Scholar Eddie Glaude Jr. argues that we often view the women and men who surrounded Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. too narrowly--primarily as followers of King's lead. Yes, they were deeply committed disciples of the movement. Yet, they were far more. The collected sermons of Cordy Tindell "C.T." Vivian remind us that Vivian stood among the impactful figures of the civil rights era as a deep thinker of Christian theology and activist-faith. Indeed, history records Vivian as a preacher-activist who conveyed a clarity of theological thought regarding democracy and faith. Your Soul Is Required compiles Vivian's wisdom alongside commentaries written by contemporary scholars and preachers to explore the depth of Vivian's theology. Those familiar with Vivian's work point out that his theological prowess is best seen through his sermons. The power of Vivian's sermons, in turn, shows through his ability to present complex ideas about Christian faith and the world in accessible ways for ordinary people. Your Soul Is Required will speak as well to scholars of theology and practitioners of homiletics as it will to grassroots women and men who seek contemporary inspiration to guide their faith and action in a troubled world.
Dr. C.T. Vivian (1924-2020) was born in Missouri, and as a young boy he moved with his mother to Illinois. It was there, in 1947, that he participated in his first efforts for justice: organizing and demonstrating to successfully integrate a cafeteria in Peoria, Illinois. Vivian is best known for his work with Martin Luther King Jr. and was the National Director of Affiliates and a strategist for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference organization. Vivian also developed and launched VISION, an education program that assisted over 700 Alabama students to attend college on scholarship. In November 2013, President Barack Obama honored Dr. C. T. Vivian for his vision and leadership in the fight for justice by awarding him the nation's highest civilian honor--the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1970, Vivian authored the first book written by a member of King's staff, titled Black Power and the American Myth.
Foreword by Ambassador Andrew J. Young Introduction by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. They Just Don't Know How to Do Right by Michael Pfleger America's Joseph by Jonathan Lee Walton God is With You by Gerald Durley What Does It Mean to be a Christian by John Stoner The Evil of Racism by Earle J. Fisher Law of the Spiritual Life by Robert Wright Peter: The Profound Nigger by Otis Moss III Creating the Promised Land by Susan Smith Using What You Have by Vince Thomas America: A Christian Nation by Gary Percesepe GOD of History: 5 Stones by Rene Whitaker This God of History and Racism by Kevin Murriel MLK: The Prophet by Gary Dorrien It Does Not Yet Appear by Emilie M. Townes Your Soul is Required by Forrest Harris
