The Common Good
June 2004

New and Noteworthy

by The Editors | June 2004

Print
Post a Comment | Write to the Editor
Flex Your Political Muscles

Flex Your Political Muscles

Feeling disconnected from the political process? 50 regular ol’ people—members of the online civic action group MoveOn.org—felt similarly and decided to do something about it. MoveOn’s 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change is a collection of their essays, packed with tips for stepping up to the political plate: host a political salon, organize a rally—or, heck, initiate a constitutional amendment. Inner Ocean Publishing.

Haves and Have-Nots

Students and church groups will get much from Forgive Us Our Debts, an hour-long documentary that expertly surveys the debt landscape. Interviews with NGO folks, activists, and those who suffer from poor debt policies round out this exploration of how much Third World countries pay, the role of Jubilee 2000, and who is really indebted to whom. Bullfrog Films.

Old Time Country Music

Norman and Nancy Blake’s The Morning Glory Ramblers is classic Blake Americana—songs conjure memories of Sunday night church with dusty hymnals in dimly lit country sanctuaries. Recalling the old hymns in songs like "Precious Memories," the Blakes’ timeless craft may move hearers from thinking "All the Good Times Are Over" to "The Sunny Side of Life." Their testimony of the hard life is anchored by songs of faith and prayer—no doubt the source of the couple’s lasting partnership. Dualtone.

Prayer, Study, and Action

Catholic activist Shannon McManimon—already a peacemaking veteran at age 27—revised and expanded a classic to produce The Way of Peace: Exploring Nonviolence for the 21st Century. The manual’s 10 parts highlight nonviolent campaigns around the world, methods of nonviolence, and cultivating peace in our own lives. She includes questions for discussion, liturgy aids, and other tools to help imagine a new world. An excellent study resource. www.paxchristiusa.org.

Post a Comment | Write to the Editor
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

Sojourners Comment Community Covenant

I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Sojourners online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)

I will express my disagreements with other community members' ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)

I will not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)

I will hold others accountable by clicking "report" on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they're expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)

I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)