[blockquote type=”center”]”Asking ‘Why?’ with quiet astonishment when acquaintances announce that they are thinking of moving to a town or suburb known to be overwhelmingly white invites people to explain their decision – suddenly no longer obvious – to live in such places and may make them think. So do questions such as ‘But don’t you hate to send your children to such an overwhelmingly white school system?’ put to residents of such towns.” (435)[/blockquote]

What do you think would happen if you said that to someone? Should those questions even be asked?

What is the racial make-up of your usual grocery store, employees and customers? What is it in a nearby area that has different demographics? Do people make disparaging comments about where you shop?

What is the racial make-up of your place of employment? Of your local government? Of the surrounding areas?

What are some benefits of interacting with people who have different backgrounds and experiences? Do you desire any of those benefits?

What are some results of only interacting with people who are similar to you? Do you desire those results?

“Neither truth nor love tends to flow freely when we are comfortably in the middle of society, successful in society’s terms, profiting from the way things are arranged. Certain crucial truths about our lives are more easily seen when we are on the edge, at the margin, when we are poor or sick or hungry or in prison – and these truths can break the heart open to compassion. When we live on the edge, or take the view of those who do, we can more easily see our world and what the Lord requires.”– Parker J. Palmer, found in The People’s Bible

[blockquote type=”right”]”It is vital to think strategically about where we live, work and play and to resist gravitating toward that which is convenient, comfortable or even justifiably rational. This comes at no small cost, requiring our lives, our futures, our families, our dreams, supplanted by a vision for life-long development of a city and ultimately the world.” – Allie Wong CCDA 2014 Theological Journal[/blockquote]

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jer. 29:7

[blockquote type=”left”]”The Church must work towards reconciliation between itself and the city. Obstacles and challenges that arose out of abandonment must be addressed by the Church. Reintegration into the urban neighborhood will require recognition of past faults and mistakes…” – Samantha Domingo CCDA 2014 Theological Journal[/blockquote]

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This series is available in a handy 40 page pdf that includes journaling space for the personal questions.

Buy now

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An Integrated Life

a series studying the book Sundown Towns by James Loewen

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Part 1 – A Series
Part 2 – Our Racist Foundations
Part 3 – What Are We Taught Is Normal?
Part 4 – All Whites Are Responsible
Part 5 – What Are You Known For Supporting
Part 6 – What Makes You Stay Silent?
Part 7 – Gravitating Towards the Comfortable
Part 8 – Social Exclusion
Part 9 – Restrictive Covenants and Governments
Part 10 – Do You Live in a Sundown Town? Before You Say No…
Part 11 – Still Forming Sundown Towns Today
Part 12 – Sundown Suburbs = NIMBY

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