Deepening the Soul for Justice

by Bethany H. Hoang

The challenges of global injustice can be overwhelming. The pain is real; the violence dark. Many well-intentioned Christians get burned out. What can you do to stay in the game? Bethany Hoang, director of International Justice Mission's IJM Institute, has seen firsthand how spiritual formation can fuel our response to God's call to justice--from the inside out. Hoang shares spiritual practices honed on the frontlines of the fight for justice--guideposts for an inward journey that can propel a disciple outward, empowering the difficult work of justice. Seeking the God of justice can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and deeper personal discipleship. Discover spiritual disciplines for the justice-seeker and renew and invigorate your own justice journey. Includes questions for group discussion.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Justice

48 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2012

About the author

Bethany Hoang served as IJM’s Director of the Institute for Biblical Justice. Bethany leads the ongoing development and application of IJM’s biblical justice theology. She engages Christian leaders around the world and regularly speaks and writes on IJM’s behalf.

Bethany joined IJM in 2004, and in her previous role she led the vision and execution of IJM’s Global Prayer Gathering. Her first book, Deepening the Soul for Justice, introduces the critical connection between spiritual formation and persevering in the work of justice.

Bethany holds a B.A. in Religion and History from Miami University of Ohio, and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, where she received the distinguished Fellowship in Theology.

Reviews

[janice l. dimond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a small book that packs a punch. I read one chapter at a time, so I could absorb all the wisdom within the pages. This is one that I will read again and again!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard her speak at the IJM global prayer gathering 2013 - Lament, Station, Rejoice. Compelled by the biblical command to seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan and plead for the widow - Isiah 1:17.
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"God has called his people to the work of justice. At the end of the day, if our attempts to seek justice do not first begin with the work of prayer we will be worn and weary - not deeply satisfying, joy filled tiredness, but bone and soul crushing weariness.

This book invites you to join others - not in temporary reactive bursts but instead it invites you into a rhythm of spriritual disciplines that will ground your passion for justice in God as the very source or all that you do."

[Adam Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, though a short one, was bursting with practical wisdom. The author has spent years working with the International Justice Mission, so she has a true understanding of the immense amount of injustice around the world. Because of that understanding, she was able to bring clarity to what it takes for a follower of Christ, for anyone really, to be sustained in their pursuit of fighting injustice. As one who is emotionally and passionately drawn into the plight of the suffering, Hoang offered me practical and proven steps to avoid burning out and being filled with despair when the weight of the oppressed in our world finally settles in. If you plan on pursuing a career or lifestyle in fighting injustice, I recommend you put this book on the top of your list.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book surprised me. It challenges us to understand that fighting injustice requires a life of worship, study, prayer, and sabbath. It tells us that deepening our souls for justice requires deepening our souls for God. I expected a typical list of ways to engage injustice, and I was convicted to discover something very different.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and the authors practical focus on being intentional in our prayer and our hope in the King of Kings. It is too easy to despair when we look at the numbers and the reality of mans inhumanity to man - what can I do? But God takes our tiny voices and our small actions and expands their impact in incredible and tangible ways. Be intentional.

[Brooke Fradd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book like this is hard for me to rate/review. At under 50 pages, I feel calling it a "book" to be a stretch, but its certainly a deep/heavy topic.
I didn't really have much take away, but I hesitate to place that on the author. Perhaps had I read it more prayerfully, I would have had a different feeling on it.

[Amanda Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great place to start if you are a Christian who wants to know how to handle injustice, slavery, and other soul crushing atrocities. The books shows you how you can champion a cause long term. The answer is surprisingly simple and necessary.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains our faith - our hope - in a way that holds high the majesty of our God of justice. We do not act in faith to be 'good', but instead to worship and follow the mighty Lord who brings hope to the hopeless.

[Laverne Byas-smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deepening your soul for anything?... great wisdom and insight. Hoang calls us back to the disciplines and for the right purpose.

[Jenn Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!