The Theology of the Hammer [Paperback]

Millard Fuller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1994

The Fullers sold their business, donated all the money to charity, and went in search of a new dream. Twenty years later, Fuller and his wife are sharing that dream: Habitat for Humantity Interna-tional.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International, Millard Fuller, here shares his concept of "hammer theology" and his dream of eliminating poverty-ridden housing worldwide. Interweaving Christian scripture with his narrative, Fuller tells of the dramatic changes Habitat's hands-on ministry has effected in the lives both of the recipients of the organization's quality housing and of the volunteers who build it. He also writes autobiographically of his own spiritual journey, explaining how he came to start Habitat's phenomenal grassroots ministry. One is left, upon completing the book, with an almost mind-boggling sense of just how far-reaching, substantial and laudable Habitat has become.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 151 pages
• Publisher: Smyth & Helwys Publishing (May 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880837927
• ISBN-13: 978-1880837924
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,003,027 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

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Summarizes the Christian foundation of Habitat for Humanity, April 13, 2000

By 

Alan Johnson (Galloway, Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Theology of the Hammer (Paperback)

Many of Millard Fuller's books tell the remarkable stories that have come from the ministry of Habitat for Humanity. This book's focus, however, is how Habitat's ministry fulfills the Biblical command to love one another.

This book doesn't lack for stories and anecdotes, but the purpose of this book is to explain the theological basis which calls people (Christians and non-Christians alike) to come together to help God's people in need.

It's a must read for anyone contemplating deep involvement in Habitat's work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theology of an Angel, December 3, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Theology of the Hammer (Paperback)

Millard Fuller is, in terms of the miricle he has created, an angel. He has done many things others only talk about. Many of us have wishes to free the world of hunger or poverty. This man is one who has acted upon his beliefs. In this book, he shares his Philosophies on Life and Love.
I'd like to thank everyone who has ever done work through habitat or a similar organization. I had the opportunity to listen to Millard Fuller speak in person, and it was truely inspirational. If you ever get the chance, go and see him. Until then, read his books. They are great and convey important principles.

4.0 out of 5 stars Theology in practice, March 25, 2005

By 

Thomas J. Oord (Nampa, ID United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Theology of the Hammer (Paperback)

Fuller is the founder and president of Habitat for Humanity, an organization that builds homes for the poor. This book offers numerous anecdotes and illustrations concerning work in Habitat for Humanity since its inception. The author speaks from a Christian perspective and identifies core Christian convictions that undergird his ministry.

The author contends that the theology of the hammer means that Christian faith demands more than just talk and singing. "We must put faith and love into action to make them real, to make them come alive for people" (7). This theology is also about bringing together diverse peoples, churches, and organizations to help build houses and establish viable communities. Even though those involved may have diverse political, philosophical, or theological preferences "we can agree on the imperative of the Gospel to serve others in the name of the Lord" (7).

Fuller believes that sufficient resources exist for solving the problem of poverty housing and homelessness. "Everybody made in the image of God, and that's the whole crowd, ought to have a decent place to live and on terms they can afford to pay" (17). Although his work consists mainly stories of practical work in building homes, Fuller acknowledges that, in addition to the Bible, he has been influenced by such theologians as Walter Rauschenbush, Albert Schweitzer, Alan Durning, Henri Nouwen, and Dorothy Day.

I recommend this book.

Thomas Jay Oord