Library
CLBSJ stewards a first-class collection of books and periodicals in biblical studies, the history and practice of social justice activism, and related fields. These include titles on exegesis, hermeneutics, history of biblical interpretation, theology, social ethics, practical theology, and the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, political science, economics and psychology), socio-political history and religion studies. Our initial library holdings were donated from the libraries of three biblical scholars who were pioneers in the fields of critical, contextual, multi-disciplinary biblical studies: Norman Gottwald, Jack Elliott and Herman Waetjen. Since then we have added collections from Walter Wink, Alice Hageman, Mark Johnson, Lynn Gottlieb, Ed Long, Christian Peacemaker Teams, Muslim Peace Fellowship, and others. Our titles speak from and interpret all religious backgrounds as well as social justice perspectives that are not explicitly religious.
The collection is available for use by scholars and activists from all walks of life, regardless of institutional or religious affiliation.
- Browsing the Collection: Our holdings can be browsed online through LibraryThing, a free, library-quality catalog that any organization or individual can use to share their library with others, track their reading progress, and connect with other book lovers. Click on the “Library Catalogue” button below to view our catalogue.
- Using the Collection: Due to limited capacity, and because we want our materials to be available at any time for research, we do not currently lend out books. First-time users can access our collection by making an appointment. Please click on the “Using the Library” button below for more information on how to arrange a visit.
- Building the Collection: Our Library has been built by volunteers who have a passion for probing the connections between the Bible and Social Justice. We are currently looking for more volunteers and partners who would like to help us expand our collection and make it more accessible to a wider audience. Please check back for more information on this project!