The Essential James Luther Adams

Revealing essays discuss the religious power of music, the role of the liberal church in social justice, the historical origins of the free church movement, the balance of spirituality and social responsibility and more. Spans Adams' entire career.

"James Luther Adams, one of the most beloved teachers, racontours, scholars and editors of the 20th century, wrote in small rather than full-length books. No one has mastered this vast body of material or grasped his inner coherence better than Beach, who not only edited several earlier volumes of Adam's works but has now compiled the main themes into this compelling, coherent, readable and delightfully integrated whole. It is a magnificent achievement, done with nuance, art, and accuracy. I would not be surprised to see this volume trigger a resurgence of liberalism in theology and social thought." -Max J. Stackhouse, Devries Professor of Theology and Public Life and Director of Kuyper Center for Public Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary "Adams was the most transforming figure in 20th-century Unitarian Univeralism. Having previously edited Adams's essays, Beach masterfully gives us the master himself... the smiling prophet of liberal religion." -John A. Buchrens, co-author of A Chosen Faith "Beach leads the reader on a discursive, personal journey through the mind and faith of James Luther Adams. Rich in parable and paradox. Adam's thought remains vivid, his cautions instructive and his spiritual and ethical commitment worthy of abiding emulation." -Forest Church, author of Freedom from Fear Until now, we have glimpsed Adam's vision through his parables and short writings. Here is the book that many have sought in his life-work- a systematic yet nuanced and entirely readable theology for a new religious liberalism.

James Luther Adams has been a major force in American social ethics and liberal theology for more than half a century, from his work with anti-Nazi preachers in Germany in the late 1930s through his teaching at the University of Chicago and the Harvard Divinity School. Here is his latest collection of inimitable essays.

Adams speaks passionately and lucidly on religion's ties to everyday life.

In this seminal work, pioneering theologian Ernst Troeltsch raises the question, how can we pass beyond the diversity with which history presents us to norms for our faith and for our judgments about life? He trenchantly probes the issue of how one religion--when viewed historically in the context of other world religions--can be universally and absolutely true. Though many others since have explored the issue of historical relativism and religious truth, few have done so with Troeltsch's determination and incisiveness, and for this he has made a lasting contribution to Christian theology and the philosophy of religion. The questions Troeltsch poses in this book remain utterly significant for the thoughtful Christian today. This reissue of a well-known classic includes a foreword by theological titan James Luther Adams.

Appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in 2017, the UUA Commission on Institutional Change served through June 2020. Widening the Circle of Concern: Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change represents the culmination of the Commission’s work analyzing structural and systemic racism and white supremacy culture within Unitarian Universalism and makes recommendations to advance long-term cultural and institutional change that redeems the essential promise and ideals of Unitarian Universalism. The members and staff of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change were Chair Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Mary Byron, Cir L’Bert Jr., Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore, Dr. Elías Ortega, Caitlin Breedlove, DeReau K. Farrar, and Project Manager Rev. Marcus Fogliano.

The German theologian examines the philosophical foundations of the religions practiced by Western man

Conversations about racism are as important as they are hard for American Christians. Yet the conversation often gets so ugly, even among the faithful who claim unity in Jesus. Why is that the case? Why does it matter? Can things get better, or are we permanently divided? In this honest and hopeful book, pastor Isaac Adams doesn't just show you how to have the race conversation, he begins it for you. By offering a fictional, racially charged tragedy in order to understand varying perspectives and responses, he examines what is at stake if we ignore this conversation, and why there's just as much at stake in how we have that discussion, especially across color lines--that is, with people of another ethnicity. This unique approach offers insight into how to listen to one another well and seek unity in Christ. Looking to God's Word, Christians can find wisdom to speak gracefully and truthfully about racism for the glory of God, the good of their neighbors, and the building up of the church. Some feel that the time for talking is over, and that we've heard all this before. But given how polarized American society is becoming--its churches not exempt--fresh attention on the dysfunctional communication between ethnicities is more than warranted. Adams offers an invitation to faithfully combat the racism so many of us say we hate and maintain the unity so many of us say we want. Together we can learn to speak in such a way that we show a divided world a different world. Talking About Race points to the starting line, not the finish line, when it comes to following Jesus amid race relations. It’s high time to begin running.