Enter the River


    Enter the River Study Guide

      Session 1: Preparing for the journey

      • Handout for Session 1: A quiz about racism

      • Individual introduction of "covenant"

      • Answering questions about class.

        After answering any general questions about the class (meeting place, leadership, book distribution, etc.), describe the goals and content of the class.

      • Take a quiz about racism.

        What areas are new to you? About what do you want to find out more? What doesn't quite seem plausible?

      • Discussion questions for the foreword and preface:

        1. Were any of the terms or ideas used in the foreword and preface new to you? List them for later reference.

        2. In the preface, the author describes himself somewhat intimately. Is this information helpful? Does it make you want to read the book more or less?

        3. Enter the River is a story-based book. How are the stories described in the preface? Who is in your class? Exceptional people? Ordinary people? Both?

      • View True Colors.

        This video provides an excellent introduction to the continuing reality of racism. Two men, one Black, one White, are followed with hidden cameras as they enter a new community. After viewing, discuss these questions:

        1. What was the impact of this experience on the two men? What might this suggest about life in their home communities? Was St. Louis an exception?

        2. Re-count the number of ways that John and Glenn experienced life differently (police, commercial establishment, employment, housing, transportation, interpersonal relationships). What areas were missed?

        3. What would have happened had they been followed with hidden cameras at your congregation? Do you think they might have similar or different experiences?

      • Homework assignment:

        Read Chapter 1: Why Be Concerned About Racism?




      • Enter the River Study Guide Outline •