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4.5 AVERAGE
4.5 AVERAGE
“It cannot be denied that too often the weight of the Christian movement has been on the side of the strong and the powerful and against the weak and oppressed—this, despite the gospel.” ~ Howard Thurman
The more I read from Howard Thurman, the more I am impressed and depressed over how relevant his words first written in the late 1940s are to 2021.
Even as I read his beautiful words I cringed at how they could be taken out of context and used to beat Black Christians over the head with in the name of unity. Thurman was writing TO Black Christians in the midst of Jim Crow America on how to maintain their spirit in the face of unyielding oppression. His sermons on forgiveness and love and hate were not written to excuse white Christians from consequences, they were written to strengthen the souls of the disinherited. We know historically how the church has been and is being used to repress people of color. And yet we also know, that Jesus of Nazareth is firmly standing beside the disinherited.
The more I read from Howard Thurman, the more I am impressed and depressed over how relevant his words first written in the late 1940s are to 2021.
Even as I read his beautiful words I cringed at how they could be taken out of context and used to beat Black Christians over the head with in the name of unity. Thurman was writing TO Black Christians in the midst of Jim Crow America on how to maintain their spirit in the face of unyielding oppression. His sermons on forgiveness and love and hate were not written to excuse white Christians from consequences, they were written to strengthen the souls of the disinherited. We know historically how the church has been and is being used to repress people of color. And yet we also know, that Jesus of Nazareth is firmly standing beside the disinherited.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
reflective
medium-paced
Beautifully poetic, poignantly insightful, a little problematic in terms of 1950s masculinity, but still well worth the read.
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
This is certainly a book that followers of Jesus should read. Particularly American Christians. as Howard Thurman's words are powerful reminders of the inequities as fallen people. The only reason I didn't give the book a 5 star rating is because I already know that this book will become a yearly read. The concepts discussed in the book are big and deep, it automatically lends itself to a 2nd read.
challenging
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
Some interesting ideas. Thurman is a very deep theological thinker. Like many manifestations of the social justice gospel, Jesus' divinity is largely ignored. Principles are gleaned from his teaching and interaction with others. Jesus' work on the cross to redeem us and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit are rarely mentioned. Thurman is at his best when he gives the reader insight into the mind of the disinherited. That perspective was very helpful. In the end it left me wanting.
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
This is in my Top 3 most influential theology books of all-time, for me personally.
Re-reading with a group of pastors in the time we're in, and finishing up the reading on Election Day in particular, was quite an experience.
Re-reading with a group of pastors in the time we're in, and finishing up the reading on Election Day in particular, was quite an experience.
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced