Spiritual revolutionaries.Living Faith: How Faith Inspires Social Justice, by Curtiss Paul DeYoung. Fortress Press. Some activists possess a certain quality that's hard to put your finger on; you just know it when you see it. They are hopeful when the situation seems hopeless, they are gracious--even to those they struggle against--and their powerful convictions are reflected not just in their speech but in the way they live their lives. In Living Faith: How Faith Inspires Social Justice, reconciliation studies professor Curtiss Paul DeYoung describes these compelling figures as "mystic activists," people driven by an activism that consumes them but is "yet deeply rooted in their faith and in the mystery of the divine." This inward-outward faith is lived intensely, through commitments to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and fasting and an unwavering determination to work for justice. To better define the qualities of "mystic activists," DeYoung highlights three influential, faith-inspired social justice advocates of the 20th century: Dietrich Bonhoeffer Noun 1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer - German Lutheran theologian and pastor whose works concern Christianity in the modern world; an active opponent of Nazism, he was arrested and sent to Buchenwald and later executed (1906-1945) Bonhoeffer , Malcom X, and Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi (oung sän s  chē), 1945–, Burmese political leader. , each representing a different faith (Christianity, Islam,
and Buddhism, respectively) and culture. DeYoung's brief
biographies are page-turners; in succinct chapters he does a fine job
encapsulating his subjects' life and work with special attention
given to the foundations and formation of their faith. Their journeys
are then mined for clues that might help give shape to the description
of "mystic activists."
DEYOUNG DISCOVERS four shared themes in the lives of these activists: motivation compelled by faith; a worldview world·view n. In both senses also called Weltanschauung. 1. The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world. 2. A collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group. that emerges from the margins of society; identity rooted in a belief that we share a common humanity; and an ethic of revolution that demands structural change. For example, DeYoung writes, Bonhoeffer experienced a transformed worldview by resisting Nazism and standing in solidarity with Jewish victims. Malcom X moved from a theology and politics of separation to an understanding of the interconnectedness of all humanity, due in large part to his mystical experiences in Mecca. Aung San Suu Kyi, currently under house arrest in Myanmar (Burma), calls for a "revolution of spirit" that demands not just political change but a total revolution of the spiritual values undergirding political systems. She does this while refusing to dehumanize de·hu·man·ize tr.v. de·hu·man·ized, de·hu·man·iz·ing, de·hu·man·iz·es 1. To deprive of human qualities such as individuality, compassion, or civility: the very men who have kept her under house arrest for more than a decade. DeYoung includes the stories of others--Rigoberta Menchu, Fannie Lou Hamer Fannie Lou Hamer (born Fannie Lou Townsend on October 6, 1917 – March 14, 1977) was an American voting rights activist and civil rights leader. She was instrumental in organizing Mississippi's "Freedom Summer" for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee , Allan Boesak Reverend Allan Aubrey Boesak (23 February 1945 - ) is a South African Dutch Reformed Church cleric and was a politician and anti-apartheid activist. He was sentenced to prison for fraud in 1999 but was re-instated as a cleric in late 2004. , Winona LaDuke Winona LaDuke (b. 1959) is a Native American activist, environmentalist, economist, and writer. In 1996 and 2000, she ran for election to the office of Vice President of the United States as the nominee of the United States Green Party, on the ticket headed by Ralph Nader. , among them--who share the spirit of "mystic activism." The book is not long enough to give each their due, but the work is enhanced by their inclusion. Living Faith is a fitting text for anyone seeking to make sense of the way faith inspires social action. It's especially appropriate for Sunday school Sunday school, institution for instruction in religion and morals, usually conducted in churches as part of the church organization but sometimes maintained by other religious or philanthropic bodies. In England during the 18th cent. classes and other discussion groups where the stories and frame DeYoung uses to describe these figures' leadership could be a powerful introduction to the important themes of liberation theology liberation theology, belief that the Christian Gospel demands "a preferential option for the poor," and that the church should be involved in the struggle for economic and political justice in the contemporary world—particularly in the Third World. , solidarity, and activism as a spiritual discipline. Amy M. Ard is national field organizer for Sojourners/Call to Renewal. |
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