261. Books on social theology & interreligious relations

Further Reading:

Greg Barrett The Gospel of Father Joe: Revolutions and Revolutions in the Slums of Bangkok, 2008.

Father Joe Maier refused to accept the abject poverty he found in Bangkok’s squatter slums. For decades, he has worked with those people by establishing the Human Development Foundation and Mercy Centre, which established thirty-two preschools. He has provided hope and purpose in places that previously had little of either.

Lawrence Edward Carter A Baptist Preacher’s Buddhist Teacher: How My Interfaith Journey with Daisaku Ikeda Made Me a Better Christian, 2018.

As a young man, Lawrence Edward Carter was mentored by Martin Luther King Jr. Through this experience, Carter wanted to see King’s vision of a “beloved community” become reality. Beginning to give up hope, Carter discovered Daisaku Ikeda, a Japanese Buddhist philosopher and peace worker. Carter learned how King’s message could be integrated through interfaith dialogue, education, and faith through Ikeda.

David G. Myers A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists: Musing on Why God Is Good and Faith Isn’t Evil, 2008.

Psychology professor David Myers seeks to find common ground between the Christian faith and science. He makes a well-reasoned argument that the two are not mutually exclusive.

Candida R. Moss and Joel Baden Bible Nation: The United States of Hobby Lobby, 2017.

Craft store giant Hobby Lobby is found in most towns of any size in America. The chain is owned by the billionaire Green family of Oklahoma City. Candida Moss and Joel Baden explore how the family uses their vast fortune to promote a biblical worldview in the United States, from promoting a Bible curriculum in public schools to the 500 million-dollar Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.

Ken Mytsma The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege, 2017.

Looking at the racially charged headlines of today, Ken Mytsma, founder of the Justice Conference, shares what he sees as the origins of the problems and how the gospel fits into the solution.

Richard John Neuhaus The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America, 1984.

Christian cleric Richard John Neuhaus argues that democracy is in danger because the Judeo-Christian values on which the country was founded are no longer the basis of public policy. In analyzing the predicament, he points out that polarizing ideas, such as conservative vs. liberal, are based on false premises.  He says believers must respect nonbelievers’ rights while insisting that the government not exclude religious voices.

Desmond Tutu God is Not a Christian: And Other Provocations, 2011.

South African cleric Desmond Tutu’s most controversial speeches and writings are presented in this collection. Tutu dedicated his life to righting injustices and speaking the truth to those in power, no matter the consequences.

Miroslav Volf A Public Faith: How the Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good, 2011.

Theology professor Miroslav Volf examines what today’s abundance of different religions means for a Christian in America. He looks at what Christians can get wrong in dealing with other faiths and how they can function more harmoniously for the good of all.

For more information on the Further Reading series, see Further Reading: Start Here.