Courage in the Sheer Silence: Challenging Racism in the 20th-Century Churches of Christ

By: Wes Crawford

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Synopsis: After the fire came a sound of sheer silence. When the civil rights movement shook the United States, Churches of Christ largely remained silent. Only a few brave voices dared to speak out. Historian Wes Crawford, drawing inspiration from the prophet Elijah's discovery of God's presence in the "sheer silence," invites readers to explore this era and the largely overlooked stories of a handful of ministers who risked everything to challenge racism within the church. Crawford's groundbreaking work begins with twentieth-century church leaders who openly supported White supremacy or turned a blind eye. Under their watchful guidance, they carefully managed the cultural engagement of Churches of Christ through colleges, journals, and lectureship gatherings. He then highlights the lesser-known heroes, like Carl Spain, John Allen Chalk, Walter Burch, Dwain Evans, and Bud Stumbaugh, who spoke out against the establishment at high personal and professional costs. Their sacrifices and bravery offer lessons that resonate to this day.