John Perkins passed into eternity last Friday morning (March 13, 2026). I learned a lot from his teaching, speaking, and writing. I’m more than a bit at a loss for words at the thought that that his time among us is now past. Here’s what I wrote about him among some recommendations I offered a few years back.
I have listened to John Perkins tell his story, teach, preach, and have met him personally several times. Rarely does any human being impress me so deeply as a godly man. He is genuinely an American hero, and a man of God whose leadership and teaching I admire greatly. He has founded several organizations and authored numerous influential books. I highly recommend his book Dream with Me: Race, Love, and the Struggle We Must Win. I have given away many copies of this book, including to many of the leaders of Long Beach Friends Church. Immediately after writing that book, he wrote another: One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race. It’s excellent too. John Perkins has written and co-authored quite a few other books. I’ve read most of them. Good stuff. You can find him on YouTube and other places. The Christian Community Development Association has many audio recordings of John Perkins. He tells his story in a ten-minute video. There’s a longer, 21 minute video available on YouTube also.
Resources for Understanding Racism and Prejudice in America
I heard the voice of God saying God loves me. And he calls me to love him back.
John Perkins
Justice is any act of reconciliation that restores any part of God’s creation back to its original intent, purpose or image. When I think about justice that way, it doesn’t surprise me at all that God loves it. It includes both the acts of social justice and the restorative justice found on the cross.
John Perkins
People overcome racism. Good overcomes evil. In my deepest time of pain and sorrow and conflict, God has always brought somebody into my life who has loved me and embraced me at the time when it would have felt better to hate.
John Perkins