James Davis provides helpful insight into controversial issues facing twenty-first-century Americans. Even those who disagree with his conclusions will find this a splendid contribution to a more civil public conversation."---Rev. J. Philip Wogaman, Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics. Wesley Theological Seminary. Washington. DC. and author of Moral Dilemmas: An Introduction to Christian Ethics "A gentle and penetrating reminder of the role that religion can play in helping us think through deep problems."---Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet "This broad-minded and intelligent book is a must-read for all who are interested in finding common ground amidst our nation's divisive political, cultural, and religious conflicts."---Dr. David P. Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics. Mercer University. Attanta, Georgia "Davis combines just the right amount of accessibility, historical knowledge, and depth to make this book an excellent and significant contribution to the cavernous collection of literature on religion and public debate."---Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty, Associate Professor of Theology. Bellamine University Louisville. Kentucky, and coeditor with Rebecca Todd Peters of To Do Justice: A Guide for Progressive Christians From abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia, and stem-cell research, to war, poverty, and the environment, this timely book considers religion's impact on moral debates in America's past and present. James Calvin Davis argues for religion's potential to enrich both the content and the civility of public conversation. This book will interest all concerned citizens yearning for more careful thinking about the role of religion in public debate.
How can celebrating the “holy days” of American culture help us to understand what it means to be both Christian and American? In timely essays on Super Bowl Sunday, Mother’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and other holidays of the secular calendar, James Calvin Davis explores the wisdom that Christian tradition brings to our sense of American identity, as well as the ways in which American culture might prompt us to discern the imperatives of faith in new ways. Rather than demonizing culture or naively baptizing it, Davis models a bidirectional mode of reflection, where faith convictions and cultural values converse with and critique one another. Focusing on topics like politics, race, parenting, music, and sports, these essays remind us that culture is as much human accomplishment and gift as it is a challenge to Christian values, and there is insight to be discovered in a theologically astute investment in America’s “holy days.”
Offers a faithful, constructive way to deal with dissent What happens when we approach disagreement not as a problem to solve but as an opportunity to practice Christian virtue? In this book James Calvin Davis reclaims the biblical concept of forbearance to develop a theological ethic for faithful disagreement. Pointing to Ephesians and Colossians, in which Paul challenged his readers to "bear with each other" in spite of differences, Davis draws out a theologically grounded practice in which Christians work hard to maintain unity while still taking seriously matters on which they disagree. The practice of forbearance, Davis argues, offers Christians a dignified, graceful, and constructive way to deal with conflict. Forbearance can also strengthen the church's public witness, offering an antidote to the pervasive divisiveness present in contemporary culture.
I began part 1 of this book with a condensed version of my autobiography, to give the reader an understanding of my life experience. These experiences brought about many questions as to why, as an African American, I was so restricted in many ways. I’ve spent my entire life trying to find the answer. As a child. I would ask adults ”Why are we so disliked by White people”, and they would just say “It’s because you are Colored”. To me, that was not a legitimate answer. So, I had to search for legitimate answers for myself, that prioritized the rest of my life. I discovered that it is impossible to understand your current status until you can learn your real history. This valet history will never be taught by your oppressor. We have to take it upon ourselves to conduct our own individual studies and research. Our history is so rich and profound that it must be hiddin from us. For, if and when we discover our true and unique history, can we finally be liberated. This liberation will allow us to look within ourselves to bring out our divine and enate abilities to create, innovate, and produce better than any people, in the history of mankind. Not just for the benefit of African descendants, but for the progression of mankind.
Roger Williams, New England troublemaker and founder of Rhode Island, is seldom included among the great figures in American Reformed theology. Yet Williams's arguments for religious liberty were deeply rooted in Puritan Calvinism. This book explores the "moral theology" that informed Williams's spirited defense of toleration, demonstrating how Reformed theology in Williams's hands allowed him to defend the integrity of religious convictions while also making the case for conversation and cooperation with moral citizens outside his circle of faith. The Columbia Series in Reformed Theology represents a joint commitment by Columbia Theological Seminary and Westminster John Knox Press to provide theological resources from the Reformed tradition for the church today. This series examines theological and ethical issues that confront church and society in our own particular time and place.
The Phantom Lady of Paris? I knew her well. On the other hand-as I later discovered-I didn't know her at all. The woman did everything wrong. She did nothing wrong. She was a Jezebel, deceptive in every way. I've never known a more honest and straightforward person. During our relationship, she kept me constantly jittery and perturbed. The happiest days of my life were those I shared with the Phantom Lady of Paris. They were the golden days, the good times, good, that is, until... ""An amazing trip back to 1968 Paris. A time of turmoil and tragedy with the Vietnam war raging. Mr. Davis has woven a tale full of marvelous characters living in the City of Light.As with the US, Paris is having its similiar issues with the War. Protestors, revolutionaries, teachers, and others come to Paris to find or escape themselves. In Paris, they feel they can find the answers with other like minded. Some become disillusioned and walk a dangerous path, others find friendships that will touch there lives forever. The Phantom Lady is the person I think most of us wish we could be.. Although sometimes exasperating and secretive, she is magic and love and kindness in a time where the world is in despair. This is a story that will stay with you long after you finish the book. It will pull you to Paris...to the cafes and bridges...to the people that walk its streets...and to its ghosts. I highly recommend this book. A bit a history woven with unforgetable charaters. You won't want to put it down. -- by Lisa Franklin, Rochester, NY
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