In the words of Shane Claiborne, founder member of The Simple Way and author of Jesus for President, John Perkins has fathered ‘a ragtag and dysfunctional spiritual family as diverse as the kingdom of God.’ Let Justice Roll Down is the story of the ragtag and dysfunctional beginnings of the man who would father a thriving movement of Christian community development and social justice.

In this gripping autobiography, we see the events and meet the people that made the passionate yet approachable leader we see today. He pulls no punches when he tells of his his humble beginnings in the cotton fields, the poverty and injustices of the South, his early rejection of Christianity, and his brutal beating in the Brandon, Mississippi jail.

Though not an easy read, you will find it to be an easy book to follow. It is extremely conversational, sprinkled with Dr. Perkins’s wit and wisdom. Have you pen or highlighter handy; you’ll want to make notes for further study.

Groups of any size would benefit from the examples of forgiveness and reconciliation in this book. But it would be an exceptional resource for a smaller group of believers (mixed race and of dissimilar backgrounds) to use for extended study.

Look for themes of interdependence, sensitivity, and intentionality for how you might apply them to your own experience.

Listen. Learn. Love.

This book, co-authored by the late Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice, is considered the book ‘that started it all’ in the Christian racial reconciliation movement. My husband and I used it for many years in supper club book discussions.

It covers the definitions of racism in America, covers white privilege, white blinders, and black rage against the backdrop of Spencer and Chris’s growing ministry relationship in and around Jackson, MS during the late 1980s and early 90s.

Are we equal? This book shows you how believers should be more than equal.