Cascade Books is pleased to announce the publication of Breaking Through the Plate Glass Window—Prophetic Fragments: On Doing Justice and Loving Kindness in a Time of Reckoning by Michael Granzen, Ph.D., with introduction by Chris Hedges, preface by Traci C. West, and reflections from Mike Gecan, Lorna Goodison, Richard Fenn, Karen Hernandez-Granzen, and Archange Antoine.

New Title from Michael Granzen: Breaking Through the Plate Glass Window—Prophetic Fragments: On Doing Justice and Loving Kindness in a Time of Reckoning
Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers
978-1-7252-9457-8 / paperback / $28  www.wipfandstock.com 

“Michael Granzen is one of the grand prophetic pastors and voices during these decaying days of the American empire! His powerful vision and courageous witness inspire so many of us.” — Cornel West, Union Theological Seminary

This is a selection of writings on themes of trauma and transformation, hope and anguish, in a time of reckoning. The first section offers biographical fragments about life after the “bulldozer” runs you over. How do you get up? How do you keep walking? They draw upon life experiences in Boston, Iona, and New Jersey. Faith is not so much about agreeing with doctrine, but a dynamic, active, seeking, questioning, trust in God. It includes both audacity and humility.

The second section draws upon fragments of historical reflection, “On Violent Innocence, Mourning, and Metanoia in New Jersey.” This is an exploration of the principality of white racism, state-based violence, and exploitation of the poor. It asks the question: How did the Confederate flag get in the front window of the Presbyterian church on Lincoln’s birthday? Some of the white terrorism that happened at the Capitol is prefigured here. Yet there is grace hidden in judgment. We cannot heal from what we do not name.

The third section contains fragments of prophetic wisdom from Lorna Goodison, Mike Gecan, Richard Fenn, Karen Hernandez-Granzen, and Archange Antoine. Along with Traci West and Chris Hedges, their voices are strong and true.

“This book comprises a scholar pastor’s theological and ethical reflections on his vocational journey in two highly racialized American cities. In solidarity with teachers and peers who share his quest for racial justice, Michael Granzen concludes this insightful treatise with five short essays by colleagues. All who are concerned about our nation’s racial divide will benefit greatly from the practical wisdom contained in this excellent book.” — Peter J. Paris, Princeton Theological Seminary, emeritus

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Rev. Michael Granzen, Ph.D. is a writer and activist living in New Jersey. He co-edited, “Our Hearts Are Restless Till They Rest in Thee: Prophetic Wisdom in a Time of Anguish.” He has worked in several cities and lectured at Harvard, Princeton, Colgate, New Brunswick, and Drew Universities. He is married to the Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen, with two daughters Mikaella and Olivia.

Contact:
Michael Granzen
Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers
609-306-8086
[email protected]

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