Can I Get a Witness?: Thirteen Peacemakers, Community-Builders, and Agitators for Faith and Justice

by Charles Marsh (Editor), Shea Tuttle (Editor), Daniel P. Rhodes (Editor)

How do we transform American Culture through our religious convictions?   Discover here the compelling stories of thirteen pioneers for social justice who engaged in peaceful protest and gave voice to the marginalized, working courageously out of their religious convictions to transform American culture. Their prophetic witness still speaks today.  Comprising a variety of voices—Catholic and Protestant, gay and straight, men and women of different racial backgrounds—these activist witnesses represent the best of the church’s peacemakers, community builders, and inside agitators. Written by select authors,  Can I Get a Witness?  showcases vibrant storytelling and research-enriched narrative to bring these significant “peculiar people” to life. CONTRIBUTORS & Daniel P. Rhodes on  Cesar Chavez
Donyelle McCray on  Howard Thurman
Grace Y. Kao on  Yuri Kochiyama
Peter Slade on  Howard Kester
Nichole M. Flores on  Ella Baker
Carlene Bauer on  Dorothy Day
Heather A. Warren on  John A. Ryan
Becca Stevens on  William Stringfellow
W. Ralph Eubanks on  Mahalia Jackson
Susan M. Glisson and Charles H. Tucker on  Lucy Randolph Mason
Soong-Chan Rah on  Richard Twiss
David Dark on  Daniel Berrigan
M. Therese Lysaught on  Mary Stella Simpson

Genres: Biography, Social Justice, Nonfiction, Theology, Religion, Politics

368 pages, Hardcover

Published February 28, 2019

About the author

Marsh is professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia and director of the research community "Project on Lived Theology." He is the author of eight books, including "God's Long Summer: Stories of Faith and Civil Rights," which won the 1998 Grawemeyer Award in Religion. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Becky Schamore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling read, written by thirteen different authors about the activists that inspire them. Some of the essays drag a bit while others are more engaging, but there is so much information here about what has been done and what still needs to be done to transform America. The peacemakers of the title are definitely role models for faith and activism.

[Kara Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book. At a time when we see the American church grasping for power in any way it can - disassociating with the revolutionary gospel of Jesus in the process - it is good to be reminded of the lives of Christ followers who fought against the system. Who aligned themselves with the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten. Who worked to bring God’s kingdom in the face of what seems to be insurmountable injustice and oppression. This book gave me so much hope and peace. Highly, highly, highly recommend.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite a few mixed feelings, I am grateful this book exists. I’d recommend it for two particular groups of readers. One, if you’ve recently heard about the Christian Left, and want to know more about the intellectual history of this movement, you’ll find it roughly outlined here. Two, if you believe that Christianity has only ever offered one answer to the question of political involvement (the Religious Right model), these biographical essays will enlighten and encourage. Caveat #1 is that, with a high level of scholarship throughout, this book can sometimes feel a little too academic and dry; some essays engage much more than others. And caveat #2, the point of view here assumes a certain theological liberalism, downplaying the atoning work of Jesus, minimizing the supernatural. That’s not a criticism so much as a wish that more space could be granted for Christians of a more traditional or fundamentalist bent who are equally involved in the work of justice.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this compilation of stories about change activists, you will be inspired to action! Some of the people in this book are widely know such as Doris Day, Ella Baker and Cesar Chavez, others are not as known but just as remarkable. Their backgrounds are just as varied as their religious convictions and the causes that they championed. The stories about regular people who did anything but regular are articulated beautifully by the 13 different authors featured. Something that sets this book apart from others is that a podcast series is available free of charge that has a live interview with each author. Shea Tuttle, one of the editors of the book, has a beautiful conversation with each author that helps us go even deeper into the personal life of the activists featured in the book. These are delightful and enlightening to listen to wherever podcasts are available.
The editors of this book are a part of something larger at UVA called, The Project on Lived Theology set out to celebrate the tradition of Christian social progressives in the United States and certainly exceeded that lofty goal! Thank you for sharing the history of these pioneers in social justice that is much needed in these trying times!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought it for Howard Kester, a distant relative of mine (and Cesar Chavez) but love the whole idea. An incredible work from Charles Marsh and the Univ of Virginia team. They have a podcast that interviews each of the contributors to this book and a social media presence using the name "lived theology" good stuff to follow.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was glad to learn about these people of faith who have been strong advocates for justice. Some of the chapters were more interesting than others, and some of the subjects resonated with me more than others. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Cesar Chavez, Lucy Randolph Mason, and Mary Stella Simpson.

[Carla Cable · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the stories of 13 different people who were all advocates for justice. Some of the stories will stay with me more than others; Cesar Chavez, Mary Stella Simpson. I just wonder, who within our times will be the future persons to be written about? Who amongst us will be remembered for holiness and infectious love?

[Sarah M. Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved “meeting” this group of movers and shakers who have made a difference in the name of Jesus for the poor and oppressed. Their stories inspire hope and spur on readers to mirror their courageous, active faith.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring collective biography of thirteen men and women who devoted their lives to activism and social justice, each motivated by their deep religious convictions.