Biblical Guidance for Tough Conversations on Race
Early in their friendship, Monique and Krista faced what felt like insurmountable barriers in their discussions about race and racism. Rather than retreating into avoidant silence or escalating tension until they burned down their friendship, they learned to face those difficult conversations together—because as children of God, they saw each other as worth it.
Walking in Unity is about bringing Christ-centered answers to issues of race and racism. Drawing a clear distinction between the secular culture's instructions for agreement and Scripture's call for unity, authors Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager explore what the Bible really says about racial harmony and how Christians ultimately find their common identity in Christ.
Avoiding cheap platitudes, Monique and Krista help you explore the tough issues that the larger culture has brought into our churches, such as historic racial injustices, systemic racism, and the call for reparations. As you employ this Christ-centered model for unity, you will find nuanced insights and practical guidelines for engaging the divisive issues of today with the love and truth found only in Jesus.
About the Author :
Krista Bontrager is an author, podcaster, and the VP of Educational Programs and Biblical Integrity at the Center for Biblical Unity. With a BA in Communications from Biola University and MAs in Theology and Bible Exposition from the Talbot School of Theology, Krista has worked in the fields of theology and apologetics for almost three decades. She is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics at Birmingham Theological Seminary.
Monique Dusonis the president at the Center for Biblical Unity. Formerly an advocate of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Monique now actively speaks out against the use of CRT within the church. She has appeared on shows such as Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, The Alisa Childers Podcast, and Breakpoint with John Stonestreet. Monique is working toward an MA in Public Theology at Birmingham Theological Seminary.
Review :
“Walking in Unity exemplifies how the power of something small, such as a daily walk, can eventually grow into a flourishing friendship that can overcome tremendous racial barriers. This book is a wonderful example of how two very different people can begin to see each other beyond their caricatures for what they always were—children of God.”
—Robert “Bob” Woodson Sr., founder and president, Woodson Center
“Most books addressing racism come across as clanging cymbals; this one is a symphony of truth and grace. And it provides the only real solution!”
—Frank Turek, founder and president, Cross Examined
“There is an amazing amount of clarity in this book—clarity that is desperately needed in the church today. If you read just one book on race and Christianity, make it this one. It will be my go-to recommendation on the subject for a long time to come.”
—Natasha Crain, speaker, podcaster, and author of several books, including Faithfully Different
“Race is one of the most contentious topics in the American church today, and sane discussion and thoughtful biblical proposals are in very short supply. This is why this book is so important and helpful. Calm, practical and, above all, Christ-honoring, this is a volume that Christians should read, ponder, discuss, and apply.”
—Carl R. Trueman, professor, Grove City College; fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center
“Walking in Unity is raw, authentic, fair, intelligent and informative, full of solid ideas and personal experiences, and biblical at its core. I have known Monique and Krista for many years (they call me Uncle Jay!), and I have repeatedly been amazed at their wisdom, their knowledge of the issues, their commitment to Jesus and His Word, and their willingness to tackle the hard issues with a genuine desire to know the truth. Every administrator at Christian colleges and seminaries should be required to read this book. It tackles the main issues dividing us in a readable way. If you had to pick one book to read on race and related topics, this should be it.”
—J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author of A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles
“Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager offer a fresh approach to contentious questions about Christianity and race. This book grows out of their own intense personal conversations, and as a result, their writing is relatable and refreshingly free of trendy buzzwords and sociological jargon. Whether or not you agree with everything they say, you will be drawn in by their common-sense treatment of what the Bible teaches about racial unity.”
—Nancy R. Pearcey, professor, Houston Christian University; author of multiple books, including Love Thy Body and The Toxic War on Masculinity
“Monique and Krista forged this important, deeply biblical, and well-reasoned book through diligent research and hard discussions about the biblical approach to race in our racially divided times. They address the toughest issues with clarity, charity, and conviction. Bravo!”
