Dorothy Day for Armchair Theologians

Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty is Chair of the Department of Theology and Professor of Theology at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she is the coeditor of Prayers for a New Social Awakening and To Do Justice: Engaging Progressive Christians in Social Action and the author of Beyond the Social Maze: Exploring Vida Dutton Scudder's Theological Ethics.

"This is a beautiful, highly accessible account of Dorothy Day-her historical context, life story, thought, and spirituality. For those sensing a call to radical discipleship and hoping to follow Jesus into friendship and solidarity with those on the margins, Hinson-Hasty's treatment of Day and the Catholic Worker Movement she founded will be a most inspiring read." -Thomas M. Crisp, Chair, Department of Philosophy, Biola University "Hinson-Hasty skillfully masters this significant contribution to the Armchair Theologians series. For many who are already acquainted with Day's life and work, this volume invites a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Day's pacifist stance throughout the tumultuous history of the twentieth century, while making her life and work relevant for today's challenges. With vast referencing that goes beyond previous biographies of Day, this volume is a gift to all generations seeking to truly engage this modern social mystic." -M. T. Davila, Andover Newton Theological School "Hinson-Hasty paints a portrait of Dorothy Day that moves beyond simply the historical details by providing insight into one of the leading fighters for the rights and dignity of all workers. Hinson-Hasty doesn't romanticize Day; rather, she introduces us to a woman who, despite human failings, doubts, and imperfections, embodied justice, a woman who is relevant and must be included in any survey of twentieth-century transformers and reformers." -Miguel A. De La Torre, Professor of Social Ethics and Latino/a Studies, Iliff School of Theology "In our age of hyperincome inequality and the attempt of the few to control our nation's politics, it is balm to the spirit to read of Dorothy Day and her struggles in the first half of the twentieth century. Faith in action requires a commitment to the gospel measure of putting those who struggle in poverty at the center of our decision making. Faith, hope, and joy are at the heart of this commitment and at the heart of this book." -Simone Campbell, SSS, author of A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community "Hinson-Hasty gifts us with this wonderful rendering of the life and work of one of the most powerful and important theologians of the twentieth century. Dorothy Day is definitely not an armchair theologian, and any true reader of her work will be challenged to go to the streets and engage with the poor, with the disenfranchised, and in popular grassroots movements. This book is a blessing from two wonderful theologians." -Claudio Carvalhaes, McCormick Theological Seminary

• Chapter 1. Growing to See the World in a New Way Chapter 2. Synergy Chapter 3. A Three-Pronged Program of Action Chapter 4. A Social Mystic Chapter 5. Living By an Ethic of Peace in a Culture Investedin War and Death Chapter 6. Spreading a Gospel of Peace in the Ageof Nuclear War Chapter 7. Looking at Things as a Woman Chapter 8. A Personal Postscript: Dorothy Day's Legacyfor Contemporary Christians