Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver and her family move from Tucson, Arizona to a family farm in Virginia in order to spend a year living local: growing their own food and supporting local farmers. A compelling and informative blend of personal narrative, ecological treatise, and homespun recipes, this book takes a critical look at America's eating habits, and finds joy in living out the solution.
Hope in Troubled Times: A New Vision for Confronting Global Crises - Goudzwaard
A call to work together and live unselfishly in a world of terrorism, poverty, and environmental degradation. Provides practical ideas for knocking down the idols in our lives.
Radical Hope: Ethics in the Face of Cultural Devastation - Lear
The last great chief of the Crow people recounted the story of how “when the buffalo went away the hearts of my people fell to the ground, and they could not lift them up again. After this nothing happened.” In this insightful and compelling book, University of Chicago philosopher Jonathan Lear offers valuable insight into the humility and grace with which cultures can anticipate their own destruction, and yet emerge whole.
Read in HNGR 494, HNGR Capstone Seminar
Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision of Justice, Peace, and Healing - Katongole & Rice
A wonderful collaborative essay by a Ugandan Catholic theologian and an American Protestant lay practitioner. The book weaves together a bold hope and vision for reconciliation as a distinctly Christian and God-centered mandate of transformed relationships.
Africa's Moment - Ondeng
Pete Ondeng, a Kenyan entrepreneur and specialist in economic development, challenges popular thinking about Africa and presents a refreshing optimism about the continent's future.
The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It - Collier
Development to a Different Drummer: Anabaptist/Mennonite Experiences and Perspectives - Yoder, Redekop, & Jantzi
Are Mennonites, known around the world as caring and ethical people, successful practitioners of development? A refreshing view of sensitive and effective development work.
The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time - Sachs
Jeffrey Sachs puts forth a plan to end world poverty by 2025. Sachs outlines in detail the nine steps needed to acheive this goal. This hopeful work makes the end of poverty not only desirable, but realistic.
Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism - Robbins
This text provides the anthropological, economic, and historical context necessary to understand global problems, and why globalization and capitalism have generated protest and resistance.
The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community - Korten
Korten traces the historical progress of Empire and asserts that we can turn away from it. He argues that "Earth Community," an egalitarian, sustainable ordering of human society on democratic principles is in fact possible.
Inspiring Progress: Religions' Contributions to Sustainable Development - Gardner
In the face of hunger, injustice, and poverty, religious people and institutions are developing initiatives to care for the environment and change the distribution of wealth in the world.
Missions and Money: Affluence as a Western Missionary Problem - Bonk
Jonathan Bonk explores the impact of missionaries' affluence on their ministry among the poor. Bonk's Mennonite heritage informs his insightful exploration of this important issue.
Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective
Rural Development: Putting the Last First - Chambers
Chambers challenges preconceptions dominating rural development, and looks at how rural poverty is often unseen and misperceived by those who are not themselves rural and poor. He argues for fundamental reversals in outsiders' learning, values, and behavior that allows for more realistic action in addressing rural poverty.
The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good - Easterly
A rigorous study of the overall failure of the attempts of the North to transplant its institutions on the South and propel economic, social and political development.
Chameleon Days: An American Boyhood in Ethiopia - Bascom
Chameleon Days chronicles a HNGR alum's childhood in Ethiopia and the multiple cultural contexts in which he was immersed. His book is one that gives profound, often understated, glimpses into cultural engagement to which many of us will deeply relate.
Evangelicals and Empire: Christian Alternatives to the Political Status Quo - Benson & Heltzel
Edited by Wheaton professor Bruce Ellis Benson and HNGR alumnus Peter Heltzel, his collection considers empire from a global perspective, exploring the role of evangelicals in political, social, and economic engagement. It brings noted thinkers from a range of evangelical perspectives together to engage the most discussed theorists of empire in the first decade of the twenty-first century--Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri. Using their work as a springboard, the contributors grapple with the concept of empire and how evangelicalism should operate in the world of empire.
Jesus and Justice: Evangelicals, Race, and American Politics - Heltzel
This book investigates the increasing visibility and influence of evangelical Christians in recent American politics with a focus on racial justice. Heltzel contends that the political motives and actions of evangelical groups are founded upon their conceptions of Jesus Christ and traces the roots of contemporary evangelical politics to the prophetic black Christianity tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the socially engaged evangelical tradition of Carl F. H. Henry.
Simpler Living, Compassionate Life - Schut, Editor
An excellent collection of essays compiled by a HNGR Alumnus, this book provides practical wisdom and advice for those seeking to live simply and responsibly in today's complex global system. Writings by Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, Cecile Andrews, and others are included, as well as a helpful study guide.
Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, and Truth in the Immigration Debate - Soerens & Hwang
A legal, historical, and Biblical perspective on the immigration debate woven together with the narratives of refugees and immigrants. HNGR Alumnus Matt Soerens and his World Relief co-worker, Jenny Hwang, provide readers with an overview of the current system and practical suggestions on serving our new neighbors through concrete actions and policy reform.
Evangelicals at a Crossroads: Revivalism and Social Reform in Boston, 1860-1910 - Hartley
Benjamin L. Hartley brings to light the little-known story of relative latecomers to Boston's religious scene: Methodist, Salvation Army, Baptist, and nondenominational Christians. Focusing on Congregationalists and Roman Catholics, Boston urban historians have largely overlooked these groups. Hartley, however, sheds light on the role of immigrant evangelical leaders from Italy, Sweden, and elsewhere in revivalism and social reform in postbellum Boston. Further, examining the contested nature of revivalism and social reform in a particular, local nineteenth-century context provides a basis for understanding the roots of current divisions in American Protestantism and the contentious role of evangelical religion in American politics. Hartley documents the importance of the American holiness movement as a precursor to the significant presence of Pentecostal groups in urban America, adding an important historical context for evangelical social action today.
Acts: The Gospel of the Spirit - Gonzalez
An insightful examination of the book of Acts in its social context. The Biblical text is explicated both in terms of its social and theological implications.
Colossians Remixed - Walsh & Keesmaat
A powerful new reading of the message of Colossians. The authors present a timely exposition of how the Church has become a captive of culture, assert the sovereignty of Christ over global consumerism, and offer practical ways of living out that sovereignty in the context of compassionate community. One of the few major theological works from a Hispanic Protestant tradition, this insightful book weaves the contemporary Hispanic struggle with the Christian tradition.
Liberating Jonah: Forming an Ethics of Reconciliation - de la Torre
De La Torre liberates the biblical narrative of Jonah to a fresh understanding of the role of those who are excluded, oppressed, and victimized by empire, as God's instruments of reconciliation and forgiveness. A fresh vision of the 'upside-down' nature of the Kingdom!
Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective
Manana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective - Gonzalez
One of the few major theological works from a Hispanic Protestant tradition, this insightful book weaves the contemporary Hispanic struggle with the Christian tradition.
Change Across Cultures: A Narrative Approach to Social Transformation - Bradshaw
Examines how Christians should respond when poverty, injustice, violence, oppression exist despite the growth of the Church. Bradshaw calls Christians to bear witness to the whole Gospel, which includes the transformation of cultures and ecological stewardship.
Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility - Elmer
Elmer offers helpful insights on how to relate cross-culturally without inadvertently communicating superiority, paternalism, and arrogance. Advice for all who want to serve internationally with discretion and grace.
After the Locusts: Letters from a Landscape of Faith - Ackermann
"None of us can be too comfortable with power and influence, nor can we afford to be smug, for we stand under the judgment of the cross of Jesus who emptied himself and took on the form of a servant and was obedient even to death, yes, death on the cross." From the Forward by Desmond Tutu
Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective
Can You Drink the Cup? - Nouwen
Nouwen uses the metaphor of the cup for the spiritual life. In holding, lifting, and drinking the cup, Christ set an example for us by his perfect life. We too must be willing to drink the cup of both joy and sorrow.
Christianity Rediscovered - Donovan
The story of how an American missionary "rediscovered" the Gospel message among the Masai in Tanzania.
Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective
Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life - Nouwen
A powerful call to radical Christ-centered compassion. Nouwen asserts that only by emptying ourselves can we truly love others.
Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective
The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South - Jenkins
The author of The Next Christendom takes a closer look at Christianity in the Global South: its focus on the Bible and fresh internpretations of ancient truths.
A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey - McLaren
A tale of spiritual renewal that looks at genuine faith and goodness in the midst of everyday life. A refreshing conversation about faith, doubt, reason, and spirituality in the modern world.
The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity - Jenkins
Jenkins offers an insightful look at Christianity in the Global South, with its emphases on the Holy Spirit, justice, and social liberation. He compellingly traces world Christianity's shift from the West to the Global South.
One World or Many? The Impact of Globalisation on Mission - Tiplady
Instead of emphasizing the political and economic aspects of globalization, this work examines the more influential social and cultural issues. Explores the impact of globalization on the more traditional questions of Christian mission.
Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel Beyond the West - Sanneh
A stirring look at the growth of global Christianity, with a focus on the Church in the Global South. An excellent resource on the relationship between religion and politics and the place of Christianity in today's world.
Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit - Quinn
One of the most captivating and bestselling novels of spiritual adventure ever written.
Read in HNGR 494, HNGR Capstone Seminar
Nectar in a Sieve - Markandaya
A semi-autobiographical novel about a woman named Rukmani living in India during a period of urbanization and development. The book tells the story of the hardships endured by herself and her family, and their enduring hope.
Read in HNGR 112, Third World Issues
A Time for My Singing: Witness of a Life - Jayasuriya
"I come from a land of rich, ancient, and diverse cultures and traditions. While I carry the enriching influences of both West and East, I express myself through an Asian and Christian consciousness with respect for all confessions of religious faith," says Nalini Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka. Her book offers richly diverse and evocative expressions of faith from an Asian perspective. Her reminisces are included.
Christ on the Bangkok Road: the Art of Sawai Chinnawong
Sawai Chinnawong, of Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, is known for portraying Christianity through a Thai graphic idiom. Sawai is an ethnic Mon whose Buddhist ancestors migrated to Thailand from Myanmar. His drawings and paintings, inspired by traditional art from central Thailand, reflect a deep Christian faith.
For the Least of These: The Art of Soichi Watanabe
Soichi Watanabe, whose art was hailed by Christianity Today as “The Good News in Oil and Acrylic,” is a member of the Asian Christian Art Association and a native of Japan. His paintings have been displayed in numerous solo exhibitions, including “Prayer for Peace” at the Ein Karem Gallery, Tokyo, in 2006, and “The Prodigal Son Returns” at Yale University Institute of Sacred Music, in 2009. For the Least of These is a colorful rendition of his evocative creativity.
Reflections on God's Redeeming Love - Varghese
Painting and drawing has been the great passion for as long as Hanna Cheriyan Varghese can remember. Presently Hanna, who is from Selangor, Malaysia, dyes batik cloth pictures and paints with acrylics. "This is my way of witnessing for Christ for the gift I have been blessed with," she says. Hanna was coordinator of the Malaysian Christian Artists Fellowship, and was a Committee Member of the Asian Christian Art Association (1998-2003). Her work has been featured by In God's Image, the journal of the Asian Women's Resource Center for Culture and Theology; IMAGE, publication of the Council of Churches of Malaysia News, as well as by the Christian Council of Asia News, The Upper Room, and Augsburg Fortress, and others.
Think on These Things: Harmony and Diversity - Sasongko
"I paint what I can see, what I can touch, what I can feel—a utopia of love expressed in the reality of life. All of that inspires me in my artistic way," says Wisnu Sasongko, a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Art, Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta. This book includes "All Dreams Connected," a 28-minute DVD about Sasongko and his art.
Where God Is: The Paintings of Emmanuel Garibay
Emmanuel Garibay, Overseas Ministries Study Center’s 2010–11 resident artist, is a Philippine painter known as much for his expressionist figurative style as for the content of many of his works, which often express a keen social and political consciousness.
African Cry - Ela
A clear, compelling, and above all African liberation theology.
The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times: New Perspectives on the Transformative Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola - Brackley
This book about personal and social change is written for everyone, no matter where they are on their spiritual journeys. Brackley shows how the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola can be useful for developing a theology of social engagement.
Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor - Lupton
An excellent resource for anyone interested in doing urban ministry, or any type of ministry for that matter. Full of practical examples from a lifetime of service among the poor.
Interpreter of Maladies - Lahiri
A collection of well-written, bittersweet short stories featuring Asian and American characters living in London, India, Pakistan, and the U.S. who find themselves in situations we can all relate to.
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust - Ilibaziga
Ilibaziga was 22 years old when the genocide began. She survived by spending 91 agonizing days hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women. This firsthand account of the Rwandan genocide is eloquent and compelling--a must read.
Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade--and How We Can Fight It - Batsone
A heart-wrenching and well-documented account of the horror of human trafficking.
Religious No More: Building Communities of Grace and Freedom - Baker
Based off ten years of missionary experience in Honduras at churches born out of North American mission work, Baker suggests North American Christians may detect fallacies in their “gospel” by examining how it plays out under the challenges of poverty, injustice and entrenched religiosity. He then turns to the book of Galatians as a basis for forming communities marked by grace and freedom.
Surprised by Hope - Wright
Drawing together history, theology, ontology, and spirituality, Wright critiques the mainstream Christian understanding of the afterlife, and demonstrates how a corrected understanding of the crucial doctrine of resurrection is key to reordering our lives around the Kingdom and living in true hope.