The Way of Peace

One of the most influential social activists of the twentieth century, A. J. Muste is remembered by some as a pioneering labor leader, by others for his work helping lay the foundations of the civil rights movement, and by many others for his tireless work for peace, justice, economic equality, and the protection of civil liberties. As a pastor, Muste's life and work were shaped by his Christian theology. This collection of Muste's sermons, speeches, articles, and other works for religious audiences is a timely call for Christians to follow him in the way of peace."This book recovers one of the great forgotten voices of religious radicalism. A. J. Muste's demanding spiritual and social vision still challenges Christians to make their faith relevant in a world afflicted with hatred, violence, and misery."--Joseph Kip Kosek, Associate Professor of American Studies, George Washington University"Although he spent most of his life outside of the church in movements for peace, justice, and civil rights, A. J. Muste remained a preacher at heart and a gifted and powerful theologian. Jeffrey Meyers's superb collection of his writings demonstrates why his contemporaries, both inside and outside the church, viewed him as a prophet--and why he remains as relevant today as he was then."--Leilah Danielson, Associate Professor of History, Northern Arizona University"Jeffrey Meyers is emerging as a creative and constructive specialist on the life, work, and writings of A. J. Muste. Scholars and students alike remember Muste as a passionate advocate for civil rights, labor rights, and building cultures of peace. However, little scholarly attention has been given to the spiritual and theological inspiration for Muste's public work for justice. Meyers has edited and introduced an engaging collection of Muste's sermons, speeches, and articles addressed to religious audiences allowing contemporary readers to better understand the pastoral vision behind the activist's prophetic public voice."--Scott Holland, Slabaugh Professor of Theology & Culture, and Director of Peace Studies, Bethany Theological Seminary"Jeffrey Meyers's magnificent book offers deep insight into the prophetic theology of A. J. Muste, arguably the most important pacifist of twentieth-century America. We are indebted to Meyers for helping us understand not only Muste's Christian convictions but also the spirituality that drove so much of US pacifism from World War I to the Cold War."--Michael G. Long, Editor, Christian Peace and Nonviolence: A Documentary HistoryJeffrey David Meyers is a PhD student in theology at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. His master's thesis at Earlham School of Religion focused on A. J. Muste's theology.