American Prophets sheds critical new light on the lives and thought of seven major prophetic figures in twentieth-century America whose social activism was motivated by a deeply felt compassion for those suffering injustice.In this compelling and provocative book; acclaimed religious scholar Albert Raboteau tells the remarkable stories of Abraham Joshua Heschel; A. J. Muste; Dorothy Day; Howard Thurman; Thomas Merton; Martin Luther King; Jr.; and Fannie Lou Hamer―inspired individuals who succeeded in conveying their vision to the broader public through writing; speaking; demonstrating; and organizing. Raboteau traces how their paths crossed and their lives intertwined; creating a network of committed activists who significantly changed the attitudes of several generations of Americans about contentious political issues such as war; racism; and poverty. Raboteau examines the influences that shaped their ideas and the surprising connections that linked them together. He discusses their theological and ethical positions; and describes the rhetorical and strategic methods these exemplars of modern prophecy used to persuade their fellow citizens to share their commitment to social change.A momentous scholarly achievement as well as a moving testimony to the human spirit; American Prophets represents a major contribution to the history of religion in American politics. This book is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about social justice; or who wants to know what prophetic thought and action can mean in today's world.
#28800 in Books Shamus Rahman Khan 2012-10-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.26 x .71 x 6.21l; .80 #File Name: 0691156239248 pagesPrivilege The Making of an Adolescent Elite at St Paul s School
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Understanding What Privilege is and How it is CultivatedBy TomShamus Rahman Khan studies the issue of privilege by studying students at a boarding school; St. Paul; from the point of view of a sociologist. His explanation of privilege helps to clear its meaning as the word is used way too often incorrectly. As a popular phrase of student activist and of activist in general; the phrase is given a negative connotation by implying that others have unfair advantages over others that should be redressed. Of course those under attack are none too thrilled by mobs of protestors chanting against them and they view the words tossed around as slander. Khan avoids the confusion around what privilege means by giving an objective view of what privilege is and provides reasons for why it remains invisible. He also provides reasons for how privilege has aided in ushering in a new era of "democratic inequality."That being said a majority of conclusions in his book are based off his interaction with students and faculty. During some parts of his book his observations appear to be stretching quite a bit. Generalizations based off the observations of a selected number of students at one school can stray to the limit of stereotyping. However; important trends in the new elite youth are addressed such as "exceptional indifference" and "reading shortcuts." Overall a decent read that follows a narrative of a teacher trying to observe how St. Paul is structured for success.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting studyBy DedicatedAn interesting study by a former student; turned teacher and researcher; at St. Paul's prep school. Kahn's multiple perspectives convey a somewhat mild indictment of the "exceptional" self-image instilled in St. Paul students; that objective judgement might not support. Students are; by their very presence at St. Paul's; deemed exceptional at whatever skill or talent they display. This reinforced self-image is a major contributor to the students' sense of "ease" in interactions between themselves; other members of privilege; and those who serve them. Their self-confidence; despite a lack of substance; prepares them for their future roles in pre-ordained prominent positions.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Brilliant Contribution to Our Understanding of InequalityBy CustomerSimply brilliant ethnography. As one who has been reading; thinking and teaching about inequality for years; I can say that this book adds enormously to our understanding of a complex; difficult-to-comprehend reality in the twenty-first century. If you want to learn about the making of contemporary American elites; you can read nothing better.
