Search - A Time for Burning on DVD

A CHURCH CONFRONTS RACISM

Bonita L. Davis | 04/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"How does a church respond in a time when the country is exploding over the question of civil rights? The answer can be found in this documentary film of one church's response to the crisis. Filmed in 1966, the leaders of Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska share with us their fears, hypocrasy, and racial prejudice as they come to grips with the social reality of their times. The pastor of the church makes the first move in listening to the voices of Blacks in Omaha who bluntly tell him the truth of what is going on. Moved by their words he challenges the church's social committee to initiate a ministry that can bring understanding and reconciliation among the groups. In watching this film you will witness the process of how a white church attempts to come to face the weakness of their faith, sense of justice and fears of reaching out. Every small step that they take is done with caution but they try. We see a church for the first time being confronted with the reality of what it means to be a Christian. As a sociological study of race relations and the white church this is an excellent film. You see the theological, social and cultural differences as to how two groups view Christianity. The African-Americans do not spare their white Christian counterparts in condemning them for not living up to the Christian gospel. Augustan Lutheran Church is a good example of how a church can change and become relevant to the issues of its time if it will step out on faith. You will be hopeful at the outcome of this film as two groups struggle for reconciliation."

It's still time...

Kevin Buckner | Washington, DC | 05/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having lived through this time, I was born and raised in Omaha, I now understand why I think the way I do. Ernie Chambers and Dan Goodwin were, and still are, my barbers. The conversations that went on in the barbershop were not staged, these are the type of exchanges that go on in 'Spencer Street Barber Shop' to this day. This is where I earned my degree in 'Common Sense' Thank God, I am now equipped to deal with the unfortunate reality that is America. I wish I could say Omaha was unique, but it was not...this type of thinking goes on everwhere I have lived, now it's just a bit more covert, both black and white. While I applaud Min. Youngdahl's effort, I was not surprised that he 'resigned'. We all need to step away from our comfort zone...this documentary is our 'Picture of Dorian Gray'."

You must watch!

L. Wilson | North Carolina | 08/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This needs to be promoted better because no one has heard about this, but if they did, watch out. Ernie Chambers? I've never heard of this man, but i'm honored to know that he exists. This documentary is brilliant, especially for it's time period."