Brennan R. Hill is professor emeritus in the theology department at Xavier University in Cincinnati. In this paperback, he salutes eight men and women "who freed themselves and then set out to free others." The capacity to make choices, to make or break promises, and to contribute to the welfare of others is what makes us human. Hill respects these heroes for their contributions to the cause of human liberation. Those covered in various chapters include:
• Bernard Haring, a theologian
• Cesar Chavez, a leader of migrant workers
• Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist
• Thea Bowman, a black nun
• Nelson Mandela, a freedom fighter for South Africans
• Jean Vanier, a champion of the mentally disabled
• Corrie ten Boom, a preacher of love and forgiveness
• Susan B. Anthony, a seeker of liberation for women
In his discussion of the work of Jean Vanier, Hill makes the point that he found in working with the mentally disabled deep capacities for love and trust. He admired them because they were able to act from the heart. Vanier writes:
"Behind all the barriers built up since childhood, there is the pure and innocent heart of a child where the gift of God resides. This heart is capable of receiving and giving love, of living in communion with another person and with God, capable of being a source of life for others."
Vanier models for us a vibrant brand of spiritual liberation that serves the poor, the broken, and the vulnerable. He reminds us that these groups can become our teachers if we let them.
