Rebels with Insufficient Cause (HC) (2018)

Why are Americans of African descent, as a group, not flourishing like other racial groups in America? Dr. J. M. Sparrow, in Rebels with Insufficient Cause, proposes that value formation through the biblical model of the family is lacking. The secular world is redefining and reinterpreting the social structures that God created in order for humans to enjoy maximum human flourishing. Every person or social group that chooses to ignore God's designs for humanity will experience chaos, but every person and social group that submits to God's designs for humanity will experience order. Americans of African descent are experiencing that chaos in greater measure than any other racial group. Since this book holds to a biblical worldview that teaches that all humans are created equal, Americans of African descent are not inherently more debased than other races. However, since the out-of-wedlock birth rate is astronomically higher in black communities than in others, they are experiencing a greater share of the chaos. Yet all is not lost. When Americans of African descent begin to hold up the truths of the Bible as normative and encourage future generations to practice the same, things will begin to turn around. Americans of African descent must choose to reject the victim mentality, see themselves as part of the larger American culture rather than as outsiders, and inculcate biblical values on their children in the midst of loving, supportive, and God-honoring family units. ""As an educational leader who has spent a lifetime working within the African American community, I recommend Rebels with Insufficient Cause as a must read for anyone who genuinely wants to engage in the conversation as to why 'Americans of African descent, as a group, suffer more in the areas of economics, education, traditional family development, and socialization than any other major racial group in America.' . . . His closing argument includes practical helps through a re-imagined church filled with purpose and mission, offering empowerment for Americans of African descent to thrive in a nation of opportunity."" --George A. Neau, Chancellor, SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary ""There are few topics of more importance in today's church than racial reconciliation. J. M. Sparrow brings the unique perspective of both a law enforcement professional and a pastor to this work. His ideas and perspective are important to consider as we seek to bring reconciliation to a divided church culture."" --Evan Lenow, Bobby L. and Janis Eklund Chair of Stewardship, Associate Professor of Ethics, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary J. M. Sparrow earned both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was formally an adjunct professor of Old Testament and Urban Ministry at Southwestern Assembly of God University and is currently the Director and President of Because God Cares..., an apologetic ministry. Sparrow serves as a police commander in North Texas and is married with two children.