Customer Reviews

Jesus and Justice: Evangelicals, Race, and American Politics

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"Jesus and Justice" offers a new horizon for Protestant theology in the Americas. Heltzel argues that Martin Luther King, Jr.'s theology of beloved community offers a prophetic alternative to the born again individualism in Carl F. H. Henry's theology. What makes Heltzel's approach unique is the way that he brings together the theology of Karl Barth into conversation with the prophetic Black Christian tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr. He sees John Howard Yoder, William Stringfellow, Ron Sider and Jim Wallis as embodying a Barthian ethic with a commitment to an anti-racist/pro-reconciliation ministry. In the spirit of Dr. King, it is time for Christians to make a collective public stand for racial and economic justice.

The author addresses major issues that are confronting the churches today. The literary work is clear and to the point. The book is well written and can be utilized by people from all walks of life. Jesus truly is a man of Justice as Peter Heltzel asserted.

In the modern society, what is the meaning of Jesus? This book shows comtemporary meaning of Jesus, not just died christ 2,000 years ago but still alive in community. And it provides some views and alternative ways how to see the community and how to access for understanding. It projects the direction of evangelical issue.

Jesus and Justice is a cutting edge read. This book shifts seamlessly between the fields of history, politics, and of course theology, in a way that is both sobering and inspiring. Heltzel offers a look at the development of evangelicalism that is fiercely grounded in academic integrity, yet alternative, fresh and exciting. This book provides a vision of a future filled with the love of Jesus and the arm of justice, just in time for the dawn of the Obama era. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in social change, becoming a true follower of Jesus, and/or politics. Vive la revolucion!

Dr. Heltzel's review of the Christian evangelical movement in America is extraordinary. Heltzel analyzes and interprets Christian right during some of the darkest times in American history. In the wake of political strongholds, the reader will find encouragement and inspiration in understanding Christian Right! This is a must read and valuable for any library.

Rev. Maurice S. Daniels

Dr. Peter Heltzel demonstrates his different shade of color of Jesus throughout his book, If you need freedom, morality and political justice then you must read this book, It will enlighten, cultuvate you in all aspects to know Jesus. Great work.

Peter Hetzel gives a profound overview of the submerging "Evangelic White" and "Black Prophetics" in America. He explores slave religion in the Antebellum South and shows how religion has evolved through the Colonies. This books gives a good perspective of African American slaves that experienced great turmoil at the hand of organized religion. The writer shows how slaves were offered Chirst with strict stipulations.

Hetzel then goes on to show the forerunner, Howard Thurman, who is enlighted while on a journey in India. This leads to the influence of another great Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King. However, Hetzel shows that not only were they influenced by the Black Baptist church, but by liberal white institutions and scholars as well, that shaped their moral and political views. He notes that this also gave them a great sense of balance in their articulattion of the issues that they addressed-freedom and justice.

This book is simply a must have. I have truly been inspired by this 21st century literary work. It is thought provoking and inspirational. This book lifts up the voice of the forgotten (slaves) and shows how they shaped American culture and politics. I am sure that this book will revolutionize the way we think and incorporate justice issues in our daily lives. The best is yet to come for the author, theologian and scholar!!!!!

This literary work is a wonderful easy read. It is clear and concise and draws you into the theological theories. Although you are drawn in, it still leaves room for you to drawn on your own social location and formula your own infant theory in agreement or opposition. The social political ramifications of this literary work will cause Theologians and laymen and women to discuss Dr. Peter Goodwin Heltzel for years to come. His work is an execllent choice for Introduction courses to Theology. Blessings to you Dr. Heltzel we look forward to more thought provoking literary works.

-Minister Candace L. Coleman

Peter Heltzel has clearly outlined the necessity for the connection between evangelicalism and the Black church. He draws on the theology of Martin Luther King Jr. and Carl F. H. Henry to view an evangelical need toward addressing issues of poverty and oppression. A must read for anyone concerned with issues of justice and the church in America and around the world.

In "Jesus and Justice," Heltzel maps out American evangelism from the starting point, showing how the black prophetic social gospel influenced white Christianity, and how other religions influenced it. It is a smooth read, easily understood, and show many insights into the relationship between politics and religion, helping me to form my own opinion on where I stand. Definitely worth the read!