Is There a Heaven for a “G”?: A Pastoral Care Approach to Gang Violence

by Danielle J. Buhuro, Sharon Ellis Davis (Introduction), Joanne Marie Terrell (Foreword)

The moment the pager rings, all hell breaks loose. Across the pager appears the words, "Code Yellow Gun Shot Wound." A chaplain at a Level I trauma center can dread these words. These words mean it's gonna' be a long night. These words mean somebody is probably fighting for their life right now. How does a hospital chaplain provide pastoral care to gang member patients? What are the systemic factors that contribute to gang violence? How does the American culture contribute to gang violence? What is the church called to be and do? Where is the hope? These are just some of the questions that this fast-paced, energetic book tackles, ultimately leaving one to theologically grapple with the Is There A Heaven For A 'G' (or Gangster)? Buckle up and get ready for this adrenaline ride. One thing is for certain, after engaging this book, readers won't view gang violence in the same way ever again.

114 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2017

Reviews

[Antona Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the book as part of an Urban Chaplaincy intensive I took. It is definitely not light reading and a great source book for clergy, community leaders, and congregations who make a concerted effort to engage in public theology.