I believe that the Lord has led me to write books that defend the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially when it comes to the subject areas of race/racism, women/sexism/chauvinism,and homosexuality.
I was first published by Winston-Derek Publishers of Nashville Tennessee in 1995 but decided to begin publishing my own books. I began my small press independent publishing business in May of 1997, under the name of Press Toward The Mark Publications, and had my first book published by November of that same year. I came up with the name of Press Toward the Mark Publications from reading the scripture passage which is found in Philippians 3:14, which reads "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." I liked the name because to me it had two meanings that fit my purpose...to press toward making the mark as far as clearing up some misunderstandings regarding the above named topics when it comes to what the Bible says and to go to press in order to mark my words in print.
My biography is below. Although I'm speaking to you in first person because I think it's more personal, I decided to keep my bio in third person, as biographies go.
MY BIO
Elreta Dodds was born on June 5, 1957 in Greensboro North Carolina and grew up in Detroit Michigan where she resides. She is a member and Associate Minister of Faith Christian Community Church of Port Huron Michigan (http://www.faithchristiancc.com) where Rev. Link Howard III serves as pastor. Dodds was ordained on August 21, 2005 through Faith Christian Community Church (formerly Interfaith Community Church). This ordination comes under the International Council of Community Chruches. Dodds was initially licensed (September 29, 2002) and ordained (March 23, 2004) through Strictly Biblical Bible Teaching Ministries in Detroit where Rev. Emery Moss Jr. serves as pastor. Dodds is certified in Ministry through the Faith Center for Christian Education ( a post secondary Christian learning institution licensed by the state of Michigan), certified in Advanced Church Ministries by the Evangelical Training Association, licensed as a Professional Counselor, and is also licensed as a Masters Level Clincial Social Worker. Dodds possesses a Master of Arts Degree in Guidance and Counseling as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, both of which were obtained from Wayne State University, where she graduated with Honors.
Dodds has written and independently published four non-fiction books (five when counting one revised edition). Three have previously been distributed by Spring Arbor/Ingram and two are out of print. The titles are listed below in order of most recent publication:
For Christians who are Seriously Dating or Would Like to Be: Questions every Christian should ask before Getting engaged to be Married (pub-date: February 2004). Measures the compatibility of Christian couples by presenting questions specific to Christian concerns. A journal/workbook.
Is God a Chauvinist? The Bible and Women: A Complete Look: (pub date: May 2002) Is God a Chauvinist is aimed at dispelling the notion that the Bible is a chauvinistic and sexist book, as well as at challenging the belief that the Bible adds to the oppression that women experience to some degree in almost every society of the world. Has also been distributed by Quality Books for library distribution.
What the Bible really says about Slavery: This and other information on the issue of Slavery as it applies to History and Religion (pub date: January 2000) What the Bible really says about Slavery argues against the beliefs of some that say the Bible teaches that blacks are cursed to be slaves. The book takes the reader from Christian apologetics to historical slavery through a comprehensive analysis of scripture, and even through the Civil War. This book is a revised edition of "Slaves obey your Masters: What the Bible really says about Slavery" which was originally published in 1995 by Winston-Derek publishers of Nashville Tennessee. The original edition is out of print.
The Trouble with Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam: Another Message to the Black Man in America. (pub date: November 1997). In The Trouble with Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam Dodds contends that Louis Farrakhan's 1995 Million Man March was little more than a tool used to "propagate Nation of Islam theology under the guise of a push toward improved black solidarity." Dodds categorizes Farrakhan and his "nation" as racist and anti-Christian and biblically discusses excerpts from four of Farrakhan's landmark speeches (including his address at the March) to prove her point. Note: This book went out of print in July of 2004.
Dodds has signed books and lectured since 1998 through the present in the following locations and cities (with many repeat visits): Barnes and Noble stores in Bronx, NY, Hartsdale NY, Milwaukee WI, Detroit MI, Grosse Pointe MI, Ann Arbor MI, Shelby Township MI, Northville MI, Battle Creek MI, Holland MI, Fort Gratiot MI, Gary IN, Merrilville IN, Cincinnati OH, Columbus OH, Kalamazoo MI, Grand Rapids MI, Saginaw MI, Milwaukee Wisconsin, Washington D.C., Atlanta Georgia, Grosse Point MI, Greensboro NC, Fayetteville NC, High Point NC, Hickory NC, South Bend IN, Schaumburg IL, Evanston IL, Baton Rouge LA, Lafayette LA, Milwaukee WI, Sacramento CA, Chico CA, Walnut Creek CA, Manhattan Beach CA, Woodland Hills CA, Ventour CA, Borders (Dearborn MI), Borders (Flint MI),Borders (Farmington Hills, MI), Borders Express (Downtown Detroit) Readers Choice (Milwaukee WI), Christian Publication Stores (Detroit area stores), Thackerays Books (Toledo OH), African-American Images Bookstore (Chicago IL), and House of Peace Bookstore (Chicago IL).
Dodds has also been interviewed on several radio and television programs (including American Black Journal in October of 2006), sat on theological and author pannels, and has been a guest speaker at churches in New York, California, Chicago (Salem Baptist's youth church), Detroit, Miami Florida, Flint Michigan, Port Huron Michigan, Smith's Creek Michigan, and Southfield Michigan.
