Shattering the Myth of Race: Genetic Realities and Biblical Truths

by John M. Perkins (Foreword by), Dave Unander

Overview

Seeking to establish that human beings are overwhelmingly similar when it comes to genetic makeup, Unander, an honored geneticist, argues that the term "race" implies greater differences among groups of human beings than is supported by the genetic evidence. By debunking the premise of The Bell Curve and exploring the history of how science has been abused to justify racism, this astonishing new book weaves together science and history to offer foundations for biblical and theological perspectives on questions of "race."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780817013172
Publisher:	Judson Press
Publication date:	11/28/2000
Pages:	127
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

Table of Contents

	Foreword	vii
	Acknowledgments	ix
	Introduction	x
Chapter 1	Changing the Script	1
Chapter 2	Roots of the Concept of Race	9
Chapter 3	Race and Economics	21
Chapter 4	Slavery and Abolition in the United States	29
Chapter 5	Development of Cenetics as a Science	43
Chapter 6	Comparison Studies at the Level of DNA	50
Chapter 7	Evolutionary Cenetics as an Argument for Racial Superiority	62
Chapter 8	The Scientific Community and the Concept of Racial Superiority	76
Chapter 9	A Christian Perspective on Race: Personal Reflections	99
	Epilogue	117
	References	119

Editorial Reviews

What do current genetic research and the biblical message have in common? Much more than a brain teaser, this question is the basis of Unander's brief but provocative book about human identity. A teacher of both biology and economic development at Eastern College, Unander applies his intellectual versatility to the question of racism, arguing--on the basis of the latest genetic research, as well as Scripture--the meaninglessness of race as a category of human identity. Instead, Unander calls us to encounter one another within God's category as creatures bearing the image of God. What is striking about Unander's account is the range of perspectives he has woven through it. From his childhood experiences of race on the south side of Chicago, Unander moves to ancient philosophical foundations for slavery and to the fight against racism mounted by the abolitionist and civil rights movements in the United States. Four full chapters of nine consider the "bad science" of racial inequality and how the latest genetic research might underscore the biblical understanding of humanity as diversity within a single human race. While his argument from genetics may get too technical at times for the lay reader, and his history of racism is a bit whirlwind, Unander does a fine job of introducing the intersection of genetics and Scripture. His passion for the story he tells--and it is as much story as argument--makes this book well worth reading. (Dec.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In Shattering The Myth Of Race: Genetic Realities And Biblical Truths, Dave Unander addresses the concept of race from a Christian perspective while surveying race and economics; slavery and abolition in the United States; the development of genetics as a biological science; DNA comparison studies; and evolutionary genetics as an argument for "racial superiority". Of particular interest is Unander's concluding chapter "A Christian Perspective on Race: Personal Reflections". Very highly recommended reading for personal and group studies, the informative, thoughtful text is enhanced with an epilogue and a list of references.