On the Side of the Angels: Justice, Human Rights and Kingdom Mission [Paperback]

Dr. Joseph D'souza (Author), Benedict Rogers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

All too often, missions have been narrowly defined as evangelism or at best, extending to practical, physical social action such as medical mission or education.

On the Side of the Angels argues that human rights and justice need to be reclaimed by evangelical Christians and that human rights work should be seen as central to Kingdom mission, not just regarded as a secondary activity and labeled "political. "The book draws on the authors’ first-hand experiences of places of persecution and oppression, including Burma, East Timor and India, along with their work of advocacy in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, United Nations and other forums.

Its chapters include examining the biblical basis for activism, real-life stories of crimes against humanity, religious persecution, torture, discrimination and injustice. Concrete examples of how to do advocacy and inspiring examples of great Christian human rights activists, past and present, will motivate and challenge readers to be advocates of God’s love and justice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is a call to action for a slumbering bride. To love each other as Christ loved us is a high calling indeed - one that requires a worldview large enough to act with truth and love. Joseph's words continue to pull all of us towards the only appropriate response, sounding the alarm for love in action. As I read these words, I am aware of the need for change."
-- Jon Foreman, lead vocalist of Switchfoot

"Joseph D'Souza is well aware of the predicament of the Dalits, some of the most impoverished, underprivileged people in the world. And convinced as he is that our God is committed to justice and righteousness, he has involved himself deeply in the cause of these people, and equally convinced that our Saviour loves them, he has led a powerful, effective movement taking the gospel, love, and holistic ministry to them."
-- Stuart Briscoe, Elmbrook Church, Wisconsin

About the Author

Dr. Joseph D'souza is President of The All India Christian Council, International President of the Dalit Freedom Network and Associate International Director of Operation Mobilization International. Dr. D’souza is the author of Dalit Freedom: Now and Forever and lives in Hyderabad, India.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Paternoster (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932805702
• ISBN-13: 978-1932805703
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #852,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, September 7, 2009

By 

H. Jang - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On the Side of the Angels: Justice, Human Rights and Kingdom Mission (Paperback)

This book is very well written and stirs a passion inside of me to work ever so closely to bring justice into the world. It is not too long in terms on length, but it has a lot of important material for anyone who is interested in speaking and working against injustice. Great book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Kingdom God in Word and Deed, July 2, 2008

By 

MES-DocTheology "DocMN" (Rochester, MN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On the Side of the Angels: Justice, Human Rights and Kingdom Mission (Paperback)

The very phrase "social justice" makes the majority of evangelical pastors and churches turn a deep shade of grey. All they think about is complaints of social gospel preaching, liberalism, and politics. How sadly the western church has fostered a mentality of escapism, complacency, and avoiding the hard questions.

The two authors bring an entirely refreshed view of the Kingdom of God as it is lived out amongst the marginalized, the poor, the oppressed and more. Filled with recent (and historical) stories from Apostle Paul, to William Wilberforce, to present day martyrs and advocates this book is one I could not put down. I read it in one day...not because it is a simplistic book. No, far from that. The application of ever page could entail giving of one's own life in persecution and death. But the depth of the message is contagious. It touches the nerves of every Christian who has wanted to see the Church develop a positive, life-changing, activist worldview. This book delivers....and it delivers with such passion (and a great resource in the Appendix) that the reader has no other option but to weigh the personal costs of living these biblical teachings in their daily life.

Admittedly, most readers are thousands of miles away from the persecution in Darfur, East Timor, the Middle East, among the Dalits and more. But the authors do not allow that to be an excuse for simple inaction, in fact, they even call us to consider going abroad and unfurling our banners of protest in countries around the world. I know, this sounds like militant marching and political answers to spiritual problems. Yet, dare we say that we should not live out the Sermon on the Mount? Dare we tell the Dalits that we are too busy to care for their caste? Dare we ignore page upon page of Holy Scripture that drives us to care with justice, mercy and humility?

All Christians can benefit from every page of this book. Some, who seriously activate each idea may wind up losing their life. But in death, have we not gained all that we hope for?

Mainline evangelicals will find much in this book to ignore...but to ignore the teachings is to ignore and compartmentalize the teachings of Jesus into "easy" and "hard." We are called to live a life that is not worthy of this world and taking the "side of the angels" is the strong statement that describes the road that narrow and hard is the way...that leads to life. Especially when it means life for the down-trodden, lost, hurting, slaves, sex-trafficked, and more. I have met pastors in my own town that did not want the word "justice" to ring out from their own pulpit, and sadly these churches are happy to spend every dime and every ounce of energy on luxury, self, and personal gratification.

This book is a call to a revolution in thinking. I highly recommend this book alongside the compendium book "Justice, Mercy, and Humility" Tim Chester (ed).