Unitarian Universalist theologian Paul Rasor’s latest book, Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square, comes at a good time. A few weeks ago several thousand UUs crowded a public street in Phoenix, protesting the existence of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Tent City jail. Rasor’s book is a call to action, inviting us to embrace our prophetic heritage and bring our religious convictions to bear on the issues of the day. He writes that liberal theology must be a liberation theology oriented toward social justice and overcoming oppression.

Speaking historically of one side of our religious heritage, he writes, “Universalism taught that one’s own personal welfare was inseparably linked to the welfare of all of humanity. . . the principle of universal salvation generated a sense of wholeness and harmony that was the theological basis for a truly egalitarian society.”

He continues: “Early Universalists understood, as do contemporary religious liberals, that liberation is social, that human fulfillment and liberation are possible only in a context of open and inclusive communities based on respect and justice.”

The book is available through the UUA Bookstore for $15, with discounts for bulk purchases.

About the Author

Don Skinner

Don Skinner is editor of InterConnections and a member of the Shawnee Mission UU Church in Lenexa, Kansas.

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