Besides publications arising from its research and documentation projects, ISACC publishes books, monographs, and articles on its missional themes. It also encourages artists and writers to produce artistic and culturally-sensitive ways of communicating the gospel.
Among its recent publications are:
To Be in History, Dark Days of Authoritarianism, first-person accounts of the Philippine experience of martial rule by a mix of social scientists, literary writers, a journalist and a politician. First published and funded by Langham Publishing in UK and re-issued locally under the imprint of OMFLit.
The history of the Philippines is a long and complex one but the stories and reflections in Dark Days of Authoritarianism, from remarkable individuals who were willing to stake their lives for freedom, shed light on life under the martial law instituted by President Ferdinand Marcos from 1972 to 1981, and up to the peaceful popular uprising of 1986. This book not only covers the social, economic and political conditions across the country during martial law but also how those conditions affected ordinary people personally and spiritually. Many of the contributions illustrate the strength and determination of Philippine women to create a better society despite being met by great adversity and the importance of Christian faith for sustaining the lives of those who suffered and survived this tumultuous period. This book provides important lessons for a new generation facing the menace of authoritarianism today, wherever they are, to fight for democracy and resist any attempts to diminish people’s freedom.
What they say…
“The longing for freedom and social justice lies deep in the human psyche. This moving book tells us the story of true events in the Philippines, and how different groups sought to bring about change. In particular, it shows how committed Christian men and women can seek the good of their society, the power of prayer, and the grace of God. A prophetic voice for our times.”
– ROSE DOWSETT
Missiologist
“This book will humble, encourage and enlighten all who continue to struggle today in the Philippines and in other parts of the world with political repression and the non-fulfilment of political dreams.”
– VINOTH RAMACHANDRA, PhD
Secretary for Dialogue & Social Engagement, IFES
“What happened to the Philippine people from the 1970s till now is relevant to the world at large. especially for those struggling in the post-colonial era in Africa, Latin and South Americas, and Asia.”
– WING TAI LEUNG, PHD
Founding President, Lumina College, Hong Kong
“This is actually a global phenomenon. It’s a book urgently relevant.”
– MARCELO VARGAS A.
Centro de Capacitación Misionera, Bolivia
Rise Up and Walk, Religion and Culture in Empowering the Poor, a critique of the development narrative from biblical and cultural perspectives. It offers practical insights on how to go about doing wholistic development based on learnings from an ICCO-funded research on the economic interventions of 7 NGOs in 7 poor communities.
“…Accordingly, it was assumed that the change of the situation of the poor would take place through development based on technology, money, and availability of natural resources. Dr. Melba Maggay does an excellent work to correct this misconception and to show that in the end this kind of development has proved to be a fallacy – wherever it has been applied it has benefited the elite classes but it has left the poor largely unattended…”
– C. René Padilla, President
President Emeritus, Micah Network,
President Emeritus of the Kairos Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What they say…
“Melba Padilla Maggay is an anthropologist who unapologetically interposes the religious lens into her critical examination of contemporary social and economic systems. The result is a stunning study that casts new light on the old issues of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment in a globalized world. Drawing from case studies of Protestant evangelical organizations engaged in various projects of popular empowerment, as well as from her own rich personal reflections, she weaves a compelling narrative of the contradictions, limits, and possibilities of different modes of interventions in the uplift and emancipation of the poor. In the process, she advances an eloquent case for spirituality as the quest for infinite meaning in a world overrun by sectarian strife, consumerist excess, despair, loneliness, and cynicism. This is a unique book on the theory and practice of solidarity that academics, social activists, development agencies, and religious congregations alike will find immensely relevant to their work. Randolf S. David, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of the Philippines.”
