What do you think?
Rate this book
American Prophets: Seven Religious Radicals and Their Struggle for Social and Political Justice
American Prophets sheds critical new light on the lives and thought of seven major prophetic figures in twentieth-century America whose social activism was motivated by a deeply felt compassion for those suffering injustice.
In this compelling and provocative book, acclaimed religious scholar Albert Raboteau tells the remarkable stories of Abraham Joshua Heschel, A. J. Muste, Dorothy Day, Howard Thurman, Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer inspired individuals who succeeded in conveying their vision to the broader public through writing, speaking, demonstrating, and organizing. Raboteau traces how their paths crossed and their lives intertwined, creating a network of committed activists who significantly changed the attitudes of several generations of Americans about contentious political issues such as war, racism, and poverty. Raboteau examines the influences that shaped their ideas and the surprising connections that linked them together. He discusses their theological and ethical positions, and describes the rhetorical and strategic methods these exemplars of modern prophecy used to persuade their fellow citizens to share their commitment to social change.
A momentous scholarly achievement as well as a moving testimony to the human spirit, American Prophets represents a major contribution to the history of religion in American politics. This book is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about social justice, or who wants to know what prophetic thought and action can mean in today's world.
"
In this compelling and provocative book, acclaimed religious scholar Albert Raboteau tells the remarkable stories of Abraham Joshua Heschel, A. J. Muste, Dorothy Day, Howard Thurman, Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer inspired individuals who succeeded in conveying their vision to the broader public through writing, speaking, demonstrating, and organizing. Raboteau traces how their paths crossed and their lives intertwined, creating a network of committed activists who significantly changed the attitudes of several generations of Americans about contentious political issues such as war, racism, and poverty. Raboteau examines the influences that shaped their ideas and the surprising connections that linked them together. He discusses their theological and ethical positions, and describes the rhetorical and strategic methods these exemplars of modern prophecy used to persuade their fellow citizens to share their commitment to social change.
A momentous scholarly achievement as well as a moving testimony to the human spirit, American Prophets represents a major contribution to the history of religion in American politics. This book is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about social justice, or who wants to know what prophetic thought and action can mean in today's world.
"
248 pages, ebook
First published March 22, 2016
27 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Albert J. Raboteau
16 books22 followersAlbert J. Raboteau (PhD, Yale) was the Henry W. Putnam Professor of Religion at Princeton University. Dr. Raboteau came to Princeton in 1982, and is a specialist in American religious history. His research and teaching have focused on American Catholic history, African-American religious movements and currently he is working on the place of beauty in the history of Eastern and Western Christian Spirituality.
He was the first recipient of the J.W.C. Pennington Award from the University of Heidelberg and in 2012 delivered the Stone Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary. He retired in June, 2013.
He was the first recipient of the J.W.C. Pennington Award from the University of Heidelberg and in 2012 delivered the Stone Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary. He retired in June, 2013.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 17, 2017
Raboteau wrote this book in response to the question: what good has religion done for politics? His answer is given with a laudatory look at seven religious radicals whose words and deeds were informed directly by their religious beliefs, and who focused on social and political justice. Raboteau writes of these figures as "radical" in more than one sense. Whereas only some of them stood at the fringes of their own religious communities, each of them was "radical" in the original sense of the term, which is to say, focused on roots. What is a prophet, in Raboteau's sense? Not someone who merely speaks for God, but someone who sees humanity through the eyes of God, who therefore weeps for the poor, the outcast, the sick, the imprisoned, and who makes their life work to resolve not only personal, but systemic problems.
February 26, 2017
Dr. Roboteau is a Princeton professor and scholar of African-American religion. He teaches a course called "Religious Radicals." This book, he says, was inspired by the question posed to him by his students: "What good does religion do in politics?"
His immediate response was "Martin Luther King, Jr. and Fannie Lou Hamer" but this book is a further exploration of the following seven twentieth century radicals:
Abraham Joshua Heschel
A. J. Muste
Dorothy Day
Howard Thurman
Thomas Merton
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fannie Lou Hamer
Each was informed and inspired by their varied faith traditions to become social activists to what most would consider a radical degree.
My own emotions ranged greatly as I read these stories. I was sometimes shamed at not being more activist myself, but more often I felt emboldened and inspired by the examples they set. I felt a mindset shift, especially in appreciating those who go beyond supporting a cause by just sending money but who, instead, take action—often at the risk of their personal reputation or safety.
