[1] Our first book review addresses the power and nature of sermons at times of mass shootings and other national traumas. Chaplain (Colonel–Retired) Ken Sampson reviews When Sorrow Comes—The Power of Sermons from Pearl Harbor to Black Lives Matter. The book takes a fascinating historical journey through the types of sermons preached at various times of national tragedy, highlighting the evolving nature of the messages, and offering resources for those called upon today to comfort, explain, inspire and motivate.
[2] In the second book review we hear from M.Div student, Thomas Johnston, who describes Robin Lovin’s What Do We Do When Nobody is Listening? Leading the Church in a Polarized Society.
Nancy Arnison is a lawyer, theologian and nonprofit executive and serves as the Book Review Editor for the Journal of Lutheran Ethics.