The Liberating Path of the Hebrew Prophets: Then and Now

by Nahum Ward-Lev

In the face of current societal challenges, Nahum Ward-Lev mines Biblical wisdom to illumine a way forward. His book explores the rich territory of social change towards equity and widespread opportunity, as articulated by the Hebrew prophets and lived by Biblical persons. In engaging prose, Ward-Lev offers a fresh reading of familiar Biblical narratives, revealing the liberation themes in these stories. The book then examines the development of these Biblical liberation themes in contemporary prophetic writers including Paulo Freire, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Martin Luther King, and bell hooks. This exploration of Biblical themes clarifies practices for the liberation journey, including prioritizing reciprocal relationships, engaging in dialogue, exercising social and artistic imagination, and nurturing a love ethic in public life. This book empowers readers of all faiths and backgrounds to view current challenges through a prophetic lens and take prophetic action.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality

264 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2019

Reviews

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much injustice in our country. Sometimes I get discouraged thinking that nothing I do makes any difference. That kind of thinking leads me to cynicism and indifference. Reading The Liberating Path of the Hebrew Prophets turned me around. The Hebrew Prophets shouted against injustice, pointing out no society with rampant injustice, abuse of the poor and powerless can stand. The Prophets also pointed a way forward that would not end in violence but would lead to abundant life for all. This book points out a meaningful, practical liberating path available to us today. I’m on board, come what may!

[Evan Kostelka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book comes out of a small group led by the author, Rabbi Nahum. The first half of the book re-tells highlights of the Hebrew Scriptures in light of prophetic objectives. I found this to be extremely inspiring, enlightening, and freeing. He sets up the historical precedent set by Hebrew prophets and moves into the second half of the book, looking at contemporary prophets and some practical guidelines.
The appendix includes prophetic practices as well as a chapter discussion guide.
My biggest takeaway was his connection of a culture of scarcity to the Cain/Abel story.

[Christine Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has given me new hope for humanity. Anyone, anywhere can enter the prophetic stream and share the gifts they have been given to bring about a more loving world.

[Dennis Gunnarson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a powerful motivating overview of uniting themes and messages of the Torah from a wonderfully insightful perspective. It offers a vision of the amazing work God did a among his people in those ancient times and how significant those lessons are to our present situations.