Divine Rebels chronicles the extraordinary efforts of American Christian activists who agitate for a world free of racism, patriarchy, bigotry, retribution, ecocide, torture, poverty, and militarism.
While pundits speak of the Religious Right, this is the underreported story of American Christians who are progressive because they are religious. They don't see themselves simply performing good work, but Godly work. They believe in a community based on ethics, a world with infinite potential for improvement, and an inclusive God of love. These rabble-rousers are small in number, and their efficacy is best measured on the margins, but they are part and parcel of an American tradition that began with the nation's earliest Quaker abolitionists.
By profiling social justice activists on the frontlines of the Christian Left since the 1960s, Divine Rebels articulates a forward-thinking, faith-based alternative to both the conservative drone warping religion as well as the political left's alienating cynicism.
Deena Guzder is an independent journalist who has reported on human rights across the globe. Her work has appeared in Time, Mother Jones, Common Dreams, National Geographic, Washington Post, Ms. magazine, and elsewhere. She holds advanced degrees in journalism and international affairs from Columbia University.
"Divine Rebels offers a much-needed corrective to the wrathful voices on the Religious Right by showcasing the underreported heroism of politically progressive Christians who reject power and privilege in favor of compassion and reconciliation." ?Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking
"[A] learned, readable, and immensely important work of history, journalism, and advocacy." ?Samuel G. Freedman, author of Upon This Rock
"[Divine Rebels] is a timely and important account of American Christian activists deeply committed to both their faith and to a better world here and now. . . . They are models for everyone who has ever wondered how personal faith relates to the injustice of the world. I highly recommend this book." ?Sami Rasouli, human rights activist and director of the Muslim Peacemaker Teams