Radical Equality by Priscilla Doremus
Author Priscilla Doremus refers to a herd of sheep grazing on a hill, noting that they are safe and fine when under the watchful eye of a shepherd or sheepdog. But left unattended, they wander off, find trouble, get lost, and have no clue how to get back home.
Sounds like some people you may know, she suggests.
In many instances and in many different forms, people in today’s world are losing their way, heading off track, judging people by outward appearances and ignoring the essential tenets of goodness and a connection to the Creator.
Doremus attempts to pull them back using a concept she calls Antithetical Race Theory in her compelling work, Radical Equality: The Beautiful Human Family.
What Divides and Unites Us
Antithetical Race Theory addresses the idea that we as a people would be governed or controlled by each other’s race. “It is the antithesis of the idea that we collectively as a people would be so base as to allow the color of our skin, eyes, or the nation in which we began our lives to determine our worth, our value or our destiny,” she writes. “It’s a slap in the face to freedom.”
The book dissects the subject on many levels, offering a brief history of the human race and its belief systems to show that themes of equality permeate key periods over time. She identifies things that divide us and unite us, the conundrum of culture, and the dream of a united family.
“The beliefs of a people group,” says Doremus, “unite or divide them, rather than the color of their skin or their nation of origin. Further, it is the determination of these convictions that proves the belief system.”
It’s hard to debate what Doremus’ book is arguing – from both a general observation deck on our world and from a standpoint of right and wrong. What Radical Equality adds to the equation, however, is an overlaying belief that love for God is the centerpiece of theory, thought and harmony.
Overcoming Barriers to Equality
This relatively short but meticulous and inspiring narrative quotes frequently from the Scriptures to validate its points – with the primary message that despite our struggles throughout history, that there is hope for the human race if we are willing to travel a difficult path and consider alternative viewpoints.
While Doremus gives readers a mini-history course, her tone is engaging, convincing and accessible. In fact, her references to history are enlightening, fascinating and steeped in truth.
For the barriers to equality, she believes, are less about individual prejudices and more about entrenched systems of power and privilege throughout history that benefit from maintaining divisions.
Uniting Through Truth, Hope and Love
Radical Equality: The Beautiful Human Family is a thought-provoking examination about the nature of equality, an important work on a timeless topic that continues to rear its ugly head.
“My hope,” writes Doremus, “is that you would believe equality is something to be grasped, and that it is possible to unite people in the ultimate truth, hope and love that are found in the triune Christ who created us all.”
Priscilla Doremus was born in Oakdale, CA, and grew up in Texas. She is the daughter of a Baptist Minister. Priscilla attended Baylor University and has worked in the field of insurance and risk management for over 30 years. She has always loved writing, and published her first short story, “The Mysterious Mansion,” at the age of 10 in Highlights with the assistance of her author uncle, Alan Cliburn. Priscilla has a passion for sharing the love of Christ with others. She and her family make their home in Sugar Land, Texas.
