Cloud Of Witnesses

by Jim Wallis (Editor), Joyce Hollyday (Editor)

Introduces a company of modern witnesses--saints, peacemakers, and martyrs who have embodied the gospel challenge our time: From Dietrich Bonhoeffer, martyr to the Nazis to Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and prophet of peace: to Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others, from around the world.

Genres: Social Justice, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology

310 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

About the author

JIM WALLIS is a globally respected writer, teacher, preacher, justice advocate, regular international commentator on ethics and public life, and mentor for a new generation. He is a New York Times bestselling author of twelve books, including Christ in Crisis, America's Original Sin, God's Politics and The Great Awakening. Wallis is the Founder of Sojourners. He served on President Obama's White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and has taught faith and public life courses at Harvard and Georgetown University. "Coach Jim" also served for 22 seasons as a Little League coach for his two baseball playing sons.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot reading this one. Some of the vignettes were better written and more interesting than others, but overall, very inspiring.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took my time digesting this book and looked many of the individuals up to learn more of their story. I thought the book would be more of a missionary type of book. It is not, in a traditional sense. They are people from every walk of life who have given of themselves for change to the people, even at great cost. Some to please God. Some because it was the right thing to do. St Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther King Jr, Sojourner Truth, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer are the only 4 that I knew by name. A handful more I remember the news stories when televised or in the paper from Colombia, etc wherever the incidents happened. I'm now old enough to appreciate another look at this time in history and who the people are. I fell in love with two that I found biographies of online and ordered just to learn more. Only God truly knows the heart, but I believe what this book wants us to know is to get behind a cause because God uses people right where they are. Fighting for social justice through various forms of activism is always right when your choices and passion are from the heart. If we do what's well in the name of Christ to help others, we too may sit with that cloud of witnesses.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im glad I took my time reading this book. There was a lot to digest and take in and process. I loved that there were biographies and interviews of several different people in relation to each of the beatitudes. This was a beautiful book that challenges us to think differently about what it really means to be a Christian, that it looks different for many and the joy that comes with that despite the risks that are involved. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

[Thomas Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very interesting perspectives on liberation theology, pacifism, non violent resistance, etc. Also some willingness to explore opposing viewpoints, such as Bonhoeffer's decision to participate in the assassination attempt on Hitler.

One point I would make: many people in this book demand we adhere to Christ's strict statement toward non violence (love your enemy), yet feel that refusing to pay taxes is a legitimate step. What about strict adherence to His strict statement to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's?

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. So many people who took significant steps to make the world a better place!
Many I'd known a lot about, some a little, others I'd never heard of.
Miles Horton was one that was new to me. I read about him just a few weeks before I went to Newport, TN. Then I checked and saw that the Highlander School was only 30 minutes away so I went to visit!

[Leroy Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would have been more meaningful read soon after it was first published in 1991, but it is still a powerful book about outstanding Christians. Most were advocates for peace and justice in the 1970s and 1980s. They were all faithful Christians who should be widely known and appreciated.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The people chosen are very inspiring, but most of the articles didn't seem that well written to me.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The portraits included in this volume are inspiring and challenging.