Anchored in the Current: Discovering Howard Thurman as Educator, Activist, Guide, and Prophet

by Gregory C Ellison II

Howard Thurman was famously known as one of the towering giants of American religion in the twentieth century. His writings have influenced some of the most important religious and political figures of the last century, from Martin Luther King to Barack Obama. Theologians such as James Cone and Cornel West regularly signal their indebtedness to him. He was a mystic, a preacher, an educator, a theologian, and much more. It is impossible to understand the African American church today without an appreciation for his contributions.

And yet, while Thurman's name is often recognized, his seminal ideas have not received the attention they deserve. In this volume, internationally known leaders like Marian Wright Edelman, Parker Palmer, and Barbara Brown Taylor invite the reader into creative engagement with Thurman's writings. Anchored in the Current illuminates how Thurman’s life and wisdom lead these influential names on the ancient quest to connect with the Ultimate, all while discovering the contemporary need to seek racial justice and sharpening the minds and faith of those who come after us. Readers will find important and enduring answers in the works of this indispensable prophet and teacher.

Genres: Nonfiction

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Julian Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howard Thurman is a visionary who has clearly drawn a wide array of followers into his fold. This book gave you a window into the lives of some of those disciples. I appreciated most how the different speakers came from a diversity of backgrounds yet remained anchored in the person of Howard. The mystic they followed was one they had all studied or sat with, and whose wisdom came to them in waves to this day.

The essays dovetailed well with each other and fit neatly underneath the respective headings. One of the grounding features of the work were the reflection questions at the end of each submission. True to Thurman's legacy, these questions called the reader to reflect herself on where she was going in her journey with God.

The challenge to me was clear - to sit with the life-giving vision of my life that God had given me. I needed to really sit with it, not just let the notion wash over me. I was left wanting more of the Jesus Howard Thurman called me to view, a Jesus with his back up against the wall, then and now.

[Felicia Murrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profoundly Relevant

There aren’t enough stars to rate how phenomenal this collective body of work is. I am deeply grateful to each contributor for expanding my experience with Thurman as my guide. More and more, I am convinced that the wisdom and quest of Thurman, his surrender, trust and deep abiding hunger in the God who bottoms existence is exactly what we need in this day and time. This is a work I’ll return to often.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to read more Thurman! This collection of essays prepared me to appreciate and understand the work of Howard Thurman when I next dive in. I was grateful for all the personal testimony from academics, pastor, activists, and spiritual guides for how Thurman had shaped and guided them.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply beautiful reflections on the life and teachings of Howard Thurman. This collection brings spiritual practice, activism, vocation, education, and a mystical but also grounded in social justice theology to readers of today, dealing with today's questions and concerns. Really beautiful.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read this book. Dr. Ellison has collected some wise reflectors on the life and thought of Howard Thurman. The book does what books do best, remind us who we are and who we can be at our best. This is a beautiful, thoughtful weaving of a book.

[Winton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the diversity of life experiences brought to bear on the work of Thurman. To see his impact across generations was very inspirational.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of reflections inviting readers to get to know Thurman's work. Good overview. Questions at the end of each chapter helpful for study group use or individual meditation/journaling.

[Allison Arsenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection with deep, meaningful insights and questions. Only wish I’d lingered with it a little longer.

[JD Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some wonderful reflections on the life and ministry of Howard Thurman. For those wrestling with vocational questions, Parker Palmer’s chapter is worth the price of the book.

[Tobi_Bebop · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little repetitive once you’ve gotten a bit more than half way through, but does provide a truly unique explanation of Thurman’s mystical Christian humanism.

[Shelley]

Read 6/21

[Drick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caused me to stop and reflect every time I sat down to read. I not only gained a deeper insight into Thurmans thought and spirituality, I deepened my own awareness of God in my life. I agree - there not enough stars to rate this profound and wonderful book.