Description
At long last, the reissue of the classic book, God In The Ghetto by the late, great William Augustus Jones, Jr. With eerily striking resonance to present day affairs, the new edition includes Jones’ seminal analysis of systemic racism, the integral role of the church in birthing and perpetuating it, and the Black church’s response. Sociological in framing, theological in foundation and principles, and practical in application, Jones deconstructs racism in America and offers up a responsive solution. Edited by Jennifer Jones Austin, Jones’ daughter, the book includes several never-before published sermons of the preaching giant, and features a foreword by Michael Eric Dyson, an afterword by Michael A. Walrond, and essays from notable leaders including William J. Barber, James A. Forbes, Frederick D. Haynes, Claybon J. Lea, Marvin A. McMickle, Otis Moss III, J. Alfred Smith Sr., Al Sharpton, Jacqueline Thompson, and Aundreia Alexander.
Author Bio
About the Author William Augustus Jones, Jr. (1934-2006) was a staunch Christian activist and leader in the struggle for human rights and economic justice. He was a founding member and President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention; first chair of the New York Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; national chair of SCLC Operation Breadbasket; founder of the National Black Pastors Conference; and a member of the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance. A practitioner of the social gospel, Jones led thousands in boycotts and protests in New York City, resulting in jobs, higher wages, and better working conditions for people of color. Jones served as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York, cross-country revivalist, and international preacher. He was a visiting professor at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, United Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. His published writings include: The Black Church Looks at the Bicentennial; Responsible Preaching; The African-American Church: Past, Present, and Future; and When God Says, "Let Me Alone." Among the first to have a radio and television ministry, Jones' weekly church services were titled "The Bethany Hour." Jones's writings and sermons are archived at Brooklyn College and are accessible to the public.
About the Editor Jennifer Jones Austin, the youngest child of William Augustus Jones Jr., is an advocate, lawyer, and author, and has led and secured monumental changes in social policy to strengthen and empower the disenfranchised and marginalized. Jones Austin's first book, Consider It Pure Joy is the harrowing account of her year-long battle with a sudden, life- threatening illness and the power of faith and community to transform desperation into joy. She co-hosts the award- winning radio show, "Open Line", and is a weekly guest host of the nationally syndicated radio program, "Keep'n It Real"