The Color of Compromise

The Color of Compromise examines the history of the American Christian church's relationship with racism and racial injustice from the colonial period through the present day. Through historical records, primary sources, and scholarly research, Tisby traces how white churches and religious institutions responded to slavery, Jim Crow laws, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary racial dynamics. The narrative connects religious attitudes and decisions to broader social and political developments across American history. Each chapter focuses on specific time periods and events, documenting the actions and inactions of Christian leaders and communities during pivotal moments in America's racial history. Tisby incorporates both well-known historical figures and lesser-known individuals who shaped the church's engagement with race relations. The book challenges readers to confront how religious institutions have upheld systems of racial inequality through both active participation and passive acceptance. At its core, this work argues that understanding this complex historical relationship is essential for addressing current racial divisions within American Christianity.

Readers describe this as a straightforward historical account of American Christianity's role in perpetuating racism. Many note it serves as an introductory text rather than an academic deep-dive. Readers appreciated: - Clear chronological organization - Specific examples and documentation - Action steps in final chapter - Accessible writing style for complex topics Common criticisms: - Some felt it oversimplified complex historical events - Conservative readers disagreed with interpretations of current events - Several wanted more theological discussion - Some found the solutions chapter too brief Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (3,800+ ratings) Representative review: "Well-researched but digestible history that connects past to present. Not comprehensive but serves its purpose as an introduction." - Goodreads reviewer Critical review: "Presents historical facts accurately but draws conclusions I cannot support theologically." - Amazon reviewer

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🔷 Jemar Tisby wrote this book while completing his Ph.D. in History at the University of Mississippi, bringing both academic rigor and personal experience to his examination of racism in American Christianity. 🔷 The book took the #1 spot on Amazon's Church & State category soon after its release in 2019, sparking widespread discussion in Christian communities across denominations. 🔷 The title comes from Tisby's observation that racism doesn't survive through outright hostility alone, but through the subtle compromises of those who claim to oppose it while remaining passive. 🔷 The research spans over 400 years of American history, from colonial times through the Civil Rights Movement and into the Black Lives Matter era, tracking the church's relationship with race relations. 🔷 Following the book's success, Tisby created "The Color of Compromise Video Study," a 12-part series that churches and study groups use to facilitate discussions about racial reconciliation within Christian communities.