John M Perkins
John M Perkins
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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John Mason Perkins is a renowned American pastor, author, and social activist who is commonly referred to as Dr. John M. Perkins.
Birth and Death Dates
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John M. Perkins was born on June 25, 1930, in New Hebron, Mississippi.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Perkins is an American of African-American descent. His profession spans multiple fields: pastor, author, social activist, and educator.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up during the Great Depression and experiencing racism firsthand, Perkins' early life was marked by hardship and injustice. He grew up in a sharecropping family and witnessed the struggles of his parents to make ends meet. His exposure to racial segregation and economic disparities instilled in him a strong sense of justice and compassion for others.
Major Accomplishments
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Perkins has dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, racial equality, and community development. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Co-founding the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) with other like-minded individuals.
Serving as a pastor in Mendenhall, Mississippi, where he worked tirelessly to empower local residents through education and economic development initiatives.
* Writing extensively on topics related to social justice, community development, and racial reconciliation.
Notable Works or Actions
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Perkins has authored numerous books, including "Let Justice Roll Down: The Persistence of Racism in Our Time," "Healing the Racial Divide," and "One Blood: Parting Words to the Younger Generation." These works provide insightful perspectives on issues related to racism, community development, and personal responsibility. Through his writing and speaking engagements, Perkins has educated thousands about the importance of social justice and equality.
Impact and Legacy
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Perkins' work has had a profound impact on communities across the United States. His dedication to addressing systemic inequalities and empowering marginalized populations has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in social justice. As a respected leader in the field, Perkins continues to educate, motivate, and challenge people of all backgrounds to take action against racism and for equality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Perkins' influence extends far beyond his written works. His unwavering commitment to creating positive change has earned him widespread recognition as a thought leader in the fields of social justice, community development, and racial reconciliation. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of faith-based activism in shaping communities and promoting equality.
As a respected voice for justice and compassion, John M. Perkins continues to inspire future generations through his writing, teaching, and advocacy.
Quotes by John M Perkins
John M Perkins's insights on:
The soul is the ultimate truth teller. It knows truth. And from the very soul of the Church - we need to grieve our refusal to obey His command to love one another.
The wounds of our individual lives, which seem intolerable when lived alone, become sources of healing when we live them as part of a fellowship of mutual care." - Henri Nouwen
In 2012 they elected Fred Luter as the first African American president of the denomination...."A descendant of slaves elected to lead a denomination forged to protect the evil interest of slaveholders is a sign of the power of a gospel that crucifies injustice and reconciles brothers and sisters.""We thought it was time to stop talking about racial unity in positions of leadership within our convention" and "put a president out there
We as the American church need to take more ownership for our collective sin, our obsession with things that will not make an ounce of difference in heaven, and our failure (past and present) to stand up and speak up for the poor, for the stranger, for the ones who don't look like us.
Our natural preference is to stay home, comfortable in our own spirituality. God calls us each on a journey, an Abrahamic journey. It doesn't necessarily mean a geographical journey, but it will always mean a spiritual journey of the heart. It will mean leaving the familiar, traveling in discomfort but being pushed to place our trust in God for...everything.
And if I had not met Jesus I would have died carrying to strip it away, layer by layer. He reminded me again and again that I could not hoard His love. And I could not be selective about who I would share it with. The love He had shed abroad in my heart was meant to be shared with others regardless of their color. My good friend Judah Smith says, "You cannot exaggerate God's love. Just try it!" I agree with him. God intends for us to be extravagant and free in our love for one another.
I want to know Him. And I came to know Him. I believe the purpose of man is to know that God, the God of the universe who made everything and holds everything together. That big God. That all-encompassing God. the God who makes Himself known to humanity. I came to know that God. And I believe the purpose of us knowing that God is to love Him back and make Him known to others.
This was the vision! All people, all kindred, all nations, all tongues. One blood. But it was the vision realized when Peter accepted the mandate to love those he had been taught to hate.