The Lord Roars: Recovering the Prophetic Voice for Today

Carroll (The Bible and Borders), a biblical studies professor at Wheaton College, delivers a penetrating dissertation on what lessons the books of Amos, Isaiah, and Micah have for modern Christians. Analyzing the examples set by these three prophets, the author suggests that Christians should adopt a “prophetic voice” that “speaks out boldly against injustice and confronts oppressive authorities and structures.” Emphasizing the books’ depictions of a justice-loving God, the author contends that God intervenes in human history to render judgment, as shown in Micah when the Assyrian siege of Israel and Judah indicates God’s disapproval of the rampant exploitation there. Carroll calls on Christians to denounce religious institutions if they betray Christian ideals and holds up the prophets’ criticisms of the corruption of Israeli elites as precedent. The author extends his critique of perverted faith with more recent historical examples, mentioning events from Spain’s violent conquest of the Americas through to the Christian nationalism that contributed to the January 6 Capitol attack. Carroll’s biblical interpretations sharply illuminate how Christians might better understand God’s message by studying the prophets, but his dry academic prose can blunt the impact of his calls to action. Christian activists will appreciate this astute, justice-oriented scriptural analysis. (Aug.)