It’s More About Grace Than Race

An Interview with Anthony Carter and Richard Doster from By Faith Magazine.

Anthony Carter is lead pastor of a new church plant, East Point Church, just outside of Atlanta, Ga. Carter earned his M.A. in biblical studies from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Fla. And he has authored and edited several books, including On Being Black and Reformed and Experiencing the Truth.

Carter’s newest book is Glory Road: The Journeys of 10 African-Americans into Reformed Christianity. We spoke with him about the differences between “black” and “white” Christianity, and how Reformed theology is viewed in African-American churches.

Why is it important that we know how these 10 black men came to the Reformed faith?

I think it’s important to know how God’s work of grace has occurred in the lives of those who are outside our normal sphere of influence. It is encouraging to know that God’s grace and salvation are being marvelously and wonderfully experienced outside our normal circles. A lot of us have a myopic view of Christianity and our own faith. To be encouraged, to know that God is at work in the hearts of men and women whose lives may not look exactly like ours—and yet whose faith and confession is the same—that should offer a sense of encouragement. And it should offer a challenge to get involved in what God is doing, even outside our normal areas of operation.

For Further Discussion

In your church, are people concerned about how God is working in the lives of people who are different? Should they be more concerned? What can you do to spark that kind of encouragement?

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