The Gospel Of Kindness

When we consider modern American animal advocacy, we often think of veganism, no-kill shelters, Internet campaigns against trophy hunting, or celebrities declaring that they would "rather go naked" than wear fur. Contemporary critics readily dismiss animal protectionism as a modern secular movement that privileges animals over people. Yet the movement's roots are deeply tied to the nation's history of religious revivalism and social reform. In The Gospel of Kindness, Janet M. Davis explores the broad cultural and social influence of the American animal welfare movement at home and overseas from the Second Great Awakening to the Second World War. Dedicated primarily to laboring animals at its inception in an animal-powered world, the movement eventually included virtually all areas of human and animal interaction. Embracing animals as brethren through biblical concepts of stewardship, a diverse coalition of temperance groups, teachers, Protestant missionaries, religious leaders, civil rights activists, policy makers, and anti-imperialists forged an expansive transnational "gospel of kindness," which defined animal mercy as a signature American value. Their interpretation of this "gospel" extended beyond the New Testament to preach kindness as a secular and spiritual truth. As a cultural product of antebellum revivalism, reform, and the rights revolution of the Civil War era, animal kindness became a barometer of free moral agency, higher civilization, and assimilation. Yet given the cultural, economic, racial, and ethnic diversity of the United States, its empire, and other countries of contact, standards of kindness and cruelty were culturally contingent and potentially controversial. Diverse constituents defended specific animal practices, such as cockfighting, bullfighting, songbird consumption, and kosher slaughter, as inviolate cultural traditions that reinforced their right to self-determination. Ultimately, American animal advocacy became a powerful humanitarian ideal, a touchstone of inclusion and national belonging at home and abroad that endures to this day.

"And be ye kind to another," begins Ephesians 4:32. Christians are called to this standard, but how seriously do we take it? In The Law of Kindness, Mary Beeke examines the idea of kindness, shows how it is developed, and gives helpful advice for putting it into action, with specific chapters addressed to wives, husbands, parents, teachers, and children. Readers will be struck by their own lack of kindness, captivated by God's kindness toward us in Jesus Christ, and motivated to cultivate more of this precious virtue.

Offers Christians practical, effective advice to help them bring more members into their church and share their spirituality with others.

The Gospel of Kindness explores the historical significance of the American animal welfare movement at home and overseas from the Second Great Awakening to the Second World War. Focused on laboring animals at its inception, the movement evolved into an expansive "gospel of kindness," transforming animal mercy into a signature American value.

Heartwarming stories that embody Christ's lessons of love, compassion, and kindness. At the heart of Christianity is a very simple message about love and kindness, the most powerful tools available to permanently and profoundly affect our lives and the lives of those around us. These heartwarming stories, collected by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, present shining examples of people around the world living the Christian credo to "love thy neighbor as thyself." From the church group that shovel.

Loving the Unloved of Society “I realize that God brought me into this world, blessed with skills and talents. The only thing that makes sense to me is to use them in the service of the poor. It is at their feet that I find myself.” For almost ten years, Gary Smith, S.J., lived and worked among the poor of Portland, Oregon. With this memoir, he invites us to walk with him and meet some of the abandoned, over-looked, and forgotten members of our society with whom he has shared his life. Just as Smith found a deeper, truer understanding of himself and of the heart of God through his work, these people and their stories stand to transform us. “Although its subject matter is bleak, the book is not. Smith has found love amid the despair. His book is touching, at times hopeful, and the kind of book that is hard to put down, that fascinates, horrifies, and rivets one’s attention.” —Booklist “Smith takes us where we would rather not go, the heart of the poor, the lonely, and the abandoned. In true Ignatian fashion, he finds God there. An unforgettable experience for those who have the courage to walk with him.” —Michael L. Cook, S.J. Professor of theology Gonzaga University “Smith performs modern-day miracles of compassion, and his book sets a new standard for writing about the rich faith of those who are materially poor. His stirring prose and utter honesty will change the hearts and minds of many readers.” —Gerald T. Cobb, S.J. Chair, department of English Seattle University

This book retells American southern history from feral animals' perspective, examining social, cultural, and evolutionary consequences of domestication and feralization.

The starting and ending points for all outreach have to be love. The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through kindness outreach—showing God’s love in practical ways. This type of outreach is what Jesus modeled, is culturally relevant, and values people. The goal should be to invite people to take the next step from where they are. Friendship Community Church, led by Pastor Todd Stevens, has experienced tremendous growth through acts of kindness. The church’s most radical kindness project is Nashville Strip Church, founded by Erin Stevens. Erin’s life changed when God told her to “go feed the strippers.” With home-cooked meals and gift bags, Erin shows dancers that God loves them. How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness includes the story of a dancer who has come to know Christ, left the strip club industry through Erin’s ministry, and is now serving with Erin to reach other strippers. From feeding the homeless, to Easter egg hunts for special needs children, to ministering in a strip club, How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness provides exciting ideas for showing God’s love in practical ways. Features include: Stories from kindness outreach events, including Strip Church Ideas for showing God’s love in practical ways Inspiration to step out of your comfort zone to serve people

This is a book about God - a collection of stories, compiled by an engineer, written by people who have met Him and found that it changed their lives. The accounts are gentle, positive, joyful, comforting, and full of lovingkindness. They show us that God is truly our divine parent who loves us and cares for us. "What a wonderful gift this book is! The stories shared within its covers are truly inspirational, miraculous and joyous! Many thanks." Karen Greguras, College English Instructor "Reading this book proved to me that a living, loving God is in and all around us! I read it every night for the consolation and assurance it gives me!" Barbara Naylor, Homemaker "I want the world to know: This is a book to have, to read, to share. I cried upon reading some pages, I was too intrigued to stop reading the other pages. The personal accounts from different people made me feel connected to their stories on a level I haven't encountered yet myself." Kim Losurdo, Human Resources Rep "What a wonderfully comforting book! The stories show that God is not remote from us. He is truly here with us, aware of our needs and guiding us with love and kindness." Kathy Martin, Medical Assistant "The personal accounts in this book will touch hearts, provide inspiration, and amaze. The stories illustrate, in a variety of wonderful ways, the transpersonal connection we have to the Divine. This book is a 'must read' for those who want to be reminded of the miracles that can take place in everyday life." Irene Blinston, Ph.D. "This is the most heartwarming book I've ever worked on. It reminds me once again that God's lovingkindness is always with us." Phyllis Butler Author/Editor

A pop culture celebration of Fred Rogers and the enduring legacy of his beloved, award-winning PBS show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood that offers essential wisdom to help us in our troubled times. Won’t you be my neighbor? For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, Fred Rogers offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be. Looking back at the history of the show and the creative visionary behind it, pop culture aficionado Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Beautifully crafted, infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.