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.
Reviews
“Dr. Jones always stressed the need for Prophets to inform their prophetic lens from the “Gaps” of life. It’s not surprising that His gospel is as relevant today as when He framed these thoughts and messages. Relevant from generation to generation, his commitment to being faithful to the Prophets’ traditions are unparalleled.” —Dr. William H. Curtis, Pastor, Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh PA
“Four decades have now passed since I first read GOD in the GHETTO in a class that I took with Dr. William Augustus Jones at Princeton Theological Seminary. I have often said that I consider it one of our era’s most important prophetic texts. Over these same forty years, America has continued to wander more deeply into the wilderness of white supremacy, white privilege, and white power. Having GOD in the GHETTO back in print is a witness against this oppression and a clear sign of hope. We need to read and re-read this book with even greater urgency today, and with the help of the additional sermons and chapters, to put its critical insights and analysis into action once again.” — Dale T. Irvin, New School of Biblical Theology
“Forty-three years since its publication, GOD in the GHETTO, problems of injustice and health issues continue to plague the world and the United States of America. There has been an insurrection act at the United States’ Capitol and a health crisis that disproportionately affects non-white people. Now, GOD in the GHETTO: A Prophetic Word Revisited is an invitation to the church in general and the Black Church specifically to speak truthfully about white supremacy and white nationalist religion’s insidious nature. Is the church, the Black church, and are you collectively and individually speaking truth for justice regarding injustice’s thoughts, actions, and words?”— Angela D. Sims, PhD, President, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
“Dr. Augustus Jones’s presence, faith, and intellect will always be remembered. As a “Son of Bethany,” being in his presence was inspiring and a legacy I will cherish. The revised book, GOD in the GHETTO, serves as a testimony and continuation of Jones’ belief of God’s involvement and expectation for justice and change. I believe that no one can exceed Dr. Jones’ deep treasure of words, wisdom, or his mighty walk.”— Dwight N. Hopkins, The Alexander Campbell Professor, The University of Chicago
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"