Books - Social Issues

Since so much contemporary media focuses on our culture’s divisions, we can all use new ways to reach out and bridge that which would divide us. Three bridge-builders from diverse backgrounds bring their experience to this practical and actionable book. Whether you seek to begin the conversation in your community or seek inspiration to continue the journey toward the beloved community, this book is for you!

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Historically, Baptists have valued religious freedom for all. However, the Nazi movement and the ensuing Holocaust directly opposed religious freedom, threatening the liberty of Jews and others in the broader European community. How did Baptists from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Baptist World Alliance react when facing this grave peril to life and liberty? Through compelling narratives and rich historical accounts, Spitzer details the choices made by Baptist religious leaders as well as people’s responses. 

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Where nations draw a border and erect a wall, Jesus invites all to the table. The Border Church meets in Friendship Park to welcome the community of Christ to communion on both sides of the wall. How does the love of Christ transcend militarized boundaries? How do people find hope and peace under threat and fear? In this book, read the stories of people engaged in faithful justice work to uplift God’s realm. 

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New Rules for Radicals seeks to advance the discussion on how progressive minded citizens and faith-based leaders can make a difference in the world. Willard shares strategies and practical insights for community engagement with a focus on organizing for power to shape policies and practices. This book serves as a framework and toolkit for Christians and community leaders who want to address issues of social justice with modern techniques and tactics that get results but remain faithful to one's ethical values.

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Author Terrell Carter unites scholarly critique with practical wisdom in this new book that exposes the racist and classist assumptions entangled in the rugged individualism of what he calls “bootstrap theology.” Dismantling both the impossible idiom of “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps” and the social theory of Marx’s Protestant Work Ethic, Carter challenges the reader to advance a more faithful gospel, one that extends a spirit of generosity and a call to social justice for all God’s people.

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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.

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Author Marvin McMickle considers the evolution of liberation theologies in their historic and cultural contexts, beginning with his own formative experiences with the Black theology of James Cone, exploring the socioeconomic implications of Latin American liberation theologies, and considering in depth the theologies of feminist scholars, womanist theologians, and women in ministry. He acknowledges the contexts out of which theologies of liberation emerge and their transforming impact.

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In a world still reeling from pandemic and in a nation confronting the persistence of racism and systemic injustice, this timely volume offers the wisdom of experience from clergy and other leaders on the frontlines of spiritual care and social advocacy. Contributors respond to questions about what we are learning during these crises—about God, our nation and world, and ourselves, questions about being the church and about being neighbors. The messages are richly diverse and compellingly relevant.

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In this important work, Smith examines how our country's foundational documents—the Bible and the Constitution—have failed people of color and asks whether those whom a nation has considered “we the problem” can ever become “we the people” who are celebrated in the Preamble to the Constitution. What will it take to reclaim the transforming and affirming power of God and government to secure liberty and justice for all?

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The church is not exempt from the challenges of a society increasingly divided along political, theological, cultural, and racial lines. How can we respond to the division in the world around us when we are too often polarized ourselves? Pastor and scholar Matthew Tennant offers scriptural insights for developing strategies that will equip people of faith to cross the lines in meaningful dialog within their congregations and in the communities where they live, work, and minister to others.

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Move beyond awareness to intentional engagement in response to the challenge of childhood poverty. Grounded in the sermon “Rizpah’s Children,” this book provides a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the situation and those affected, as well as a biblically based roadmap for taking practical action. Featuring the voices of parents, grandparents, caretakers, and children, each chapter highlights community organizations whose diverse efforts are focused on alleviating the impact of poverty in America.

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A thorough narrative history that explores the previously unknown work of Baptists in the United States during the Second World War. How did US Baptists respond to Jews at home and abroad, especially as anti-Semitism grew and reports of the genocide overseas reached our shores? Rich with primary source material and covering the history of Northern (American) Baptists, Southern Baptists, and African American Baptists alike, this groundbreaking volume is a must-read for church historians, Holocaust scholars, Baptist history buffs, and anyone interested in interfaith relations.

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Why are most churches still segregated by race and culture? What are the challenges of creating and maintaining intercultural ministries? How do intercultural churches give equal power and privilege to each culture? How do they avoid assimilating minority cultures into dominant cultures? Intercultural Ministry explores these questions and more with chapters from a racially and denominationally diverse group of authors who reflect on their experiences and experiments in intercultural ministry. 

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In this prophetic collection of sermons, Griffen challenges followers of Jesus to ponder these questions:  What does it mean to be a "prophetic follower of Jesus? How will lessons in Scripture and across human history inform our action in the world?How can we speak of hope in a time of deep division—a time too often defined by racism, misogyny, materialism, militarism, religious nationalism, and xenophobia?

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Cockroft offers a historical analysis of the origin of "classism" in the church and its influence in the development of African American denominations. Referencing the works of a broad spectrum of evangelical witnesses, she urges the church to exercise its power to restore, empower, and include the poor and forgotten by finding ways to deemphasize social class distinctions while learning to affirm and embrace the concept of the imago dei, the belief that all humans have been made in the image of God.

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