Social Action

Reading Program 2001

BEYOND VIOLENCE

(Study and discussion)
Twenty-Third Publications, 1998
161 pages
Gerard A. Vanderhaar (#3105) /$12.95

In a world full of violence, the author proposes a new direction–that of the Nonviolent Christ. Using examples such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Dorothy Day, the author gives practical suggestions for living and working justly and courageously in the world. This book shows we do not have to accept violence passively; we can work together to make a difference.

BLACK LIBERATION IN CONSERVATIVE AMERICA

South End Press, 1997
285 pages
Manning Marable (#3106) /$16.00

The author calls for unity among working-class and middle-class Americans to stop the increasingly unequal distribution of wealth. But this will require overcoming racial divisions and recognizing common interests. The author is clear that to overcome racism, economic inequality must end.

A COUNTRY OF STRANGERS

Random House, Vintage Books, 1998
607 pages
David K. Shipler (#3112) /$15.00

In this engrossing book, the author shows vividly the racial divide that separates blacks and whites in the U.S. today. Filled with touching human voices and moving human stories, it takes us into dorm rooms and board rooms, factories, and police stations to show ordinary people struggling with enduring biases that shape everyday behavior.

DE COLORES MEANS ALL OF US: LATINA VIEWS FOR A MULTI-COLORED CENTURY

(Difficult reading)
South End Press, 1998
266 pages
Elizabeth Martínez (#3115) /$18.00

Ms. Martínez introduces us to the struggles of Latin Americans, including their fight for racial and gender equality. We learn of economic and environmental injustices and the perils faced by immigrants. The book concludes with a hopeful look at the energy young Hispanics bring to the movement for justice.

DON’T CALL US OUT OF NAME

Beacon Press, 1999
256 pages
Lisa Dodson (#3117) /$16.00

Here are powerful stories of women living in poverty who speak about their harsh lives and their deep commitment to family and community. The voices of the women force us to abandon myths about the poor and come to a better understanding of the women’s courage, strength, and resourcefulness.

FROM THE EYE OF THE STORM: A PASTOR TO THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS OUT

Westminster John Knox Press, 1998
139 pages
J. Philip Wogaman (#3123) /$10.00

The author, United Methodist pastor to President and Mrs. Clinton and a well-known ethicist, explores the issues involved in the national crisis caused by the President’s sexual relationship with a White House intern. Is the appropriate response judgment and condemnation or repentance and forgiveness? Dr. Wogaman examines these and other issues and their implications for the future of the presidency and the nation.

THE GOOD SOCIETY: THE HUMANE AGENDA

(Difficult reading)
Houghton Mifflin, 1997
152 pages
John Kenneth Galbraith (#3127) /$13.00

Much of Scripture deals with economics, yet it is an often neglected subject. In this book, renowned economist Galbraith raises the question of what kind of society we want. He calls for one that is equitable and that shows compassion for the poor while providing economic opportunity to all its citizens.

MY FIRST WHITE FRIEND: CONFESSIONS ON RACE, LOVE, AND FORGIVENESS

Penguin Books, 1997
236 pages
Patricia Raybon (#3148) /$11.95

This is the brave and eloquent story of an African-American woman torn by her anger toward white people. Her story documents how faith in Christ motivated her to journey from racial hatred to forgiveness and love. This is a book for people of all races who want to move toward understanding and reconciliation.

PREACHING JUSTICE: ETHNIC AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

United Church Press, 1998
166 pages
Christine Marie Smith, ed. (#3154) /$14.95

In this well-written and stirring collection of thoughts, eight clergypersons who are Native American, African American, Hispanic, Korean American, and Filipino American write from their own life experience about what it means to preach justice. One has a disability, one is a Jew and another represents the perspective of lesbians and gays. All share the forms of oppression they face and how God has helped them overcome.

SOUL AMONG LIONS: MUSINGS OF A BOOTLEG PREACHER

(Easy reading)
Westminster John Knox Press, 1999
63 pages
Will D. Campbell (#3167) /$12.00

These brief musings of the Mississippi farmer-preacher-activist author are pithy, moving, and humorous. While tackling issues like the death penalty, prayer in the schools and racism, he gently exposes the hypocritical and self-righteous, while challenging us to a more conscientious faith.

THE STATE OF AMERICA’S CHILDREN

(Study and discussion)
Beacon Press, 2000
160 pages
Susanne Martinez, ed. (#3168) /$15.00

This annual report of the Children’s Defense Fund presents the status of U.S. children in areas such as income, health, education, pregnancy prevention, and violence. An excellent handbook for child advocates, it provides data and moving stories to help us fight for children’s well-being in America.

URBAN CHURCHES, VITAL SIGNS: BEYOND CHARITY TOWARD JUSTICE:28 URBAN CHURCH STORIES

(Study and discussion)
William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999
333 pages
Nile Harper (#3171) /$15.00

The author tells the stories of 28 urban churches that have moved from empty pews to lively congregations reaching out to the community with ministries of faith and justice. Through the stories, he illustrates 15 "vital signs" of effective urban churches, including bold visions, community partnerships, and a willingness to take risks. An excellent resource for the 2000-2001 study on God’s People in an Urban Culture.

ZAPATA’S DISCIPLE: ESSAYS

South End Press, 1998
144 pages
Martín Espada (#3174) /$14.00

Through passionate personal stories and poems, the author describes the bigotry and racism that have impacted his family, how he learns to overcome, and how he helps his children be whole persons. Espada also discusses Puerto Rican colonialism and the English-only movement. Beautifully written, the book helps us walk in Espada’s shoes.