"The call of reparations is not merely for a check to be written or for a debt to be repaid but for a world to be repaired."

A sensible defense of reparations for a Christian audience, making the case for how black wealth, culture, and heritage have been stolen throughout the history of slavery in the U.S.. What's refreshing about Kwon and Thompson's case is how rooted their arguments are in the Biblical story. Drawing from many examples throughout Scripture, Kwon and Thompson illustrate the way in which repentance is almost always paired with repayment (and in the New Testament, restoration) especially when it comes to human-human relationships. Repentance alone isn't sufficient if what has been stolen is not returned. Though we'd like to be cleared of this responsibility, the passage of time does not erase this debt, even after saying "we're sorry."

In a gentle and understanding manner, Kwon and Thompson patiently spend many of the book's chapters answering common misconceptions, questions, and pushback: "Slavery has been abolished. Why do I owe anyone anything?" "Who owes what? How can we quantify what needs to be repaid?" "What about immigrants from other countries who also face cultural theft?" Those interested in exploring these questions ought to read this short but helpful book, but as the authors themselves have said, let us not pretend we are off the hook just because we don't know the details of how reparations should be done.

Part of the appeal in Kwon and Thompson's defense is their willingness to hand the responsibility back to the church to generate creative and reparative solutions, an incarnational model that refuses a "one size fits all" proposal for the entire country. Those looking for a quick fix from Reparations will be disappointed as it is not Kwon and Thompson's intended purpose. However, I wholehearted recommend this to anyone looking to be convinced of the necessity of reparations from a Christian perspective or those looking for an accessible book to convince others.