Author

Framed within the lens of Robert Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership model,Truth and Reconciliation examines and explores trends through global historical accounts and examples of diplomatic leadership surrounding the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions of South Africa and Canada, as a guide to approach America’s divided identity and racial tensions. 

“This book offers a novel approach to discuss, explore, and create first steps to address deep-seated injustices in America.”  

—Jerry Abramson, former director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (2014–17)

"This book is rich in its analysis of history and Scripture and perceptive in its diagnosis of contemporary challenges. Truth and Reconciliation is an exciting new resource for anyone looking to understand our present challenges and to make progress toward a better future." 

- David Golemboski, associate professor of government and international affairs, Augustana University

"[Malewitz] provides an in-depth examination of the cultural diaspora created for native communities when they are forced to adapt to the foreign  ideologies of a conqueror. Beyond this, he provides a way forward by examining servant leadership and highlighting historical examples of ways to successfully shift the mindset of object-oriented societies to a more other-centered worldview. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking ways to promote social justice."

- Beatriz Pacheco, director of education, Pueblo of Sandia

Co-editor: Adam Zoeller

Purposeful and effective instruction through film is not problem-free and many challenges accompany classroom applications of Hollywood motion pictures. The NCSS College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) framework, represents a renewed and formalized emphasis on the perennial social studies goals of deep thinking, reading and writing. 

SECTION I: FAITH IN ACTION. 

Unity and Community: Big Hero 6 and Paul of Tarsus’ Vision of the Body of Christ; The Death and Resurrection of the Dark Knight; The Hero’s Journey of Frodo Baggins; The Nature of the Ten Plagues Against Egypt and the Egyptian gods

SECTION II: HISTORICAL CONTEXTS. Catholic Social Teachings and Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Catholic Faith; Henri Dauman and Telling the Untold Stories; Understanding the Effects of Residential Schools and Initial Steps of Reconciliation; In the Face of Martyrdom: Testing the Bedrock of Faith

SECTION III: RELIGIOUS FIGURES. Guidance on Non-violence: Gandhi, Living for Change through Faith; The Legacy of Authentic Discipleship; Through the Eyes of Dr. King and Malcolm X: The Intersection of Civil Rights and Religion; Of Gods and Men: On Hospitality and Interreligious Dialogue

SECTION IV: RITUALS. The Relationship Between Music and Traditional African Religion; Exorcism, Healings, and Mercy: The Role of the Holy Fool and Prophet in The Island; Exploring the Egyptian Book of the Dead: Weighing of the Heart Ceremony; The Camino de Santiago: Pilgrimage as a Devotion of Cultural Awareness and Personal Renewal

SECTION V: WISDOM LITERATURE. The Truth of Salvation is Reconciliation; Escaping the Cycle of Groundhog Day; Wisdom Literature and the Power of the Poetic Word

Foreword by: Thomas del Prete

Through scholarship and practice this book explores how the life and writings of Thomas Merton may serve as a guide and bridge for ministers of adolescents, and will offer some practical suggestions for minsters, educators, and parents on topics affecting contemporary adolescents, through the lens of Thomas Merton's life and writings.

"Dr. Malewitz includes Merton’s letters and communication with adolescents, which illustrate Merton’s ability to listen, enter into dialogue, and communicate an understanding of the true self always seeking God. This is a must-read for the minister who seeks to form well the adolescents entrusted to his or her care.” 

- Joseph E. Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville

"Thomas Malewitz provides an excellent roadmap for Christian educators to incorporate, indeed immerse, their adolescent curricula in the timeless and prescient wisdom of Thomas Merton.”   

- Paul M. Pearson, Director, Thomas Merton Center

"I sincerely believe that this is a book that could change the world one person at a time and will be of great value to anyone touched by the wisdom and vision contained within its pages." - T. Caldwell, Merton Annual 34 (2021), 242-245.

"Malewitz’s book introduced me to another side of Merton—a passionate man, seeking authenticity, leading others to authenticity, advocating for others and open to doubts. I particularly loved Malewitz’s selection of quotes." - P. M. Robertson, Novelist and Speaker, Blog (March 11, 2021)