10 Books to Read

These ten books sit at the heart of RESIST’s reading list. They’re a mix of Scripture-soaked theology, lived stories, and practical tools for non-violent, Jesus-shaped public life. Use them personally or with your small group—each title includes a quick note on why it matters and how to read it.

1. Howard Thurman, Jesus and the Disinherited
   Why it matters: A concise, luminous account of how Jesus speaks to people with “their backs against the wall.”
   Read it like this: One chapter per week; journal one sentence on “What fear/hatred/deception is Jesus freeing me from?”

2. Willie James Jennings, Acts: A Theological Commentary on the Bible
   Why it matters: The most compelling vision I know of Spirit-driven belonging in Luke–Acts—tables widened, borders crossed.
   Read it like this: Pair each section with the matching passage in Acts; discuss, “Who is the Spirit adding to our ‘we’?”

3. James H. Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree
   Why it matters: Holds the cross in conversation with America’s history of racial terror, calling the church to honest solidarity.
   Read it like this: Read slowly; name one concrete act of anti-racism after each chapter.

4. Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination
   Why it matters: Shows how the prophetic tradition dismantles despair and awakens an alternative future rooted in God’s freedom.
   Read it like this: With a pen. Underline verbs. Ask, “What royal lies must we stop singing?”

5. Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy
   Why it matters: A modern parable of mercy and persistence inside the criminal legal system; outrage braided with hope.
   Read it like this: Map local justice ministries you can support; schedule one next-step before you finish.

6. Gregory Boyle, Tattoos on the Heart
   Why it matters: Tender, often funny field notes on kinship over punishment—mercy with skin on.
   Read it like this: Share a story aloud each meeting; ask, “Where can we move toward the margins this week?”

7. Christine Pohl, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition
   Why it matters: A practical theology of welcome that turns dinner tables into sanctuaries.
   Read it like this: Host one meal during the study; debrief what you learned about power, presence, and place.

8. Desmond Tutu, No Future Without Forgiveness
   Why it matters: Wisdom from South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission on truth-telling, justice, and healing.
   Read it like this: Practice a simple confession & forgiveness liturgy after hard conversations in your group.

9. Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution
   Why it matters: An accessible invitation to live the Sermon on the Mount in neighborhoods that need good news.
   Read it like this: Choose one experiment in simplicity, generosity, or proximity and report back next week.

10. Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication
    Why it matters: A nuts-and-bolts guide to speaking truth without contempt—the daily craft of peacemaking.
    Read it like this: Practice one NVC skill (observation, feeling, need, request) in a real conversation before the next chapter.

Pro tip: Don’t try to read everything at once. Pick one book, gather two friends, and take three simple actions before you meet again. Formation > information.