Authentic Christian Freedom: Deconstructing the American Gospel of Liberty - by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty (Paperback)

About the Book

"Examines concepts of freedom in US Christian history, society, and theology"--

Book Synopsis

A timely exploration of how different concepts of freedom threaten to tear apart our churches and our society

Drawing on both her scholarship and her personal experiences growing up amid resurging religious fundamentalism, Hinson-Hasty traces how competing visions of what "freedom" means have been weaponized in today's culture wars. Is freedom the rugged individualism celebrated in various media? Is "freedom" always freedom from something: other people, the government, the law?

From reframing the Exodus story to recasting the meaning of "freedom" as understood in US culture today, Hinson-Hasty includes insights from theology and ethics to provide a multi-dimensional basis for an authentic Christian understanding of freedom, one based on mutual responsibility with and care for others.

Authentic Christian Freedom is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand and heal our divided society.

From the Back Cover

RELIGION / Religion, Politics & State

RELIGION / Christian Theology / Ethics

RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues

Authentic Christian Freedom

Deconstructing the American Gospel of Liberty

Elizabeth L. Hinson-Hasty

Cover design: Michael Calvente

[Orbis Logo]

ISBN 978-1-62698-607-7

Review Quotes

"Authentic Christian Freedom is generous, critical, and capacious--a timely reflection on the meanings of freedom and the struggle against various forms of domination, with Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty's customary acumen." -Gary Dorrien, author, Over from Union Road: My Christian-Left Intellectual Life

"Authentic Christian Freedom is a challenging book that helps us reexamine our lives and our participation in oppressive theology. Her writing invites us and guides us to work for true freedom. Sharing her personal narratives and perspectives, Hinson-Hasty provides a roadmap towards justice and love." -Grace Ji-Sun Kim, professor, Earlham School of Religion; author, When God Became White

"Through vivid descriptions and revealing case studies drawn from the past and present, this bold volume offers a fresh reappraisal of competing visions of human freedom. The reader will gain a more profound understanding of authentic Christian perspectives on contemporary culture wars and how we might overcome political polarization to become true guardians of freedom." -Thomas Massaro, SJ, McGinley Endowed Chair in Religion and Society, Fordham University

"With a timely treatment of freedom, Hinson-Hasty reaches to the heart of the culture war shaping American political and social life. Recognizing that competing visions of freedom shape the political polarization of our moment, she offers a retrieval of authentic Christian freedom through a reading of scripture, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Pauli Murray, and Howard Thurman. . . . With a normative concern for the vulnerable and a recognition of human interconnectedness, Hinson-Hasty challenges an American emphasis on liberty and personal autonomy as the highest political good. Her approach is a critical resource for Christian communities looking to counter political polarization and the rise of Christian nationalism." -Megan K. McCabe, associate professor, Gonzaga University

About the Author

Elizabeth L. Hinson-Hasty is J. Roy Davis Family Chair of Theology and History, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA, and Charlotte, NC. Her first Orbis book, The Problem of Wealth, won a First Place in Catholic Social Teaching from the Catholic Media Association Book Awards in 2018.