Disciples of the Street: The Promise of a Hip Hop Church

Not a hip-hop fan and not interested for a variety of reasons? Then all the more reason to pick this book up. I learned about the origins of hip- hop and the accompaning culture and like many of the characters in the book, I made peace with certain aspects of hip-hop and continue to be perplexed by others. Certainly the read is a mind opening and balanced account of the struggling sub-culture of religious hip-hop to reclaim its roots. Gutierrez's writing is a refreshing look through all eyes focused on the illusive prize.

Not so much in the born-again sense but in the living-in-the-now sense, this book chronicles a specific rebirth of organized religion, with all the disorganization, mess, and glory it entailed. This story is complex and multi-sided, and the writer possess an admirable (and humbling) ability to listen and record. Most writers would be injecting their own feelings and opinions everywhere, but this author listens. His attention to detail and nuance is wonderful. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. That's rare.

Eric Gutierrez' DISCIPLES OF THE STREET is a page-turning and inspiring story of faith and hope. This savvy and soulful book really moved me to imagine the rich and diverse ways we can build community. A must-read!

Fascinating story full of big personalities. Whether you are into hip-hop, or not, the story of the people in Disciples of the Street will appeal to you. I really enjoyed this book!

I came to this book not expecting much but found the characters rendered in complex and fascinating emotional colors. God--and love--comes from the most unexpected places and faith seems that much stronger when it springs up in a weed-strewn, neglected, drug-fueled community. Great read!