In this excellent introductory book for individual and group Bible classes, author William J. Doorly summarizes the recent biblical scholarship concerning the Book of Amos and develops a theology of economic justice that makes the prophet's words a stirring indictment and illumination of society today.

Amos' original prophecy, says the author, is an unrelieved prediction of doom for wealthy oppressors of the poor and the righteous. Later scribes add to Amos words an opportunity for repentance and describe the power of God's restoring love. These later messages soften the unyielding darkness of the prophecy, yet in no way compromise the original message. Dr. Doorly then addresses the question of how modern scholarship's discovery that several authors worked on the book will affect our own belief in inspired scriptures.

Drawing upon his own substantial background as a Presbyterian minister, Doorly includes a postscript of ten homiletic themes from Amos on economic justice.

PROPHET OF JUSTICE popularizes the enormous efforts of biblical scholarship without compromising the complexity of the subject. With its clear and succinct writing, it makes not only the Book of Amos relevant for us today, but also the unlikely field of Old Testament scholarship accessible and exciting.