Books by Sharon Delgado

Sharon’s Books are endorsed by theologians, activists, and scientists, including 350.org founder Bill McKibben, climate scientist Michael Mann, theologian Catherine Keller, Interfaith Power and Light founder the Rev. Sally Bingham, and many others. .

The Cross in the Midst of Creation: Following Jesus, Engaging the Powers, Transforming the World explores the meaning of the cross, the primary symbol of Christian faith. Challenging teachings that present God as wrathful and the false narrative of Christian nationalism, this book asserts that the crucifixion is ongoing as institutional powers diminish human life and destroy creation and that the resurrection is ongoing as the Spirit overcomes despair and inspires people to follow Jesus on a path of both personal and social transformation. It draws from gospel accounts, biblical metaphors, and personal stories to offer life-enhancing perspectives and presents the cross as a symbol of God’s presence throughout creation and undying love as revealed in Jesus. Also explored are the path of discipleship, the moral bankruptcy of the ruling powers, engagement through nonviolent resistance, and God’s triumph over the powers, offering hope for the world.

Shaking the Gates of Hell: Faith-Led Resistance to Corporate Globalization (Fortress Press, 2020) critiques the global economy and its effects from the perspective of an integrated theology of “the earth as primary revelation” and the institutional “powers and principalities” of this world.  Explaining today’s interrelated social, economic, and ecological crises, the author makes the case that we face a living hell on earth if we do not address them. Delgado argues that hope lies in nonviolent resistance and creative alternatives based on God’s action in Jesus and in the triumph of God over all earthly powers. This new, revised edition continues the powerful story of the original, extending the analysis of the global economy from the 2008 collapse and recession to its alleged recovery. It addresses policies of both the Obama and Trump administrations, and provides further reflections on US domestic, foreign, and military policy in this so-called New American Century.

Love in a Time of Climate Change:  Honoring Creation, Establishing Justice (Fortress Press 2017) is a progressive Christian approach to climate change that respects other faiths and philosophies and takes climate science seriously.  This book challenges readers to develop a faithful response to climate change, which disproportionately harms the poor, threatens future generations, and damages God’s creation.   This book creatively adapts John Wesley’s theological method by using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to explore the themes of creation and justice in the context of climate change.  Its premise is that love of God and neighbor requires us to honor creation and establish justice for our human family, for future generations, and for all creation. From the Introduction:  “As we entrust our lives to God, we are enabled to join with others in the movement for climate justice and to carry a unified message of healing, love, and solidarity as we live into God’s future, offering hope in the midst of the climate crisis that `another world is possible.’ God is ever present, always with us.  Love never ends.”