A book review by Jennifer Brimer.
Racism is a topic you hear about a lot in the media and its flames are continuously being fueled by politicians. It’s dividing our nation in a way I’ve never experienced in my lifetime until just a few years ago. Growing up in Michigan gave me a different perspective than that of my friends here in Louisiana. It’s been interesting to talk about cultural differences over the years and the topic of racism has been brought up several times. I felt I had heard both sides of the topic but this book brought yet another side. It’s given me new perspective and I highly recommend everyone take the time to read it. It is both convicting and encouraging.
“Racism is inherently immature, a form of cowardice, often hiding anonymously within a group that chatters the same things” (p. 151)Benjamin Watson was best known for his successful career in the NFL where he currently plays for the New Orleans Saints. However, in the wake of the death of Michael Brown and the subsequent riots in Ferguson, Missouri, he was thrust into the spotlight because of a post he made on social media. Now his social media accounts are being followed by people of all races all over the world and his athletic career seems to have been almost forgotten. Under Our Skin is an expansion of that original post he made online in November 2014.
In this book, Benjamin Watson takes on the topic of racism from the standpoint of a black man, a father, a husband, but most importantly, a Christian. He doesn’t single out one race in particular or place the blame on someone else but rather he sheds light on the seemingly insignificant things we are all guilty of and places the blame on everyone, including himself. He shows that it’s not a skin problem but ultimately a sin problem in our hearts and we are all guilty. He goes on to show the solution to the problem but also acknowledges that racism won’t be erased until Jesus Christ returns.
“I believe in a personal God: the God of the Bible, whose Son, Jesus Christ, is real and who transforms lives by redeeming human hearts. The God who loves me and you, the black person and the white person, and all persons- personally, desperately, sacrificially.” (p. 166)
“Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ will the earthly distinctions between us fade, as our oneness in him takes precedence over color, creed, and culture and as our allegiance to him compels us to make those who matter to him matter most to us.” (p. 194)
