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Justice in the Burbs: Being the Hands of Jesus Wherever You Live
In the suburban world of nice homes, neat lawns, and new cars, it can be easy to forget about social justice issues. Life keeps us busy, and the poor and disenfranchised of our world are invisible as we go from our garage to our workplace and back again. But suburbanites can be a force for social justice in the world.
In this unique book, readers will take a journey with a young couple from the 'burbs as they learn to notice and act on the issues of justice that abound no matter where you live. This engaging narrative helps readers kiss apathy and ignorance goodbye in favor of a life of concern and action in order to help our fellow human beings.
In this unique book, readers will take a journey with a young couple from the 'burbs as they learn to notice and act on the issues of justice that abound no matter where you live. This engaging narrative helps readers kiss apathy and ignorance goodbye in favor of a life of concern and action in order to help our fellow human beings.
204 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2007
6 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 31, 2009
I recently just finished reading this book as part of a book club and as a follow up to Rob Bell's "Jesus Wants to Save Christians". I did not really enjoy the Rob Bell book - it was challenging, which was fine, but I found that I did not agree with much of it's theology. "Justice in the Burbs" does a much better job about backing up it's theology, though there were still things that I did not agree with. But that is ok - I don't always have to agree with everything that I read.
It is a challenging book and definitely makes one think about what living justly looks like. I also liked the clear and concrete ways that the authors gave for living justly, which was something that I thought was lacking in the Rob Bell book.
I think where the danger lies with social justice is when it becomes our faith, instead of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, honestly I don't think I would realize why caring for the poor is important, or why the products I by matter, or why the way I care for the environment or live in my home, with my eyes and ears open to my neighbors. But because of this faith I say that I have, there are teachings of Jesus that I need to respond to. And practicing social justice is a way to live out and practice this faith.
The way that the book was written was interesting - each section was divided into a fictional story, a teaching, and a meditation piece. Each part was really interesting, short, and easy to get through. It's not going to knock your socks off with its prose but it's content will definitely make you think. And any book that does that, has done it's job in my opinion.
It is a challenging book and definitely makes one think about what living justly looks like. I also liked the clear and concrete ways that the authors gave for living justly, which was something that I thought was lacking in the Rob Bell book.
I think where the danger lies with social justice is when it becomes our faith, instead of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, honestly I don't think I would realize why caring for the poor is important, or why the products I by matter, or why the way I care for the environment or live in my home, with my eyes and ears open to my neighbors. But because of this faith I say that I have, there are teachings of Jesus that I need to respond to. And practicing social justice is a way to live out and practice this faith.
The way that the book was written was interesting - each section was divided into a fictional story, a teaching, and a meditation piece. Each part was really interesting, short, and easy to get through. It's not going to knock your socks off with its prose but it's content will definitely make you think. And any book that does that, has done it's job in my opinion.
June 7, 2020
For believers in Jesus who live comfortably (in the burbs or even in the comfy parts of urban areas) and wonder how they can meaningfully engage in a life of justice, this is an honest, graceful manual for taking your first (or next) tentative steps into a fuller life of faith.
June 21, 2012
Actually, 2.5 stars.
I was so looking forward to this book. A lifelong "burb" dweller, I have often chafed at the idea that the suburbs are a perfect haven where God is present, no one is hurting, and "others" are more in need of our grace, mercy and good works. I firmly believe that human pain is human pain, whether it comes from someone a million miles away or the family next door. Our job is to eradicate it, not to judge who is more "deserving" of our efforts.
The subtitle of this book is what drew me in: "Being the hands of Jesus wherever you live."
BUT... I was taken aback to see the the first 3/4 of this book seemed to berate suburbanites for their physical comfort (the authors even took to task garage door openers on page 58, and express thinly disguised disgust at parking lots full of high-end cars on page 56).
I was already on edge and on the defensive, and I was only in Chapter 3!
The next few chapters continued on in the same vein, talking about opening our eyes to suffering of those less economically well-off, and reminding us that the excuses of being too busy, or fearing for our personal safety, were merely excuses. Always a good reminder... but what happened to the idea of serving the Lord where we are?
Thank goodness, in Chapter 9 the promise made in the subtitle was fulfilled, and we were told to bloom where we're planted. We were given specific ideas for reaching out to our neighbors, and I was reminded that I don't really know the people next door or across the street. THIS was what I had been looking for! Not an excuse to continue my current comfortable life, but specific ideas as to how I could spread God's love HERE and NOW without selling my house, pulling my kids from school, and moving to an urban area (which was explored in earlier chapters).
I have to say, though, that the suggestion to "shower less" as a way to serve God was a total clunker. Just because I don't work on a farm or factory doesn't mean I don't need a daily cleansing. My 14-year-old son certainly would clear the house without a morning shower! (In addition to being a tad silly, it's suggestions like these that will turn people off from the rest of the valuable message).
I wish that the whole book had been more focused on being Jesus' hands and feet IN the suburbs, rather than suggesting we need to look elsewhere for people to help. In fact, this is almost two books -- one on doing good works external to where you live, and the last fourth on blooming where you're planted. I was looking for the latter.
If anyone knows of any books that focus on that topic, I'd love to hear. I'm still looking for ways to involve my kids in God's work.
I was so looking forward to this book. A lifelong "burb" dweller, I have often chafed at the idea that the suburbs are a perfect haven where God is present, no one is hurting, and "others" are more in need of our grace, mercy and good works. I firmly believe that human pain is human pain, whether it comes from someone a million miles away or the family next door. Our job is to eradicate it, not to judge who is more "deserving" of our efforts.
