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| All proceeds benefit the students of The Beatitudes Society. |
Claiming the Beatitudes:
Nine Stories From a New Generation
by Anne Sutherland Howard
Foreword by Marcus Borg
A resource for small group or
individual study.
We invite you to take a fresh look at the beatitudes as spiritual practices that lead us, as Matthew suggests, to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world". In her new book Claiming the Beatitudes: Nine Stories from a New Generation, Anne Howard says the beatitudes “give us not only a way to see God, but a way to see our world, and they give us something concrete to do about what we see, as they call us to participate in God's kingdom.”
Her exploration of the beatitudes includes the stories of nine emerging faith leaders who practice the beatitudes in their daily lives. In telling their stories, Howard also includes her own reflections on the meaning of each beatitude for our lives.
Exploring the beatitudes can be a personal journey, but Howard recommends the spiritual practice of small group bible study: “Because the biblical story is meant to be read and reflected upon in community-- text comes alive when spoken aloud and our own stories rub up against the stories of our ancestors--each chapter ends with a few reflection questions for individual and small groups who want to continue the conversation about living the beatitudes today.”
For individual study you might consider one chapter per week. A brief summary of the book follows:
In chapter one, “blessed are the poor in spirit,” Chris’ story offers “a third way” to see the relationship between poverty and wealth. This first chapter includes a look at the roots and meaning of the beatitudes, and a reflection on the parable of the widow’s mite.
In chapter two, “blessed are those who mourn,” Stefani finds church in a pub, and shows us the practice of hospitality. A reflection on whether or not “life is good” follows.
Week Three - In chapter three, “blessed are the meek,” Alexander pushes against American notions of maleness and patriarchy on behalf of the coming generations who will inherit this fragile earth of ours. A reflection on the discovery of “wild space” follows.
In chapter four, “blessed are those who hunger for justice,” Greta responds to a deep desire for transformation. A reflection on the parable of the vineyard workers follows.
In chapter five, “blessed are the merciful,” April looks in the mirror and discovers that it can be harder to receive than to give mercy. A reflection on “two kinds of people” follows.
In chapter six, “blessed are the pure in heart,” Mary Emily’s questions show us the face of God. A reflection on the politics of compassion follows.
In chapter seven, “blessed are the peacemakers,” Kent practices local, daily and sustainable ways to make peace. A reflection on just peacemaking follows.
In chapter eight, "blessed are those who are persecuted for justice's sake," Jeremy takes up the cause of “the persecuted of the persecuted” as he fights the new global slave trade. His story is followed by a reflection on Peter and his fishing net.
In chapter nine, "blessed are you persecuted," Oby moves through persecution to rejoicing in his work for equal justice in Connecticut, and the author shares the sermon preached at the marriage of Charles and Phillip.
In chapter ten, the author offers a way for us to be "salty people" who can illumine the world and turn it upside down in the radical spirit of Jesus.
Click here to purchase copies of Claiming The Beatitudes for your Lenten study
What others are saying about the book:
(click here to read MORE reviews)
“In troubled times, hope often seems elusive, a vague promise of the future. But Anne Howard transforms hope into a tangible practice of faith by sharing the stories of young adults who take Jesus’ beatitudes both literally and seriously. Read Claiming the Beatitudes and glimpse a transformational wisdom for church that grounds life in God’s beauty, truth, and goodness.”
~ Diana Butler Bass, author, Christianity for the Rest of Us and A People’s History of Christianity
“This wonderful book is especially good for our times because it is radical in its vision and has so many young voices. The writing is cogent and graceful. The Beatitudes will be new to you after reading it.”
~ Norah Gallagher, Author of The Sacred Meal, Changing Light and Things Seen and Unseen
“Much ink has been spilled covering the high percentage of younger Americans who are religiously unaffiliated. This book gives us another view: a compelling portrait of a vibrant, emerging generation of religious leadership who are rediscovering and living out the often radical implications of core Christian principles. Rev. Anne Howard beautifully weaves together the beatitudes with contemporary stories of a new generation of divinity students who are embodying these teachings. As the Executive Director of the Beatitudes Society--which works with seminaries across the country to strengthen the progressive Christian network for compassion, justice, and peace--she's well positioned to highlight these inspiring emerging new leaders. “
~ Robert P. Jones, President, Public Religion Research and author of Progressive & Religious
“Within each story and in her Reflections following each one, Howard masterfully weaves her compassion and scholarship. Her writing -- her clear, intelligent, knowledgeable writing -- places the Beatitudes within the context of the Book of Matthew (and sometimes Luke). She explains the word “heaven” as a synonym for “God,” a concession to Jews who did not name “G-D.” She claims that the Beatitudes are not goals, but “invitations to the deep”: “The beatitudes are not a course in self-improvement; they are a description of the life we are invited to share with God and with each other, life lived in community.”
Howard follows her Reflections with questions for group discussion, which makes Claiming the Beatitudes not just a beautiful eye-opener, but a practical lens.”
~ Martha K. Baker, Episcopal Life
“The book is a great read… Howard uses well the thoughts and ideas of the seminary students to put forward new ways of looking at Christianity. In addition, she closes each chapter with her personal reflections and analysis, as well as significant readings of other theologians. Then she posits questions for further reflection. The combination is compelling and would make for excellent discussion in a Sabbath School class.”
~ Bonnie Dwyer, Spectrum