– Randolf S. David,
Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of the Philippines
“My manuscript copy of Rise Up and Walk is battered, dog-eared, underlined, highlighted and scribbled upon. Clearly it is not a book to be ignored! Indeed, it is a profoundly challenging and practical engagement with the grievous injustice of persistent poverty and oppressive greed. Full of passion, grace and hope, it is beautifully written and inspiring to read. Biblical insight and stories are woven into a compelling narrative and analysis. This is an important read for anyone who wants to better understand what it means to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.”
– Steve Bradbury is Director of the Micah 6:8 Center at Tabor College
Victoria, formerly Director of Tearfund Australia and
Chair of the Micah Network.
“This remarkable book could only be written by someone unique like Melba Maggay herself. On every page the reader is struck by the wonderful combination of great spiritual gifts and deep practical wisdom. It is a combination which has grown from the soil of a life-long commitment with the cause of the poor, fed by a vivid interest in human culture, especially those Asian cultures which live now under the threat of alienation or elimination. Reading of this book is a must for all who are longing for more responsible social, economic and political developments.”
– Dr. Bob Goudzwaard is an economist and was chair of ICCO, Netherlands
and advisor to the World Council of Churches.
Global Kingdom, Global People, biblical reflections on globalization and the migration crisis. Published by Langham Publishing in the UK and printed locally as Living Faithfully in a Multicultural World by OMFLit.
In an age of unsurpassed globalization, Melba Maggay reminds us of the beauty of unique cultures no matter how small their imprint on the world may seem. Yet these cultures do not exist in isolation, but have a complex interrelation with one another, be they monoliths such as western capitalism or subsistence communities like El Nido on the island of Palawan, the home of the author’s ancestors.
This rich global tapestry is a gift from God, yet not without imperfection, sin or hardship. It is these realities to which we must apply the gospel in our own lives and in missiology. This book gives a prophetic call to proclaim the good news and do justice in and towards every culture under the sun, while demystifying some of the major narratives that inform worldviews across the globe today. And it is the kingdom of God for every tribe, tongue, people and nation that brings true global unity.
“Melba Maggay offers us a penetrating interweaving of the biblical text with key issues of our contemporary world. She opens up the biblical story with flair and imagination. The result is a crucially important book, written through the experience and reflections of a very fine writer.”
– ELAINE STORKEY
Former President of Tearfund
“A brilliant book capturing well the author’s experience in a place of pain, tough research and honest reflection on a biblical perspective. It draws the reader to seriously consider a personal and collective response to contemporary global missional challenges.”
– CB SAMUEL
Theological Advisor,
The Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR), India
“Thoroughly immersed in her local setting in the Philippines, Dr. Maggay illuminates and critiques the way globalization works today, combining a creative analysis of a broad sweep of biblical texts with contemporary socio-economic analysis. An important voice.”
– RONALD J. SIDER
Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry, and Public Policy
Palmer Seminary at Eastern University, USA
Culture and the Arts
As part of its concern for cultural rootedness, ISACC runs a Himnaryong Pilipino
program, aimed at stimulating the growth of Filipino liturgical music. In 1981 it mounted the First Christian Art Festival, a series of competitions in painting, hymn writing, poetry, playwriting and photography. This culminated in a visual arts exhibit and a drama-dance concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Since then, ISACC has nurtured fresh talents through its Samba hymn series. It has also encouraged the production of original theater sketches through its street theater named Pasakalye.
ISACC also promotes the deepening of cultural and historical awareness through various artistic projects. One of these is the production of Bayan, Isang Paa Na Lamang, a zarzuela aimed at educating young people on the events and issues that surfaced during the Philippine Revolution of 1896. This was a prize-winner in the National Centennial Literary Competition in 1998 in commemoration of 100 years of Philippine Independence. The libretto was written by the ISACC
President and set to music by the National Artist in Music, Lucio San Pedro.
Another landmark production was Diyata’t Isang Sanggol, a musicale-cantata written by the ISACC President and set to music by a team of six composers. The Cantata attempts a retelling of the Christmas story within the context and issues of contemporary Filipino culture.