Episode 25 "Anchored In The Current" A New Book About The Enduring Influence of Howard Thurman

This book explores the enduring legacy of Howard Thurman, a prominent 20th-century theologian, activist, and mystic. It features essays from various contributors reflecting on Thurman's influence on their lives and work. The book delves into Thurman's teachings on spirituality, social justice, and the importance of finding one's center amidst chaos. It examines his impact on the Civil Rights Movement and his enduring relevance in contemporary society. 'Anchored in the Current' serves as a guide for navigating life's challenges and finding meaning in a complex world.

In this book, Howard Thurman interprets the teachings of Jesus in the context of the oppressed, particularly focusing on the experiences of African Americans in the pre-civil rights era. Thurman argues that Jesus' teachings offer practical solutions to overcoming the 'three hounds of Hell': fear, deception, and hate. He emphasizes Jesus' roots in the Jewish community and his mission to teach his Jewish brethren how to deal with Roman oppression without losing themselves. The book explores how Jesus' teachings can be applied to contemporary social issues, advocating for a religion of the poor and the dispossessed rather than one that justifies the powerful. It is based on a series of lectures Thurman delivered at Samuel Huston College in 1948 and has been influential in the civil rights movement[1][4][5].