Just Spirituality: How Faith Practices Fuel Social Action, By Mae Elise Cannon alt

Just Spirituality

How Faith Practices Fuel Social Action

by Mae Cannon

Just Spirituality
Ebook
  • Length: 208 pages
  • Published: November 30, 2012
  • Imprint: IVP
  • ISBN: 9780830864591
Other Formats:

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 describesmodern-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.

"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."Richard Stearns, president, World Vision, author, The Hole in Our Gospel
"Biblical justice requires a healthy spirituality. Christian spirituality demands a life of justice. Using powerful and relevant historical and contemporary examples, Mae Cannon offers the possibility of a deeply spiritual faith transforming and shaping our Christian mission. Mae Cannon's Just Spirituality is now the essential text that integrates justice and spirituality and empowers evangelicals for justice."Soong-Chan Rah, author of The Next Evangelicalism and Milton B.Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism, North Park Theological Seminary
"Mae Cannon reminds us that we, too, are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. They call us to a life that is more deeply connected to God and more fully poured out for the broken and bruised world that he loves. There is power and calling in her wise guidance into just spirituality."John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, Menlo Park, California
"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."F. Albert Tizon, Ph.D., associate professor of holistic ministry, Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University, and director of Word Deed Network, Evangelicals for Social Action
"Just Spirituality is a compelling call to a living faith that brings together Christian spirituality and social activism. Mae Cannon uses biographical narratives of Christian leaders to introduce and connect us to spiritual disciplines that anchor our lives as people working for justice. This book is an important read for activists seeking spiritual balance and contemplatives seeking a worldly vocation."Curtiss Paul DeYoung, professor of reconciliation studies at Bethel University and author of Living Faith: How Faith Inspires Social Justice
"This book helps us to develop the kind of deep and pervasive spirituality that can provide motivation and inspiration for activists committed to social justice. Along with her own concrete directives, Mae Cannon taps into the resources of saints both ancient and modern who can nurture those who will to do God's work in the world."Tony Campolo, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Eastern University
"Just Spirituality: How Faith Practices Fuel Social Action is a much-needed bridge between doing and being, between justice and spiritual formation, between faith and practice. Cannon's book is rooted in the lived experience of activists such as Mother Teresa, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Watchman Nee and others who worked to bring the shalom and justice of God into their world. Cannon explores how their inward spiritual practices fueled their outward actions. At a time when people focus oneither inner work or outer work, it is lovely to find a book that sees the genius of the both/and."Adele Calhoun, copastor of Redeemer Community Church, Needham/Wellesley, Mass., and author of Invitations from God and Spiritual DisciplinesHandbook
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CONTENTS

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
Acknowledgments
Study Guide
Notes

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Mae Elise Cannon

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace and an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). She formerly served as the senior director of advocacy and outreach for World Vision US on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. She is the author of Social Justice Handbook and Just Spirituality, and coeditor of Evangelical Theologies of Liberation and Justice.