Over the past 15 years, associations throughout the US have organized citizens around issues of equality and social justice, often through local churches. But in contrast to President Bush's vision of faith-based activism, in which groups deliver social services to the needy, these associations do something greater. Drawing on institutions of faith, they reshape public policies that neglect the disadvantaged. To find out how this faith-based form of community organizing succeeds, Richard L. Wood spent several years working with two local groups in Oakland, California - the Pacific Institute for Community Organization and the race-based Centre for Third World Organization. Comparing their activist techniques and achievements, Wood argues that the alternative culture and strategies of these two groups give them radically different access to community ties and social capital. Creative and insightful "Faith in Action" shows how community activism and religious organizations can help build a more just and democratic future for all Americans.

About the Author
Richard L. Wood is associate professor of sociology at the University of New Mexico.

Reviews
"Faith in Action is a timely and intelligent work - a penetrating look at the efficacy of faith-based community activism. Wood's creative new study will appeal to sociologists of culture, politics, and religion and to anyone interested in how social movements work and continue to prosper." - Christian Smith, author of American Evangelicalism



Book Information
ISBN 9780226905969
Author Richard L. Wood
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 595g
Dimensions(mm) 23mm * 16mm * 2mm