![Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery by [Charles, Mark, Rah, Soong-Chan]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5175h%2BBW6tL.jpg)
Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery Kindle Edition
by Mark Charles (Author), Soong-Chan Rah (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
You cannot discover lands already inhabited. Injustice has plagued American society for centuries. And we cannot move toward being a more just nation without understanding the root causes that have shaped our culture and institutions. In this prophetic blend of history, theology, and cultural commentary, Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah reveal the far-reaching, damaging effects of the "Doctrine of Discovery." In the fifteenth century, official church edicts gave Christian explorers the right to claim territories they "discovered." This was institutionalized as an implicit national framework that justifies American triumphalism, white supremacy, and ongoing injustices. The result is that the dominant culture idealizes a history of discovery, opportunity, expansion, and equality, while minority communities have been traumatized by colonization, slavery, segregation, and dehumanization. Healing begins when deeply entrenched beliefs are unsettled. Charles and Rah aim to recover a common memory and shared understanding of where we have been and where we are going. As other nations have instituted truth and reconciliation commissions, so do the authors call our nation and churches to a truth-telling that will expose past injustices and open the door to conciliation and true community.
Length: 235 pages Word Wise: Enabled Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"With thorough research, Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah share the foundational truths of American history and theologies that have influenced us for over five hundred years, correcting the purposefully hidden erasure of what actually happened on this land and why it continues to this day. Unsettling Truths is a righteous and integral narrative that must be heard and absorbed if we are to move forward with any sense of national dignity and morality. Rah and Charles are courageous in this scholarly telling of these historical truths; the question is, Are we courageous enough to listen?" (Randy Woodley, Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, author of Shalom and the Community of Creation)
"Unsettling Truths is a must-read for all Christians and should become a staple of seminary education. There is virtually no other book targeted toward a biblically centered audience that explains the theological significance of the doctrine of discovery and its legal progeny for not only Native peoples but for Christian settlers. In addition, there are virtually no books that so adeptly analyze the relationship between settler colonialism and indigenous genocide with the history of racialization of other people of color in the United States. Through their masterful and extended analysis of the ideological and legal foundations of the United States, these authors force to us to wrestle the unsettling truths of the foundations of US democracy. As the same time, they provide us the resources to imagine biblically based possibilities for new forms of collectivity and governance beyond settler colonialism. This book provides not only critically needed information about the generally misunderstood political and legal status of Native nations, it provides a paradigm-shifting approach for how to understand the United States (and other settler nations) from a biblical perspective." (Andrea Smith, cofounder of Evangelicals 4 Justice and board member of the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies)
"Why should I endorse a book when I do not agree with some of its historical judgments? Answer: for the same reason you should read it. Charles and Rah attack a pernicious principle (the Doctrine of Discovery), review an evil history (the United States' treatment of Native peoples), challenge a persistent stereotype (American exceptionalism), and psychoanalyze white America (in denial about the nation's history). The entire book, even when you think things could be evaluated differently, will make you think, and think hard, about crucially important questions of Christian doctrine, American history, and God's standards of justice." (Mark Noll, author of The Civil War as a Theological Crisis)
"In this era of racial tension in the United States, Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah offer a corrective lens that brings into sharp focus the seed of Euro-American exceptionalism along with its enduring effects through history up to this present day. Unsettling Truths examines the racially charged yet unrecognized theology that unleashed the slave trade in West Africa and the dispossession of indigenous peoples' lands in North America: the Doctrine of Discovery. The United States' two original sins find their roots here, and the racial tensions that grow from them continue to overrun the American cultural landscape. These Unsettling Truths lead us to self-examination and offer hope for conciliation. This is the true American story." (Gene L. Green, professor emeritus of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School)
"If you're Native, you have been waiting for this book. It tells truths that we didn't learn in school about how the ideology of Christian discovery resulted in the dehumanization of the indigenous people of Turtle Island, and how those principles continue to oppress. If you are Native who follows Jesus, you have been hard pressed to explain the difference between your faith and the dysfunctional theology that birthed an exploitative Christian worldview that cultivated genocide and slavery. This book explains the concealed history and theology of truths that this country has not been able to own and shows how we might move toward a restoring narrative." (Lenore Three Stars (Oglala Lakota), cross-cultural facilitator in racial reconciliation)
