Revive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing

by William J. Barber II, Liz Theoharis, Rick Lowery

A collection of sermons and speeches that lay out a groundbreaking vision for intersectional organizing, paired with inspirational and practical essays from activists in today's Poor People's Campaign

The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II has been called "the closest person we have to Martin Luther King Jr. in our midst" (Cornel West) and "one of the most gifted organizers and orators in the country today" (Ari Berman). In this age of political division and civic unrest, Rev. Barber's message is more necessary than ever. This volume features Rev. Barber's most stirring sermons and speeches, with response essays by prominent public intellectuals, activists, and faith leaders. Drawing from the history of social movements in the US, especially the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign, Rev. Barber and the contributors to this volume speak to the most pressing issues of our time, including Black Lives Matter, the fight for a $15 minimum wage, the struggle to protect voting rights, the march for women's rights, and the movement to overcome poverty and unite the dispossessed across all dividing lines. Grounded in the fundamental biblical theme of poor and oppressed people taking action together, the book suggests ways to effectively build a fusion movement to make America fair and just for everyone.

Genres: Social Justice, Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Religion, Politics, Faith

248 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2018

About the author

William J. Barber II is an American Protestant minister and political activist. He is a member of the national board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the chair of its Legislative Political Action Committee. Since 2006 he has been president of the NAACP's North Carolina state chapter, the largest in the Southern United States and the second-largest in the country.[1] Barber has served as pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, North Carolina since 1993.

Reviews

[Lance Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rev. Dr. Barber is just right: the problem with our nation right now is not Democrat vs. Republican or black vs. white or any other us vs. them paradigm. The problem is that we are in a one-side-vs.-the-other kind of state in the first place, rather than working together to address our moral obligation to our neighbor. We need opposing viewpoints, but we need them in the context of collaboration and cooperation, of finding the right way home, rather than pitting one radical view against another, winner takes all. I gave this five stars because the Rev. Dr. Barber is just right!

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sermons on the social justice view of christianity by the Rev Wm Barber II with responses by various other church leaders. If you're familiar with the Rev, this book is inspiring but not at all surprising. If you're not familiar with the Rev, what the fuck is wrong with you?

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection examines fundamental values through speeches given by three reverend doctors regarding actions and morals in today’s unfriendly environment. The moral policy agenda put forth has five parts. The first is pro-labor anti-poverty policies that allows for economic democracy. Second is equality in education. Health care for all is third. Fairness in the justice system is fourth. Finally, fifth are equal protections under the law. Part one contains a speech that sets the agenda for each reverend. The set part consists of eleven chapters, each with a specific thesis followed by response from other contributors. A short biography of each contributor is provided at the end of his or her response.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Energizing to read, though I suspect the sermons are better experienced live or on video (the few I could find on YouTube attested to this). A good primer in some key Biblical arguments for progressive causes (though Barber would insist they are not partisan but moral and human causes). The book also serves as an insightful snapshot into American politics over the course of the last decade, starting with the extremist conservative takeover of North Carolina through Trump's term.

Because the moral movement Barber and his collaborators lead is about creating a big tent for all people and all issues, there's some long, obligatory listing of those issues throughout -- but mostly it's inspiring to better understand the movement and take lessons from it.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written during Trump's first term, and it is disheartening to see how much remains the same or has worsened. Writers like Reverend Barber II are taking back Christianity from the conservative monopoly, and spotlight Christ's progressive messages. The reverend also highlights the intersectionality of issues, and implores us to focus on the similar rather than the different. The responses did provide an alternate perspective on the same events, but they did not add much besides praising the reverend.

[Ed Miner · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are social justice sermons by Rev Barber followed by responses by various activists
Rev Barberb is wonderful, both in his passion for social justice and his biblical scholarship to support it. Pastors should read this.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very powerful read! It left me fired up about taking action against systemic racism and classism. I definitely understand why they compare Barber with King.

[Walter Rabon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of sermons and responses becomes quite repetitive covering the same material in many and is not as moving in the written word as I have heard in the spoken.

[Jeffrey Dziwiulski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. I never finished it. Although I usually like political-themed books this never caught or kept my interest, which suprised me due to Rev. Barbers positive reputation.

[TJ]

Book of sermons. Not quite what I expecte pd