S. Glaude Jr, professor at Princeton University and author of Begin Again) drawing on lessons gleaned from case studies of communities beginning to face these challenges. Jones argues that contemporary White Christians must confront these unsettling truths because this is the only way to salvage the integrity of their faith and their own identities. More broadly, it is no exaggeration to say that not just the future of white Christianity, but the outcome of the American experiment is at stake.

©2020 Robert P. Jones. All rights reserved. (P)2020 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Just the best book to come along in a long time

This is the most honest, raw, moving account of the physical and spiritual destruction that white supremacy has wrought on America. And told with such courage and deep conviction. Robert P. Jones, you made me weep and filled me with hope at the same time. Your place is assured in heaven.

excellent read!!

i thought that this book was very compelling and very convincing.
thank you for this great work

FACTS FACTS FACTS

the man breaks down from everything need to be known by man. this be be read by the world especilly the ones to blind to see it. thank you Mr. Jones

The Hard Truth with a deep look into the mirror.

For many of us we can't see for too many of us we don't want to see. Love one another appropriately!

Thought-provoking!

this was an intelligent, highly well-written, thought-provoking examination of white supremacy in the Christian church. I found it to be both informative and revelatory!

Too long....

We have lived in a narrative that has one of the most multi-generational mental terrorist assaults for too long. We have been asleep at the wheel and we are accountable to change it no matter the cost. This book describes our responsibility... that we only need to respond with, “yes”. No justification, no excuses, none! Just “Yes” and we can not say “Yes” enough or for too long.

Praise for Robert P Jones compassion and humility

I have been working as a therapist in the Northeast for 7 years. I’ve always taken time to learn about our culture and collective problems. Despite this, there has always been a gap with my white colleagues being able to address racism. This book helps me to understand why.
The way that Robert is able to use his own experiences, data and current events to illustrate the chicanery of a how the Bible is used to proliferate ignorance.
I think towards the end of the book, in talking about the white people who do acknowledge the absurdity of these claims is heart warming and inspiring.
From the perspective of mental health, the problems being shame and guilt, or allowing these people to practice loving kindness only results in a jealous rage and loss of control as the times are changing.
As a man of 34 years old, I know for a fact that racism isn’t going to die with the old generation. I have more compassion for them as they were raised in such a contradictory culture, such as what is pointed out in “Killer’s of the dream” by Lillian Smith. This next generation has all the access to information the people of the past didn’t and they can read this as well.
I suggest taking time to read this and understand that you will have an emotional response but as is said towards the end of the book, it’s ok to feel responsible and acknowledge it, then we can collectively do something about it.

Great Intro to this issue

I read both of his books back to back.... grew up conservative Christian. This is exactly what I needed to hear. To understand how complex it all is. I can’t overstate how much this has changed my thinking in a few short days. Completely humbled. I wish everyone who grew up in church would read this. Especially those with very homogenous upbringings.

Unequivocal truth telling

Mr. Jones has given me hope that someday America can live up to her boasting of exceptionalism. When a critical mass of White Christians awaken from lunacy of White Supremacy, America can begin the long journey towards justice, repair, and reconciliation.
This book is a must read for anyone who claims to love America! This book is a must read for anyone who claims to be a Christian! This book is a must read for anyone old enough to understand where we have been as a nation and how far we still have to go.

Truth hurts

I have often thought that evangelicals hide behind religion to disavow racism. This book certainly examines the deep roots of racism in religion. All white Christians should read and reflect.