"Followers of Jesus say, Amen! to the emancipatory call of John 8:32. He is Truth, and the truth sets us free. Yet even as we go on to affirm, 'All truth is the Creator's truth,' we recognize we are not immediately emancipated by all truth. Sometimes truth is at first inconvenient, even outright offensive. That's why this narrative will trouble you―because while it is true, it chronicles the great lie that America, Canada, and other colonial nations arose ex nihilo from the land. Once embraced, however, this truth can reset your relationships in the land, creating a trajectory toward authentic freedom in Christ." (Terry LeBlanc, director of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community where he teaches theology and community development)
"Charles and Rah offer critiques of American myths and white American Christianity that must be accounted for as Christians of all races reckon with and lament the brokenness of the past―to seek justice and unity in the present. Although the historical narrative lacks context, at times wrongly interpreting historical figures' actions and therefore caricaturing the past, the authors raise powerful questions. Charles and Rah have created theological space for wisdom to grow in the church if readers seriously engage their arguments." (Karen Johnson, associate professor of history, Wheaton College)
"Oh that this book's thesis were merely 'unsettling' like a brisk wind or a cancelled flight might be. Instead, Charles's and Rah's argument feels more like an earthquake or a tsunami. To hear the Doctrine of Discovery this richly, poignantly, and painfully explicated will press readers to face 'truths' that are not merely unsettled but undone. Therein lies the book's hope." (Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary)
"In Chicana/o Studies, many reject Christianity because of the unsettling truth that white racial nationalism has historically infected the American Church and perverted the biblical message of Jesus Christ. Drawing from a unique indigenous perspective, Charles and Rah persuasively trace the historical roots of such nationalism to the Doctrine of Discovery and settler colonialism, and call the church to lament and conciliation. Unsettling Truths tears down a stronghold that has held the American church in captivity for four centuries." (Robert Chao Romero, associate professor, UCLA César E. Chávez department of Chicana/o studies)
"There is an inherent danger in attempting to decolonize and deconstruct one's faith without an understanding of how deeply Western Christianity wed itself to the false and dangerous Doctrine of Discovery. Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah skillfully give us an unflinching look at Western political and church history, weave in personal stories, and help connect the past to present policies, appealing to both our hearts and minds." (Kathy Khang, speaker and author of Raise Your Voice)
"Unsettling Truths is a must-read for all Christians and should become a staple of seminary education. There is virtually no other book targeted toward a biblically centered audience that explains the theological significance of the doctrine of discovery and its legal progeny for not only Native peoples but for Christian settlers. In addition, there are virtually no books that so adeptly analyze the relationship between settler colonialism and indigenous genocide with the history of racialization of other people of color in the United States. Through their masterful and extended analysis of the ideological and legal foundations of the United States, these authors force to us to wrestle the unsettling truths of the foundations of US democracy. As the same time, they provide us the resources to imagine biblically based possibilities for new forms of collectivity and governance beyond settler colonialism. This book provides not only critically needed information about the generally misunderstood political and legal status of Native nations, it provides a paradigm-shifting approach for how to understand the United States (and other settler nations) from a biblical perspective." (Andrea Smith, cofounder of Evangelicals 4 Justice and board member of the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies)
"Why should I endorse a book when I do not agree with some of its historical judgments? Answer: for the same reason you should read it. Charles and Rah attack a pernicious principle (the Doctrine of Discovery), review an evil history (the United States' treatment of Native peoples), challenge a persistent stereotype (American exceptionalism), and psychoanalyze white America (in denial about the nation's history). The entire book, even when you think things could be evaluated differently, will make you think, and think hard, about crucially important questions of Christian doctrine, American history, and God's standards of justice." (Mark Noll, author of The Civil War as a Theological Crisis)
"In this era of racial tension in the United States, Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah offer a corrective lens that brings into sharp focus the seed of Euro-American exceptionalism along with its enduring effects through history up to this present day. Unsettling Truths examines the racially charged yet unrecognized theology that unleashed the slave trade in West Africa and the dispossession of indigenous peoples' lands in North America: the Doctrine of Discovery. The United States' two original sins find their roots here, and the racial tensions that grow from them continue to overrun the American cultural landscape. These Unsettling Truths lead us to self-examination and offer hope for conciliation. This is the true American story." (Gene L. Green, professor emeritus of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School)
"If you're Native, you have been waiting for this book. It tells truths that we didn't learn in school about how the ideology of Christian discovery resulted in the dehumanization of the indigenous people of Turtle Island, and how those principles continue to oppress. If you are Native who follows Jesus, you have been hard pressed to explain the difference between your faith and the dysfunctional theology that birthed an exploitative Christian worldview that cultivated genocide and slavery. This book explains the concealed history and theology of truths that this country has not been able to own and shows how we might move toward a restoring narrative." (Lenore Three Stars (Oglala Lakota), cross-cultural facilitator in racial reconciliation)
"Followers of Jesus say, Amen! to the emancipatory call of John 8:32. He is Truth, and the truth sets us free. Yet even as we go on to affirm, 'All truth is the Creator's truth,' we recognize we are not immediately emancipated by all truth. Sometimes truth is at first inconvenient, even outright offensive. That's why this narrative will trouble you―because while it is true, it chronicles the great lie that America, Canada, and other colonial nations arose ex nihilo from the land. Once embraced, however, this truth can reset your relationships in the land, creating a trajectory toward authentic freedom in Christ." (Terry LeBlanc, director of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community where he teaches theology and community development)
"Charles and Rah offer critiques of American myths and white American Christianity that must be accounted for as Christians of all races reckon with and lament the brokenness of the past―to seek justice and unity in the present. Although the historical narrative lacks context, at times wrongly interpreting historical figures' actions and therefore caricaturing the past, the authors raise powerful questions. Charles and Rah have created theological space for wisdom to grow in the church if readers seriously engage their arguments." (Karen Johnson, associate professor of history, Wheaton College)
"Oh that this book's thesis were merely 'unsettling' like a brisk wind or a cancelled flight might be. Instead, Charles's and Rah's argument feels more like an earthquake or a tsunami. To hear the Doctrine of Discovery this richly, poignantly, and painfully explicated will press readers to face 'truths' that are not merely unsettled but undone. Therein lies the book's hope." (Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary)
"In Chicana/o Studies, many reject Christianity because of the unsettling truth that white racial nationalism has historically infected the American Church and perverted the biblical message of Jesus Christ. Drawing from a unique indigenous perspective, Charles and Rah persuasively trace the historical roots of such nationalism to the Doctrine of Discovery and settler colonialism, and call the church to lament and conciliation. Unsettling Truths tears down a stronghold that has held the American church in captivity for four centuries." (Robert Chao Romero, associate professor, UCLA César E. Chávez department of Chicana/o studies)
"There is an inherent danger in attempting to decolonize and deconstruct one's faith without an understanding of how deeply Western Christianity wed itself to the false and dangerous Doctrine of Discovery. Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah skillfully give us an unflinching look at Western political and church history, weave in personal stories, and help connect the past to present policies, appealing to both our hearts and minds." (Kathy Khang, speaker and author of Raise Your Voice)
About the Author
Mark Charles, a man of Navajo and Dutch American descent, is a speaker, writer, and consultant on the complexities of American history, race, culture, and faith. He is the author of the blog Reflections from the Hogan and was the Washington, DC, correspondent and columnist for Native News Online. He has served on the boards of the Christian Community Development Association and the Christian Reformed Church of North America. He and his family live in Washington, DC.
Soong-Chan Rah (ThD, Duke Divinity School) is Milton B. Engebretson Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. He and his family live in Chicago. His books include The Next Evangelicalism and Prophetic Lament.
Soong-Chan Rah (ThD, Duke Divinity School) is Milton B. Engebretson Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. He and his family live in Chicago. His books include The Next Evangelicalism and Prophetic Lament.
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Top Reviews
Stephen Stallard
4.0 out of 5 stars Good History Book about America, the Church, and Native PeoplesReviewed in the United States on November 6, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book, so that I could post this review. I was not asked to provide a positive review, but I will, although with some critique as well.
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Native leader (and presidential candidate) Mark Charles and urban missiologist Soong-Chan Rah present a book that is challenging and intentionally provocative. The authors believe that American Christians need to honestly grapple with some “Unsettling Truths.” These truths are primarily related to our country’s horrific treatment of Native peoples.
Charles and Rah recount much of this history, starting with Papal declarations in the 1500’s that granted European discovers the right to claim whatever lands they discovered. The authors note that this “Doctrine of Discovery” was embraced as a justification for indescribable evil. Our American history includes the theft of Native lands and the massacre of Native peoples. All built upon the premise that the Catholic Church had granted European “Christians” the right of discovery. This history of American mistreatment of the Natives (and the Church’s participation) is at the center of this book. And this is where the authors shine. As American Christians, it is important to know our history, including those parts that are “Unsettling Truths.”
The book lagged in certain parts and seemed repetitive. I think the authors were working hard to make their point, and perhaps could have edited it a little more tightly. In particular, the connection between Constantinian Christendom and the Doctrine of Discovery seemed like a detour. While it might have been important material, it could have been summed up much more briefly.
The challenge that many will have in reading this book is the authors’ flame-throwing style. They pull no punches. They fiercely critique white evangelicals who voted for Donald Trump. While I am not a supporter of President Trump, I don’t believe that this approach is going to convince people of their arguments. It would, perhaps, have been better to focus more upon the history of the Country’s (and the Church’s) mistreatment of Native peoples.
All in all, it was a good book, one that I am glad to own. While the rhetoric might be unhelpful at times, this did help me to know my own history better. And for that I am grateful, even if it contains Unsettling Truths.
