What would cause a small, 140-year-old, Episcopal Church in the heart of the South Bronx to begin offering hip-hop services? How would the church, both locally and nationally, react? Utilizing scores of interviews and months of research, Disciples of the Street is the story of one church's engagement with hip-hop religion, the conflicts that ensued, and the resulting birth of something much larger. Following that small hip-hop religious movement from its inception in the summer of 2004 through its building of a national profile, in a story that moves from the birthplace of rap to youth detention facilities in Virginia to the New South and all manner of places in-between, Gutierrez looks deeply into the questions of what hip-hop has to say to the traditional church and what the church might say to hip-hop culture. Disciples of the Street is a compelling story well told and the definitive look at the issues facing a movement that's growing in popularity and gaining traction around the country.
Not a hip-hop fan and not interested for a variety of reasons? Then all the more reason to pick this book up. I learned about the origins of hip- hop and the accompaning culture and like many of the characters in the book, I made peace with certain aspects of hip-hop and continue to be perplexed by others. Certainly the read is a mind opening and balanced account of the struggling sub-culture of religious hip-hop to reclaim its roots. Gutierrez's writing is a refreshing look through all eyes focused on the illusive prize.
Promise fulfilled
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Not so much in the born-again sense but in the living-in-the-now sense, this book chronicles a specific rebirth of organized religion, with all the disorganization, mess, and glory it entailed. This story is complex and multi-sided, and the writer possess an admirable (and humbling) ability to listen and record. Most writers would be injecting their own feelings and opinions everywhere, but this author listens. His attention to detail and nuance is wonderful. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. That's rare.
FANTASTIC STORY OF FAITH AND HOPE!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Eric Gutierrez' DISCIPLES OF THE STREET is a page-turning and inspiring story of faith and hope. This savvy and soulful book really moved me to imagine the rich and diverse ways we can build community. A must-read!
Great and inspiring read!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I came to this book not expecting much but found the characters rendered in complex and fascinating emotional colors. God--and love--comes from the most unexpected places and faith seems that much stronger when it springs up in a weed-strewn, neglected, drug-fueled community. Great read!
Fascinating story...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Fascinating story full of big personalities. Whether you are into hip-hop, or not, the story of the people in Disciples of the Street will appeal to you. I really enjoyed this book!
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