BTB Academy

Thank you very much for all the work that has gone into creating this course! The Church, as an institution and more broadly in American society (and elsewhere) has much work to do to address the real racism that exists within itself and in the world. This course provides a solid starting point for understanding why we, as members of the Church, need to do this work and be more involved in seeking racial justice, wherever we may find ourselves. This is especially true for white members of the Church, such as myself, who need to confront, excise, and prevent racism in our own lives, families, wards and stakes. I will be returning this often as there are a number of useful scriptures, references, and exercises to help in the process of overcoming the very serious sin of racism. Racism has destroyed lives, families, communities, and countries. We can, and must, do better.

James provides a vital framing and a call to action for Latter-day Saints to better understand racism in its overt and, even perhaps more important, subtle forms that most of us rarely think about. Squarely based in LDS and Biblical prophetic scripture and teaching, this course calls us to wake from our slumber and take head on the more difficult calls of the Savior and our Latter-day Saint teachings to truly learn to love all of God's children, to understand them as family rather than "other," and to transform our hearts in such a way that we will respond productively when situations arise that call for our contribution to healing all divides--and especially racial ones. James draws on his vast background studying racism as well as from his own experiences to lovingly call us to self-examination and transformation, and he points toward ways that we might learn to engage in anti-racism/pro-healing work that fits with our own temperaments and gifts. The course isn't very long, but it is full of insight and grace, and it will be most impactful if we take time after each segment to look within and allow the spirit of each call to wash over us. I highly recommend this course and look forward to future offerings from James!

I have been actively seeking to understand anti-racism and change what I do and say to be anti-racist for a few years. As my knowledge and life experiences have been expanding I have felt inspired, uncomfortable, scared, disappointed, thrilled by what I'm learning...a huge range of things. I've gained new ways of seeing and new vocabulary to help me navigate the world we live in. But as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have wanted to connect the dots between my faith and my motivations to do this work, as well as the lessons I've been learning. I have WANTED to, but I haven't done that work. Brother James has drawn these connections. I feel inspired and guided by this expert scholarship, delivered from the heart using direct and powerful language. And I love the practical advice and learning exercises. Thank you so much.

I've been learning a lot about anti-racism work for years but I haven't quite seen such a resource that intersects anti-racism and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jones gives the tools and language to any who are interested in creating a more inclusive and Christ-like congregation.

This was a terrific course, worth every penny. Looking forward to more content in the future. Thank you!

I got a lot out of this course. I plan to rewatch it and share what I learned with family and friends. Thanks James!

This course is a great starting point for someone new to anti-racism work. It's especially helpful to have a course geared toward members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, those hoping to follow the prophet's direction, but not quite sure where to start.

Our whole family just finished watching this course together; it was so helpful, and we will be re-watching it again to pause and discuss more in depth. We'll be recommending the course to our Ward Council, as well. Thank you, Brother Jones!

I got a lot out of this course. I plan to rewatch it and share what I learned with family and friends. Thanks James!

Very enlightening information and analysis. I really enjoyed this conversation being framed in the Latter-day Saint cultural mindset. What I enjoyed most is when James addresses counter arguments to his statements. He is able to do so convincingly without a hint of “straw manning” which, I think, is a rare quality throughout the spectrum of the United States cultural/political landscape. Highly recommend!

I’ve been listening to Beyond the Block podcast for about a year now and have been anxiously waiting for this course. It did not disappoint! I agree with Bro.Jones that engaging in this work has brought me Closer to Christ and continues to do so. Christianity is often not comfortable, but as disciples of Christ we must get past the discomfort and do what is right.

This course was great. Certainly hit on some spots where I can focus my growth and understanding and it did not leave me wallowing or paralyzed by shame. I feel better equipped to speak up where I am to advocate for the marginalized. Thank you!