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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A PROPHET FOR OUR TIMES, February 22, 2001
"A generation's history would be incomplete without this story told by Dave Burgess. He and his wife Alice continue to draw from deep aquifers of faith 'to do justly, and love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.' No pilgrim has left surer footprints of faith and service." Bill Moyers, from the Foreword."A fascinating story of a rank and file U.S. worker and strong family man, who projected U.S. democracy onto the grassroots of distant lands and foreign cultures. Its vibrant text and captivating personal photos will inspire all who open its pages." Victor Reuther, former Assistant to the late Walter Reuther, AFL-CIO Vice President. "From his decades of unswerving dedication to justice and peace, David Burgess has distilled the highlights of service to the poor, and to his God. An extremely rich and rewarding autobiography of a remarkable man." James MacGregor Burns, historian and Professor Emeritus, Williams College. "Burgess has given us a superbly worded, clearly organized, authentic personal account of his ethical and vigorous life of public service as first a sensitive student, then a political activist and labor organizer, a Christian, minister and USFS official, and as a versatile striver for a better life for all people." Alexander Heard, Chancellor Emeritus, Vanderbilt University. "David Burgess represents the very best of Christian social activism in our time. In these days when some of us have so much and so many so little, David's honest and well told commitment to progressive social change is a source of inspiration and instruction. It deserves to be read by all those who desire an inside view of the history of vigorous social activism over seven decades, as well as by those committed to building a more just and caring society in the immediate years ahead." Paul Sherry, former President of the United Church of Christ. "This book provides us with a new way to understand the history of social activism from the 1930s through the 1990s. Specifically, Burgess's story sheds light on American social gospel-inspired liberalism as it manifests itself in pacifism, labor union organizing, international humanitarianism, and inner city church work and development. The life story approach provides a personal perspective and insight into the ideas, motivations, and satisfactions associated with this work. More importantly for our historical understanding, by telling his own story, Burgess helps us to see the connections between what might seem on the surface to be very different movements. Fighting For Social Justice will help students, historians and the general reader to get a sense of the cohesiveness of American left-liberal reform in the mid-twentieth century." History Professor Tracy E. K'Meyer, University of Louisville.
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