Everyday Activism

by J.W. Buck

Many of us think of activism as signing petitions, attending rallies or marches, or engaging in political agendas. But what does it look like to be moved by the things that moved God's heart in the day-to-day? How can we live in such a way that we are always, out of habit, contributing to a more just society?

In this inspiring and accessible book, pastor J.W. Buck shows you how to engage in 7 practices to be a faithful activist in the world today, including choosing

· thoughtful resistance over thoughtless compliance
· loving your neighbor over fearing your differences
· seeking forgiveness over revenge
· resting over endless working
· practicing nonviolence over violence
· and more

If you've wanted to get involved in justice work but aren't sure where to start, this practical and visually engaging book will show you how you can develop everyday habits drawn from the life of Jesus that make the world a better place.

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Josh Buck is a church planter, filmmaker, teacher, and faith-based entrepreneur. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies, M.A. of Ministry, and a PhD in Intercultural Studies. His doctoral work focuses on the problem of racial violence. In 2010, Josh planted a church in Los Angeles called Antioch. In 2019, Josh helped start a Jesus-centered organization called Pax where he serves as co-founder and Executive Director.

He enjoys reading, writing poetry, spending time with his family, traveling, creating music, and listening to people's stories. He is married to Sarswatie and father to Aahana, Anaia, and Azariah. They live on the southwest side of Tucson, AZ.

His forthcoming book called Everyday Activism: 7 Practices of Jesus to Create a Just World will be published fall of 2021 with Baker books.

Reviews

[Katie Powner]

This isn't an easy, breezy read. There's a lot to ponder and digest and there were sections I had to re-read, which I enjoy in non-fiction. I liked that there were practical principles and actions presented so it wasn't just what I call "big ideas with nowhere to go." Each chapter ended with takeaways and reflection questions and gave me a lot to think about. The chapter about "Rest" hit me especially hard as I read about the ways Jesus rested.

I loved that the author of this book didn't approach activism as something that could be accomplished or completed but rather as something everyone can be involved in for the good of mankind and the glory of God regardless of how much we ever accomplish.

[Andy Littleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent invitation to the activism minded believer, to press into the time tested practices that will ground and sustain their impulse to good works in the power God supplies. I especially appreciated the breadth of sources from which the author quotes (exhibiting the universal and multi-cultural testimony of the church), the chapter on the cross and the sword (an excellent summary of Christian non-violence), and the chapter on mobilization in which being connected to the local church is encouraged.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super helpful tool. It is probably best read with time to really dive in and go slowly through this book, to reflect and answer the questions. I read through it rather quickly, but still gained a lot. If you are feeling stuck or suffocated by the Western church and trying to make a difference where you are, this is an encouraging and practical book that will help you move forward as an activist, peacemaker, and justice seeker. Here’s a beautiful quote from the book:

“Cross-shaped activists enter into the suffering of those who have been marginalized through the spiritual practice of non-violence. The incarnation of God through Christ is the greatest act of solidarity in human history. When Jesus’s family was violently forced to flee to Egypt during Herod’s reign, they stood with those who have been violently forced to leave their homeland (Matt. 2:13-23). When Jesus experienced political violence while being falsely incarcerated, he stood with the many people across history who have been unjustly imprisoned (Luke 22:47-52). When Jesus was chased by violent mobs, he stood in unity with the many who have been violently chased out of their families, workplaces, and countries (4:28-30). When Jesus experienced the personal violence of being stripped and beaten, he stood in solidarity with the many survivors of physical and sexual assault (John 19:1). Serene Jones writes, ‘Christ is the one who in the moment of crucifixion shows us that even in the depths of traumatic violence, God stands in solidarity with us.’(pg. 180)”

[Andrew Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written by a beloved friend of mine and it is great. In a time when it can seem like there is either “gospel” or “justice,” Josh brings the two together in a biblically sound and missionally compelling way. He has a gift for breaking complicated questions into their constituent parts and providing a reasonable and humane way to tackle problems that often seem overwhelming. Read it and be blessed!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an good day when you get a book in the mail and find out one of your favorite professors wrote it!

This book is a good, helpful introduction to the topic of activism within the Christian life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is starting their journey thinking about justice and activism.

[Graydon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for Christians who want to know how to contribute to justice work while living an ordinary life!