Books on this list are organized under the following headings:

• HNGR Director Recommends
• Development Studies
• Perspectives on Poverty and Transformation
• Biblical/Theological Studies
• Cross-Cultural Studies
• Global Christianity
• Literature and Fiction
• New! HNGR Alumni Favorites

New Books
Hope in Troubled Times
Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
Can You Drink the Cup?

Hope in Troubled Times: A New Vision for Confronting Global Crises
by Bob Goudzwaard et. al

A call to work together and live unselfishly in a world of terrorism, poverty, and environmental degradation. Provides practical ideas for knocking down the idols in our lives.

Development to a Different Drummer: Anabaptist/Mennonite Experiences and Perspectives
by Richard A. Yoder, Calvin W. Redekop, and Vernon E. Jantzi (2004)

Are Mennonites, known around the world as caring and ethical people, successful practitioners of development? A refreshing view of sensitive and effective development work.

The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time
by Jeffrey Sachs (2005)

Jeffrey Sachs puts forth a plan to end world poverty by 2025. Sachs outlines in detail the nine steps needed to acheive this goal. This hopeful work makes the end of poverty not only desirable, but realistic.

Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism
by Richard H. Robbins (2004)

This text provides the anthropological, economic, and historical context necessary to understand global problems, and why globalization and capitalism have generated protest and resistance.

The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community
by David C. Korten (2006)

Korten traces the historical progress of Empire and asserts that we can turn away from it. He argues that "Earth Community," an egalitarian, sustainable ordering of human society on democratic principles is in fact possible.

Inspiring Progress: Religions' Contributions to Sustainable Development
by Gary T. Gardner (2006)

In the face of hunger, injustice, and poverty, religious people and institutions are developing initiatives to care for the environment and change the distribution of wealth in the world.

Rural Development: Putting the Last First
by Robert Chambers (1995)

Chambers challenges preconceptions dominating rural development, and looks at how rural poverty is often unseen and misperceived by those who are not themselves rural and poor. He argues for fundamental reversals in outsiders' learning, values, and behavior that allows for more realistic action in addressing rural poverty.

The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good
by William Easterly (2006)

A rigorous study of the overall failure of the attempts of the North to transplant its institutions on the South and propel economic, social and political development.

God of the Empty-Handed
by Jayakumar Christian (1999)

Christian takes a deep and well-researched look at global poverty from both Christian and non-Christian perspectives. He encourages the Church to confront the principalities and powers, and helps readers understand their own assumptions about poverty.

> Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective

Promises Not Kept: Poverty and the Betrayal of Third World Development
by John Isbister (2006)

Engages in the discussion of how American hegemony, the war on terror, and other developments in international politics affect the issues of world poverty.

Walking with the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development
by Bryant L. Myers (1999)

A thorough and thoughtful introduction to transformational development, and what exactly makes development Christian. The author effectively engages issues of theology and real Christian practice.

> Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective

Acts: The Gospel of the Spirit
by Justo L. Gonzalez (2001)

An insightful examination of the book of Acts in its social context. The Biblical text is explicated both in terms of its social and theological implications.

Colossians Remixed
by Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat (2004)

A powerful new reading of the message of Colossians. The authors present a timely exposition of how the Church has become a captive of culture, assert the sovereignty of Christ over global consumerism, and offer practical ways of living out that sovereignty in the context of compassionate community.One of the few major theological works from a Hispanic Protestant tradition, this insightful book weaves the contemporary Hispanic struggle with the Christian tradition.

> Read in HNGR 494, HNGR Capstone Seminar

Manana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective
by Justo L. Gonzalez (1990)

One of the few major theological works from a Hispanic Protestant tradition, this insightful book weaves the contemporary Hispanic struggle with the Christian tradition.

> Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective

Change Across Cultures: A Narrative Approach to Social Transformation
by Bruce Bradshaw (2002)

Examines how Christians should respond when poverty, injustice, violence, oppression exist despite the growth of the Church. Bradshaw calls Christians to bear witness to the whole Gospel, which includes the transformation of cultures and ecological stewardship.

Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility
by Duane Elmer (2006)

Elmer offers helpful insights on how to relate cross-culturally without inadvertently communicating superiority, paternalism, and arrogance. Advice for all who want to serve internationally with discretion and grace.

After the Locusts: Letters from a Landscape of Faith
by Denise Ackermann (2003)

"None of us can be too comfortable with power and influence, nor can we afford to be smug, for we stand under the judgment of the cross of Jesus who emptied himself and took on the form of a servant and was obedient even to death, yes, death on the cross." From the Forward by Desmond Tutu

> Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective

Chrisianity Rediscovered
by Vincent J. Donovan (1978)

The story of how an American missionary "rediscovered" the Gospel message among the Masai in Tanzania.

> Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective

Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life
by Henri Nouwen (1983)

A powerful call to radical Christ-centered compassion. Nouwen asserts that only by emptying ourselves can we truly love others.

> Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective

The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South
by Philip Jenkins (2006)

The author of The Next Christendom takes a closer look at Christianity in the Global South: its focus on the Bible and fresh internpretations of ancient truths.

The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity
by Philip Jenkins (2003)

Jenkins offers an insightful look at Christianity in the Global South, with its emphases on the Holy Spirit, justice, and social liberation. He compellingly traces world Christianity's shift from the West to the Global South.

> Read in HNGR 385, Field Research Methods

One World or Many? The Impact of Globalisation on Mission
edited by Richard Tiplady (2003)

Instead of emphasizing the political and economic aspects of globalization, this work examines the more influential social and cultural issues. Explores the impact of globalization on the more traditional questions of Christian mission.

Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel Beyond the West
by Lamin Sanneh (2003)

A stirring look at the growth of global Christianity, with a focus on the Church in the Global South. An excellent resource on the relationship between religion and politics and the place of Christianity in today's world.

> Read in HNGR 484, Global Christian Perspective

Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit
by Daniel Quinn (1992)

One of the most captivating and bestselling novels of spiritual adventure ever written.

> Read in HNGR 494, HNGR Capstone Seminar

Nectar in a Sieve
by Kamala Markandaya (1954)

A semi-autobiographical novel about a woman named Rukmani living in India during a period of urbanization and development. The book tells the story of the hardships endured by herself and her family, and their enduring hope.

> Read in HNGR 112, Third World Issues

Simpler Living, Compassionate Life
edited and compiled by Michael Schut (1999)

An excellent collection of essys compiled by a HNGR Alumnus, this book provides practical wisdom and advice for those seeking to live simply and responsibly in today's complex global system. Writings by Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, Cecile Andrews, and others are included, as well as a helpful study guide.

> Read in HNGR Small Groups

African Cry
by Jean-Marc Ela

A clear, compelling, and above all African liberation theology.

The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times: New Perspectives on the Transformative Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola
by Dean Brackley

This book about personal and social change is written for everyone, no matter where they are on their spiritual journeys. Brackley shows how the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola can be useful for developing a theology of social engagement.

Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor
by Robert D. Lupton

An excellent resource for anyone interested in doing urban ministry, or any type of ministry for that matter. Full of practical examples from a lifetime of service among the poor.

Interpreter of Maladies
by Jhumpa Lahiri

A collection of well-written, bittersweet short stories featuring Asian and American characters living in London, India, Pakistan, and the U.S. who find themselves in situations we can all relate to.

Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
by Immaculee Ilibaziga

Ilibaziga was 22 years old when the genocide began. She survived by spending 91 agonizing days hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women. This firsthand account of the Rwandan genocide is eloquent and compelling--a must read.

Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade--and How We Can Fight It
by David Batsone

A heart-wrenching and well-documented account of the horror of human trafficking.