Why Black Lives Matter

“Dr. Bradley has assembled a diverse group of black scholars, pastors, and practitioners to affirm the dignity of black lives. They boldly analyze and critique racist, systemic challenges and self-inflicted obstacles facing black lives today. These contributors also offer clear next steps. They place the Black Church at the center of the conversation. They affirm the truth that black lives indeed matter because God created us in his image.”


—Jarvis J. Williams, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary





“In a post-George Floyd America, this is a welcome and timely book. Anthony Bradley has assembled an A-team of black scholars of faith, men and women who see Black Lives Matter as a call to holy action. These learned essays speak profound truth into the many challenges facing black communities today. They offer wisdom that can break cycles of brokenness and dysfunction. White evangelicals troubled by the radical polarization and secularity of Black Lives Matter will want to listen in as well: this book presents a refreshing, gospel-centered, and life-giving alternative. Here you will find an academically informed, practically relevant, and deeply theological picture of why and how black lives matter, here on earth, and in the courts of heaven. I have learned a lot from reading Why Black Lives Matter, and it deserves a wide readership!”


—Hans Madueme, Covenant College





“Fatigued by the predictable approaches to this movement? You will embrace the workable words of these courageous excavators. They dig deeply into the timeliest of questions: Why BLM? (It’s all in the ‘why.’) In response, these essays do not resort to dry philosophical inquiry. Rather, you will discover practical and realistic approaches that move humanity forward. These are poets of the possible, bridge builders, rooted thinkers, hope dealers, faith leaders, community-based practitioners leaning into God’s future with Spirit-infused conviction.”


—John Arthur Nunes, Concordia College New York