We may not all be called to the degree of selfless commitment shown by these remarkable individuals, but we can at least be appreciative of their vision and courage. They proved that a single individual can, indeed, make a difference...that "the arc of the universe bends slowly, but it bends toward justice." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
His immediate response was "Martin Luther King, Jr. and Fannie Lou Hamer" but this book is a further exploration of the following seven twentieth century radicals:
Abraham Joshua Heschel
A. J. Muste
Dorothy Day
Howard Thurman
Thomas Merton
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fannie Lou Hamer
Each was informed and inspired by their varied faith traditions to become social activists to what most would consider a radical degree.
My own emotions ranged greatly as I read these stories. I was sometimes shamed at not being more activist myself, but more often I felt emboldened and inspired by the examples they set. I felt a mindset shift, especially in appreciating those who go beyond supporting a cause by just sending money but who, instead, take action—often at the risk of their personal reputation or safety.
We may not all be called to the degree of selfless commitment shown by these remarkable individuals, but we can at least be appreciative of their vision and courage. They proved that a single individual can, indeed, make a difference...that "the arc of the universe bends slowly, but it bends toward justice." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
November 24, 2018
I would give this a strong 4.5. The author gives short bios on 8 interesting religious leaders from the 20th century -- he includes Fannie Lou Hamer as a religious leader, and for good reason. What a life! Raboteau tries to weave in some common themes, some of which work, and some of which just cause the book to derail for awhile. The stories of Heschel, Muste Merton and Hamer are the best chapeters (he does not add anything new to King, and his review of Thurman is disappointing). The 7th person is Dorothy Day, and her story, while interesting in parts, seems to not quite fit in.
December 11, 2016
Beautifully written and absolutely inspiring, which is what you would expect in a book about these figures. Be aware that this book is not centrally biographical, for the faults and failures os these men and women are almost purposefully hidden. To be honest, I almost prefer it that way. Us humans love some juicy criticism and end up focusing on the worst instead of the best of people.
December 16, 2016
A fantastic book that gives an overview on 7 religious/Christian American social/political activists of the 20th century. Heavily cited with plenty of information to do further research, this book will make you want to read more about many of the people mentioned in this book.
January 6, 2026
The author writes about the lives of seven American religious leaders (or prophets) of the 20th century. They were radical for sermonizing on social equality, for greater participation in the community, and for Civil Rights of Black Americans. They were against the Vietnam War, and some were pacifists. All adhered to non-violence.
The seven were –
Abraham Joshua Heschel was born in Poland and arrived in the United States in March/ 1940. He had a Hasidic education and studied Jewish theology. He felt all were affected by the racism towards Black people – and this could not be ignored. This is an overall theme of this book, that even though we may not be directly culpable, we share a responsibility for all human beings. Heschel participated with Martin Luther King Jr. in the Selma march.
A. J. Muste was a pacifist who abhorred all wars. He encouraged young men not to enlist in World War II and then subsequent wars, like the Vietnam War. He protested against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Page 45 – 47 my book
Reinhold Niebuhr criticized the liberal Social Gospel movement [and pacificism] of the … earlier twentieth century as naively optimistic about the possibilities of social reform, given the inveterate sinfulness of humankind… pacifism counseled a form of unattainable perfectionism.
Dorothy Day was initially a socialist and then joined the Roman Catholic Church. She lived with the poor and helped to feed and house them. She spoke against the materialism and consumerism which she saw as growing rampant in the U.S., and disdained the wealth exhibited by the Roman Catholic Church.
Howard Thurman was a Black man who wanted to unite all peoples regardless of race, ethnic origin or religion.
Thomas Merton for a time isolated himself as a Trapper Monk in a monastery in Kentucky. He abandoned this during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and became a radical activist and viewed racism as the basic evil American society must overcome. He wanted Black people not only to have civil and voting rights, but to become economically independent and break down the walls of white racism.
Martin Luther King Jr. invoked his religious beliefs to point out the evil existing in an America which was racist and segregated. This, too, was a constant theme that not only religious leaders, but their congregations must not be silent and take an active role against racism, war and poverty.
The story of the life of Fannie Lou Hamer was the most moving of the selections in this book. She was a Black woman born into poverty in Mississippi and started picking cotton as a young girl, being unable to attend school. During the early 1960s she became a voting rights activist and for this was viciously beaten by white policemen in rural Mississippi. There was not even a pretense of justice, but Fannie Lou Hamer continued to speak for an understanding of her white assailants – and to advocate for racial equality.
There were many theological discussions in this book – as an example:
Page 126 Thomas Merton
“love all the groups which constitute [the human race], then we can scarcely fail to realize the evil as well as the stupidity of hating any part of the Mystical Body of Christ.”
