Publications, Culture & the Arts

Publishing books, monographs, and articles on missional themes, while encouraging artists and writers to produce culturally-sensitive ways of communicating the gospel.

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.

Recent Publications

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 by Langham Publishing in the UK and re-issued locally under the imprint of OMFLit.

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.

“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

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. Published by Regnum and the Oxford Center for Mission Studies in the UK.

“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.”

— Randolf S. David, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of the Philippines

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. 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.

“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 & 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:

  • Bayan, Isang Paa Na Lamang — a zarzuela aimed at educating young people on the events and issues of 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 ISACC President Melba P. Maggay and set to music by National Artist in Music, Lucio San Pedro.
  • Diyata’t Isang Sanggol — a musicale-cantata written by the ISACC President and set to music by a team of six composers. The Cantata retells the Christmas story within the context and issues of contemporary Filipino culture.