Curtiss Paul DeYoung

NCLA Review - DeYoung classifies religious leaders with a social justice orientation as "mystic-activists," which he defines as "leaders whose activism consumes them yet is deeply rooted in their faith and in the mystery of the divine" (7). He chooses three religious leaders, from widely different contexts and faiths—Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Christian pastor and theologian who viewed things from the margins, Malcolm X, an African-American adult convert to Islam who emphasized the humanity of all, and Aung San Suu Kyi, a female Burmese Buddhist revolutionary of the spirit. DeYoung includes biographical chapters on each of these figures, and then follows each biographical chapter with a chapter on a central component of social justice that is inspired by their faith. The book is an excellent introduction to the life and work of these important religious figures, and is a powerful call to consider how faith and justice relate and make for peace. Highly recommended as a book for social justice or mission groups. Rating: 4—CS… (mer)