I personally cannot relate to the phrase “Mystical Body”. It does not seem rational or valid to everyday living.
The author tended to be overly reverential to his seven subjects. I cited the rare objection by Reinhold Niebuhr from pages 45-47.
This book had nothing to say on the Women’s Movement for equality and reproductive freedom also taking place in the 1960s. Once more, religion ignores and/or denies gender equality, human sexuality, avoids gay rights…
It must be said that this group is vastly different (and far superior) in moral conviction than the current “Christian Nationalists” who today exert malicious influence on the U.S. government.
An interesting quote
Page 159
“Never do for others what they can do for themselves.”
The seven were –
Abraham Joshua Heschel was born in Poland and arrived in the United States in March/ 1940. He had a Hasidic education and studied Jewish theology. He felt all were affected by the racism towards Black people – and this could not be ignored. This is an overall theme of this book, that even though we may not be directly culpable, we share a responsibility for all human beings. Heschel participated with Martin Luther King Jr. in the Selma march.
A. J. Muste was a pacifist who abhorred all wars. He encouraged young men not to enlist in World War II and then subsequent wars, like the Vietnam War. He protested against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Page 45 – 47 my book
Reinhold Niebuhr criticized the liberal Social Gospel movement [and pacificism] of the … earlier twentieth century as naively optimistic about the possibilities of social reform, given the inveterate sinfulness of humankind… pacifism counseled a form of unattainable perfectionism.
Dorothy Day was initially a socialist and then joined the Roman Catholic Church. She lived with the poor and helped to feed and house them. She spoke against the materialism and consumerism which she saw as growing rampant in the U.S., and disdained the wealth exhibited by the Roman Catholic Church.
Howard Thurman was a Black man who wanted to unite all peoples regardless of race, ethnic origin or religion.
Thomas Merton for a time isolated himself as a Trapper Monk in a monastery in Kentucky. He abandoned this during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and became a radical activist and viewed racism as the basic evil American society must overcome. He wanted Black people not only to have civil and voting rights, but to become economically independent and break down the walls of white racism.
Martin Luther King Jr. invoked his religious beliefs to point out the evil existing in an America which was racist and segregated. This, too, was a constant theme that not only religious leaders, but their congregations must not be silent and take an active role against racism, war and poverty.
The story of the life of Fannie Lou Hamer was the most moving of the selections in this book. She was a Black woman born into poverty in Mississippi and started picking cotton as a young girl, being unable to attend school. During the early 1960s she became a voting rights activist and for this was viciously beaten by white policemen in rural Mississippi. There was not even a pretense of justice, but Fannie Lou Hamer continued to speak for an understanding of her white assailants – and to advocate for racial equality.
There were many theological discussions in this book – as an example:
Page 126 Thomas Merton
“love all the groups which constitute [the human race], then we can scarcely fail to realize the evil as well as the stupidity of hating any part of the Mystical Body of Christ.”
I personally cannot relate to the phrase “Mystical Body”. It does not seem rational or valid to everyday living.
The author tended to be overly reverential to his seven subjects. I cited the rare objection by Reinhold Niebuhr from pages 45-47.
This book had nothing to say on the Women’s Movement for equality and reproductive freedom also taking place in the 1960s. Once more, religion ignores and/or denies gender equality, human sexuality, avoids gay rights…
It must be said that this group is vastly different (and far superior) in moral conviction than the current “Christian Nationalists” who today exert malicious influence on the U.S. government.
An interesting quote
Page 159
“Never do for others what they can do for themselves.”
November 8, 2024
American Prophets sheds critical new light on the lives and thought of seven major prophetic figures in twentieth-century America whose social activism was motivated by a deeply felt compassion for those suffering injustice.
In this compelling and provocative book, acclaimed religious scholar Albert Raboteau tells the remarkable stories of Abraham Joshua Heschel, A. J. Muste, Dorothy Day, Howard Thurman, Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer inspired individuals who succeeded in conveying their vision to the broader public through writing, speaking, demonstrating, and organizing. Raboteau traces how their paths crossed and their lives intertwined, creating a network of committed activists who significantly changed the attitudes of several generations of Americans about contentious political issues such as war, racism, and poverty. Raboteau examines the influences that shaped their ideas and the surprising connections that linked them together. He discusses their theological and ethical positions, and describes the rhetorical and strategic methods these exemplars of modern prophecy used to persuade their fellow citizens to share their commitment to social change.
