Weekly Reading Wrap-Up: Wrestling with Power, Empire, and Faith
This week, my reading took me deep into the intersection of race, empire, and faith. Both books—The Religion of Whiteness by Michael Emerson and Exiles by Preston Sprinkle—tackled heavy themes, but each brought something unique to the table.
The Religion of Whiteness by Michael Emerson ★★★★
Emerson presents a compelling (if at times overstated) argument that whiteness in America functions as a religion—one that shapes beliefs, behaviors, and institutions in ways most people don’t recognize. He takes a deep dive into history, sociology, and theology to illustrate how white identity operates as more than just race—it’s a cultural and spiritual force that influences nearly every aspect of American life. This book is obviously written from a liberal point of view and steeped in what often gets referred to as Critical Race Theory (CRT) but don’t dismiss it out of hand.
While I don’t agree with every claim Emerson makes, I can’t deny that his central thesis holds weight. There is a problem, and this book does a solid job of naming it. It challenged me, and I appreciate books that push me beyond my comfort zone, even if I don’t walk away in full agreement.
Exiles by Preston Sprinkle ★★★★★
Now, this one was a knockout. Sprinkle’s exploration of “the church in the shadow of empire” was exactly what I needed. He dives into what it means to live as a faithful Christian when the dominant culture—especially a culture so often intertwined with empire—pulls in the opposite direction.
This topic is deeply personal for me. I’m still working through what it means to follow Jesus in a nation that frequently aligns itself with power structures that seem anything but Christlike. And, honestly, Exiles might just be my second favorite book of the year, right behind Death to Deconstruction by Joshua Porter.
Final Thoughts
Both books left me with a lot to chew on. Emerson forces readers to reckon with the ways race shapes religious identity, while Sprinkle offers a vision of Christian faithfulness that resists imperial entanglements. Different lenses, similar concerns.
And if I come away from a reading week with more questions than answers? That’s a good thing.
Get Your Copy
The Religion of Whiteness by Michael O. Emerson and Glenn E. Bracey II
Exiles by Preston Sprinkle
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