In the Introduction of Fault Lines, Baucham suggests that the main issue (and looming catastrophe) in the body of Christ which will lead to a major division is “a lack of clarity and charity in our debate over the place, priority, practice, and definition of justice.” He makes it clear that the goal of the book is not to avoid the looming trouble and stop the divide created by social justice vs. biblical justice, but rather to “clearly identify the two sides of the fault line and to urge the reader to choose wisely.”
As some of you know, I’ve been pretty vocal on topics of race and politics and maintaining a Kingdom perspective. Not because I wanted to (I didn’t), but because I sensed strongly from God last year that I was supposed to add my voice and be a bridge builder in the midst of the noise.
Based on the goal stated in the Introduction of the book, my hope was that the pages that followed would be written with a primary Kingdom lens in a way that could be thoughtfully read and considered by Christ followers at large (i.e. on each “side” of the “fault line”).I was ultimately left disappointed (and I read it twice).
First, I’ll share what was helpful. Then I’ll share what overshadowed all of that and led to my disappointment.
What was helpful:
(1) Baucham laid out a solid scriptural foundation for seeking justice on God’s terms (pages 44-45). Using that standard – a Kingdom standard – causes you to evaluate situations, media narratives, etc. in a way that may be countercultural but it will also pursue truth. This is important.
(2) Baucham laid out what he called the “theology” of the “gospel of anti-racism” and his thoughts/concerns over where he believes these ideals are counter to God’s heart and His ways. To be clear, some of what he said was factual, some was the solid truth of scripture, and some was simply his strong opinion. Overall, it was definitely helpful for conversation.
Unfortunately, there was quite a bit that overshadowed these helpful points and really took away from the stated goal of the book. Specifically:
(1) Baucham’s attempt at explaining Critical Race Theory was very confusing. He used several different terms interchangeably – Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, Critical Theory, and Critical Social Justice. There was a large number of footnotes that you could go research or at least see what he was referencing, but ultimately, since he was making such a strong case against it and calling those who support it in any way a member of a legalistic cult, the explanations really should’ve been clearer.
(2) Baucham’s “Call Out” ministry was strong in this book. He called so many ministers out by name and made a number of statements about them based on a line in a sermon, a sentence in a blog post article, a one-liner from a YouTube video. It struck me as disingenuous. While I realize he said his goal was not to stop the looming divide, the language he used and the way he spoke about those whom he disagrees with seemed to stoke the flames of division. Plus there was a whole chapter about the Southern Baptist Convention and The Dallas Statement that felt a little like reading a gossip magazine. It just seemed unnecessary and unproductive.
(3) While Baucham did share some scriptural foundation for pursuing justice, he did not adequately discuss what that could or should look like practically in culture. He considered any conversation of the effects of systemic injustices or racism as invalid EXCEPT for the systemic racism and injustice of abortion. By not addressing it at all, deeming it unworthy of attention, and throwing everything in the pot of “the anti-racism cult”, he didn’t acknowledge the possibilities of how the body of Christ can bring Kingdom solutions.
Before reading this book, I was not familiar with Voddie Baucham’s body of work or his ministry (outside of one YouTube video people shared with me last year). Sadly, I think that only the people who already are in full agreement with Voddie Baucham’s views and opinions will be satisfied with what is presented in Fault Lines.
Also sad is that even though there is some goodness and truth within the book, there isn’t enough to help those who fully agree with him to have thoughtful and nuanced discussions with their brothers and sisters in Christ on these topics who don’t fully agree. If our issue is “a lack of clarity and charity in our debate over the place, priority, practice, and definition of justice” as Baucham stated, this book doesn’t help enough in the clarity and charity department.
