Religion of Whiteness 

Discussion Guide 

 

Before answering these questions or processing with a group, view the video presentation by Michael Emerson or read the book, The Religion of Whiteness, by Michael O. Emerson and Glenn E. Bracey, II, publication date April 2024, Oxford University Press. 

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1. What surprised you the most about this research and its results? 

 

2. Michael Emerson defines Whiteness as: White people (along with their supporters of other hues) and their dominance. White is the norm by which all else is measured. Whiteness is the power that abides in Whiteness that is worshipped, felt and defended. 

Is the concept of Whiteness new to you or does it affirm your previous experience? Does it make you feel better understood and seen, or do you feel offended and confused? 

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3. Consider the sacred symbols: White Jesus, merging of the cross and the flag, firearms. 

Have you seen images like those presented? How have you reacted to them previous to hearing this interpretation? How does this framing of these images change or confirm your previous understanding of these images? 

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4. Dr. Emerson’s chief response to rooting out the religion of Whiteness and returning to Biblical Christianity comes through the multicultural church or the rediscipled White church. 

What is your home church like? How can you help call your congregation to a wholesome view of Christ and other people, especially across racial barriers? 

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5. Which fits you better: 

• I need healing from the trauma of the religion of Whiteness. 

• This is new to me and I do not understand it yet. 

• This is a deeper understanding of what I have experienced, and I want to help fix it. 

If the first, consider a safe place where you can find healing. Follow the Justice Network for possibilities. https://www.justicenetworkfmc.org/ 

If the second, keep listening and learning. Discover places in your community where you can interact across racial lines. 

If the last, continue to engage, volunteer, explore how to help your own church. 

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Dr. Emerson’s work also led to the creation of this resource, The Racial Justice and Unity Center. The website at https://rjuc.org offers assessments and coaching. 

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Discussion Guide © 2023 Katherine Callahan-Howell, Justice Network of the Free Methodist Church