What would the world look like if everyone had a home? The rise in homeless encampments. The destruction of our planet. The disconnection from place caused by capitalism and techno
What would the world look like if everyone had a home?
The rise in homeless encampments. The destruction of our planet. The disconnection from place caused by capitalism and technology. Beyond the unavailability of housing, our culture is experiencing a devastating loss of home.
In Beyond Homelessness, Steven Bouma-Prediger and Brian Walsh explore the relationship between socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural homelessness. Bouma-Prediger and Walsh blend groundbreaking scholarship with stirring biblical meditations, while enriching their discussion with literature, music, and art. Offering practical solutions and a hope-filled vision of home, they show how to heal the deep dislocations in our society.
In this fifteenth-anniversary edition, the authors return to their work with a new postscript, in which they discuss the evolution of their ideas and share true stories of home and community built anew. This revitalized classic is a must-read for any Christian committed to social justice—and anyone longing for home.
Theology
“The publication of this second edition is to be welcomed. . . . Essential reading for all those looking for comprehensive theological resources for social action.”
National Catholic Reporter
“Beyond Homelessness explores the meaning of ‘home’ and emphasizes God’s covenantal and homemaking love for humanity. The authors nod to Barbara Kingsolver’s theory that home is simply a place of belonging—and a place where we share that belonging with others. If we have been gifted a place of belonging, love and affirmation, isn’t it our responsibility to share that with others?”
“This fifteenth anniversary edition could not be timelier. Here are the stories of prophetic vision and hope that we need. Beyond Homelessness has the power to change the way we view who we are to one another.”
—Mark R. Gornik, director of the City Seminary of New York
“Brian and Steven offer engaging and practical direction on the role that people of faith have played and can continue to play in realizing homefulness for all. I have been a housing and homemaking advocate for more than four decades, and I continually reach for their words for inspiration and instruction.”
—Michael Shapcott, executive director of the Sorrento Centre
“If it feels beyond you to imagine a way out of the morass of problems and barriers facing those who want to create housing for homeless people, you must read this book. Herein is energizing vision aplenty, starting with the fundamental idea that creating homes, not merely housing, is what we must aim for.”
—Greg Paul, pastor of Sanctuary Community, Toronto, and author of God in the Alley
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Steve Bouma-Prediger is the Leonard and Marjorie Maas Professor of Reformed Theology at Hope College. He speaks regularly on environmental issues.
Brian J. Walsh served as a campus minister and adjunct professor of theology at the University of Toronto. He farms at Russet House Farm in Ontario and serves on the board of his local homeless shelter.
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Table of Contents
Foreword by Ruth Padilla DeBorst
Preface to the 15th Anniversary Edition
Preface to the First Edition
1. There’s No Place Like Home
2. The Meaning of Home
3. Socioeconomic Homelessness
4. From Housing to Homemaking
5. Ecological Homelessness
6. Shalom and the Character of Earthkeeping
7. Postmodern Homelessness
8. The Indwelling God and the Sojourning Community
9. Redemptive Homecoming
Postscript
Bibliography
Indexes
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