The Word on the Street

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO SEMINARY PROFESSORS LEAVE their classrooms and spend time among the homeless people and teach on city streets? In this unique collection of essays and sermons, Stanley P Saunders and Charles L. Campbell reflect on their encounters with the homeless folks in Atlanta and seek to discern the way of Jesus on the streets of the city. These passionate, often moving writings demonstrate the power of Scripture to shape the way we see the world, and they explore the significance of social location for exegesis, ethics, worship, and preaching. From the perspective of the street, central Christian practices such as baptism, Eucharist, and preaching come to life in new ways. Scripture takes on fresh meaning too, while ancient insights into the principalities and powers, the practice of scapegoating, and the organization of households become contemporary and immediate. Even theological themes--grace and discipleship, sin and forgiveness, crucifixion and resurrection--look different when take to the street. Accented by six powerful artworks from Christina Bray‘s exhibit Street Prayers/Spiritual Journeys, this book also sheds light on the problem of homelessness in America and calls the church to action. Through their reflection on personal experiences and their interpretation of biblical texts, Saunders and Campbell provide meaningful theological categories for addressing pressing social issues in the urban context, making The Word on the Street a helpful resource on the realities of poverty, race, and injustice. The Word on the Street? I‘m not sure the Word can be proclaimed anywhere else. My response to this account is one of awe--and awe does not lend itself to our frail language. --Will D. Campbell This volume gives us theology that is both responsible and responsive. With inspiration and grace, Saunders and Campbell show us that when faith hits the streets, it takes on unjust systems and transforms human hearts. --Joyce Hollyday Stanley P. Saunders is Associate Professor of New Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary Charles L. Campbell is Peter Marshall Professor of Homiletics, Columbia Theological Seminary.