Kirjahaku

Over the past few years, John Pavlovitz's blog, Stuff That Needs To Be Said, has become a virtual hub for millions of people from all over the world, drawn there by his clear, compelling words on compassion, equity, love, and justice. This expansive, like-hearted community transcends race, orientation, gender, religious tradition, political affiliation, and nation of origin--and finds its affinity in the deeper place of our shared humanity, which is the True North of his writing. This collection lovingly pulls together some of John's most widely-read and most beloved essays on faith, politics, grief, and the elemental parts of being human. It is an encouraging, inspiring, challenging storehouse of "stuff that needs to be said."

A Bigger Table invites readers to envision a church that is big enough for everyone, by holding up a mirror to the modern church and speaking clearly on issues at the heart of the Christian community: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, global concerns, and theological shifts. John Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories, his careful observations as a pastor, and his understanding of the ancient stories of Jesus to set the table for a new, positive, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith. Though there are many who would remove chairs and whittle down the guest list, we can build the bigger table Jesus imagined, practicing radical hospitality, total authenticity, messy diversity, and agenda-free community.This new edition includes a small-group study guide complete with ideas for exploring A Bigger Table in a congregation-wide sermon series and program along with a new foreword by Jacqui Lewis and new afterword by the author to explore the challenges of living out the bigger table when voices of hate and exclusion seem stronger and louder than ever.

Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible.Imagine for a moment what the world might look like if we as people of faith, morality, and conscience actually aspired to this mantra.What if we were fully burdened to create a world that was more loving and equitable than when we arrived?What if we invited one another to share in wide-open, fearless, spiritual communities truly marked by compassion and interdependence?What if we daily challenged ourselves to live a faith that simply made us better humans?John Pavlovitz explores how we can embody this kinder kind of spirituality where we humbly examine our belief system to understand how it might compel us to act in less-than-loving ways toward others.This simple phrase, "Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible," could help us practice what we preach by creating a world where:spiritual community provides a sense of belonging where all people are received as we are;the most important question we ask of a religious belief is not Is it true? but rather, is it helpful?it is morally impossible to pledge complete allegiance to both Jesus and America simultaneously;the way we treat others is the most tangible and meaningful expression of our belief system.In If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk, John Pavlovitz examines the bedrock ideas of our religion: the existence of hell, the utility of prayer, the way we treat LGBTQ people, the value of anger, and other doctrines to help all of us take a good, honest look at how the beliefs we hold can shape our relationships with God and our fellow humans—and to make sure that love has the last, loudest word.

A 2024 Foreword INDIES Award Finalist "An urgent and passionate commentator, [John Pavlovitz] lives in the tension between despair and hope." - Presbyterian Outlook "John Pavlovitz's Worth Fighting For is a stirring playbook for Christians who strive to ensure that kindness triumphs over toxicity. Forthright and encouraging, Worth Fighting For envisions a grassroots revolution of love led by a 'compassionate coalition of those who give a damn.'"-Foreword Reviews John Pavlovitz has inspired millions to keep boldly loving both neighbors and strangers throughout the years of Trump’s hate-mongering campaign and presidency and continues to be a voice of sanity and urgency when so much is still at stake. It’s a scary time for America, with rights for women and transgender people being rolled back, the truth about Black history and experience being silenced, and unrestricted gun violence on the rise. People who value inclusion, compassion, and the common good are understandably anxious and angry—but we can’t give up hope. We need motivation to keep fighting for justice. This inspiring volume features Pavlovitz’s most important writing from the past several years alongside brand-new essays to provide the encouragement, stamina, and direction we need to keep going, even when things feel bleak. Access free resources, including sermon series prompts and a group discussion guide, at www.wjkbooks.com/WorthFightingFor to expand the use of this book to communal and worship settings.

In this new Lenten devotional, popular progressive Christian author John Pavlovitz (LOW: An Honest Advent Devotional) once again takes us on a transformative spiritual journey. Like the human experience, the spiritual journey is not a level path. It is about the falling and the rising. We allow our hopes to rise when we are in the middle of the struggle. We wait for the sun to rise, knowing that joy comes in the morning. We rise to our feet after falling to our knees in desperate prayer. We rise when we are knocked from our feet, persistent in this. We rise to meet the coming day, knowing we are held by a Love that will have the last word. RISE is a 40-day journey of elevated hopes and ascending spirits. Each entry includes scripture, a reflection, and a prayer.

Grief is a solitary road.Even if we are fortunate enough to have people alongside us during the journey, (as I have been), no one can really travel all the way with us. Our pain and our path are as individual as the relationship we share with the person we've lost.