Reverend Dr. Charlie Dates
The Reverend Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is a dynamic and visionary preacher, scholar, and civic leader. His ministry unites people longing for change across generational and racial divides through the clear and compelling proclamation of the gospel.
Dr. Dates serves as the Senior Pastor of both Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago and the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago—a unique calling that places him at the helm of two of the most storied and influential Black churches in the nation. Under his leadership, both congregations are experiencing vibrant renewal—spiritually, structurally, and socially—as they strengthen their prophetic witness to the city and the world.
A fierce advocate for justice rooted in righteousness, he now captures that long-term vision in a powerful new book. Read more and order below.
WHAT HATH JUSTICE TO DO WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS?
By Charlie E. Dates
Releasing August 25th, 2026
Reclaim what was always meant to be whole. Justice and righteousness are not opposing forces but inseparable pillars of God’s design. But often our minds divide them, even set them in opposition to one another.
In What Hath Justice to Do with Righteousness?, Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates provides a biblical and historical overview of the bond between these two pillars of the Christian faith that challenges our assumptions, renews our understanding, and invites us into a new movement of protest and prayer.
With biblical wisdom, theological reflection, and an honest critique of cultural blind spots, this book boldly declares that justice is God’s righteousness in action. True justice cannot exist apart from righteousness, and righteousness is hollow without a commitment to justice. God’s justice restores and reconciles. “When Jesus hung on a cross, God got justice, and we got righteousness.”
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Chicago, IL
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