What do you think?
Rate this book
Courageous Faith: How to Rise and Resist in a Time of Fear
For Christians, resistance is written right into our baptismal vows. Following Christ means resisting oppression and evil wherever we might find it. Doing that work requires us to first rise up, face our fears, and cultivate courage that can sustain us for the journey. Weaving together wisdom from sources as diverse as Reformed theology, recovery communities, social justice visionaries, and Twentieth Century history, Heath creates a way forward for those who wish to live lives of faithful, sustained, courageous resistance.
152 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2017
22 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Emily C. Heath
2 books22 followersThe youngest child of a career government officer, Heath was born in Virginia and primarily grew up there and in Winter Park, Florida. After growing up in a "spiritual but not religious" family, Heath was baptized as the age of 17.
In college at Emory University, Heath majored in religion and English in addition to serving as the first openly LGBTQ member of student government, and as the head of the schools LGBTQ student alliance.
After college Heath attended Columbia Theological Seminary, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology (in Reformed Theology). Heath was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and initially served as a chaplain specializing in trauma.
It was only after several years as a PhD student that Heath realized that they were running away from God's call was to the parish. Leaving the Presbyterian Church over issues of LGBTQ inclusion, Heath's ordination was transferred to the United Church of Christ.
Following an initial pastorate in Vermont, Heath is now the senior pastor of the Congregational Church in Exeter, NH, as well as an active writer whose work has been featured in the Christian Century, the Still Speaking Daily Devotionals, Day 1, and more. Heath lives in Exeter with their wife, the Rev. Heidi Carrington Heath.
In college at Emory University, Heath majored in religion and English in addition to serving as the first openly LGBTQ member of student government, and as the head of the schools LGBTQ student alliance.
After college Heath attended Columbia Theological Seminary, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology (in Reformed Theology). Heath was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and initially served as a chaplain specializing in trauma.
It was only after several years as a PhD student that Heath realized that they were running away from God's call was to the parish. Leaving the Presbyterian Church over issues of LGBTQ inclusion, Heath's ordination was transferred to the United Church of Christ.
Following an initial pastorate in Vermont, Heath is now the senior pastor of the Congregational Church in Exeter, NH, as well as an active writer whose work has been featured in the Christian Century, the Still Speaking Daily Devotionals, Day 1, and more. Heath lives in Exeter with their wife, the Rev. Heidi Carrington Heath.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 24, 2018
Heath uses their own story of recovery and experiences in life and ministry to move readers through the process of doing one's own work to prepare for the risky work of resistance. They speak plainly, with heart and head, drawing in the wisdom of resistance activists from scripture, theology, civil rights, and ordinary life. This book is a gift and a challenge, a call to a Gospel life. This quote is one of many that speaks to me:
"While peace and unity are important, they are not the mission of the church: following Jesus is our purpose. Too may churches have died, too may denominations have declined, because they refuse to take any risks in order to follow God's will for them. What use is it to hold on to what cannot save us, things like money or high membership numbers or false peace, when we stop following the One whose saving love has always surrounded us?"
Amen.
"While peace and unity are important, they are not the mission of the church: following Jesus is our purpose. Too may churches have died, too may denominations have declined, because they refuse to take any risks in order to follow God's will for them. What use is it to hold on to what cannot save us, things like money or high membership numbers or false peace, when we stop following the One whose saving love has always surrounded us?"
Amen.
January 18, 2018
This book was suggested for Lent this year. Our theme is, "The Power of One." I read it ahead of time to make sure it fit the theme and was a book we could discuss and was worth the time to read. I can't remember the last time I read a non-fiction book so quickly. When we start the study, I'm looking forward to re-reading it and really taking the time to go through some of the real work required to look at myself in order to change the world around me. I feel more emboldened to be "disagreeable" and speak to truth in love already.
March 1, 2018
An interesting discussion of personal recovery (based on the process of Alcoholic Anonymous's 12-Step Recovery program) and the Christian's call to walk in the way of Christ.
The book challenges both the individual and the congregation to step out in courage, recognizing the underlying fear that exists.
A good read for all who are troubled by the current times and how to live into our faith.
The book challenges both the individual and the congregation to step out in courage, recognizing the underlying fear that exists.
A good read for all who are troubled by the current times and how to live into our faith.
February 1, 2020
This books is very accessible, and I appreciate how Heath incorporates bible, theology, contemporary exemplars, and personal stories. It feels very usable for a church book group, though it seems like it should have discussion questions or prompts for reflection with each chapter.
August 13, 2018
She links recovery and resistance in a compelling way. It is inspiring for those of us who wish to speak out against injustice.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews