The New Reformation

Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity

By: Shai Linne

Narrated by: Shai Linne

In the 16th century, the church faced a doctrinal crisis. Today, the crisis is race. We all know that racial unity is important. But what’s the right way to approach it? How can Christians of different ethnicities pursue unity in an environment that is so highly charged and full of landmines on all sides?

In The New Reformation, Christian hip-hop artist Shai Linne shows how the gospel applies to the pursuit of ethnic unity. When it comes to ethnicity, Christians today have to fight against two tendencies: idolatry and apathy. Idolatry makes ethnicity ultimate, while apathy tends to ignore it altogether. But there is a third way. The way of the Bible.

Shai explains how ethnicity - the biblical word for what we mean by “race” - exists for God’s glory. Drawing from his experience as an artist, theologian, church planter, and pastor, Shai will help you chart a new way forward in addressing the critical question of what it means for people of all ethnicities to be the one people of God.

©2021 Shai Linne (P)2021 Shai Linne

Helpful, honest, refreshing

So thankful for this book. There are so many polarizing voices out there on the subject of race within the church. I really appreciate the time that Shai spent diving deeply into these issues and the fairness at which he discusses them. He sheds light where it needed to be shed, but does so in a way that is humble and gracious, honoring to the Lord. Thank you Shai. I learned a lot and I am able to better understand others that I may disagree with, having a view that is eternal and seeks to be unifying in the here and now. This book glorifies God. I pray that others will pick it up and be willing to learn.

Thank You God for this book!

I have now read this book and the other book on this topic. You know what I mean. So thankful for Shai's approach and his Theologically, Biblically-based views and how he explained everything straight from Scripture. I am challenged and encouraged as I work my way through thinking about this topic. Thank You God for this book!

Blessing to read

As a suburban white reformed Christian, I have often wondered how black Christians see the world. I have wanted to learn how to build a connection with black brothers and sisters in Christ. Shai uses his own experiences to express how to create unity in the church. This book is filled with wisdom based on Scripture to show that changes can be made. Thank you

Such a Biblical, hopeful book!

Shai writes a heartfelt, encouraging book in a moment when it is sorely needed. This is a breath of fresh Christ-centered air when so many are looking elsewhere. Engaging and winsome, this book can serve every believer with a renewed confidence in God’s good purposes for our differences. Take up and read (or listen!) Shai as a narrator is an added bonus! One of my favorite books of 2021.

This is a every Christian ‘must read’

In the last few centuries, the church (IMO) has struggled with identifying, empathizing and loving those that look, think, and live differently. This book puts you into the shoes of Mr. Linne, and I cannot imagine that anyone could read this book and not learn something about themselves and those in their neighborhoods, grocery stores, schools, churches, etc. Grateful for the way that works like this has opened my eyes to those that look differently to me and what they may be going through. God bless this book and Mr. Linne.

On another note, as someone who is a fan of Christian hip hop, I appreciated the details of instrumental version of Christian hip hop songs from Jgivens, Besutiful Eulogy, Shai Linne (himself), and others. Very cool and appropriate. I only wish he played or referenced my favorite song by Shai Linne, All consuming fire, with a clip from pastor John Piper sermon.

Powerful Argument

I truly appreciated the fascinating testimony with sound theology wound together in a thoughtful, inciteful narrative. This is a truly useful work.

Extremely Irenic

Shai Linne does an excellent job with this book.
As someone who is probably not politically aligned with Shai I found this book to be a beautiful argument for unity and focusing on the more important issues on which we agree while also spending just enough time on his perspective to be helpful but not so as to get into a heated argument.

Disappointed

I love Shai Linne regardless of our differences in opinion on this book. Shai has been a blessing to me in my Christian walk and I’m thankful a loving brother introduced me to his music early in my walk. I have grown so much by his musical preaching!! 2/3 of The book was really enjoyable and I appreciated his point about ethnicity and praising God for all the diversity. We should notice the differences to the glory of God and not to glory of self. I loved the memoir and history aspect. I learned some things. However, the last 1/3 is when Shai gets to his assertions and I was left scratching my head quite a bit. It was full of contractions. On one hand he points out that our unity is in the gospel and not skin color, yet he suggests we lovingly hear our brethren and their grievances on this issue. He would speak about the gospels power and then speak about insecurity in people’s perception of him. Or how some of his past experiences in predominantly white congregations and how they would do things the “white way”?? Then quote 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. What? Why?? I did love his presentation and the music laced throughout the book. Nice touch. I suggest Voddie Bauchum’s Fault Lines as added reading to this.