"My Faith in the Constitution Is Whole": Barbara Jordan and the Politics of Scripture (Race, Religion and Politics)

In the compelling narrative of "My Faith in the Constitution Is Whole": Barbara Jordan and the Politics of Scripture, author Robin L. Owens delves into the profound connection between Barbara Jordan's devout Christian faith and her staunch advocacy for the U.S. Constitution. Published on October 3, 2022, this insightful book explores how Jordan, a revered U.S. Congresswoman, drew upon her religious convictions and the American foundational texts to champion causes of racial justice, gender equality, and religious freedom. Owens traces the lineage of "scripturalizing" political debate back to 19th-century orators like Maria W. Stewart and Anna Julia Cooper, setting the stage for Jordan's transformative rhetoric that treated the Constitution as a sacred text. Through detailed case studies of Jordan's most pivotal speeches, readers witness her strategic use of these texts as tools of social activism, embodying her identity and her relentless pursuit of equality. Ideal for middle-school students exploring the intersections of race, religion, and politics, this book not only educates but also inspires reflection on the power of words in the fight for justice.