The middle class’ concern for their own interests is legitimate, but people of faith must put a particular emphasis on the needs of the most vulnerable and ensure their voices are heard amid the political noise.
Refugees and their advocates joined an interesting mix of doctors, provincial politicians, and lawyers this month to cheer a 268-page decision from Justice Anne Mactavish. The Federal Court ruled that the June 2012 refugee healthcare cuts went against Section 12 of the Charter and constituted “cruel and unusual” treatment for claimants and their children.
“We need to … reflect on ‘our daily bread,’ given to us each day, and think about our relationship, not only with food, but with each other, with creation, and with the Creator.” – Wayne Groot, Living Ecological Justice, p. 33. Eating locally and knowing where our food originates is one of the ways Wayne … Read more
From The Catalyst Summer 2014 Refugee Sponsorship I appreciated your articles on refugees as well as poverty. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) provides funds to their own sponsored refugees according to the local Social Services model. In Alberta, the model is based on a formula, rather than individual needs. Since housing has become so expensive, those who … Read more
Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now
By Walter Brueggemann
Westminster John Knox Press, 2014
Reviewed by Genevieve Gallant
In Sabbath as Resistance, Walter Brueggemann continues his extensive scholarship on the Old Testament and the prophets in order to share a prophetic message about the life-giving role the Sabbath can play in our society of 24/7 consumption.
Abraham Kuyper: Modern Calvinist, Christian Democrat
By James D. Bratt
Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2013
Reviewed by Joe Gunn
Would reading 450 pages of Dutch social, political, and theological debates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries help us further understand what CPJ means by “public justice?” Reading James Bratt’s book leads me to a resounding “yes!”
How the World’s Religions Are Responding to Climate Change
Edited by Robin Globus Veldman, Andrew Szasz, and Randolph Haluza- DeLay
Routledge, 2013
Reviewed by Ben Pasha
The issue of climate change has been a significant subject of alarm for many individuals. This has typically been a concern for those involved in the physical sciences. However, climate change has now grabbed the attention of different faith communities as well, due to the role ecological issues play in societal challenges like poverty and health care.
Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power
By Andy Crouch
IVP Books, 2013
Reviewed by Janelle Vandergrift
In Playing God, Andy Crouch defines power as the ability to “make something of this world” and the deepest form is creation. He argues that power is not essentially coercive and violent, though it can often be misused for domination. We can “play God,” Crouch suggests, by using our power redemptively (through institutions, for example) but we can also “play God” through injustice (playing gods in the lives of others) and idolatry (making gods). It’s up to us to discipline our power towards true image bearing. Crouch unearths several assumptions we may hold about power that lead us to disengage, divest, and even underestimate our power instead of acknowledging it as a gift that is essential for image bearing.
On God’s Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn’t Learned about Serving the Common Good
By Jim Wallis
Brazos Press, 2013
Reviewed by Brad Wassink
In On God’s Side, Jim Wallis delivers a thorough reproach of religious leaders across the political spectrum.
Wallis uses the common good to show that in order to solve the crises of our time, we need people of faith to get more, not less, involved in the political process.
From The Catalyst Summer 2014
Jesus on Justice: Living Lives of Compassion and Conviction
By Don Posterski
World Vision Canada, 2013
Reviewed by Karri Munn-Venn
Jesus on Justice offers a clear and compelling illustration of our Christian calling to seek justice and love mercy by modeling our lives on Jesus. Understanding that “Jesus was a cultural maverick, a social revolutionary and a religious innovator,” this “biblical action guide” addresses a range of issues through the lenses of exclusion, prejudice, power, and advocacy.
