Journey for Justice


Book Description

This biography of the late Rev. Fr. Michael Rodrigo, OMI (1930-1987) of Sri Lanka, chronicles a life fearlessly devoted to the service of the poor, efforts to witness Christ to the poor through an innovative interfaith dialogue, and a collaboration for their social and economic empowerment. As a Catholic priest whose life parallels that of the recently martyred Oscar Romero of El Salvador, also assassinated for exposing the exploitation and marginalization of the poor, Fr. Michael was engaged in a selfless journey for justice. The volume analyzes the driving force of his quest to forge a healing bridge between the Christian and Buddhist populations of Sri Lanka through his spiritual grounding in Catholic social teaching and his unique formulation of an interreligious dialogue. It documents the indelible imprint of interfaith understanding he forged up to his untimely death. Interwoven with ethnographic methodology, the book offers a window for understanding the class and religious ruptures stemming from Sri Lanka's colonial history, contextualized in the social realities of poverty in rural Sri Lanka, the political and economic forces implicated in deepening poverty, the resistance struggle by oppressed youth, and Fr. Mike's legacy of justice through peace.




Journeys of Social Justice


Book Description




Journeys in Social Education: A Primer


Book Description

Social education is quite a journey. Given the ongoing debate and struggle with “defining” social education, the following is at present a “working definition” - "While we resist ‘defining’ social education, we believe that social education emphasizes three areas of study: critical pedagogy, cultural/media studies, and social studies education. We also stress that education, interpreted broadly, has the potential to advance social justice." Thus emerged social education... a lifelong journey for all of us – to question, to challenge, to do, and to create. Connecting present and past, merging current issues with traditional curriculum, integrating alternative texts and perspectives, empowering and emancipating kids and educators, and transforming schools and society – the transgressions of social education scream out. Dewey, Freire, Kincheloe, Zinn, Greene, Giroux, Apple, hooks, McLaren, Kozol, Loewen, Said, Chomsky, even Bob Dylan and many others have provided the impetus. May we make them proud! The essays within this text demonstrate various journeys in social education. They are meant as stories, not maps or scripts. They are intended to serve as a primer of sorts, for those interested in a similar journey. Hopefully, this can be a meaningful experience for many – students, educators, parents, and society as a whole, of course. Well... the journey and struggle continues...




Postmodern Journeys


Book Description

Part memoir, part cultural criticism, this fast-paced ride through the postmodern landscape of American popular culture explores how our responses to headline events and popular films help script the ways in which we imagine ourselves and the world around us.




Journeys to a Jewish Life


Book Description

Follow the soul treks of Jews lost and found. Be inspired to connect with Judaism in new ways. “No two people take the same journey.... Yet the telling of each story can ease the footsteps of those who follow.... It is my hope that [these] tales will offer you camaraderie, a guidepost here and there, and, most of all, the heart and strength to pursue your own path.” —from the Introduction What draws Jews back to their religious roots? What drives them away? What obstacles must they overcome to find their way home? Paula Amann candidly probes these questions and more as she explores how secular and nominal Jews are blazing their own trails toward a vibrant, twenty-first-century Judaism. With the ear of a journalist and the heart of a seeker, Amann weaves a tapestry of human stories—of alienation, connection, spiritual detours, and unexpected portals into a life of faith. The people you meet in this engaging book will throw a fresh light on Jewish thought and practice. And their tales of personal transformation might just renew your relationship with Judaism—or send you off on your own Jewish journey. Topics include: Swerving In and Out of Other Faiths Traditions That Chafe The Arts as a Portal Healing Body and Soul Making a Jewish Life That Works ... And Many Others




Journey With Me


Book Description

Have you ever wondered, “Is this all there is to life and ministry with the Lord?” “Why am I so tired all the time?” “How can I grow in my intimacy with God in practical ways?” “Am I so busy doing that I have forgotten how to be with God?” As ministry workers, we too often face these questions because we too often expect a thriving personal relationship with God to be an outcome of our ministry. Journey With Me illustrates that ministry is the result of the overflow of our relationship with God, rather than vice versa. Exploring over fifteen ancient spiritual graces—such as Lectio Divina, rule of life, silence and solitude, and prayer of Examen—Herbert F. Lamp, Jr. invites us to prioritize soul care, rather than treating ministry as a replacement for intimacy. In the process of knowing and being known, God fills us up with his love, joy, peace, and wisdom. Only then can we minister to others, balancing a heart for God with hands for service. After almost four decades of missionary service, Lamp has experienced the joys and potential pitfalls of serving Christ cross-culturally. Sharing his experiences and offering practical, time-tested methods to grow spiritually, Lamp invites you to journey with Our Father intimately as you cross your cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and geographic borders, serving him wholeheartedly and passionately.




Qualitative Journeys


Book Description

Qualitative Journeys: Student and Mentor Experiences with Research takes a fresh approach to teaching qualitative research. Authors Victor Minichiello and Jeffrey Kottler share stories of student qualitative research experiences that reveal the struggles, the joys, the discoveries, and the surprises that take place during the qualitative research journey. By studying examples of student research (including obstacles and how they were overcome), readers learn through the real-life experiences of other students. Throughout the textbook, the authors offer pragmatic guidance for what works and what does not work, along with suggested solutions. Features and Benefits Provides the nuts and bolts of qualitative research in Part I Includes a dozen "qualitative journeys," narratives that tell the story of research studies, how they evolved, what was involved, and how they were conceived and conducted Focuses on research from the perspective of student experiences and demonstrates the partnership between students and their mentors Includes domestic and international examples of qualitative studies and real-life stories that convey the excitement and meaning of research Considers the lessons learned and the main themes derived from all the qualitative journeys Qualitative Journeys: Student and Mentor Experiences with Research is appropriate for use as a supplement or core text for courses in Qualitative Research, Counseling Research Methods, or Social Work Research Methods.




Journeys to Professional Excellence


Book Description

Journeys to Professional Excellence: Stories of Courage, Innovation, and Risk-Taking in the Lives of Noted Psychologists and Counselors edited by Frederic P. Bemak and Robert K. Conyne explores the professional journeys of well-known psychologists and counselors, examining factors that contributed to their successes and struggles in the field. Powerful narratives cover the challenges and joys related to ethnic identity; moving from poverty; finding significance; dealing with immigrant status; exploring public policy; challenging the status quo; experiencing serendipity and exploring one’s way; moving into new professional roles; and taking risks. These stories will ignite passion in future psychologists and counselors by helping them reflect on the relationship between their own personal and professional identities.




Further Reflections on the Journey to the Omega Point


Book Description

Further Reflections on the Journey to the Omega Point is a sequel to my previous book, Reflections on the Journey to the Omega Point. It is a further collection of my reflections on various subjects based on insights I have gained over 71 years of living. They follow no particular pattern or sequence and at times may be repetitious but some things are worth repeating since they contain valuable lessons and wisdom that come to all of us over a lifetime of living. This book is written from a Roman Catholic viewpoint but it has something for people of all Faiths. One disclaimer: These are strictly my observations and opinions; right or wrong, these are my personal conclusions on the topics discussed