#Occupy the Bible: What Jesus Really Said (and Did) About Money and Power

by Susan Thistlethwaite

Overview

Jesus of Nazareth said and did a lot about money and power in his own time. But Jesus wasn’t a "free market capitalist," despite what some conservative Christians would like us to believe in the 21st century.

· Jesus occupied the Temple in Jerusalem—effectively the national bank of his time—and threw out those who were exploiting the poor.
· Jesus organized fishermen whose industry had been wrecked by the Roman Empire.
· His followers included powerful "women of means," like Mary Magdalene, who was last at the cross, first at the tomb, and who went on to become missionaries.
· Jesus taught "in the streets," preaching that God’s "side" is not that of the wealthy and powerful; and that all believers need to confront inequality now.
· And more…

#OccupytheBible is an eye-opening, no-holds barred look at the real message of Jesus, using the scriptures that are foundational for the Christian faith. #OTB is also a practical "how to" guide for potential Christian "occupiers"—people sincerely committed to confronting the rising poverty and economic inequality in the United States using the powerful, unvarnished message of Jesus of Nazareth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781938231445
Publisher:	Astor + Blue Editions, LLC
Publication date:	02/01/2013
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite is a professor of theology at the Chicago Theological Seminary, and formerly served as its president from 1998 to 2008. An ordained minister of the United Church of Christ since 1974, she’s authored numerous books, and has worked on two different translations of the Bible. She also writes a weekly column for the Washington Post (“On Faith”) and is a frequent media commentator on religion and public events. Her previous works include Interfaith Just Peacemaking: Alternatives to War (USIP, 2008) and Adam, Eve and the Genome: Theology in Dialogue with the Human Genome Project (Fortress Press, 2003). She currently serves on the boards of the Center for American Progress, Faith in Public Life, the Interfaith Youth Core, and the Medill Center for Religion in the News Media. She has a Ph.D. from Duke University, a Masters of Divinity (Summa Cum Laude) from Duke Divinity School, and a B.A. from Smith College. She lives and works in Chicago, Illinois.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“The power and clarity of Dr. Thistlethwaite’s book confronts an anemic church afraid of the words and witness of Jesus Christ. This is a must read for all who want to reclaim the Bible and the Church from poor biblical scholarship and a market driven theology possessed by Wall Street. Read at your own risk. You may accept the call of #occupy the world with love and justice.”
—Rev. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ

“This book is a must read for Christians struggling to follow Jesus in an era of rampant greed as well as those concerned that America’s economic system is morally bankrupt. The book’s grounding in scripture and theology is a critical tool for anyone trying to counter hypocritical political leaders or Christian right leaders who are leading America astray on economic policies and principles.”
—Rev. Jennifer Butler, Executive Director at Faith in Public Life

“Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite brings the brains of a first rate scholar, the spirit of a pastor and the passion of a prophet to “occupying” the Bible. Her book reveals the immediate relevancy of the sacred scriptures for today’s struggling world and offers a compelling altar call for Christians to live out the mandate for justice inherent within our faith.”
—Rev. Dr. Paul Rauschenbush, Religion Editor at The Huffington Post

"Susan Thistlethwaite uses compelling scholarship to show just how biblically and theologically relevant the Occupy movement was and is. It doesn't matter that the encampments are gone; this book is about us: it is about our calling and our need do a ‘mic check’ on a money-dominated social system that is rapidly losing its way."
—Rev. Peter Laarman, Executive Director at Progressive Christians Uniting

Editorial Reviews

“The power and clarity of Dr. Thistlethwaite’s book confronts an anemic church afraid of the words and witness of Jesus Christ. This is a must read for all who want to reclaim the Bible and the Church from poor biblical scholarship and a market driven theology possessed by Wall Street. Read at your own risk. You may accept the call of #occupy the world with love and justice.”
—Rev. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ

“This book is a must read for Christians struggling to follow Jesus in an era of rampant greed as well as those concerned that America’s economic system is morally bankrupt. The book’s grounding in scripture and theology is a critical tool for anyone trying to counter hypocritical political leaders or Christian right leaders who are leading America astray on economic policies and principles.”
—Rev. Jennifer Butler, Executive Director at Faith in Public Life

“Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite brings the brains of a first rate scholar, the spirit of a pastor and the passion of a prophet to “occupying” the Bible. Her book reveals the immediate relevancy of the sacred scriptures for today’s struggling world and offers a compelling altar call for Christians to live out the mandate for justice inherent within our faith.”
—Rev. Dr. Paul Rauschenbush, Religion Editor at The Huffington Post

"Susan Thistlethwaite uses compelling scholarship to show just how biblically and theologically relevant the Occupy movement was and is. It doesn't matter that the encampments are gone; this book is about us: it is about our calling and our need do a ‘mic check’ on a money-dominated social system that is rapidly losing its way."
—Rev. Peter Laarman, Executive Director at Progressive Christians Uniting

From the Publisher