Bringing the wisdom of generations of black Catholics into conversation with contemporary scholarly accounts of racism, Christ Divided diagnoses ""antiblackness supremacy"" as a corporate vice that inhabits the body of Christ. To truly understand racial inequality, theologians must acknowledge the existence of ""antiblackness supremacy"" and recognize its uniquely foundational role in prevailing processes of racialization and racial hierarchy. In addition to introducing a new framework of racial analysis, this book proposes a new approach to virtue ethics. Because the church‘s participation in and performance of white supremacy occurs as a result of corporate habituation, the church most needs new habits, not new teachings. The theory of corporate virtue outlined here provides a framework through which to evaluate these habits and propose new ones-to be made to "do the right thing."

The church of the Bible is presented as a pattern of human life in marked contrast both to the values of secular society and to the restrictive outlook that characterizes many religious groups. The church is to be the manifestation of the biblical instruction to love God and neighbor. Is Christ Divided? takes a penetrating look at the identity of the local church. Is it comprised of believers with a passion to worship the God of Truth and live by His purpose, following His Holy Spirit that lives inside? Or is the church a group of individuals segregated by culture, class, economics and education, following the traditions of men? Is Christ Divided? urges the original and philosophical concept of the church advocated by the Word of God. Each chapter reveals biblical support for cooperation amongst the brethren; the local church and the para church. Containing critical research of Scripture and analysis of church history, this book will provide proof that both populations have existed since the beginning without distinction. The intent is to bridge the gap between denominations, associations, local churches, para church organizations, missions and ministries.

This book will start with the earliest Christian textual evidence, the letters of Saint Paul, as a foundation to reveal surprising details in the history of the early Church that have been hidden in plain sight for almost two thousand years: (1.) that Saint Peter and Saint Paul became enemies; (2.) that according to some early Christians, Jesus was both the Messiah and the Antichrist, but not God nor the Son of God; (3.) that James, the brother of Jesus, rejected the original teaching of Jesus in order to further his own claim to be the Messiah; (4.) that the apostle Paul actually failed more than he succeeded during his lifetime; (5.) that Christians were instrumental in the First Jewish Revolt; and (6.) that Jesus did claim to be both the Son of God and God. The evidence is laid out logically in a new way. But the evidence is not new; it is on your shelf right now.

The church of the Bible is presented as a pattern of human life in marked contrast both to the values of secular society and to the restrictive outlook that characterizes many religious groups. The church is to be the manifestation of the biblical instruction to love God and neighbor. Is Christ Divided? takes a penetrating look at the identity of the local church. Is it comprised of believers with a passion to worship the God of Truth and live by His purpose, following His Holy Spirit that lives inside? Or is the church a group of individuals segregated by culture, class, economics and education, following the traditions of men? Is Christ Divided? urges the original and philosophical concept of the church advocated by the Word of God. Each chapter reveals biblical support for cooperation amongst the brethren; the local church and the para church. Containing critical research of Scripture and analysis of church history, this book will provide proof that both populations have existed since the beginning without distinction. The intent is to bridge the gap between denominations, associations, local churches, para church organizations, missions and ministries.

“David Ireland’s new book distills over thirty years of experience … into a practical guide for others to use. If you feel God is calling you to unite rather than divide … One in Christ is for you!" —Luis Palau, international evangelist “Each time I have had the pleasure of spending time with Dr. David Ireland, I have gained insight into the depth of God’s Word … a trait I have found in only a handful of others.”—Kurt Warner, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Racial strife is tearing communities apart across the United States, but many of us don’t know how to start healing the divide. NBA Diversity Consultant David Ireland offers an answer. In One in Christ, Dr. Ireland draws on years of experience pastoring and counseling a congregation of over 9,000 members from more than 70 nations to equip you with practical skills for racial reconciliation. One in Christ directs you to the great reconciler, Jesus Christ. Warmth, regard, and respect emanated from His person toward others—no matter their background. In a divided society, Christians must demonstrate how to practice unity, tearing down the barriers that keep us apart. Thankfully, true reconciliation can be learned. Ireland draws on Christ’s command to “make disciples of all nations” to teach believers how to usher in a new era of racial reconciliation, an era founded on the love of Jesus Christ. David Ireland, pastor of a multiracial megachurch in New Jersey and diversity consultant to the NBA, equips Christians to usher in a new era of racial reconciliation in One in Christ. Racial disharmony is tearing communities apart, both inside and outside the church. But Jesus Christ is, and was, a great reconciler. Warmth, regard, and respect emanated from His person toward others---all others. Part of this allure was the fact Jesus was comfortable in His skin. This made others who approached Him comfortable in their skin. This quality fuels the deconstruction of walls---the tearing down of barriers that keep us apart. In One in Christ, Ireland shows us that this quality can be learned. In fact, at the cellular structure of Christianity is the ability to be cross-cultural. The Great Commission proclaims it. Jesus said, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The word nation is the Greek word ethnos, where we derive the English word ethnic. In essence, the last charge Jesus gave was for His followers to become cross-cultural ambassadors. This is not optional, Ireland says: We must each become racially accommodating.

Through a nationwide survey, the authors of this study conclude that US Evangelicals may actually be preserving the racial chasm, not through active racism, but because their theology hinders their ability to recognise systematic injustice.