It’s good to go to God when the world gets loud. These books will give you inspiration on your journey to learn more about Liberation Theology and Jesus who stood with the oppressed.
The God Who Riots: Taking Back the Radical Jesus by Damon Garcia
Damon Garcia thinks far too many progressive Christians work alongside conservative Christians to maintain the status quo. In doing so, they inflict harm on the oppressed instead of following the way of Jesus, which leans heavily into letting the oppressed go free.
In The God Who Riots: Taking Back the Radical Jesus, Garcia uses the tell-it-like-it-is style that made him YouTube famous to share his belief about a God who does not remain neutral in the face of injustice. God, according to Garcia, riots alongside those who stand with the oppressed. This book is a good pick for those who want to understand Liberation Theology for today how Christianity can be used to pursue good in society.
Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb E. Campbell
Caleb E. Campbell is a pastor who has lost relationships to politics. Specifically, Pastor Campbell has experienced severed unions due to his stance about Christian Nationalism and how he believes it is the wrong thing for the Church.
In Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, Campbell shows readers how to detect and possibly engage with individuals caught up in the Christian Nationalist movement. The author outlines how, on the surface, being a Christian nationalist seems like a noble cause. The deeper one gets into the ideology, however, the more evident it becomes that Christian Nationalism is less about Jesus and more about man’s idolization of power. This is a great read for Christians who believe there is a better way to know and love Jesus.
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
Love and hate seem to live in the same arena. While some people love certain ideologies, others abhor things that they view as oppressive to others. Problems arise when hate extends to individuals as despising those we are commanded to love is not the way of Jesus.
In Jesus and the Disinherited, Howard Thurman shows how the Gospels can serve as manuals for the oppressed. The life of Jesus is the perfect example of what to do when life gets heavy. His life is also a beacon of hope for those feeling the pressures of society. This is a great read for anyone searching for classical text that aligns the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Liberation Theology.
Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians by Amy-Jill Levine
Those who accept Jesus as their saviour often forget that his message is for everyone. The principles of Jesus transcend generations and cross religious barriers.
In Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians, Amy-Jill Levine breaks down the concepts of Jesus as presented in the Bible. She argues that Jesus is not just for those who believe him to be the savior of the world and, therefore, call themselves Christians. The message of Jesus is for those who do not follow the faith as well. This book is great for those who do not claim religion, yet believe in the philosophy Jesus presented.
What Suits Your Boat?
The God Who Riots: Taking Back the Radical Jesus by Damon Garcia – for reformers at heart.
Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb E. Campbell – for those with relatives who subscribe to Christian Nationalism.
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman – for those wanting to learn more about Liberation Theology.
Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians by Amy-Jill Levine – for those who do not subscribe to religion but appreciate the message of Jesus.