9 people found this helpful
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Peripheral Vision
5.0 out of 5 stars And essential reading for those seeking redemption for America.Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Are you ready for the truth? Only by acknowledging and addressing the problems in our foundations can we avoid a collapse. These very insightful and loving teachers (from both immigrant and native heritage) will help you understand the problems in modern day America - discomfort is the only way through - the avoidance of discomfort has, and will continue to be our downfall. If you watch the news and wonder what the hell is going on - READ THIS BOOK. 💛💛💛🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
3 people found this helpful
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M.J.L.123
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, Captivating ReadReviewed in the United States on December 10, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a fantastic read. I considered myself pretty knowledgeable about the history of manifest destiny and its effect on native and indigenous people, but I wasn’t aware if how extensive it was until I was educated reading this book. In it, the authors brilliantly take apart the arguments in favor of manifest destiny and Christian nationhood. This is, after all, America’s original sin. Also, as a Christian, for years I have struggled with these ideas, but after this reading I feel armed with much more theological knowledge about why ideas of manifest destiny are so heretical and hurtful. Finally, the list of extensive references has given me a larger list of readings I want to consume. Consider me a fan! I highly recommend this book.
One person found this helpful
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Joel Prather
5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Important Conversation America Must Have
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book frames the most important conversation the United States of America needs to have, in my opinion.
As a Christian man, and Christian leader, I am especially grateful that this book is written by two godly, biblically literate, wise Christian men who elucidate and then challenge head-on the hypocrisy of ways that those who profess to follow the teaching of Jesus, i.e. The Church, have tragically been the most complicit in creating systems that have sinned so greatly against, frankly, anyone who is not a caucasian male.
Thank you Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah for your prophetic, biblical and just message.
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dgreco
5.0 out of 5 stars Profound, powerful, and prophetic.Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2019
Format: Paperback
Charles and Rah explore US history, church history, sociology, and Scripture in an effort to help us understand the origin of our (systemic) racist narrative. The co-authors illustrate how the church has historically supported the state in the state's quest to expand human kingdoms and human power at the expense of human life and human flourishing.
Here's a quote from chapter four: "Christendom is the prostitution of the church to the empire that created a church culture of seeking power rather than relationships. Jesus laid down his life, but the empire must save its life. Jesus emptied himself, but the empire must protect and expand itself. There is a fundamental conflict between the goal of the earthly empire and the direction of the kingdom of God. Greatness in the world and greatness in the kingdom of God stand in opposition."
This book is an essential correction to the white-washed narrative that predominates in the US. As a Caucasian, it's not an easy read. Prepare to feel uncomfortable and even defensive. However, that's what truth does: it confronts and challenges. (I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.)
7 people found this helpful
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Patrick R. Watters
5.0 out of 5 stars Unsettling truths indeedReviewed in the United States on November 5, 2019
Format: Paperback
I personally am well aware how important to truth and conciliation, in the USA but globally too, this book is. History and detailed personal story combine to reveal unsettling truths. It is also for me our personal family story as both Irish crofters and disenfranchised Lakota people. If America is actually ever to be truly “great”, we must start here.
Patrick Perching Eagle Watters
7 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
See all reviews from the United State
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book frames the most important conversation the United States of America needs to have, in my opinion.
As a Christian man, and Christian leader, I am especially grateful that this book is written by two godly, biblically literate, wise Christian men who elucidate and then challenge head-on the hypocrisy of ways that those who profess to follow the teaching of Jesus, i.e. The Church, have tragically been the most complicit in creating systems that have sinned so greatly against, frankly, anyone who is not a caucasian male.
Thank you Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah for your prophetic, biblical and just message.
HelpfulComment Report abuse
dgreco
5.0 out of 5 stars Profound, powerful, and prophetic.Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2019
Format: Paperback
Charles and Rah explore US history, church history, sociology, and Scripture in an effort to help us understand the origin of our (systemic) racist narrative. The co-authors illustrate how the church has historically supported the state in the state's quest to expand human kingdoms and human power at the expense of human life and human flourishing.
Here's a quote from chapter four: "Christendom is the prostitution of the church to the empire that created a church culture of seeking power rather than relationships. Jesus laid down his life, but the empire must save its life. Jesus emptied himself, but the empire must protect and expand itself. There is a fundamental conflict between the goal of the earthly empire and the direction of the kingdom of God. Greatness in the world and greatness in the kingdom of God stand in opposition."
This book is an essential correction to the white-washed narrative that predominates in the US. As a Caucasian, it's not an easy read. Prepare to feel uncomfortable and even defensive. However, that's what truth does: it confronts and challenges. (I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.)
7 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Patrick R. Watters
5.0 out of 5 stars Unsettling truths indeedReviewed in the United States on November 5, 2019
Format: Paperback
I personally am well aware how important to truth and conciliation, in the USA but globally too, this book is. History and detailed personal story combine to reveal unsettling truths. It is also for me our personal family story as both Irish crofters and disenfranchised Lakota people. If America is actually ever to be truly “great”, we must start here.
Patrick Perching Eagle Watters
7 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
See all reviews from the United State
