Gift Grows in the Ghetto

Jay-Paul Michael Hinds is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He formerly taught at Howard University School of Divinity. He has written on the intersection of spiritual practice and social transformation in the African American community.

"A Gift Grows in the Ghetto insightfully interprets how Black male spiritual formation occurs in complex ghetto realities. Hinds’s multidisciplinary project is like no other, drawing upon sociology, psychology, literature, theology, and Biblical studies to envision possibilities for spiritual growth in contexts shaped by systemic racism. The book is a creative resource for understanding and contributing to Black male spirituality." - Luther E. Smith, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Church and Community, Candler School of Theology, Emory University"Contemporary popular narratives concerning the deficits and stigmatization of urban Black males abound. A Gift Grows in the Ghetto fills an important need in applied theological literature, where those popular narratives have found root, problematizing Black males as objects of ministry. Jay-Paul Hinds has chosen instead to mine their experiences for resilience and assets in the midst of oppression and deprivation. He posits their experiences, against the backdrop of the Biblical Ishmael and African American literature, as sources of theological reflection and a corrective to deficit narratives. This book finds its way onto my syllabi in religion and the criminal legal system immediately." - Harold Dean Trulear, Associate Professor of Applied Theology, Howard University School of Divinity"In a breathtaking account of racism, inequity, and violence that Black men face, Jay-Paul Hinds reminds us of the inestimable gift of attending to their spiritual lives. He directs our attention to the spiritual, not in opposition to structural, systemic, and institutional factors, but as essential to ameliorating the plight of Black men and making life more just, compassionate, and empowering for all people. This elegant book issues an important call to action that promises to make us more human and humane." - Allan Cole, Dean, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin"Hinds' book is 'a voice calling in the wilderness' with a message of hope that is grounded in interdisciplinary scholarship and his own poetic style. While focusing on the spiritual lives and journeys of Black men, he provides an invaluable resource to pastoral caregivers, mental health clinicians, educators, and anyone seeking the gifts of belonging and healing within God’s loving presence."  George Stavros, Executive Director of the Danielsen Institute and Clinical Associate Professor of Pastoral Psychology at Boston University