Welcome!
My name is Elreta Dodds. I am an author and independent publisher. I have written five books in the area of Christian apologetics (books that defend the Christian faith) specifically as it pertains to the subject matters of racism, sexism, slavery, and chauvinism, and I've written one book in the area of Christian dating. My latest book is entitled "Racism, The Bible, and The American Dream" which won first place in the 2011 National Indie Excellence Book Awards under the category of Social Change. The book also came in as a finalist under the category of African American Non-Fiction. 

The overall purpose of "Racism, The Bible, and The American Dream" (subtilted: "From Slavery to Obama: A Frank Discussion, from a Christian Perspective, on Racial Discrimination in America, and its effect of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness") is to dispell any misconception that the Bible condones racism and point out that institutional racism is not only a social issue but it is a moral issue as well. The book aims to better enlighten the public about the seriousness of institutional racism that does indeed exist in America against minorities today, to reveal how the Bible actually speaks against racism in any form, and to redirect, as many as possible, those who erroneously misuse the Bible as a weapon to justify racial hatred. My motto: I cannot "cure" racism, but in my book I encourage people to stand up or speak out against it when they see it happening within their own circles. If just a fragment of the population begins to do that, then we, as a country, can at least put a significant dent in the racial inequities that still currently exist.

The book is available wherever books are sold and and can be ordered at any online bookstore as well as directly from the distributor. A full Table of Contents is provided at the bottom of this page. To place an order for "Racism, The Bible, and The American Dream" from amazon.com go to www.amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble go to www.barnesandnoble.com, and put my name in the search field for books. To place an order for "Racism, The Bible, and The American Dream" from my distributor, click onto http://www.atlasbooks.com, call 1-800-Booklog, or click onto http://www.bookmasters.com/marktplc/03049.htm.

This website will give you information about each book that I have written and published and also tells you how you may purchase them (just click onto the links located at the upper right). 

In dealing with the subject of racism, I have four books that tackle the issue. Two have to do with what the Bible says about slavery (out of print but available online), the other is a study on the Nation of Islam and the negative effects that this particular religion has had on black America theologically since its inception in 1930 (out of print, but available through online), and my new book: "Racism, The Bible, and The American Dream."

In dealing with the subject of chauvinism/sexism, I have one book that addresses the prevalence of chauvinism and sexism in the church and in societies overall (entitled, "Is God a Chauvinist? The Bible and Women: A Complete Look").

The dating book that I've written is more or less a workbook-journal that encourages Christian couples to ask specific important questions of one another that they normally would not ask. If you are a minister or Christian counselor, or if you're seriously dating someone (or would like to be) or you know someone who's seriously dating someone (or would like to be) you will find my book on Christian dating especially helpful. The book can be used as a self-help tool as well as a counseling tool.  

If you'd like to take a look at a chapter of one of the books (backlist titles only) to help you decide whether or not you want to buy, I'll send you (via email attachment in a protected word document) a copy of any chapter of your choice. You can contact me by clicking "contact information" (upper right hand) or you can email me at presstowardthemark@netscape.com. Just ask for whichever chapter you want.

If you'd like a few sample pages of my latest book "Racism, The Bible, and The American Dream," in order to help you decide whether or not you want to buy, just email me and let me know which chapter (you can only select from one chapter) you'd like me to send you sample pages from, and I'll send you a few sample pages from your specified chapter. Scroll down for the Table of Contents  in order to make your selection.

Also, if you have any questions in general, I can be reached by phone at (313) 527-0068. My business address is Press Toward The Mark Publications, P.O. Box 02099 Detroit, Michigan 48202.

My backlist titles are listed below. To find out more about the books you're interested in (and how to purchase) just scroll back up and click on the title of the book that you're interested in (upper right).

Is God a Chauvinist? The Bible and Women: A Complete Look (publication date: May 2002)

For Christians who are Seriously Dating or Would Like to Be: Questions every Christian should ask before Getting Engaged to be Married (publication date: February 2004)

What the Bible REALLY says about Slavery This and other Information on the issue of Slavery as it applies to History and Religion (publication date: January 2000 Revised version). Book is currently out of print and is not available in bookstores, but you can still purchase it through on-line bookstores, particularly amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

The Trouble with Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam Another Message to the Black Man in America (publication date: November 1997)
Book is currently out of print and is not available in bookstores, but you can still purchase it through on-line bookstores, particularly amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

As stated earlier, my new book (Racism, The Bible, and The American Dream) is available wherever books are sold which means that it is nationally distributed by a company (Atlas Books / Book Masters) that major bookstore chains acknowledge and that you can therefore go to you favorite bookstore and order the book if you don't see it on the shelf. All of my other previous books (backlist titles) are only available at online bookstores or through me.

If you purchase from me, I accept Master card, Visa, checks, and money orders. International orders are welcome too. In order to place a direct order call Press Toward The Mark Publications at 313-527-0068. Leave your name, and number, and I'll call you back. Credit card purchases can be made via phone. You may also email me through this website's contact page to give me your contact information, or just email directly at presstowardthemark@netscape.com with the title of the book in the subject line that you are interested in.

If you want to know where I'll be speaking and where my book signing events will be held, just scroll up to the right and click on "Elreta's Itinerary" (upper right hand). I also have a What's New/Links page that you might also find interesting.

There are a few other things that I'd like to make mention of. I was a columnist, from September 2005 to July 2006,  for an online Christian magazine called Everyday Gospel Magazine. I wrote two columns; one that dealt with controversial Christian issues and the other that dealt with relationship issues. I wrote the relationship articles under the pen name of Candace Renae Mitchell. During my collaboration with the magazine I wrote a total of 17 articles with 6 of those articles dealing with relationships and the remaining articles dealing with the following topics: Capital punishment, prosperity preaching, women as pastors/deacons, predestination, the Sabbath, the title of Reverend, eternal security, husbands being looked at as the priests and spiritual leaders of the home, speaking in tongues, and submission. You can find all of these articles at my blog; http://www.controversialchristianissues.blogspot.com.

The article on predestination has a separate blog site and can be viewed at:
http://www.predestinations.blogspot.com/.

I also have a blog that deals with women's issues. You can reach it by clicking onto: http://www.thechurchandwomen.blogspot.com.

Additionally, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (Board Certified through the American Psychotherapy Association), a Licensed Masters Social Worker(with specialties in clinical and macro practices), and an Associate Minister of Faith Christian Community Church (Port Huron Michigan) where Rev. Link Howard III is my pastor. The link for the church's website is: http://www.faithchristiancc.com. To learn even more about me click onto "About Elreta Dodds" (upper right). You can also find out more about me through any search engine.

Thanks so much for visiting. I pray that you will find the books helpful, encouraging, and enlightening.

Enjoy perusing the site and God bless.

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