Baptized in Tear Gas: From White Moderate to Abolitionist

How do I say this? I've been waiting for this book for a while, so when it finally came...I had almost forgot how much I needed this. But, at the same time, I hate how much we (white folx) needed the author's experiential words. There were times, reading, I had to sit the book down because tears of anger would be streaming down my face in a doctor's office or some other inappropriate setting. I want my congregation to use this book as a small group, so I am pre-reading this beforehand. I too like the author grew up in the midwest and then traveled elsewhere, as a pastor to pursue my call. "Midwest Nice" is a thing. Racism is couched in language like being from the "other side of the tracks" and all sorts of other coded language.I sat reading the words of Elle's interview, from the back of a police car, after being arrested in Ferguson, her words echoing in my heart, "God doesn't call us to be safe, God calls us to be faithful." p 114She writes further that "So often the white church has chosen what we call 'safety' for ourselves over faithfulness."This book is bold and I applaud its author. It may not garner her many job offers as a pastor and it may not label her as "nice" in the Midwest...but, like Nebraska...she may not be for everybody. But, like Jesus calls us to be, she is faithful. Had Jesus chosen "safe" the Christian story would be a whole lot different.My daughter protested in NYC for days and weeks after George Floyd was murdered. I knew that it wasn't safe. She sent me pictured of snipers on buildings.Dowd shares both her lessons and her missteps as she learns what it means to lean into the abolitionist movement. She offers clarity as an assault survivor, a parent of Black daughters, and as woman navigating her way through her way as a professional role as clergy.There are Reflection Questions at the end of each chapter to help guide the reader to discern furtherGreat first book!

Reading this was emotional, empowering, convicting, and inspiring. The best part is the section at the end of each chapter containing reflection questions and action items.This is a book that can be many things at once. It’s a quick read from cover to cover, but it is also a book that lingers with you and begs to be reread and carefully studied. In part it is a straightforward journalistic account of the events in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014-2015. But it’s also a very stirring and intimate personal reflection on those events and on a life lived in pursuit of justice, though the definition of justice has changed over time for the author. This book is partially a love letter to the community in the greater St. Louis area, and partially a compassionate letter to the author’s younger self, who is just as guilty as all of us of making mistakes and advocating in unhelpful ways. This is a book about the beauty of Lutheran Theology and it is a book about how the white church has failed us.Most of all this book is a call to action. Each chapter contains reflection questions to inspire thoughtful reading and personal growth, as well as action items with concrete steps a reader can take to join the movement in some small and some large ways. This is a book about how no one can do everything alone. We are better together and we must learn how each of us can fit into the larger puzzle to dismantle racism.I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a riveting memoir, but also to anyone interested in historical perspective for the current BLM movement, and to any scholar of Lutheran theology.

I am giving this book a 5-Star.I have to be honest in that there are not many books that 'surpass' my expectations. However, this is one of the few that surpassed my expectations and it is NOT because I set the bar low.I appreciated her sharing her stories and how the transition from a Moderate to Abolitionist occurred. There were two things that really stood out to me though.1) Definition/Language. She walks you through the vocabulary very well. I think many times, miscommunication and not being on the same page is one of the big hinderance and in her writing, she breaks this down.2) Chapter 2, Releasing Control. This may have been my favorite chapter. This chapter, in my opinion, is the clearest explanation for the title of the book. But, what I really appreciated; as a Lutheran Pastor, was her writing on control and baptism and the reason behind our liturgy. It was an excellent piece of writing.The book is one of paradox in a sense. It is an easy read, I did in on a Saturday morning. Yet, it is very challenging and thought provoking in the same manner. I look forward to getting this into the hands of members of the congregation and begin discussion. Speaking of discussion, at the end of each chapter, there is a list of questions; so you have a starting point.Discussion is not enough, actions must take place and Elle helps out in this area as well with giving us action steps on what we can do to start making a difference.I highly recommend you this book.