{"id":3256,"date":"2013-10-25T16:07:09","date_gmt":"2013-10-25T21:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/hungerrumblings\/?p=3256"},"modified":"2013-10-25T16:07:09","modified_gmt":"2013-10-25T21:07:09","slug":"book-review-courage-to-think-differently","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/worldhunger\/book-review-courage-to-think-differently\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review: Courage to Think Differently"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"courage\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Lily R. Wu<\/em><\/p>\n

“To make a difference in solving the problem of hunger and poverty, we need to think differently,” says George S. Johnson, former director of the American Lutheran Church’s hunger program. “Jesus was constantly encouraging people to look at deeper questions that don\u2019t have easy answers.”<\/p>\n

Fresh, compelling anthology<\/b>
\nPastor Johnson’s new book, Courage to Think Differently<\/i>, is for people of faith who want to open up their thinking and explore new directions. We virtually “meet” more than 30 well-known thinkers and read their insights on the earth’s survival and our own. The compilation is so creative and spiritually compelling that it practically glows in my hands.<\/p>\n

The contributors are widely known for being prophetic in their fields.\u00a0 The presentations are brief.\u00a0 The book helps us get beyond vague wishing, to wrestle with what it means today to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).<\/p>\n

The essays are generally very readable — popularly written as I prefer, rather than heavily academic.\u00a0 Some will require more study on my part, and less study from readers more politically astute.\u00a0 That tells me I’m not going to outgrow this book for quite a while.<\/p>\n

I wouldn’t call it “light reading,” but I do enjoy how it seeks to be popular while not compromising on its content.\u00a0 The range is definitely broad.\u00a0 For example, a seasoned hunger advocate or professor might readily appreciate the two-page “Responses to World Hunger” Appendix chart as a teaching tool.\u00a0\u00a0 Others might need more explanation between the lines. But overall, I think the panoramic view is solid.<\/p>\n

Glen Gersmehl, national coordinator of Lutheran Peace Fellowship, says, \u201cThis is an extraordinary volume: inspiring, rewarding, even exhilarating.\u00a0 It stirs up fresh thinking and motivation.\u00a0 It reminds me of the very best collections I’ve ever read on important themes, like Paul Loeb\u2019s The Impossible Will Take a Little While.<\/i>\u00a0 And it\u2019s perfect for discussion groups, because the leader can assign some essays for advance reading while making others optional.\u00a0 We just ordered a couple of boxes for our core leaders and congregational forums.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sampling of authors<\/b>
\nExamples of contributors include Diana Butler Bass, Walter Brueggemann, Shane Claiborne, Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, David Korten, Brian McLaren, Bill Moyers, Larry Rasmussen, Vandana Shiva, Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, and Elie Wiesel.<\/p>\n

Contributor Frances Moore Lapp\u00e9, who also wrote the foreword, writes, “The world now calls us to go beyond beneficence, to stop berating ourselves for not being good enough and to get on with the task of being powerful enough: to embrace our fear and to join with others to use its energy.”<\/p>\n

Diversely helpful
\nPeace and justice newcomers<\/b> \u2013 and mentors<\/b> — will appreciate Appendix Teaching Aids such as “The Shakertown Pledge” (nine declarations for world citizens);\u00a0“How to Hang in There for the Long Haul” (21 notes for activists); and “10 Reasons for Choosing a Simpler Lifestyle.”<\/p>\n

Adult education groups<\/b> can study the Bible via “Rich Man and Lazarus;\u201d \u201cGod Takes Sides;\u201d and \u201cJesus and Biblical Interpretation.\u201d
\n
\nSeminarians, missional classes and pastor’s groups <\/b>can grapple with “The Peril of Worshiping Jesus;” “Idols in the Church;” “New Climate for Theology;” and “Remember the Poor.”<\/p>\n

Hunger and globally-minded advocates<\/b> can draw from “Taking Oppression Seriously;”\u00a0 “Destroying Small Farmers;” and “Down to Earth Economy” for their speaking and teaching.<\/p>\n

Experienced activists<\/b> can explore “Winner-Take-All Politics;” “Sacramentalism and Eco-Feminism;” and “Global Exploitation.”<\/p>\n

For anyone<\/b>, there’s “Appearing Before the Authorities;” “Letter from a Birmingham Jail;” and more.<\/p>\n

Caveats
\n<\/b>Johnson offers a few caveats.\u00a0 First, this book isn’t about giving pat answers or dispensing guilt.\u00a0 And though “things are not working” for most of God’s children and God’s creation, “more generosity is not the answer. A new mindset is called for, that asks questions such as \u2018Am I believing<\/i> in Christ, or following<\/i> Christ? ‘ ”<\/p>\n

He goes on to say\u00a0that not every reader will change, or needs to change. As contributor John Cobb, Jr., adds, think for yourself; you may come to “conclusions that are quite different from those presented.”<\/p>\n

How it’s organized<\/b>
\nSeven main section headings suggest the breadth and depth of the content: Irrelevant Religion and Idolatry, Exclusion and Thin Democracy, Biblical Certitudes and Ignorance, Individualism and Cheap Grace, Ecological Crisis and Greed, Silence and Job Insecurity, and Empire and Civil Religion.<\/p>\n

Some appendix entries were so good for new activists that they left me thirsting for more.\u00a0 The book is not always snappy and quick; it’s one to sit with and reflect on.\u00a0 But learning to grow in courage is important and takes time. At its best, this book is unusually engaging and definitely time well-invested.<\/p>\n

BOOK REVIEW<\/p>\n

Courage to Think Differently<\/em><\/p>\n

George S. Johnson<\/p>\n

2013 Adventure Publications<\/p>\n

ISBN 987-0-9703028-1-6<\/p>\n

Availability:\u00a0www.adventurepublications.net<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 (enter book title into search box).\u00a0 Also, signed copies available from lpf@ecunet.org<\/a> (as supplies last), $10 including p+h, or free with a contribution of $75 or more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reviewer Lily R. Wu is a web content writer-editor in New York City and a board member of Lutheran Peace Fellowship, based in Seattle.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Wu “To make a difference in solving the problem of hunger and poverty, we need to think differently,” says George S. 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