Perpetual Revolt is the work of a writer, academic, and activist determined to bring people together for the causes of pluralism, compassion, and peace and justice. Perpetual Revolt is comprised of essays, interviews, speeches, art and photos that collectively call for spiritual, religious, and secular progressives to unite against war, intolerance, and fundamentalism of all kinds.
Perpetual Revolt moves from journalistic accounts of peace protests; to interviews with noted independent journalist, Amy Goodman, and folk legend, Jesse Collin Young; to well-researched analysis of the largely unknown history of Christian support for church-state separation; to Nall’s own poetic, forceful speeches calling for perpetual peace and justice activism in the face of a daunting futility.
Included in the first part of the book, “Fighting for Peace and Justice,” are first-hand accounts (and photographs) of inspiring anti-war marches, routinely ignored by the mainstream media, and a revealing look at Rev. Martin Luther King’s opposition to American foreign and economic policy. Part two, “Heading off the Culture War,” features a critical look at what Nall calls “antagonistic atheism,” and alternative call for unity (“New Progressive Alliance”) among secular and religious progressives. And interviews with respected Christians and atheists who find common ground as they discuss a range of issues including church-state separation, war and peace, poverty, and religion and science.
Praise for Perpetual Revolt:
“Jeff Nall's call for unity among secular, spiritual, and religious progressives is deserving of the widest possible circulation and support. This book offers eloquent, courageous support for Nall's crucial call to action. Even those of us progressives who consider ourselves neither 'revolutionary' nor 'radical' can be inspired by Nall’s work, and
should check it out.” Greg M. Epstein, Humanist Chaplain of Harvard University
“While leaders in Washington prepare to wage perpetual war, Jeff Nall's eloquent
and inspiring book calls for waging perpetual revolt; a revolt against war, corporate
greed, narrow mindedness and apathy. Full of exciting street reports and interviews
from anti-war protests across the country, Perpetual Revolt is a timely account of
peace activism in the Bush years and beyond. With thought-provoking analysis and
refreshing insight, Nall writes from the left wing of the church, invoking Dr. Martin
Luther King's legacy in nearly every page, and seeking common ground for much needed
unity across religious and cultural lines. This call for social change beyond
electoral politics is at once a portrait and field guide of a peace movement in the
belly of the beast. Perpetual Revolt is an important document in a time of war, full
of critiques as well as hope. This book should be widely read as it inspires people
to take action beyond just voting in the next election.” Benjamin Dangl, author of "The Price of Fire: Resource Wars and Social
Movements in Bolivia" (AK Press); editor of TowardFreedom.com,
a progressive perspective on world events. Dangl is the recipient of two
Project Censored Awards for his reporting from Latin America.
“In Perpetual Revolt, Jeff Nall asks us to “take deep breaths, long strides, and bold actions” to change the world in which we live. He challenges us to be “suspicious of passivity, of final responses, of ultimate goals and hints at utopias of any kind.” And he warns us that all of this is likely to make us uncomfortable, even while we build a better world. Nall accomplishes these difficult tasks through strong, forceful writing and great insight and, most importantly, without embracing a cynical outlook. He blends a clarion call for social justice with a heartfelt desire to build a bridge between religious and secular progressives. Perpetual Revolt incites us to think big thoughts and will, I surmise, move many to take meaningful action.” Michael Zimmerman, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Butler University, and Founder, The Clergy Letter Project
“Jeff Nall’s Perpetual Revolt is a well-written and insightful book. It is, in fact, really two books – one for the Peace and Justice movement based on his years of activism, and a second on the shared values of secular and religious progressives. In the first, Nall puts activism in its philosophical perspective, and does so with amazing wisdom, for one so young. But it is in the second part that Nall puts forth truths of great enduring value. With tenderness and clarity, he explains how the real battle in our society is not between believers and non-believers, but between the arrogant, pushy fundamentalists of either camp and those, whether atheist, devout Christian, or something else, who treat others with respect and dignity. The former make the most noise and get the most press, while the latter (though in the majority) get little notice. Nall calls for secular humanists and religionists to recognize their shared progressive values and engage in dramatic cooperation, relegating the fundamentalists of either kind irrelevant. This is a book that people of all faiths (or of none) can benefit from.” Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Lt. Col., USAF, retired.
(Dr. Bowman has been a full-time peace and justice activist for 26 years and is the Primate Archbishop of the United Catholic Church. A retired military officer and disabled combat veteran, Dr. Bowman spent 22 years in the Air Force where he flew 101 combat missions in Vietnam. Presently, he is National Commander of The Patriots, and President of the Institute for Space and Security Studies. He holds a PhD. in Aeronautics and Nuclear Engineering from Cal Tech. Dr. Bowman has received numerous awards such as the George F. Kennan Peace Prize, the President's Medal of Veterans for Peace, and the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters. He has appeared on the McNeil-Lehrer News Hour, ABC News, the Larry King Show, Donohue, and Firing Line.)
“Perpetual Revolt is a book that is greater than the sum of its parts. Jeff Nall’s excellent essays against violence and war when read together have a profound impact, and his extensive knowledge of political and philosophical history becomes apparent. His writings on a proposed alliance of secular and religious progressives leaves the reader with hope and a sense of direction. Both secular and religious humanists will be better equipped for the struggle against violence and war once they have read Perpetual Revolt. They will have a clearer perception of the problems they face and of the advantages they may find in working together.” James Rowe Adams, Founder and Honorary Advisor, The Center for Progressive Christianity;
author, “From Literal to Literary: The Essential Reference Book for Biblical Metaphors,” (2nd ed., Pilgrim Press)
