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Book Review: Life-Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Seattle Book Review.

Dr. Clarence Schuler


Award-winning author Gary Chapman and renowned educator Clarence Shuler merge their experiences and life lessons learned in a timely book about the promise of bridging racial divides through meaningful and mutually beneficial connections. In Life-Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships, the two men – Chapman is White and Shuler is Black – set their cross-cultural friendship as an example of what is possible when people from different backgrounds make an intentional effort to establish interracial friendships. The authors focus on a Christian perspective that centers on Jesus’ ministry and is grounded in respect, forgiveness, grace, and serving others. Throughout the book, Schuler explains foundational diversity and inclusion concepts like culture, cultural differences, and color-blindness.

The friendly and inviting tone of Life-Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships reflects its intention to bring together people of the Christian faith from diverse backgrounds. It is a timely book given that Christians in America continue to worship in segregated church settings. In addition, we witness the worrisome trend of racial divisiveness and vitriol by particular faith communities. The authors’ appeal to followers of Jesus is simple: healthy, long-term friendships with someone from another race require intentional actions to enhance communication and resolve conflicts. 

 

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