Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land

by Joseph E. Lowery

From the earliest meetings of the Civil Rights Movement to offering the benediction for the first African American President of the United States, Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery has been an eyewitness to some of the most significant events in our history. But, more important, he has been a voice that speaks truth to power--inspiring change that moves us forward.

In Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land, you will find Dr. Lowery's most enduring speeches and messages from the past fifty years including Coretta Scott King's funeral and the benediction given at President Obama's inauguration. This book, however, is not simply a collection of words. It is the heart of a movement and a call to a new generation to carry the mantle--for all people.

Genres: Christian, History, Biography, African American, Nonfiction, Religion

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2011

Reviews

[Dewayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book captures essays from the thoughts, sermons, and words of inspiration from an American modern day hero, Reverend Joseph Lowery. He was a pillar to the civil rights movement era that ushered a new chapter for American history with racial inequality. The easy to read chapters reflects the continued cry for equality and progress to a country with so much power and influential. I found the messaging sad and uplifting as life in a strange land requires a mix of both realities. Grateful his words and wisdom were captured for us to learn and apply today. My favorite chapters were Boys to Men (17), Redwoods (22), and Rosa Parks memorial service. 

These essays are worth sharing down generation to understand how far we have made progress in the issue of racial equality with an eye forward to paths still unchartered.

[Adam Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

There just isn't much here. A standard progressive/liberal theology. But the sermons/talks/short articles are too little to develop much and many of them are rhetorically light. Designed to rile people up and get them energized, but not a lot of depth. I gave up 1/3 of the way through.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Powerful collection of sermons and speeches

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because this is a collection of sermons and writings from different occasions, there is a fair amount of repetition as Reverend Lowery has favorite themes and sentences and phrases that he uses frequently. While I admire his commitment to his beliefs and his courage in standing up for what he believes is right, I don't agree with many of his positions. The Bible tells us to provide for those in need, but I understand that to be a personal obligation for Christians. Reverend Lowery believes it is the responsibility of the government to see that all its citizens have adequate income, health insurance, and equity in everything. So I respect his willingness to march for civil rights and believe it is a responsibility of government to see that everyone has equal opportunity, but I don't agree with him that the government owes all its citizens equity in all things.

[Tee]

Loved it! Enjoyed the brief trip down "history lane."