Listening to More Diverse Voices

As an avid reader, I was recently prompted by some comments on another blog to make a critical examination of my reading list. The bloggers in that particular discussion were sharing with one another their book recommendations and I noticed that every one of the authors mentioned were Western white males. Since it is a blog that appeals mainly to progressive types, I was surprised and I prepared to post my enlightening observation.

But then it occurred to me that I should probably inventory my own reading material first. So I got up and went around the house and collected the last 26 books I’d purchased and read. And 22 were written by Western white males. Three by women and one (ONE!) by a two/thirds world author. Yikes! Suddenly I didn’t feel so self-righteous.

It was a good wake-up call and I’ve set a goal for myself for 2007: I need to broaden my reading list. I need to hear more diverse voices, more people of color, more women and especially, more non Westerners.

* Can you recommend some books for me that represent more diverse voices and communities?

The Early Church on Violence

“We who were filled with war, and mutual slaughter, and every wickedness, have each through the whole earth changed our warlike weapons—our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into implements of tillage—and we cultivate piety, righteousness, philanthropy, faith, and hope, which we have from the Father Himself through Him who was crucified.” – Justin Martyr (100-165 AD), Dialogue with Trypho 110

“We who formerly used to murder one another do not only now refrain from making war upon our enemies, but also, that we may not lie nor deceive our examiners, willingly die confessing Christ.” – Justin Martyr (100 – 165 AD), Apology 1.39

“For it is not in war, but in peace, that we are trained.”  – Clement of Alexandria (150-aprox 211 AD), The Instructor 1.12