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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
challenging
hopeful
reflective
I found this book to be a powerful read, with much food for thought throughout. As I am not gifted in writing full reviews for most nonfiction books, especially ones born out of the author's life experiences, I will simply bullet point my main take aways.
-Thurman offers some critique of the way, American's specifically, treat and handle mission work.
-His work addresses the issue many people take with POC accepting Christ and the religion of their oppressors. It also addresses why Christ is more than the poor example that has been set for him.
-It is worth noting as well, that Thurman does not address the divinity of Christ in this work, only his humanity. Knowing nothing else about Thurman's theology, I do not know if Thurman believed in the divinity of Christ or only saw him as a great teacher. While this is an important theological sticking point, I do not believe that it detracts from Thurman's discourse in this particular work as he is addressing the very human ways in which Christ could relate to the lives of the disinherited throughout history. And that is part of understanding Christ as fully God and fully man.
-Thurman offers some critique of the way, American's specifically, treat and handle mission work.
-His work addresses the issue many people take with POC accepting Christ and the religion of their oppressors. It also addresses why Christ is more than the poor example that has been set for him.
-It is worth noting as well, that Thurman does not address the divinity of Christ in this work, only his humanity. Knowing nothing else about Thurman's theology, I do not know if Thurman believed in the divinity of Christ or only saw him as a great teacher. While this is an important theological sticking point, I do not believe that it detracts from Thurman's discourse in this particular work as he is addressing the very human ways in which Christ could relate to the lives of the disinherited throughout history. And that is part of understanding Christ as fully God and fully man.
Reading Jesus and the Disinherited it is hard not to imagine Howard Thurman’s place in history. Originally published in 1949, Thurman has this brilliant ability to develop social context for himself, but those with their “back against the wall” during the eras present in the Bible and in his lifetime. The overall message of Jesus and the Disinherited is challenging, written about those constantly dealing with social and political oppression there is this challenge not be overcome by fear, deception, and hatred, but rather to embrace love for one’s enemies. Thurman recognizes this is not a pithy request, but rather this every present challenge to recognize the divine humanity in oneself and others.
I often found myself underlining entire paragraphs. I would love to drop a quote to just synthesize the book, but it does seem disrespectful. His thoughts present as very whole.
As I continue diving into theological reads, from people of color, throughout history, it grieves me today that much of what Thurman points to in this book remains so evident in the culture of the United States and more deeply the church culture of this country. However, Thurman acknowledges the disinherited with a dignity that is evident and calls us all into greater fellowship with humanity. It isn’t without cost, but he paints a picture that makes it seem worth it.
Finally, I know Thurman was one of MLK’s influences. So it is also amazing to see how audacious Thurman speaks and makes me realize that modern culture has neutered the strength and voice of Dr. King so much, into something that fits very well into white domination culture.
I often found myself underlining entire paragraphs. I would love to drop a quote to just synthesize the book, but it does seem disrespectful. His thoughts present as very whole.
As I continue diving into theological reads, from people of color, throughout history, it grieves me today that much of what Thurman points to in this book remains so evident in the culture of the United States and more deeply the church culture of this country. However, Thurman acknowledges the disinherited with a dignity that is evident and calls us all into greater fellowship with humanity. It isn’t without cost, but he paints a picture that makes it seem worth it.
Finally, I know Thurman was one of MLK’s influences. So it is also amazing to see how audacious Thurman speaks and makes me realize that modern culture has neutered the strength and voice of Dr. King so much, into something that fits very well into white domination culture.
Powerful and provocative. In reading not only do you see the foundation of MLK’s magnificent work, but the continuing need to change. It is a small brilliant work and worth the time both theologically and historically.
Vital reading that could have been penned today, not in 1949. Thurman provides vital context to the creation of the Good News, then illuminates the daily struggle of the disenfranchised. Every page of this slim book bristles with concise, profound insights into the gospel and its saving power within the conflict found in race and class.
Thurman created a paradigm-shifting book here. I’ve re-read many passages since I first picked it up earlier this month, and I’m still wrestling with much he has posed, particularly in the “Deception” chapter.
His premise is sound, and I think everyone would benefit from wrestling with this book and its implications. Doing so has already made a positive impact in my life.
His premise is sound, and I think everyone would benefit from wrestling with this book and its implications. Doing so has already made a positive impact in my life.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Just amazing. Hard to believe it was published in 1949 because so much of what he describes is so true today.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
This book is said to have inspired Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s letters from Birmingham Jail. This book looked at the social economical status of Jesus and how his teachings should be seen in light of this. A reminder of the call to empty oneself to elevate others and to realize the gospel is help us increase in might, but it’s for those who “have their back against the wall.”
It was sad to see some of the same struggles 80 years later, but thankful to have had other strides towards equality.
Read this book, digest the information, and remember the true message of the gospel.
It was sad to see some of the same struggles 80 years later, but thankful to have had other strides towards equality.
Read this book, digest the information, and remember the true message of the gospel.