The Church on the Margins: Living Christian Community
Mary Sawyer's The Church on the Margins is a refreshing and insightful studyof U.S. Christianity. She argues that white Protestantism is dying becauseit is both inwardly individualistic and collectively imperialistic towardracial and ethnic minorities. By contrast the churches of African-Americans,Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, as well as those where gays and womendefine the agenda, are community and social justice oriented. WhiteProtestantism can only regain vitality by a real integration into thesemarginal Christian communities. This is a book to be savored and discussed.—Rosemary Radford Ruether, Carpenter Professor of Feminist Theology, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA (Rosemary Radford Ruether)"As we move ahead into the 21st century, many of us walk with Mary Sawyer seeking to embody a theology of justice. Our name might not be "legions" but we are indeed much more than a handful. We are the ones that continue to dream dreams and see visions of inclusive communities that rightfully can claim the name of "church." (Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, Professor of Ethics and Theology at Drew University)"Many of us, like Mary Sawyer does, start by recognizing that we enjoy countless privileges. However, we are willing to use those privileges for the benefit of all who are poor and oppressed thus creating and sustaining "beloved communities" that are justice-seeking at all cost." (Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, Professor of Ethics and Theology at Drew University)"Mary Sawyer's book has enormous sociological and historical value. It also offers valuable insights for a much needed ecclesiological theology that takes as its starting point the gospel message of the kin-dom of God and not the doctrines and traditions of the "imperial church." Mary Sawyer has turned her "longing for re-creation" of the "extraordinary moments of purpose and possibility" that she lived in the 1960s into a passion for community that is life-saving grace. Kudos to her and to all the women who continue to struggle decade after decade without giving up for justice and peace." (Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, Professor of Ethics and Theology at Drew University)"Of the countless studies of church, this new work is unique. Mary Sawyer, a professor of religious studies at Iowa State University, starts from her personal experience of seeking authentic Christian community and builds an illuminating study of Christianity in U.S. history...The heart of her work is her argument that the authentic gospel is only found on the margins—a truth that seems to very much resonate with Jesus' teaching and ministry. The gift of this book is to instruct the entire church in how we can find and learn from those margins in our society."—William O'Brien, The Other Side, Nov. & Dec. 2003 (William O'Brien)“…a well-researched discussion of the historic struggle for authentic Christian community in North America…this well-written and accessible book provides a wealth of valuable information and grapples with critical concerns that require the attention of everyone concerned with the integrity of the church’s mission.” –Missiology (Missiology: An International Review)“…resource-rich and thought-provoking book.” –Religious Studies Review, April, July 2004 (Religious Studies Review)"... the book provides a helping starting point for complex givens about one's own practice of the Christian faith and could , therefore, prove useful in a classroom or a congregational adult education setting."- Therese Lysaught, NWSA Journal Vol.19.1, Spring 2007 (Nwsa)"This volume will be especially valued by those concerned with contextual readings of the Bible. But all biblical scholars will be provoked by the protests it sounds and the questions it raises about the public responsibilities of biblical studies."Journal for the Study of the New Testament Booklist 2009(Angus PaddisonJournal for the Study of the New Testament)"As we move ahead into the 21st century, many of us walk with Mary Sawyer seeking to embody a theology of justice. Our name might not be "legions" but we are indeed much more than a handful. We are the ones that continue to dream dreams and see visions of inclusive communities that rightfully can claim the name of "church." (Sanford Lakoff)"Many of us, like Mary Sawyer does, start by recognizing that we enjoy countless privileges. However, we are willing to use those privileges for the benefit of all who are poor and oppressed thus creating and sustaining "beloved communities" that are justice-seeking at all cost." (Sanford Lakoff)"Mary Sawyer's book has enormous sociological and historical value. It also offers valuable insights for a much needed ecclesiological theology that takes as its starting point the gospel message of the kin-dom of God and not the doctrines and traditions of the "imperial church." Mary Sawyer has turned her "longing for re-creation" of the "extraordinary moments of purpose and possibility" that she lived in the 1960s into a passion for community that is life-saving grace. Kudos to her and to all the women who continue to struggle decade after decade without giving up for justice and peace." (Sanford Lakoff)"Of the countless studies of church, this new work is unique. Mary Sawyer, a professor of religious studies at Iowa State University, starts from her personal experience of seeking authentic Christian community and builds an illuminating study of Christianity in U.S. history...The heart of her work is her argument that the authentic gospel is only found on the margins—a truth that seems to very much resonate with Jesus' teaching and ministry. The gift of this book is to instruct the entire church in how we can find and learn from those margins in our society."—William O'Brien, The Other Side, Nov. & Dec. 2003 (Sanford Lakoff)“… the book provides a helping starting point for complex givens about one’s own practice of the Christian faith and could , therefore, prove useful in a classroom or a congregational adult education setting.”- Therese Lysaught, NWSA Journal Vol.19.1, Spring 2007 (Sanford Lakoff)"This volume will be especially valued by those concerned with contextual readings of the Bible. But all biblical scholars will be provoked by the protests it sounds and the questions it raises about the public responsibilities of biblical studies."Journal for the Study of the New Testament Booklist 2009(Sanford LakoffJournal for the Study of the New Testament)