PREJUDICE. It’s a serious and painful problem, whether you’re on the giving or receiving end. Whether it concerns race, gender, age, status, wealth, looks, or ability, it’s serious—not only because it damages people but because it blocks what God wants to give us: his power and peace.

In Subverting the Power of Prejudice, Sandra Barnes helps us sort out why prejudice is unfair, what feeds our prejudices, how to overcome them, and how to avoid being victimized by discrimination. She brings together theological insight and sociological research to help us recognize and disarm our own prejudices—and bring healing to our broken personal and societal relationships.

Sandra L. Barnes (Ph.D., Georgia State University) is assistant professor of sociology and African American studies at Purdue University in Indiana.