The subtitle of this book is what drew me in: "Being the hands of Jesus wherever you live."
BUT... I was taken aback to see the the first 3/4 of this book seemed to berate suburbanites for their physical comfort (the authors even took to task garage door openers on page 58, and express thinly disguised disgust at parking lots full of high-end cars on page 56).
I was already on edge and on the defensive, and I was only in Chapter 3!
The next few chapters continued on in the same vein, talking about opening our eyes to suffering of those less economically well-off, and reminding us that the excuses of being too busy, or fearing for our personal safety, were merely excuses. Always a good reminder... but what happened to the idea of serving the Lord where we are?
Thank goodness, in Chapter 9 the promise made in the subtitle was fulfilled, and we were told to bloom where we're planted. We were given specific ideas for reaching out to our neighbors, and I was reminded that I don't really know the people next door or across the street. THIS was what I had been looking for! Not an excuse to continue my current comfortable life, but specific ideas as to how I could spread God's love HERE and NOW without selling my house, pulling my kids from school, and moving to an urban area (which was explored in earlier chapters).
I have to say, though, that the suggestion to "shower less" as a way to serve God was a total clunker. Just because I don't work on a farm or factory doesn't mean I don't need a daily cleansing. My 14-year-old son certainly would clear the house without a morning shower! (In addition to being a tad silly, it's suggestions like these that will turn people off from the rest of the valuable message).
I wish that the whole book had been more focused on being Jesus' hands and feet IN the suburbs, rather than suggesting we need to look elsewhere for people to help. In fact, this is almost two books -- one on doing good works external to where you live, and the last fourth on blooming where you're planted. I was looking for the latter.
If anyone knows of any books that focus on that topic, I'd love to hear. I'm still looking for ways to involve my kids in God's work.
February 24, 2014
This is a thought-provoking, easy-to-read book about moving from apathy to compassion. It provides good encouragement for living intentionally in both the big and small things of life. It will help to open your eyes and heart to the opportunities all around you to love your neighbors and to fight for justice right where you are. Overall, a good discussion on what it looks like to share in God's concern for those in need.
March 9, 2010
The Samsons’ book is part fiction, part real-life account of how families are attempting to be Jesus and bring justice to those in their communities who have experienced so much injustice. The fictional part is “okay” but brings to light issues that are discussed and reflected on further by the authors, who have traveled their own journey of bringing about social justice, despite their suburban location and lifestyle.
December 19, 2011
I was disappointed in this book. Will & Lisa do make it clear at the start that it isn't a how-to book, but how-to is kind of what I was looking for. There was very little in the way of practical suggestions and ideas. Most people who pick up this book would already be on board with the idea of justice, so they wouldn't need convincing; how-to is what's left!
In addition, the fiction that started each section was not engaging. This surprised me, because I have liked Lisa's novels very much.
In addition, the fiction that started each section was not engaging. This surprised me, because I have liked Lisa's novels very much.
September 9, 2009
Definitely worth the read; lots of good stuff in here. Although at first I wasn't so sure about the "fiction" part of it, it grows on you and helps support the nonfiction essays and research. Makes you think about what you are/are not doing locally, regionally, and globally to promote justice, but not in a guilt-trip kind of way. Great to read in a group and discuss together!
January 23, 2012
This book has much to offer in the way of suggestions for how to be the hands of Christ in your community. I'm not enamored with the overuse of the word "justice" that runs through the book--I think compassion would have been better. There are also some tangents on environmentalism that will lose some folks, but overall a worthwhile read.
March 3, 2008
Great concept, good info...but fairly poor writing. Instead of reading this, I would recommend this one instead.
July 1, 2008
This book was hard to get through at first, but the last two chapters really make up for a tough initial read. After I closed it, I was challenged, but really reaffirmed things that other books have implanted in my mind.
November 12, 2008
Fun, thoughtful book on living justly in the suburbs. Don't, however, attempt to save the environment by filling your washer with less water than necessary. The repair bill and clean up aren't worth it.
April 28, 2009
This was a nice book. For me, it did not provide very much new information but echoed a lot of the feelings and thoughts that I already had. Good to know I'm not alone struggling to find meaning in the suburbs.
May 25, 2009
I liked it...a little simplistic but a good resource or starting point for thoughts and conversation amongst people just beginning to explore social justice from the comfort of their own homes and churches.
July 20, 2012
A strong commentary on living out a life of justice no matter where you find yourself. If you can move beyond the seemingly endless illustrations that lead off each chapter you will quickly find fruit worth picking.
October 2, 2007
Interesting format--part narrative, part non-fiction. Some good thoughts for those who are trying to be less insular in their suburban perches.
February 19, 2008
This wasn't quite the quick and easy read I was told it would be, but it was worth reading. Lots to think about and "chew" on.
January 26, 2009
Great book on how to live a life that's different than the norm. these people move out of the suburbs and into the lives of people that need them most. i enjoyed this book.
February 24, 2009
A book I probably could have written, but it does have an interesting set up with the blend of fiction and non.
Want to read
May 7, 2009for spring '09 VOM
November 20, 2009
Loved this book. Love the interwoven fictional story about a family and how they get involved in serving those in need and how it changed the course of their life.
July 26, 2013
Well written and well put together. Loved it!
July 16, 2008
helped me deal w/ guilt of living in suburbs
Want to read
April 8, 2019Picked up a copy of this for ¢50 at a used book sale; the title was interesting & sounded like something I would like. I’ve never heard of the book or its authors before, and the reviews aren’t exactly awe-inspiring. We’ll see if I ever get around to actually reading it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews