42Faith

A thoroughly interesting and enjoyable examination of all too human men and women and the strength their faith played in doing the right thing, struggling to achieve a shared goal of breaking the color barrier, and staying true without becoming bitter. It reveals new insights into Robinson and Brickey. You will not want to pause in listening.

2 people found this helpful

How Christian Conviction Triumphed Over Social Convention

Ed Henry's research, journalistic acumen and piercing analysis combine in an engaging, winsome, and at times jarring narrative that recounts the vital connection between the Christian conviction of Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson and their courageous agreement to transcend the racial discrimination of their day. This wonderful book reminds its readers of the toxicity of racism and the healing powers of forgiveness, grace and love.

2 people found this helpful

The Rest Of The Story

There was once a newsman whose name was Paul Harvey. He had his own radio program. He worked for the American Broadcasting Company.
On the weekdays on many radio stations his broadcasts came on twice a day. On the weekends I was not aware if he had broadcasts or not.On his first broadcast on any given weekday it was just a news and comment broadcast. The second broadcast of the day I feel is the one that endeared him to his many listeners it was entitled “The Rest Of The Story. “He would often pick a subject with whom the American public he broadcast to was very familiar.The factual tales he told on this program always had a twist at the end of them golden nuggets of facts that were told to us in order to, amaze,amuse,astound or educate his audience. At the end of his factual stories he always said this with pregnant pauses for the effect he wanted to deliver,”And now...you know..the rest of the story.
Ed Henry the author of this book and also a reporter in a similar fashion has taken a well known factual story and unearthed for us factual golden nuggets that to many before now were unknown.
Think about this the the year is 1945. The place is the office of Branch Rickey owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The man sitting across from him is Jackie Robinson. The atmosphere is thick with tension and anxiety for both men Jackie in particular. What happened in that office and on that day in that hour changed the course of history in America.Yes, it is a story that has often been told in magazine articles,books,movies and television. There is a twist though A Divine Being not spoken of in this oft. told tale.




What was it that drove Branch Rickey to integrate professional baseball? Profit? Profit I have no doubt played a role but was there more to it? What enabled Robinson to have the courage to put his trust in this white man,this complete stranger sitting across from him?Up to now Robinson had experienced mostly prejudicial hatred or mockery from Caucasians. What was that something? What was the golden nugget of truth the author uncovers for us that binds these two totally different men together so much so they became lifelong friends?
What the author reveals to us and goes on to verify for us in this volume is their mutual faith in their God. This God was not one that is undefined such as a higher power as is spoken of today in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings It is the God of Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey revealed in the Bible. The story of the great faith of both men’s mothers is also told and how in particular Jackie’s mother lovingly poured her faith in both her young sons lives .We see how that same faith sustained both Robinson and Branch Rickey throughout their lives.
When you are through with this book ,well, as Paul Harvey was fond of saying,”And now...you know..the rest of the story”. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Refreshing and Inspiring

Ed Henry walks us through Jackie Robinson's life as a Christian as best as he can with the information available. Focusing on unpublished works by #42 found at the Library of Congress Henry goes season by season and angle by angle of how faith played an integral role in the integration of baseball.

You will find new appreciation and respect for Jackie but also for the other men and women who influenced him and who he influenced in return. Henry's journalistic approach to documenting aspects of Christian faith in Jackie's life was a refreshingly unapologetic report that big heroes often have big faith.

While I understand Henry doesn't classify or consider himself a theologian it would have been helpful for him to give a clear definition of what he means when he says "faith" as that is the central theme of the book. Was it just faith that a supreme being exists or was it faith as in being uncertain of something but believing it to be true or was it believing facts as they pertain to the God of the universe as described in the 66 books of the Bible and then acting in accordance with those facts even when the temporal outcome may be uncertain?

Regardless, the book gives enough information and enough documentation that one can admire Robinson and Rickey as men of noble character who, though different, wanted to serve the same Christ.

Great Book about a great man

Loved the I side story of Jackie Robinson's faith and courage. Good to read and confirm great people have great faith. An amazing man.

Terrific!

Phenomenal book about some men that did an amazing thing. A powerful reminder of how far America has come and how far it has yet to go.

Beautiful book!

Ed Henry did a beautiful job telling the story of Jackie Robinson and his mentor Branch Ricky.

Story of Determination to do what'sright.

Amazing what two people can change when committed to live according to truth and fairness.

Great story of Faith and God's hand in our lives

Great story behind the great men and women who were so instrumental in moving this country forward in human equality. God is great, and his hand was in their lives as it is in all our lives.

Christianity Fueled Jackie Robinson and Mr. Rickey

If you could sum up 42 Faith in three words, what would they be?

Author reveals a stressful Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey turned to prayer for comfort in breaking baseball's ban on Black players.

What other book might you compare 42 Faith to and why?

A Pope and A President

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

For Christians and other spiritual people this would be a courageous story that affirms the power of prayers shared mutually.