Divine Rebels: American Christian Activists for Social Justice

by Deena Guzder, Roger S. Gottlieb (Afterword), Shane Claiborne (Foreword)

Divine Rebels chronicles the extraordinary efforts of American Christian activists who agitate for a world free of racism, patriarchy, bigotry, retribution, ecocide, torture, poverty, and militarism. 

While pundits speak of the “Religious Right,” this is the underreported story of American Christians who are progressive because they are religious. They don’t see themselves simply performing good work, but Godly work. They believe in a community based on ethics, a world with infinite potential for improvement, and an inclusive God of love. These rabble-rousers are small in number, and their efficacy is best measured on the margins, but they are part and parcel of an American tradition that began with the nation’s earliest Quaker abolitionists.

By profiling social justice activists on the frontlines of the “Christian Left” since the 1960s, Divine Rebels articulates a forward-thinking, faith-based alternative to both the conservative drone warping religion as well as the political left’s alienating cynicism.

Genres: Religion, Theology

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Chelsea Michaels Rathke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this only knowing Shane Claiborne, but I am so thankful to have now been introduced to such a diverse and inspiring group of 'modern day saints'. Growing up in the religious right, I became accustomed to a faith emmeshed with political agendas and adapted freely in the pursuit of power. This book stands in stark contrast to this; many of these individuals in the book often found themselves outcasts and enemies of the political elites as they followed their convictions, which is reminiscent of the way Jesus was seen in his time. It was particularly refreshing to read the accounts of people who pursued justice not in spite of their religion but BECAUSE of their religion. The author is not herself religious, but she is true to her subjects and seems to understand the integral role faith can have in inspiring people to sacrifice for others. The story of Roy Bourgeois, a priest who spent significant time in Vietnam and El Salvador, affected me the most and had me in tears every time I thought back to his experiences. This book is radical, at times brutal, and challenges religious and political complacency in so many ways.

[Leroy Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book, and I wish I could give it 4.5 stars. (On principle, I don't rate any but the most outstanding books give stars.)

One thing that makes it so interesting is the author's faith position. But even though she is not a Christian, she writes in highly positive terms about the ten Christian activists she writes about. She was born in 1984 to Zoroastrian parents, but she includes herself in "the secular left."

I was impressed that someone who is not a Christian could write so positively, and so well, about Christians working for social justice.