A momentous scholarly achievement as well as a moving testimony to the human spirit, American Prophets represents a major contribution to the history of religion in American politics. This book is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about social justice, or who wants to know what prophetic thought and action can mean in today's world.
In this compelling and provocative book, acclaimed religious scholar Albert Raboteau tells the remarkable stories of Abraham Joshua Heschel, A. J. Muste, Dorothy Day, Howard Thurman, Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer inspired individuals who succeeded in conveying their vision to the broader public through writing, speaking, demonstrating, and organizing. Raboteau traces how their paths crossed and their lives intertwined, creating a network of committed activists who significantly changed the attitudes of several generations of Americans about contentious political issues such as war, racism, and poverty. Raboteau examines the influences that shaped their ideas and the surprising connections that linked them together. He discusses their theological and ethical positions, and describes the rhetorical and strategic methods these exemplars of modern prophecy used to persuade their fellow citizens to share their commitment to social change.
A momentous scholarly achievement as well as a moving testimony to the human spirit, American Prophets represents a major contribution to the history of religion in American politics. This book is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about social justice, or who wants to know what prophetic thought and action can mean in today's world.
January 26, 2018
Albert Raboteau's latest book, AMERICAN PROPHETS highlights in concise essays (20-30 pages) the significant contributions to social causes 7 American citizens have made in their lifetimes which resonate today. These prophets, all with a deep religious background, combine the values and traditions of their religion into the American struggle for civil and social justice. All with the exception of Abraham Joshua Heschel were of a Christian or Catholic background and fused the meanings and teachings of their religious convictions into the movements they supported throughout their lives. This book shows the intersects which occurred throughout the lives of most of these prophetic figures. For anyone who is interested in learning about the power of these prophets, their contributions to our lives, and the meaning of their struggles must read this. The chapter on Fannie Lou Hamer was especially powerful, as Hamer throughout most of her life was subjected to incredible adversity, struggle and is described as pleasant, optimistic, and even grateful for the little she had in her life. She was a true hero of the people and in my opinion deserves her own national holiday for what she had gone through for the benefit of us all.
October 24, 2024
Have you ever wondered why there aren't any modern day prophets? It's because prophets remain unrecognized until long after they are gone. Albert J. Raboteau is helping us to recognize some from the recent past.
Some of the people he describes are people long familiar to me: Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton (of whom I've read extensively). He taught me things about each that I had not realized before.
The remainder were names I had heard but knew little about: Abraham Joshua Heschel, A. J. Muste, Howard Thurman and Fannie Lou Hamer.
All of these people are following the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Old Testament prophets in ways we ought to try to emulate.
I believe this is one of the best books I have ever read! I wish everyone would give this book a try.
Some of the people he describes are people long familiar to me: Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton (of whom I've read extensively). He taught me things about each that I had not realized before.
The remainder were names I had heard but knew little about: Abraham Joshua Heschel, A. J. Muste, Howard Thurman and Fannie Lou Hamer.
All of these people are following the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Old Testament prophets in ways we ought to try to emulate.
I believe this is one of the best books I have ever read! I wish everyone would give this book a try.
April 30, 2021
I really love this book and will value it as a reference book. I read most, but not all of it, mostly because it was assigned for a class, but not talked about in class, and I really didn't have the time to devote to it this semester. In the future, I would like to think I will finish it, but I imagine the more likely story is that I will return to it as I want to learn more about the people it highlights.
October 29, 2017
I read this week by week with a small book club at my (progressive/Liberal whatever that means) church. It was a wonderful introduction to several courageous American Christian radicals. I'm particularly inspired by Howard Thurman and Fanie Lou Hamer and plan to read more on them in the future.
April 18, 2021
This is a good introduction to American prophets, activists, theologians, and philosophers who were focused on social justice and equality through different paths. Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day, A.J. Must, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Howard Thurman, Thomas Merton, and Fannie Lou Hamer.
February 21, 2024
Seven Religious Radicals, I knew Dr King, Thomas Merton & Dorothy Day. Somewhat familiar with Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel & Howard Thurman, so this was inspiring. The final two were totally unknown to me, A J Muste & Fannie Lou Hamer whose work was foundational.
April 6, 2020
A remarkable collection of men and women of faith. Day, Merton and King and am familiar with. Illustrates how one life can have much benefit to others.
March 10, 2022
I prefer social histories over biographies (which tend to aggrandize individuals and under-recognize the efforts of full communities). That said, this book by my former teacher is an easy-to-read set of biographies of important folks who have envisioned radical ways of being religious and political in US History.
Read
March 17, 2019Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews