8 Freedom Heroes: Changing the World with Faith

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."

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