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Freedom: The History Of Western Liberties
Our freedoms are disappearing in the Western world. Big government tyranny is on the rise just about everywhere. Some Christians are going to jail in America for their faith, and others are fined an excess $100,000 for refusing to violate their consciences in the matter of homosexual weddings.
True freedom is only possible by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is a substantial freedom that gives birth to other substantial freedoms. In this seminal book on freedom from a Christian perspective, Kevin Swanson first defines the term and then traces the struggle for freedom through biblical times and church history. Included here is the exciting story of the development of Western liberties over 2,000 years. You will read of the battle for the Magna Carta, the Scottish War for Independence, the Dutch War for Independence, the battle for religious liberties in the 17th century, and America's War for Independence and the Bill of Rights.
If you have benefited from freedoms in the Western world, you need to know the heritage and pass it on to your children. How will you engage the struggle for liberty in this generation? Will there be any freedom left for our grandchildren, and where will they find it?
True freedom is only possible by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is a substantial freedom that gives birth to other substantial freedoms. In this seminal book on freedom from a Christian perspective, Kevin Swanson first defines the term and then traces the struggle for freedom through biblical times and church history. Included here is the exciting story of the development of Western liberties over 2,000 years. You will read of the battle for the Magna Carta, the Scottish War for Independence, the Dutch War for Independence, the battle for religious liberties in the 17th century, and America's War for Independence and the Bill of Rights.
If you have benefited from freedoms in the Western world, you need to know the heritage and pass it on to your children. How will you engage the struggle for liberty in this generation? Will there be any freedom left for our grandchildren, and where will they find it?
290 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Swanson
93 books55 followersKevin Swanson is a husband, father, pastor, radio-host, and national speaker. Kevin is the pastor of Reformation Church in Elizabeth, Colorado (ReformationChurch.com).
He also serves as the Director of Generations; a ministry he founded to strengthen Christian families around the country. As a father who wants to leave a godly heritage for his five children, Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come.
For the last 13 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program--Generations Radio-- that reaches families across the U.S. and in over 100 countries.
He also serves as the Director of Generations; a ministry he founded to strengthen Christian families around the country. As a father who wants to leave a godly heritage for his five children, Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come.
For the last 13 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program--Generations Radio-- that reaches families across the U.S. and in over 100 countries.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 25, 2016
This book is a refreshing look at the topic of freedom. Kevin Swanson examines the idea from a biblical perspective, showing its roots in freedom from sin and self-government according to God's law. He also traces the struggle for freedom in Christian history. The stories of Patrick, the Magna Carta, William Wallace, William the Silent, the Pilgrims, Cromwell, and Patrick Henry form a significant part of this book, as they each contribute something to the discussion. The last several chapters focus on our current situation.
Some people have complained that some of Swanson's books and radio show have focused on the negative without giving proper attention to a solution (perhaps true on occasion, but they should probably listen to his sermons as well as his radio show), but they should have no complaint with this book. Not only does he focus on positive examples throughout history, but he also gives many practical applications that people can implement.
Swanson helpfully uses Scripture to make his points. Some readers might occasionally not see the connection between a Scripture citation and the point. This is not a book of exegesis. It is not a commentary on biblical passages. It builds upon the work of others, so some of the references are shortcuts (placeholders for more detailed exegetical arguments). Hopefully the reader will understand them (and most of them can be readily understood), but if he doesn't, he should know that there is probably more to the argument than meets the eyes. The work of the Puritans, Calvin, Gary North, R.J. Rushdoony and others might be helpful if the reader wants more detail.
Some people have complained that some of Swanson's books and radio show have focused on the negative without giving proper attention to a solution (perhaps true on occasion, but they should probably listen to his sermons as well as his radio show), but they should have no complaint with this book. Not only does he focus on positive examples throughout history, but he also gives many practical applications that people can implement.
Swanson helpfully uses Scripture to make his points. Some readers might occasionally not see the connection between a Scripture citation and the point. This is not a book of exegesis. It is not a commentary on biblical passages. It builds upon the work of others, so some of the references are shortcuts (placeholders for more detailed exegetical arguments). Hopefully the reader will understand them (and most of them can be readily understood), but if he doesn't, he should know that there is probably more to the argument than meets the eyes. The work of the Puritans, Calvin, Gary North, R.J. Rushdoony and others might be helpful if the reader wants more detail.
May 14, 2020
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Kevin's book Freedom emphasizes that true freedom comes only through Christ. Man is born sin filled and naturally does what, well, comes naturally and that is sin. One thing, specifically, that man desires to do is have power. You can see this in Genesis at the Tower of Babel. Now power isn't easily attained; one must pull numerous cords in order to achieve total rule. One such cord is liberty. If you take away a man's freedom you can control him...to an extent. Now history repeats itself so you can bet your bottom dollar a tyrant in some form or fashion will arise somewhere and with that bottom dollar go ahead and bet your last penny that someone will rise to challenge that tyrant. The book Freedom touches base with the last part of my previous sentence. Many men have risen and defeated tyranny before. That's the history of America. The book is full of countless historical stories discussing such matters. Men such as William Wallace, William the Silent, and Patrick Henry, just to name a few, are discussed in Kevin's book. Their sufferings and hard work for freedom are not left untold. History is one long bloody battle and this book highlights that. I would say this specific book would make for an excellent resource to a homeschool class taking time to branch off and discuss each battle, person, and story to a more full account. It would and does really aid in shaping ones worldview as to the sacrifice that has been made for our western freedom. One such freedom is having the ability to read christian books and blog about them. Kevin gives the reader a handful of positive examples of men. Men who fought bravely, sacrificing all just to shout FREEDOM! It's not just a word or an idea, it's a way of life. The biblical way. Ultimate freedom, as Kevin points out, is found in the biggest sacrifice mankind has ever seen! The sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross. True freedom lies in Jesus and once one has Jesus their whole viewpoint changes and they began to realize what freedom is and how valuable of a gem it is. Tyrannical governments have always been and always will be but Kevin includes practical ways to slow it down.
To sum up the book, it basically touches on this, real freedom is found in Christ, biblical government is limited, and numerous historical accounts of good guys vs bad guys are included. It's worth your time. Very timely for election year.
March 26, 2016
I read this book aloud with my two teenagers and it was very apropos for a major election year. Knowing the foundations of freedom in the Western world, the history of the heavy price paid to secure that freedom from tyrants and the well-meaning wicked, and considering a plan of action to maintain/secure freedom in our lifetimes and for our future descendants could not be more critical. If we are ignorant, passive, consumer driven and immature, we will become plebes from an Orwellian nightmare--and we are more than halfway there!
January 16, 2016
Excellent history of the past true freedom fighters and encouragement for the ones yet to come.
January 15, 2017
For non fiction, Freedom is quite the page turner! Prepare to be inspired by the history of freedom! It's an edge-of-your-seat read!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews