8 Freedom Heroes: Changing the World with Faith

by Brennan R. Hill

Freedom is, of course, unique to us as human beings. We are the only creatures on earth who can make choices, make or break promises, and determine our own futures and the futures of others. It is an extraordinary power to choose from innumerable possibilities, and the exercise of freedom has been the source of incredible creativity, as well as horrible cruelty and destruction. It has driven the great saints to serve others, and the worst sinners to the holocausts of history.--From the Introduction

Following the success of the best-selling 8 Spiritual Heroes: Their Search for God, Brennan Hill further explores biographical theology-a lived theology that comes out of experiences and events. In this current volume, Hill profiles heroes of freedom-men and women who lived as emancipators, liberators, stars of social justice.

From the theological insights of Bernard H ring to the humble leadership of Cesar Chavez, to the life-risking heroics of Harriet Tubman to the lifelong bravery of Susan B. Anthony, the work of these heroes has established the freedoms we enjoy today. Their stories inspire the heroes of tomorrow.

Master teacher Brennan Hill has a unique gift for sharing with others the wisdom of heroes who possess a distinctive charism for acting freely. May Hill's riveting stories find their way into the hands of readers young and old.--Keith J. Egan, Saint Mary's College and University of Notre Dame

By sharing an intimate view of the private lives of these heroes, Brennan Hill has enriched our appreciation of their public struggles for freedom.--Daniel Di Domizio, professor of religious studies, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee

In a world given over to hype, sensationalism and Hollywood's superficial heroes...Hill's book is like a refreshing breeze at the end of a sweltering, summer day. This book touched my heart.--Richard Penaskovic, professor of religious studies, Auburn University

In a culture saturated with media images that portray freedom as self-serving license, Hill's heroes teach us that true freedom is to be found in faithfulness, responsibility, love, justice and liberation from exploitation. Their stories challenge and inspire.--Elizabeth Groppe, assistant professor of theology, Xavier University, Cincinnati

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0867166711
• ISBN13: 9780867166712
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Franciscan Media
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Personal Calling to Freedom

Brennan Hill began studying and teaching classes on heroes a number of years ago. Like his earlier work, 8 Spiritual Heroes: Their Search for God, his new book employs a "bibliographical theology" based on life experiences and born in the hearts of individuals. This theology, he writes, "evolves from truth to truth as we live out our lives and search for our true selves, our mission in life and the meaning of the world around us." Hill maintains a compelling narrative style while interweaving historical information with the personal journey of each hero. In addition to portraying the extraordinary courage of his subjects, the author always includes the everyday disciplines underlying their heroism, disciplines we can imitate. For example, Harriet Tubman was "always talking to the Lord." Cesar Chavez overcame his natural shyness when asked to speak before crowds of migrant workers. Corrie ten Bloom and Nelson Mandela urged forgiveness and peace. For me, these examples and others like them are one way in which Hill met his goal in writing 8 Freedom Heroes: "It is my hope that your encounter with these heroes will help you, as it has helped me, discover the things from which you need to be freed, as well as come to a better understanding of your own personal calling to free others."

8 Freedom Heros

This is an excellent book. The author, Brennan Hill has a great style of presenting the lives and successes of these individuals. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in finding out more about these people. Donna Murphy