FROM EVERY PEOPLE AND NATION
By J. Daniel Hays
IVP (Apollos). 206 pages. £12.99
ISBN 0 85111 290 0
Subtitled 'a biblical theology of race', Danny Hays writes this carefully-argued and Scripturally-rich treatment as a moving, heartfelt testimony and polemic against racism and segregation in gospel churches in North America. As such it presents a message that needs to be heard, considered and embraced by believers and church leaders in Britain also.
The basic thesis of the book, which this reviewer accepts and delights in, is that all races have equal dignity as image bearers of the Almighty, equal welcome to reconciliation through Christ, and belong - now and in eternity in one united, racially diverse and gloriously varied church. And Hays contends, and argues clearly and persuasively from Scripture, that local churches should reflect the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural makeup of the society from which they are drawn. In so doing, he shows that the tendency to allow and justify Jewish churches, white churches, black African churches, Asian churches and the like, is to depart from the Lord's clear pattern and desire for the church and adopt worldly expedients.