—Douglas Groothuis, professor of philosophy, Denver Seminary
“Monique and Krista have given us a gracious, biblical, easy-to-read book about what is probably the most volatile and divisive issue in the American church today: race. But this book isn’t about guilt, finger-pointing, or anger. It’s about unity! The personal testimonies are so real and raw that it left me convicted of my sin, yet full of faith. The cornerstone is that the unity of all believers from every tribe and tongue in the New Man, Christ Jesus—or what the authors call ‘the family’—is not something we have yet to accomplish but is already a spiritual reality. The beauty of that truth shines forth gloriously on every page and encourages us to live accordingly.”
—John L. Cooper, lead singer of Christian rock band Skillet, author of Awake and Alive to Truth, host of the Cooper Stuff podcast
“This insightful book tackles a difficult subject with wisdom, clarity, grace, and truth. Krista and Monique give us a biblical, not humanistic, understanding of race and racism. Walking in Unity is crucial for church leaders and everyday Christians to help us understand and combat the lies that our culture bombards us with daily regarding race. I highly recommend it!”
—Becket Cook, author of A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption, host of The Becket Cook Show
“Why aren’t Christians, whose God created every ‘ethnos’ under heaven, leading the national conversation about race? Because they have not yet read Walking in Unity. In its pages you will find the biblical, historical, and personal context needed to become the peace-making, reconciling agents for racial unity that God expects His church to be.”
—Katy Faust, founder and president, Them Before Us
“The Scriptures tell us that all human beings are created in the image of God. Though we may be of different ethnicities, cultures, and physical appearances, we are of one blood. However, in these times of tremendous chaos, confusion, and conflict, as believers, Jesus Christ must be the cornerstone and source of our identity. As we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God, then, and only then, can we walk in true unity with each other. Ethnic groups and skin colors don’t reconcile. Hearts do! Walking in Unity serves as an excellent and timely reminder of these biblical principles.”
—Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen, first black woman elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court
“Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager have grappled with the contentious issues of race and unity. They have been breathtakingly transparent in their journey to defining a biblical model of unity, founding each principle on Scripture. Every Christian needs to read this book, take it to heart, and implement the biblical principles laid out herein.”
—Richard G. Howe, provost, Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics, Southern Evangelical Seminary
“Walking in Unity is the guidebook for difficult conversations we need to be having in this moment. Monique and Krista’s message and mission are rooted in biblical truth, providing clear, hope-filled, unifying navigation to sensitive and tough issues that is better than anything the world has to offer. They are doing mighty things for God’s kingdom!”
—Cissie Graham Lynch, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse
“Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager may be two unlikely friends but are perfectly matched to coauthor Walking in Unity. Many ‘Christian’ approaches to racial reconciliation are essentially secular frameworks with a few Bible verses thrown in. Walking in Unity is an invaluable and vital resource. I wholeheartedly commend this book as a guide to address biblical unity and the secular concept of race.”
—Christopher Yuan, author of Holy Sexualityand the Gospel, producer of the Holy Sexuality Project
“Like so many Christians, Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager were drawn together by faith and friendship yet pulled apart by issues of race and justice. Their personal story frames a book that is both powerful and practical. Walking in Unity cuts to the heart of discussions of ‘antiracism’ and ‘racial reconciliation’ both inside and outside the church. It exposes the unbiblical assumptions that even sincere, well-intentioned Christians can embrace and offers an approach to racial unity rooted in the gospel. I highly recommend it.”
—Neil Shenvi, author of Why Believe?: A Reasoned Approach to Christianity and Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology
“Fellow Christians, I urge you in the strongest possible way: read this book! It is an urgently needed antidote to the toxic practices that are tearing our churches apart. Monique and Krista take on big, powerful, and complex ideas in clear, concise, and deeply biblical prose. Their humility, grace, humor, boldness, and courage shine on every page.”
—Scott D. Allen, president, Disciple Nations Alliance, author of Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice: An Urgent Appeal to Fellow Christians in a Time of Social Crisis
