Shaking the System

What I Learned from the Great American Reform Movements

By Tim Stafford

(hardcover)

Product Details

Line: IVP Books
Length: 176 pages
Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches
Binding: hardcover
Published: September 2007

ISBN-10: 0-8308-3436-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-3436-5
IVP Order Code: 3436

Related Subjects

Justice/Peace

Author Interview

"As Christians increasingly join in the cause of social justice, it's a good time to remember that people of faith have always joined--and often led--great reform movements. Tim Stafford helps us pause, reflect and learn from both the wisdom and folly of that colorful past."

"Many of America's great social movements--abolition, temperance, women's suffrage, civil rights--had their roots in the Christian faith. In his thoughtful and eminently practical analysis of these movements, Tim Stafford counsels would-be Christian activists in how to be 'as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.' I especially appreciate his take on the role of truth for activists who seek to be both passionate and durable. Although to most of our postmodern sensibilities truth has been relativized to be nonconsequential, Stafford reminds us that the truth of God's kingdom insists on activism and social change. Shaking the System is an 'ebenezer,' recounting how God has worked redemptively in America's past, and how God can work again today."

"Insightful, probing reflection on Christian activist struggles to change America. Wisely cautionary, firmly encouraging. A must-read for all activists who want to change the world."

"Shaking the System is a brilliant analysis of Christian attempts at needed social reforms, heavily focused on the abolitionist and civil rights movements. This is not a romantic or idealistic analysis, but it is brutally realistic about the pitfalls and problems as well as the limited successes of these movements. Very few white evangelicals write with the insight and wisdom of Stafford."

"It is deeply gratifying to see one of contemporary evangelicalism's most eloquent and respected thinkers plumb the wisdom of the great reform movements of American history. Shaking the System is a passionate and riveting account of Christian faith in action. Tim Stafford tells stories that inspire acts of courage and compassion, and at the same time, he shows us why courage and compassion must be grounded in costly discipleship to Jesus Christ. This book has the power to renew Christian social witness in our time."

"Activists (especially Christian activists) are too often unaware of our own history. Tim Stafford tells us that history--from the abolition of slavery to women's suffrage to civil rights--and draws from it the important lessons for today. This is an important handbook for a new generation, and a welcome refresher for those who have been in the struggle for years. He closes with the most important reminder--that what ultimately calls us into activism is the kingdom of God breaking into our world. We are motivated not by partisan politics but by the message of Jesus. I heartily recommend Shaking the System to all those who seek both a deeper faithfulness and a better world."

"This is required reading for every evangelical Christian with a social conscience."

Stafford has written a book that is unpretentious and wise, passionate and dispassionate in equal measure, and blessedly concise.

. . . we need more books like this--studies that challenge Christians to look backward for help in moving society forward.