Just Spirituality: How Faith Practices Fuel Social Action
Ebook
Overview
Throughout history, Christians have been called by God to active engagement in society on behalf of the poor and oppressed. Christian leaders have been instrumental in caring for people who are poor, fighting injustice and advocating for social change. But they have never done so on their own power. Their energy and zeal were fueled by inner spiritual practices that propelled them forward into the world.Activist and historian Mae Elise Cannon explores the direct connection between Christians’ personal relationship with God and outward actions of kindness, mercy, compassion and advocacy. She looks at how notable Christian leaders were able to face societal challenges because of the rich depths of their spiritual practices. For example:
- Mother Teresa’s practice of silence compelled her to service.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s prayer life equipped his discipleship.
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s beloved community empowered his proclamation.
- Oscar Romero’s discipline of submission prepared him to face martyrdom.
Biographical profiles of these and other key figures from around the world give us concrete examples of how activism and advocacy can be sustained over the long haul. Cannon also describes modern-day activists who embody the synergy of faith and action, with practical lessons for our own lives.Find yourself spiritually transformed by these examples, and follow in their footsteps in just service to the world.
Introduction: Spiritual Practices as Fuel for the Soul
1. Mother Teresa: From Silence to Service
2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: From Prayer to Discipleship
3. Watchman Nee: From Study to Evangelism
4. Martin Luther King, Jr.: From Community to Proclamation
5. Fairuz: From Worship to Freedom
6. Desmond Tutu: From Sabbath to Reconciliation
7. Oscar Romero: From Submission to Martyrdom
8. Courage, Joy and Celebration
"A book that theologically integrates spirituality and mission is compelling enough. But when it also lifts up faith heroes--both historical and contemporary--who have exemplified this integration, it goes from worth reading to must reading. Mae Cannon’s Just Spirituality is such a book, as it puts names and faces to faith-inspired activism. As I met these people throughout the book, I kept saying to myself, I want to be like them. And fortunately, Cannon had people like me in mind, as she has provided guidelines to practice the disciplines in a way that releases us for mission. It’s all here: theology, biography, missiology and spirituality. Let this book change the way we pray, meditate, worship and study the Scriptures, not just for our edification, but also for the transformation of the world."
"Jesus’ gospel is a call to action. The gospel requires us to right wrongs, to heal the broken places of this world. Mae Cannon is doing just that. Read this book for its rich wisdom that fuels activism like Mae’s—the kind of activism needed in our world’s toughest places."
Product Details
- Title : Just Spirituality: How Faith Practices Fuel Social Action
- Author: Cannon, Mae Elise
- Publisher: IVP Books
- Publication Date: 2012
- ISBN: 9780830864591
Mae Elise Cannon is an author, speaker, and advocate who cares deeply about God?s heart for the poor and the oppressed. She is the author of the award-winning Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a Better World and Just Spirituality: How Faith Practices Fuel Social Action, and co-author of Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith.Cannon is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). Her ministry and professional background includes serving as the senior director of advocacy and outreach for World Vision-US, the executive pastor of Hillside Covenant Church (Walnut Creek, California), director of development and transformation for extension ministries at Willow Creek Community Church (Barrington, Illinois), and as a consultant to the Middle East for child advocacy issues for Compassion International. Cannon earned her doctorate in American history with a minor in Middle Eastern studies from the University of California—Davis, focusing her dissertation on the history of the American Protestant church in Israel and Palestine. Cannon holds an MDiv From North Park Theological Seminary, an MBA from North Park University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management, and an MA in bioethics from Trinity International University.