Dear Friends –

 I am glad to announce that my most recent book, Mystic Activism: Spiritual Practices for Racial Justice, has been published by Cascade Books, a subsidiary of Wipf and Stock Publishers in Eugene, Oregon.

In the book’s introduction, I state that the overarching focus is “about engaging in spiritual practices that give us the hope, strength, dedication, and courage to be actively involved in the work for racial justice and equity over the long haul. We look at how our spiritual practices such as prayer, lament, and Bible reading can empower us to stand up to white supremacist racism we encounter in the course of our daily life.

Throughout the book, I explore essential questions about the relationship between spirituality and activism. What if our understanding of God, our prayer life, our character, and our sense of mission were interwoven with a commitment to fight and eradicate racism in our nation and world?  How can we equip ourselves spiritually for the battle to create a society  that truly lives up to its commitment  to ‘liberty and justice for all?’ How can our churches and other spiritually-oriented gatherings  shape us into communities and individuals who boldly proclaim and work for a world where white supremacy no longer confronts us and haunts the land?” 

In the book, I draw on my own experiences with faith-based approaches to challenging the laws, structures, and people in power that clearly and openly discriminate against BIPOC individuals and communities. I also draw on the writings and wisdom of people like African American mystic Howard Thurman, Quaker leader Rufus Jones, African American preacher and church leader Barbara Holmes, Liberation theologians James Cone,  Womanist Theologian Kelly Brown Douglas, and many others. In doing so, I seek to draw on the wisdom and insights of those who have been on the front lines of the fight for racial justice.

In the second part of the book, I explore spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation/contemplation, self-care, fasting, and others—and explain how they can provide strength and guidance and be incorporated into public demonstrations. Although I approach these practices primarily from a Christian perspective, I also draw on the insights and experiences of Jewish and Muslim activists.

The book may be purchased from the following publishers:

• Wipf and Stock Publishers: https://wipfandstock.com/9798385250547/mystic-activism/
• Cascade/ Logos Books – https://www.logos.com/search?query=Mystic+Activism
• thriftbooks – https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/mystic-activism-spiritual-practices-for-racial-justice_drick-boyd
• alibris books – https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/mystic-activism-spiritual-practices-for-racial-justice_drick-boyd
• Powell’s – https://www.powells.com/books/search?query=Mystic+activsim&page=1

Over the next couple of months, I will share excerpts from the book to give you a fuller taste of what I am offering in the book. I look forward to your feedback and any responses and insights you are willing to share.

Peace,

Drick