Reviews
Joan Brown Campbell, former executive director of the U.S. office of the World Council of Churches and former general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, is director of religion at the historic Chautauqua Institution. She currently serves as chair of the Global Initiative of Women and is one of the founding members of the Council of Sages for Karen Armstrong's Charter for Compassion Initiative. In this book, Campbell tells the story of her life and ponders the challenges that face Christian communities and the world's religions. Her life and ministry have been a vivid testimony to the importance of faith in action. Another mainstay of her life is hope: "Life has taught me that hope is born in the eye of the storm. Hope is not happiness. Rather it is the fulfillment that comes from a life that takes risks and loves deeply and falls and soars and falls and rises again." In a series of vignettes and stories, some from her own life and others from brothers and sisters in the human family, Campbell pays tribute to love "which shows us what matters" the noble dream of unity and the long way we still have to go to achieve it, and the trust that emanates from true religion. Noting the continuing divisiveness of racism and the need for truth and reconciliation, she emphasizes the importance of being able to empathize with all those whose countries are torn by war and who yearn for freedom. Over the years, the author has thought about what the journey of faith entails. She shares a seven point summary of it: 1. Do not underrate the cost of the journey. 2. Begin at the beginning. 3. Claim the healing touch. 4. Break down the barriers that divide. 5. Forgive abundantly. 6. Take up your cross. 7. Be open to God's surprises. Campbell also writes about Karen Armstrong's Charter for Compassion and the valid uses of both science and religion. There is a section of prayers as well as an extensive study guide with scripture references, discussion guides and prayer prompts for each chapter of the book., Joan Brown Campbell, former executive director of the U.S. office of the World Council of Churches and former general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, is director of religion at the historic Chautauqua Institution. She currently serves as chair of the Global Initiative of Women and is one of the founding members of the Council of Sages for Karen Armstrong's Charter for Compassion Initiative. In this book, Campbell tells the story of her life and ponders the challenges that face Christian communities and the world's religions. Her life and ministry have been a vivid testimony to the importance of faith in action. Another mainstay of her life is hope: "Life has taught me that hope is born in the eye of the storm. Hope is not happiness. Rather it is the fulfillment that comes from a life that takes risks and loves deeply and falls and soars and falls and rises again." In a series of vignettes and stories, some from her own life and others from brothers and sisters in the human family, Campbell pays tribute to love "which shows us what matters" the noble dream of unity and the long way we still have to go to achieve it, and the trust that emanates from true religion. Noting the continuing divisiveness of racism and the need for truth and reconciliation, she emphasizes the importance of being able to empathize with all those whose countries are torn by war and who yearn for freedom. Over the years, the author has thought about what the journey of faith entails. She shares a seven point summary of it: 1. Do not underrate the cost of the journey. 2. Begin at the beginning. 3. Claim the healing touch. 4. Break down the barriers that divide. 5. Forgive abundantly. 6. Take up your cross. 7. Be open to God's surprises. Campbell also writes about Karen Armstrong's Charter for Compassion and the valid uses of both science and religion. There is a section of prayers as well as an extensive study guide with scripture references, discussion guides, and prayer prompts for each chapter of the book., "Sermon collections are common but great sermons are rare. This is a collection of great ones. Joan Brown Campbell, in her inimitable warm, clear and penetrating way, makes scripture come alive and life more meaningful than the average day's events would ordinarily signal it to be. Read this collection of pointed and powerful sermons and begin to see both scripture and life in a new and intimate dynamic." -- Joan Chittister, OSB , St. Scholastica Priory; coauthor, Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is "A cornucopia of relevant truths eloquently presented with sensitivity, integrity and passion.... Offers readers a rare opportunity to experience inspiration while learning history from the vivid stories of a compassionate agent. After you read this book, if you know someone who may not or cannot read this book, please read it to them." -- Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy , president, Interfaith Alliance "Joan Brown Campbell's prophetic words are driven by a pastor's caring heart. She lives with holy hope for all the world--and invites us also to live that way!" -- Rev. Albert M. Pennybacker , former pastor, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) "[Unites] a remarkable life of engagement with the important and often difficult issues of our time.... A fascinating, inspiring and helpful book." -- Rev. John M. Buchanan , pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago; editor/publisher, the Christian Century "Joan Campbell's voice is an essential voice in the interfaith community today. [Here] she beautifully describes her own life experiences and how they point to the need for greater unity among the religions and understanding of our deep interdependence.... This book is a must read for all Christians and people of faith everywhere." -- Dena Merriam , founder and convener, Global Peace Initiative of Women "Joan Brown