Island of Tears Island of Hope: Living the Gospel in a Revolutionary Situation

In his acclaimed memoir Revolution from the Heart OBrien described his personal journey as a priest and the steps that led him to share the struggle - and the fate - of the poor on the island of Negros in the Philippines. In Island of Tears Island of Hope he wrestles with the form that commitment ought to take. The desperate plight of Negross sugar workers cries to heaven for revolutionary change. But what are the appropriate means for Christians? While weighing the churchs traditional defense of violence in a just cause OBrien outlines a case for active nonviolence. In focusing on the dilemma before him he speaks to all Christians living in a world of revolution. Island of Tears truly bears the mark of the wisdom of Fr. Niall OBriens life experience. . . . Out of the darkest and most depressing situations people are awakened by God to be the witnesses and prophets embracing the nonviolent way that leads from captivity to freedom. Hildegard Goss-Mayr With his vision of suffering transformed in Island of Tears Island of Hope OBrien offers a way of justice and peace to our whole world of suffering. Jim Douglass author The Nonviolent Coming of God Niall OBrien challenges us to take the nonviolence of Jesus seriously . . . He offers us hope courage and practical suggestions for living born out of the stories and struggles of real people. Those deeply concerned about injustice and violence will find this book a wellspring of inspiration. Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer Community of St. Martin Minnesota Niall OBrien an Irish-born Columban priest has spent over twenty years in the Philippines. He was imprisoned and later exiled by the Marcos dictatorship but has since returned to the Island of Negros.