The Time Is Now

Starred review from April 1, 2019

Sister Chittister pens a series of short essays to encourage and refresh the spirit of activists. The pursuit of social justice is a lifelong commitment to be a prophet; "Prophetic spirituality is an active spirituality that demands as much rock-hard commitment as it does heart-felt concern." Speaking truth to power necessarily involves courage as well as sacrifice and concern for the outcast. The author utilizes the concept of Old Testament prophets as a model for modern change agents. Along the way, she illustrates using modern and historical people who struggled against institutionalized oppression. The vision she encourages "requires that from one end of the social scale to the other, we each have available the measure of life's resources we need so that being alive is a blessing and not a burden." Questions for personal reflection are included to strengthen resolve and avoid cynicism. The author's progressive political views are reflected; however, the essays and reflections are applicable to both progressive and conservative Christians. VERDICT Will appeal to spiritual readers seeking an encouraging book for social justice advocacy. Recommended for libraries of all types.--Ray Arnett, Anderson, SC

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2019
Acclaimed author and Benedictine nun Chittister shares the stories of numerous historical, biblical, and contemporary prophets and reflects on their common traits. The list is wide-ranging and varied, from the Jewish prophet Amos to antiwar activist Daniel Berrigan, a Jesuit priest who spoke out against the Vietnam War. She also introduces less-familiar figures, such as Eastern Orthodox monastic Mother Maria Skobtsova, who died in a WWII concentration camp. For decades Chittister has been a prolific author and advocate for women and social justice inside and outside the realm of the Catholic church. Here she shares her perspective on the current state of equity, social justice, and the environment and calls on all Christians to explore the traits of prophets, many of which they can find within themselves. While Chittister maintains her core Catholic positions, she does so in a way that may well inspire spiritual readers unhappy with the current political, environmental, and civil state of our U.S., offering motivation as well as ways to accomplish change.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)