Description
Book SynopsisWhile the links between conservative Christians and politics have been drawn strongly in recent years, coming to embody what many think of as religious activism, the profoundly religious nature of community organizing and other more left-leaning justice work has been largely overlooked. Prophetic Activism is the first broad comparative examination of progressive religious activism in the United States. Set up as a counter-narrative to religious conservatism, the book offers readers a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of contemporary religious activism.
Helene Slessarev-Jamir offers five case studies of major progressive religious justice movements that have their roots in liberative interpretations of Scripture: congregational community organizing; worker justice; immigrant rights work; peace-making and reconciliation; and global anti-poverty and debt relief. Drawing on intensive interviews with activists at all levels of this workfrom pastors and congregationa
Trade Review
Rooted in scripture and transcendent faith, and defying the staid expectations of analysts and pundits--this is why faithful activism will always be more interesting than a candidates' debate. -- Julie Polter * Sojourners Magazine *
Prophetic Activism could be called & Groups That Make a Difference, like Sider and Unruh’s Churches That Make a Difference. It stands out because it analyzes change-groups with goals ranging from worker justice to immigrant rights, peacemaking, and global justice, identifying strategies that bring healing to a nation whose soul badly needs healing. Enormously instructive for people who know we need change for human rights in a big way, one victory at a time. This work shows that Evangelicals, too, have become increasingly active, with crucial biblical interpretation. -- Glen Stassen * Fuller Theological Seminary *
Prophetic Activism provides an informative portrait of left-leaning religious activism. Those who want to better understand what that activism looks likeits major organizations, its strategies and tactics, its similarities to and differences from secular activism, and, most importantly, its potential and limitswill learn much by reading this book. -- Mark Chaves,author of Congregations in America
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments Acronyms and Abbreviations 1 An Introduction to Prophetic Activism 2 Identifying the Qualities of Prophetic Activism 3 Organizing in Borderlands Communities 4 Religious Organizing for Worker Justice 5 Immigrant Rights Activism 6 Peacemaking 7 Global Justice Organizing 8 Conclusions Notes Index About the Author
