The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity (Shai Linne)

The New Reformation

Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity

We all know that racial unity is important. But what’s the right way to approach it? How can Christians of different ethnicities pursue unity in an environment that is so highly charged and full of landmines on all sides?

In The New Reformation, Christian hip-hop artist Shai Linne shows how the gospel applies to the pursuit of ethnic unity. When it comes to ethnicity, Christians today have to fight against two tendencies: idolatry and apathy. Idolatry makes ethnicity ultimate, while apathy tends to ignore it altogether. But there is a third way, the way of the Bible. Shai explains how ethnicity—the biblical word for what we mean by “race”—exists for God’s glory.

Drawing from his experience as an artist-theologian, church planter, and pastor, Shai will help you chart a new way forward in addressing the critical question of what it means for people of all ethnicities to be the one people of God.

Endorsements

“Shai Linne’s The New Reformation is critical and encouraging, orthodox and challenging, empathetic and honest. Heartbreaking at points, humble and hopeful throughout, he even suggests what’s gone wrong with so many who espoused the Bible’s gospel and yet have missed it on race. I highly recommend it.”

— Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington D. C.

“The New Reformation is a remarkable book that begins with Shai’s own story and somehow manages to seamlessly integrate music, church, theology, Reformation history, current events, and personal experience into a compelling Jesus-centered narrative about ethnic unity.  I found it engaging and insightful with wise practical advice.  I highly recommend this book!”

— Randy Alcorn, founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries

About the Author

SHAI LINNE is a recording artist who has released numerous acclaimed Christian hip-hop albums, including The Atonement and The Attributes of God. After completing a pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and serving as an elder at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, Shai co-founded Risen Christ Fellowship, an inner-city church in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA. Previously, Shai wrote God Made Me and You and co-authored It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife Blair and their three children, Sage, Maya, and Ezra.

Contents

1. Roses are Big
2. My New Life
3. Lyrical Theology
4. Voices from the Past
5. Deja Vu
6. Is Martin Luther my Homeboy?
7. Ethnicity and the Fall
8. Father Abraham Had Many Sons
9. Ethnicity and Justification
10. Jesus’ Desire for the Church
11. Agree in the Lord
12. We Got Some Work to do

Epilogue: Soon and Very Soon

Appendix: George Floyd and Me