The love that does justice : spiritual activism in dialogue with social science

"Love without justice is weak sentimentality. Justice without love is naked brutality. Humanity cries out daily for love and justice. This extraordinary book is a necessity for those seeking to understand the need for, and the connection between love and justice." Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. Pastor, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Cleveland Former Chairman of the Board, Morehouse College, Atlanta "Spiritual activism" refers to a growing movement of individuals and organizations in America and beyond who cultivate an explicit connection between inner transformation and their work for justice in the world. Rooted in the conviction that "we must be the change we want to see" as Mahatma Gandhi put it, this movement marks a radical departure from both secular social justice activism and detached spiritual practice. A new generation of "spiritual activists" is reviving and updating thistradition, and this book contains statements by 21 of its leading voices, complemented by 21 statements from well-respected scholars and researchers who reflect together on the phenomenon that Martin Luther King once called "the love that does justice." This unique book provides ideas, inspiration and support to one of America's most significant emerging social-spiritual movements. About the Michael A. Edwards is the Director of the Ford Foundation's Governance and Civil Society Program in New York, and the author of "Civil Society" (Polity Press) and "Just another Emperor? The Myths and Realities of Philanthrocapitalism" (Demos/Young Foundation). Stephen G. Post is President of The Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, and a noted scholar on the relationship between love and the pursuit of justice. The publication of this book was made possible by a generous grant from the Seasons Fund for Social Transformation ((http://www.seasonsfund.org) www.seasonsfund.org ). Introduction Section 1 Perspectives from spiritual activitists. Otis Moss, Jr. Samuel E. Mann Thomas F. Beech Judy S. Rodgers Esmeralda Simmons, Esq. Sue Hutchinson Angel Kyodo Williams Claudia Horwitz Jay Early Simon Greer Jess Maceo Vega-Frey Sharon Salzberg Lisa Russ Andre Carothers Betty Rogers Mirabai Bush Kenneth Bailey Diane Biray Gregoria Mark C. Johnson Will Keepin Section 2 Perspectives from researchers. James Youniss Paul Wink Lynn G. Underwood Don S. Browning Ralph Hood Giacomo Bono Thomas Jay Oord Valentino Lassiter Donald Miller David L. Cooperrider Michael A. Edwards Atwood Gaines Julie Juola Exline Byron R. Johnson Solomon Katz Samuel P. Oliner Margaret M. Poloma Adam B. Seligman Paul Lauritzen Ramez Islambouli.