Clarion call to all Christians to wake up to global issues of injustice

books:


	• Good News About Injustice Youth Edition : A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World Gary A. Haugen InterVarsity Press, 2002 - 216 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Highly recommended

This book changed the way I think about the world in important and good ways. I've heard the author speak, and he is uniquely credible.

Instead of Sadness, Action and Change

Faced with depressing realities on a global scale, many of us simply retreat into our own little world --- resolving to be kind to our kids, gentrify our own neighborhoods, and be good churchgoers. These activities are inherently fine to a point, yet they do not address the broader difficulties.

Haugen's book is a call to action, which we have heard before. What's different this time is that Haugen quantifies exactly what kinds of action we can take, and why such actions matter. With cutting-edge stories and keen insight into the reasons behind our inactivity, Haugen gets us up out of our La-Z-Boys and out into the streets.

Among this book's best features are the historical reminders that many of the most powerful social changes in North America are a direct result of Christ-followers engaging a broken culture and making a difference. From public schools to hospitals and beyond, some of our culture's best ideas flow from persons of faith, actively engaged in transforming society.

Note to persons of faith: now it's your turn.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

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Keep the faith...

Sometimes circumstances predispose us towards financial inequality that may further push us towards social inequality and one seems to falsely believe that there is no hope for our own future or for the generations to come. In such circumstances the only way to find a meaningful solution and to get oneself out of this vicious circle is to stand back and look at the big picture. At the heart of the problem are both external and internal factors. While we may not be able to control the external factors directly, being honest to ourselves we must resist the urge to focus solely on them. It is actually our moral obligation to directly address the internal problems, the key to which only we hold. If there is one undercurrent that makes it easier for things to get better, then that is inculcation of unwavering faith and strong family values and truly believing that there is hope for the future. These should not simply cease to exist for us the moment we step outside the church but must be reflected in how we live our lives and that is a profound lesson in life and religion. Closely intertwined with these are the values of gender equality as well as respect and belief in the dignity of every human life. There is no justification in pointing the finger outwards if we, ironically, are lacking the same values within ourselves that we expect others to demonstrate. We must look within ourselves to grow as better human beings. The ability to bring our dreams to realization is closely related to receiving the right education in the context of our innate potential, all held together by a strong and caring social structure that we can grow in. However, for all of this to take place the undercurrent of family values and faith and lasting marriages based on trust and mutual respect must be there. In this regard, from the religious perspective, it is also the responsibility of churches and religious organizations to bring to the limelight positive role models, help clean up bad social trends as well as leave no stone unturned for any broken family to get the much needed social support. Also critical is the need to provide constructive after-school programs as well as logistic and financial support in pushing children in the direction of their talent as well as receiving the right education such that each child is able to turn their dreams to reality...

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Clarion call to all Christians to wake up to global issues of injustice

Haugen is the president of the International Justice Mission, an incredible organization that seeks to demonstrate the compassion and justice of God in nations around the world. The book is first and foremost a defense of this concept - that we, as followers of Christ and children of God, serve a compassionate God who is concerned with and passionate about the particular travesties of injustice in every corner of the globe. Haugen takes the reader through dozens of scriptural passages and principles to make his point and leaves the reader asking what they can do to make a difference in the world.

Haugen next gives the reader not only a bird's eye view of the various injustices across the globe, but also a very personal look at several severe situations of injustice where IJM has made a difference in the lives of real people. Haugen calls for the body of Christ to be a body of action, engaged in various efforts to promote justice and compassion for the lost and hurting. A strategy is presented for the interested, but the primary thrust of the action is done through the channels of organizations like IJM who are already established and connected with resources to assist.

The book is an excellent read for any person who either is ignorant of the conditions of others across the globe or is questioning the concept that one person can't really make a difference. IJM is an outstanding ministry and opportunity for Christians everywhere to use their God-given time, talents and treasure to defend the defenseless. Micah 6:8 is a favorite verse of many and it reminds the follower of Christ what the Lord has told us is important in life - to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Justice is obviously a key component of God's character and must be a key facet of the ministry of God's people here on earth as a demonstration of His nature and goodness in this lost and dying world. Good News about Injustice is a great reminder of this principle meant to shake a self-absorbed culture from its comfortable La-Z-Boy rocker!

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Excellent book

I highly recommend this book. I hope to use parts of it with my college students after we have viewed HOTEL RWANDA. This is a powerful follow-up to a movie that should shake you to your foundations.

reviews: page 1, 2

International news accounts describe mind-blowing horrors of child prostitution, state-sponsored religious and persecution, racial violence, torture and genocide. What can you possibly do in response? Can ordinary Christians make a difference? And where is the God of justice?The good news about injustice is that God is against it. Gary A. Haugen explains that God is in the business of using the unlikely to accomplish justice and mercy. In this book he offers stories of courageous Christians who have stood up for justice. He also calls the body of Christ to action. Throughout, he provides concrete guidance on how Christians can rise up to seek justice throughout the world.This special youth edition of Good News About Injustice is designed to help youth groups understand what is happening around the world, with practical ideas for teens and youth workers to exert influence and bring about change. You and your youth group can become an instrument to bring hope to a hurting world.

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