After a generation of being a leading progressive voice both in the pulpit and in the print media of Springfield, Missouri, Roger Ray has
collected one hundred of his essays on topics of social justice, religion, sex, economics, warfare, and race as a collection for use in college classrooms, in adult discussion groups, and as an enjoyable collection of thought provoking articles that once appeared on the opinion page of the Springfield NewsLeader.

“Roger Ray has long been a voice crying out for progressive ideas in the conservative wilderness of the Midwest. His provocative essays ask readers to give serious thought to matters of great importance that are often overlooked in the corporate media. Advocating for civil rights, honest government, environmental wisdom, sane gun laws, and an evolutionary approach to faith, Roger explodes much of the magical thinking and indifference that has become all too common in our public discourse.” –Michael Dowd, author of Thank God for Evolution, and host of “”The Future Is Calling Us to Greatness””

“Roger Ray is one of the most perceptive, insightful, and courageous parish pastors I have ever known. In this series of essays he brings together his spiritual resources with his penetrating social consciousness to illumine the issues of our day. The result is a book that is provocative, powerful, and moving.” –John Shelby Spong, Author, Biblical Literalism: A Gentile Heresy “”

“In this timely collection of essays, Roger Ray delivers a much-needed perspective on issues (e.g., poverty, race, gun violence, etc.) which continue to plague America. As a college instructor who teaches both critical thinking and argument, I know well the value of this engaging, thorough, and needling reader! Ray pushes us to do and be better. I look forward to incorporating his voice in our classroom conversations.” –Nicole Fisk, Associate Director of First-Year English, University of South Carolina

Roger L. Ray is the pastor of a progressive church in Springfield, Missouri and a regular guest lecturer in universities and churches in the United States and Great Britain. His sermons are now among the most popular progressive messages on iTunes (Progressive Faith Sermons) and YouTube (CCCSpringfield). He is the author of Progressive Faith and Practice.