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Fault Lines

Fault Lines

The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe
by Voddie Baucham Jr. 2021 270 pages
4.45
6k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality pose a threat to biblical Christianity

"I am far more concerned about the precarious moment facing evangelicals."

Incompatible worldviews. Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Intersectionality are rooted in neo-Marxist ideology that divides people into oppressor and oppressed groups. This stands in opposition to the biblical view of universal human dignity and sin nature.

Redefining core concepts. CRT redefines racism as a system of power and privilege, rather than individual prejudice. This shifts focus from personal repentance to societal revolution.

Undermining biblical authority. By claiming that dominant groups cannot fully understand oppression, CRT elevates subjective experience over scriptural truth. This challenges the sufficiency and authority of Scripture to address all of life.

2. The "cult of antiracism" has created a new theology incompatible with the Gospel

"Antiracism offers no salvation—only perpetual penance in an effort to battle an incurable disease."

New definitions. The antiracist movement has redefined key terms like racism, white supremacy, and justice in ways that diverge from both common and biblical usage.

Works-based righteousness. Antiracism demands endless "work" to dismantle systemic racism, with no hope of true forgiveness or reconciliation. This contradicts the Gospel's offer of complete justification through faith in Christ.

Replacing biblical categories. Antiracism creates new categories of sin (e.g. white privilege), salvation (wokeness), and atonement (reparations) that supplant biblical theology.

3. Ethnic Gnosticism falsely claims special knowledge based on racial identity

"Minority status… brings with it a presumed competence to speak about race and racism."

Elevated minority voices. CRT claims that racial minorities have special insight into oppression that cannot be fully understood by majority groups. This creates a privileged class of "priests" based on race.

Narrative over truth. Personal stories and lived experiences are elevated over objective facts and rational argument. This makes it difficult to challenge flawed narratives.

Silencing dissent. Those who disagree with CRT narratives, especially minorities, are accused of internalized oppression or false consciousness. This circular reasoning insulates CRT from critique.

4. Statistical disparities do not necessarily prove systemic racism

"Correlation is not causation, disparity is not necessarily discrimination."

Multifaceted causes. Many factors beyond racism can contribute to racial disparities, including:

  • Cultural values and choices
  • Family structure
  • Education levels
  • Geographic location
  • Personal decisions

Historical context. Some disparities have roots in past injustices, but current racism is not necessarily the primary cause of ongoing gaps.

Danger of univariate analysis. Focusing solely on race oversimplifies complex social issues and can lead to misguided solutions that fail to address root causes.

5. The importance of fatherhood and family structure in addressing social issues

"Yes, we need families to raise our children. We need fathers to realize that responsibility does not end at conception."

Fatherlessness epidemic. The absence of fathers in many black homes has devastating consequences:

  • Higher poverty rates
  • Increased likelihood of criminal behavior
  • Lower educational achievement
  • Greater risk of teen pregnancy

Cultural shifts. The percentage of black children in two-parent homes has declined dramatically since the 1960s, correlating with many negative social indicators.

Addressing root causes. Promoting stable families and responsible fatherhood is crucial for improving outcomes in black communities, regardless of other systemic issues.

6. Abortion disproportionately impacts the black community

"Fifteen and a half million black babies have been aborted since 1973."

Staggering numbers. While black women make up only 13% of the female population, they account for over 36% of all abortions in the U.S.

Historical context. Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger promoted birth control as a means of reducing the black population, a legacy that continues today with the concentration of abortion clinics in minority neighborhoods.

Shifting attitudes. Recent polls show a growing acceptance of abortion among black Americans, reversing previous trends of stronger pro-life views compared to other racial groups.

7. Christians must reject unbiblical ideologies while pursuing true justice

"We cannot embrace, modify, baptize, or Christianize these ideologies. We must identify, resist, and repudiate them."

Discernment required. While racial injustice is real, Christians must carefully evaluate popular movements and ideologies in light of Scripture.

Danger of compromise. Adopting elements of CRT or other unbiblical worldviews, even with good intentions, can lead to a distorted Gospel and misguided activism.

Biblical justice. Christians should pursue justice as defined by Scripture, not secular ideologies:

  • Impartial treatment (Lev. 19:15)
  • Protection for the vulnerable (Is. 1:17)
  • Personal responsibility (2 Thess. 3:10)
  • Forgiveness and reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19)

8. The Bible and Gospel provide superior solutions to racism and injustice

"It is Christ, and Christ alone, 'who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.'"

Universal human dignity. The biblical doctrine of the imago dei provides a stronger foundation for human equality than secular alternatives.

True reconciliation. The Gospel offers genuine forgiveness and unity across racial lines, creating a new humanity in Christ (Eph. 2:14-16).

Heart transformation. Biblical sanctification addresses the root of racism—the human heart—rather than merely modifying external behavior.

Balanced approach. Scripture calls for both personal responsibility and care for the oppressed, avoiding extreme individualism or collectivism.

9. Black Lives Matter organization promotes unbiblical values despite its appealing slogan

"BLM is a Trojan horse. The movement has a name that Christians find attractive because we love God and our neighbor and have a desire to see justice done."

Marxist roots. BLM's founders openly identify as "trained Marxists," embracing an ideology fundamentally opposed to Christianity.

Anti-biblical agenda. The organization promotes values contrary to Scripture:

  • Disruption of the nuclear family
  • Affirmation of LGBTQ+ ideology
  • Pagan spirituality practices

Deceptive slogan. While "black lives matter" is a true statement, the organization uses this appealing phrase to advance a broader, problematic agenda.

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.45 out of 5
Average of 6k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham Jr. receives mixed reviews. Many praise its critique of Critical Race Theory and social justice movements, appreciating Baucham's biblical perspective and personal experiences. Supporters find it insightful and necessary for understanding current cultural issues. Critics argue the book lacks nuance, misrepresents others, and relies on poor scholarship. Some reviewers express concern about Baucham's harsh tone towards other Christian leaders and his approach to complex racial issues. Despite disagreements, most acknowledge the book's relevance to ongoing debates within evangelicalism.

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About the Author

Voddie T. Baucham Jr. is a multifaceted Christian leader serving as a pastor, author, professor, and speaker. He emphasizes Cultural Apologetics, applying biblical principles to everyday life and contemporary issues. Raised in a non-Christian home, Baucham's journey to faith informs his approach to teaching and apologetics. He holds degrees from various theological institutions and has studied at the University of Oxford. Baucham is married with six children and advocates for home education. His teaching style combines intellectual rigor with practical application, making complex theological concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Baucham's background and experiences uniquely position him to address cultural and religious issues from a biblical perspective.

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