A classic of faith-based
activism—updated for a new generation.
Why was Daniel Berrigan wanted by the FBI?
Why did Robert Coles harbor a fugitive?
Listen in to the conversations between
these two great teachers as they struggle with what it means to
put your faith to the test. Discover how their story of
challenging the status quo during a time of great political,
religious, and social change is just as applicable to our lives
today.
Thirty years ago, at the height of U.S.
involvement in the Vietnam War, Daniel Berrigan, a Jesuit
priest, was wanted by the FBI for his nonviolent protest
activities. He hid in the house of Robert Coles, who would
later win the Pulitzer Prize. The two began a dialogue that
encompasses a fascinating range of topics, from war,
psychology, and violence, to social institutions, compassion,
activism, and family life.
With this expanded, anniversary edition of
a classic, new generations of readers can examine for
themselves how spirituality is not only for ourselves, but
often demands action and personal risk in the public arena.
New to this edition, Robert Coles offers
historical perspective on this turbulent time and assesses the
progress of faith-based activism in the years since. Daniel
Berrigan challenges today’s activists in a new afterword.
Finally, a glossary of terms helps to
clarify the key people, places, and movements that are often
the subject of the Coles/Berrigan conversations.
"A celebration of hope between two
thoughtful men that America can change."
—Baltimore
Evening Sun
"One of the most satisfying and
provocative reading experiences."
—The
Progressive
"Dr. Coles believes that modern life
and thought have been invaded by number-crunching, self-loving,
concept-pushers whose limitations have diminished us all.
Against this he pits the power of storytelling and a set of
values that has a very large place for the mysterious, the
ineffable, the sacred, the surprising—that which is
generous and spontaneous and touched by what he would be
comfortable calling grace."
—New
York Times
"Berrigan assesses the state of
society with a single word: ‘Awful. The attack on the
environment, the military budget, the prospect of Star Wars,
the general contempt for human life, the life of the
planet—it’s a litany of crime,’ he said.
‘But I’m very heartened by the reaction of younger
people and some of the issues they’re focusing on: the
School of the Americas, sweatshops, reduction of debt, the farm
workers. I have hope.’"
—Hartford
Courant (reporting from
Berrigan’s recent 80th birthday party)
"[Coles’] generosity of
vision…enables him to create a climate where words of
great beauty and truthfulness can be spoken."
—New
York Times Book Review
"Since Dan Berrigan the draft-card
burner, the missile smasher, the government gadfly, the poet of
practice walked through my life, I have had to confront every
issue…become a more real person than a plaster statue of
a religion gone sour."
—Joan
Chittister
Daniel Berrigan, S.J., is a Catholic priest who was one of the most
eloquent voices protesting the Vietnam War in the 1960s, and
who has continued to be an outspoken activist against social
injustice. He has been arrested more than fifty times and has
spent many months in federal prisons. Berrigan is the author of
numerous books, including (with Thich Nhat Hanh) The Raft Is Not the Shore: Conversations toward
a Buddhist-Christian Awareness and
is an accomplished poet. He lives in New York City.
