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Faith
Works
Jim Wallis
357 pages
Random House,
$24.00
See Amazon's discounted price
From the Publisher
More than ever, many people are hungry for spirituality and community. But the most powerful and meaningful spirituality shows itself through action. In his book, Jim Wallis shows us how we can enrich our own lives by serving our communities. He believes that the making of the modern Christian, Muslim, or Jew is through social action. Wallis compellingly demonstrates how going out and putting your belief to work is what really counts.
About the Editor
Jim Wallis is a preacher, an activist, an author, the convener of Call to Renewal, and the editor in chief of Sojourners magazine. His previous books include Who Speaks for God?, The Soul of Politics, and The Call to Conversion. He has just completed a year as a fellow at the new Center for the Study of Values in Public Life at Harvard Divinity School and now teaches at the university’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Review
Faith Works will energize the social activist, challenge policy makers and inspire the frustrated Christian who wants to make a difference. To a culture hungry for moral and spiritual leadership, Wallis writes with the authority of one who lives the message that he preaches– that faith works. He asks, “Are we getting ready?”
In fifteen “lessons” punctuated with compelling stories from the front lines of social activism, Jim Wallis lays out the necessary steps to achieve social change in a world burdened with crushing poverty and political ineptitude. His lessons are compelling guides to anyone who has a heart and a brain in search of the common good, but the moving stories and anecdotes really give flesh and life to this stimulating book.
Faith Works not only inspires the heart, but also presents the best practices of faith-based social justice efforts (including a helpful appendix of web sites) that are effecting social and political change throughout the U.S. and the world. Moving beyond direct service, Wallis confronts the social structures of injustice that abound– from sweatshops and corporate welfare to income inequality, international debt and globalization. His voice is reminiscent of the ancient Hebrew prophets– preaching justice for widows, orphans and aliens.
His is not a lonely voice, but is mingled with the stories of real people in the thick of the struggle giving witness to the Spirit that is moving throughout the land.
Steve Rall is a husband, father, and writer who has served in parish and diocesan ministries for 35 years, participated as a member of two Michigan Peace Team delegations to Chiapas, Mexico and is a national workshop leader for BeFriender Ministry. He recently returned from Guatemala where he and his two sons participated in an educational and cultural immersion experience.
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