The ground is moving…
In this powerful book, Voddie Baucham, a preacher, professor, and cultural apologist, explains the sinister worldview behind the social justice movement and Critical Race Theory.
Title: Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe
Author: Voddie Baucham Jr.
Genre: Nonfiction; Spiritual; Political
ABOUT
The Ground Is Moving
The death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the summer of 2020 shocked the nation. As riots rocked American cities, Christians affirmed from the pulpit and in social media that “black lives matter” and that racial justice “is a gospel issue.”
But what if there is more to the social justice movement than those Christians understand? Even worse: What if they’ve been duped into preaching ideas that actually oppose the Kingdom of God?
In this powerful book, Voddie Baucham, a preacher, professor, and cultural apologist, explains the sinister worldview behind the social justice movement and Critical Race Theory—revealing how it already has infiltrated some seminaries, leading to internal denominational conflict, canceled careers, and lost livelihoods. Like a fault line, it threatens American culture in general—and the evangelical church in particular.
Whether you’re a layperson who has woken up in a strange new world and wonders how to engage sensitively and effectively in the conversation on race or a pastor who is grappling with a polarized congregation, this book offers the clarity and understanding to either hold your ground or reclaim it.
Rating:
5 Stars
Review:
I don’t really know where to begin, so this review will probably sound jumbled, since I’m just going to put my thoughts “onto paper” and try to apply some semblance of organization.
To be clear:
One thing Baucham was extremely clear on, and that I agree with, is that a lot of Christians who support CRT do so from a genuine desire to help others. While their intentions are good, their support for such a vile ideology is not, and they need to examine CRT for what it really is, then decide whether or not to pursue supporting this idea. They need to investigate for themselves and not just accept what the media and society tell them. To be clear, I am completely, one hundred percent, wholly, totally, and unwaveringly against CRT, social justice, racial inequality, and every vile idea Marxism has birthed. However, I also agree with Baucham that, when we interact with brothers and sisters who disagree, we need to do so in a direct, but kind, manner. Thus, I will compose my review, such as it is, in a direct tone.
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What do Tim Keller, Margaret Sanger, Kermit Gosnell, “social justice”, the “Black Lives Matter” movement, defunding police, and “reparations” have in common?
CRT, otherwise known as Critical Race Theory.
And what does CRT have in common with the aforementioned list?
Marxism.
In Fault Lines, Voddie Baucham addresses CRT and Critical Social Justice, their origins, proponents, and how they are infiltrating, and utterly destroying the Church. It begins with Marxism, which was founded by Carl Marx. Marxism is the very root from which CRT and CSJ and their branches, “social justice”, “reparations”, “racial equality”, and “hegemony” sprout.
Baucham first provides the reader with an insight on his childhood, then his faith journey, his education, and other influencers in his life. Baucham then uses that to propel the reader into the purpose for this book: addressing the social justice movement. In a world full of those easily offended and people tiptoeing around to ensure they don’t offend those easily offended, Baucham holds no punches. In a direct and candid, but gentle, manner, Baucham details what is wrong with CRT, CSJ, and the slew of issues which have arisen from them.
I learned a lot from this book. While I already knew certain church figures have gone off the path by accepting CRT, I didn’t realize the full extent of how seriously lost and devastating this has been to churches and church groups. Baucham clearly details how CRT and its associates are incompatible with the Bible. In fact, Baucham easily backs his claim that CRT is now a cult. I also never realized how long this has been going on. Of course, I knew about Marx. I knew about the “American founders saying black people were only 3/5th a white person” lie, and I knew how CRT is deconstructing society, churches, and politics, but I never realized how deep its roots reach.
As I warned above, I’m going to be direct. Also known as blunt and frank. CRT is evil. It’s vile, deadly, and a tool of Satan used to crumble the nuclear family, churches, and society’s (already barely existent) remaining morals. Baucham illustrates multiple reasons why CRT and its associates are so destructive, and does it well. Someone who knows little about these topics can easily garner much information and knowledge by reading this book.
Baucham pulls no punches. Unafraid to call out prominent members of faith who support CRT, he opens the reader’s eyes on who to stay away from regarding listening to their theology, and what to watch for when engaging in culture. Also provided are ways to interact with those so deeply entrenched in CRT and its associates that they can’t see the utter absurdity of what they believe.
Everything about this book is powerful, but what really struck me were the abortion sections.
I’ve studied abortion; I’ve participated in prolife blog tours and have written numerous, lengthy prolife and anti-abortion essays for high school and (secular) college. I’m no newbie to the grotesqueness of researching abortion. I knew about Margaret Sanger and her Negro Project. I even knew a little about Kermit Gosnell. I knew they were vile people. Horrible beyond description. What I did not know was the extent of their evil.
Maragret Sanger, the founder of abortion, began the murder of unborn babies not to “free women”, but to put eugenics to use and eradicate black people. She’d be proud, for, as Baucham notes, over fifteen million black babies alone have been murdered through abortion—and that number is ever increasing.
The following paragraph contains disturbing information.
Kermit Gosnell. There aren’t words to describe how wretchedly awful this man was. A black man (who gleefully partook in the very action meant to wipe out black people) killed thousands of babies and murdered one immigrant due to anesthetic overdose. Baucham reports that when Gosnell was finally arrested, after years of society turning a blind eye to his atrocities, agents and police found his building to be littered with fetus parts just scattered about.
This book can cause worry at times. Can even cause anger at the true injustice going on (which is not social justice, etc.). But it also gives hope. Filled with Scripture, Baucham gently reminds the reader God’s church will prevail, that nothing can destroy God’s plan. We have been given the tools to deal with this blight upon our churches and homes, and we need to use them.
Racism exists. Racists exist. But there are not so many of them that “racial inequality” is real. There will always be evil. But, when you advocate for white people to apologize for being white and to pay repartitions for slavery, you only help perpetrate that evil. CRT is completely unbiblical for many reasons. By telling me I need to apologize for being white—the color GOD made me—you’re saying God made a mistake. By telling me I need to pay for the sins of those long ago, you’re accusing me of a crime I did not commit, which is bearing false testimony against your neighbor.
Fault Lines is an amazing book that tackles a difficult and divisive issue. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you, Mr. Baucham, for being unafraid to stand for truth. It bolstered my courage, helped me understand this complex evil, and provided ways to stand strong amidst this storm.
To those who embrace CRT, please, please look into its origins. It’s not what you think it is. Take the heart for others that God has given you and apply it to a true Bible-based effort.
To those who are watching the effects of CRT and are wondering what comes next in this catastrophe, stand strong. Ensure your foundation made of truth so it will not be replaced with a foundation of lies.
CONTENT WARNING
Some language (not from the author himself, but from quotes).
Disturbing discussion about the atrocities of abortion.
Madi's Musings 