Campbell is a titan among ministers. She brings a deep love of the gospel and commitment to justice that is reminiscent of the prophetic words of Amos and the just actions of Sojourner Truth. Every person of faith will do well to read this prophetic work." -- Rev. Otis Moss III , senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ "Joan Campbell's vision of a world where people of every faith are honored is clearly and profoundly set forth. You will read every word again and again. As Muslim leaders, we are grateful to Joan for sharing her gifts." -- Daisy Khan and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf , American Society for Muslim Advancement "These stories of faith and love are treasures that touch moments in history and share lessons for all time. Enjoy the thought-provoking discussions that emerge as you read and share my mother's life." -- Jane Louise Campbell , former mayor of Cleveland; Joan Brown Campbell's daughter "Emblematic of her inclusive theology. 'We are the Children of God,' she regularly intones, and with reverence and intent develops our understanding of the blessings and obligations of that fact." -- Thomas M. Becker , president, Chautauqua Institution "Powerful testimonies from a lifetime of a pioneering Christian woman. The reflections and prayers open up the lessons we can all learn from Joan's stories. I commend the stories and the storyteller to you." -- Jim Wallis , president, Sojourners; author, Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street, "Sermon collections are common but great sermons are rare. This is a collection of great ones. Joan Brown Campbell, in her inimitable warm, clear and penetrating way, makes scripture come alive and life more meaningful than the average day's events would ordinarily signal it to be. Read this collection of pointed and powerful sermons and begin to see both scripture and life in a new and intimate dynamic." -- Joan Chittister, OSB , St. Scholastica Priory; co-author, Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is "A cornucopia of relevant truths eloquently presented with sensitivity, integrity and passion.... Offers readers a rare opportunity to experience inspiration while learning history from the vivid stories of a compassionate agent. After you read this book, if you know someone who may not or cannot read this book, please read it to them." -- Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy , president, Interfaith Alliance "Joan Brown Campbell's prophetic words are driven by a pastor's caring heart. She lives with holy hope for all the world--and invites us also to live that way!" -- Rev. Albert M. Pennybacker , former pastor, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) "[Unites] a remarkable life of engagement with the important and often difficult issues of our time.... A fascinating, inspiring and helpful book." -- Rev. John M. Buchanan , pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago; editor/publisher, the Christian Century "Joan Campbell's voice is an essential voice in the interfaith community today. [Here] she beautifully describes her own life experiences and how they point to the need for greater unity among the religions and understanding of our deep interdependence.... This book is a must read for all Christians and people of faith everywhere." -- Dena Merriam , founder and convener, Global Peace Initiative of Women "Joan Brown Campbell is a titan among ministers. She brings a deep love of the gospel and commitment to justice that is reminiscent of the prophetic words of Amos and the just actions of Sojourner Truth. Every person of faith will do well to read this prophetic work." -- Rev. Otis Moss III , senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ "Joan Campbell's vision of a world where people of every faith are honored is clearly and profoundly set forth. You will read every word again and again. As Muslim leaders, we are grateful to Joan for sharing her gifts." -- Daisy Khan and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf , American Society for Muslim Advancement "These stories of faith and love are treasures that touch moments in history and share lessons for all time. Enjoy the thought-provoking discussions that emerge as you read and share my mother's life." -- Jane Louise Campbell , former mayor of Cleveland; Joan Brown Campbell's daughter "Emblematic of her inclusive theology. 'We are the Children of God,' she regularly intones, and with reverence and intent develops our understanding of the blessings and obligations of that fact." -- Thomas M. Becker , president, Chautauqua Institution "Powerful testimonies from a lifetime of a pioneering Christian woman. The reflections and prayers open up the lessons we can all learn from Joan's stories. I commend the stories and the storyteller to you." -- Jim Wallis , president, Sojourners; author, Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street, http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/rev-joan-brown-campbell-80-is-still-preaching-working-and-thinking-about-life/2012/05/25/gJQAgrpLxU_story.html, "Sermon collections are common but great sermons are rare. This is a collection of great ones. Joan Brown Campbell, in her inimitable warm, clear and penetrating way, makes scripture come alive and life more meaningful than the average day's events would ordinarily signal it to be. Read this collection of pointed and powerful sermons and begin to see both scripture and life in a new and intimate dynamic." - Joan Chittister, OSB , St. Scholastica Priory; co-author, Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is "A cornucopia of relevant truths eloquently presented with sensitivity, integrity and passion.... Offers readers a rare opportunity to experience inspiration while learning history from the vivid stories of a compassionate agent. After you read this book, if you know someone who may not or cannot read this book, please read it to them." - Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy , president, Interfaith Alliance "Joan Brown Campbell's prophetic words are driven by a pastor's caring heart. She lives with holy hope for all the world-and invites us also to live that way!" - Rev. Albert M. Pennybacker , former pastor, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) "[Unites] a remarkable life of engagement with the important and often difficult issues of our time.... A fascinating, inspiring and helpful book." - Rev. John M. Buchanan , pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago; editor/publisher, the Christian Century "Joan Campbell's voice is an essential voice in the interfaith community today. [Here] she beautifully describes her own life experiences and how they point to the need for greater unity among the religions and understanding of our deep interdependence.... This book is a must read for all Christians and people of faith everywhere." - Dena Merriam , founder and convener, Global Peace Initiative of Women "Joan Brown Campbell is a titan among ministers. She brings a deep love of the gospel and commitment to justice that is reminiscent of the prophetic words of Amos and the just actions of Sojourner Truth. Every person of faith will do well to read this prophetic work." - Rev. Otis Moss III , senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ "Joan Campbell's vision of a world where people of every faith are honored is clearly and profoundly set forth. You will read every word again and again. As Muslim leaders, we are grateful to Joan for sharing her gifts." - Daisy Khan and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf , American Society for Muslim Advancement "These stories of faith and love are treasures that touch moments in history and share lessons for all time. Enjoy the thought-provoking discussions that emerge as you read and share my mother's life." - Jane Louise Campbell , former mayor of Cleveland; Joan Brown Campbell's daughter "Emblematic of her inclusive theology. 'We are the Children of God,' she regularly intones, and with reverence and intent develops our understanding of the blessings and obligations of that fact." - Thomas M. Becker , president, Chautauqua Institution "Powerful testimonies from a lifetime of a pioneering Christian woman. The reflections and prayers open up the lessons we can all learn from Joan's stories. I commend the stories and the storyteller to you." - Jim Wallis , president, Sojourners; author, Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street, "Sermon collections are common but great sermons are rare. This is a collection of great ones. Joan Brown Campbell, in her inimitable warm, clear and penetrating way, makes scripture come alive and life more meaningful than the average day's events would ordinarily signal it to be. Read this collection of pointed and powerful sermons and begin to see both scripture and life in a new and intimate dynamic." -- Joan Chittister, OSB , St. Scholastica Priory; coauthor, Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is "A cornucopia of relevant truths eloquently presented with sensitivity, integrity and passion.... Offers readers a rare opportunity to experience inspiration while learning history from the vivid stories of a compassionate agent. After you read this book, if you know someone who may not or cannot read this book, please read it to them." -- Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy , president, Interfaith Alliance "Joan Brown Campbell's prophetic words are driven by a pastor's caring heart. She lives with holy hope for all the world--and invites us also to live that way!" -- Rev. Albert M. Pennybacker , former pastor, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) "[Unites] a remarkable life of engagement with the important and often difficult issues of our time.... A fascinating, inspiring and helpful book." -- Rev. John M. Buchanan , pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago; editor/publisher, the Christian Century "Joan Campbell's voice is an essential voice in the interfaith community today. [Here] she beautifully describes her own life experiences and how they point to the need for greater unity among the religions and understanding of our deep interdependence.... This book is a must read for all Christians and people of faith everywhere." -- Dena Merriam , founder and convener, Global Peace Initiative of Women "Joan Brown Campbell is a titan among ministers. She brings a deep love of the gospel and commitment to justice that is reminiscent of the prophetic words of Amos and the just actions of Sojourner Truth. Every person of faith will do well to read this prophetic work." -- Rev. Otis Moss III , senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ "Joan Campbell's vision of a world where people of every faith are honored is clearly and profoundly set forth. You will read every word again and again. As Muslim leaders, we are grateful to Joan for sharing her gifts." -- Daisy Khan and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf , American Society for Muslim Advancement "These stories of faith and love are treasures that touch moments in history and share lessons for all time. Enjoy the thought-provoking discussions that emerge as you read and share my mother's life." -- Jane Louise Campbell , former mayor of Cleveland; Joan Brown Campbell's daughter "Emblematic of her inclusive theology. 'We are the Children of God,' she regularly intones, and with reverence and intent develops our understanding of the blessings and obligations of that fact." -- Thomas M. Becker , president, Chautauqua Institution "Powerful testimonies from a lifetime of a pioneering Christian woman. The reflections and prayers open up the lessons we can all learn from Joan's stories. I commend the stories and the storyteller to you." -- Jim Wallis , president, Sojourners; author, Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street
