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God and Hamilton: Spiritual Themes from the Life of Alexander Hamilton and the Broadway Musical He Inspired
Discover Spiritual Truths from the Smash Broadway Hit Hamilton that Will Transform Your Life Hamilton ―the hip-hop musical about a forgotten Founding Father―is the most compelling musical of our time. But if you watch it without understanding the spiritual themes of Alexander Hamilton’s life, you only get half the story. Discover how Hamilton is a modern-day parable that God and Hamilton impressively weaves together insights from the musical itself, the lives of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, and the story of Scripture into a tapestry that challenges people of faith to reexamine their lives. “ God and Hamilton turned me inside out and revealed a side of Hamilton I had never thought to explore.” ― LAUREN BOYD, HAMILTON BROADWAY CAST “A wonderful example of drawing from contemporary culture to understand how God works…I cannot recommend it more highly!” ―MIKE BREEN “A bold and creative exploration of the themes in life that matter most. In this beautiful book, Kevin Cloud helps us see, listen, and open to the all-consuming love God pours out to us.” ―PHILEEN HEUERTZ “ For all who struggle with doubt, depression, and despair, God and Hamilton offers an inspiring way forward. Kevin Cloud’s book made my heart sing!” ― CRAIG DETWEILER
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 29, 2020
As a lover of the musical “Hamilton”, a Christian, and a mental health therapist I found this book to be a very helpful depiction and integration of key truths I hold dear and our culture grapples with currently. Reading this book devotionally or discussing as a small group, while reviewing the music and key scriptures, will inspire and confirm positive life truths and choices all would do well to consider.
July 20, 2018
The two easiest sorts of book to review are those which are very bad and those which are very good. God and Hamilton: Spiritual Themes from the Life of Alexander Hamilton & the Broadway Musical he Inspired by Kevin Cloud doesn't really fall into either of those two categories. While I don't have any significant substantive critique to basic content of the book (I pretty much agree with 95% or more of what Cloud has to say) I also don't have a great deal to praise in the "This new idea really blew me away—I am going to be chewing on it for months" sort of vein. Instead, what really stood out to me about this book is what I think it indicates about the development and place of "Progressive American Christianity"*; if I am correct then this little book may well be the harbinger of a new phase in U.S. Christianity.
What will strike any long time Christian reader of God and Hamilton is the familiar ordinariness of the book. Cloud takes twelve major themes of Christian spirituality (grace, shame, faith, initiative, the outsider, sinner-and-sainthood, equality, forgiveness, despair, surrender, death, and redemption) and, in one chapter each, discusses how those themes are treated in Lin Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton as well as the real eponymous historical figure as represented by Ron Chernow in the biography which inspired it. Each chapter follows a straightforward and effective formula: first a discussion of the theme in the life of Alexander Hamilton and/or Miranda's musical, then an exploration of the same theme in the tradition of Christian spirituality (most often grounded in passages from Psalms and the New Testament, anecdotes from Cloud's own life experience, and citations from a variety of theologians and contemporary spiritual writers) and finally a conclusion, bringing the two together. The formula is effective and Cloud largely succeeds in demonstrating and briefly discussing the importance and meaning of the themes he has selected. In essence God and Hamilton effectively recapitulates the "God and ________" formula which sold so very well in Christian book stores throughout the 90's and early 2000's.
Where Cloud's work differs from this sub-genre of gen-X American pop-Christianity, isn't his methodology or his subject matter; it is in his sensibility. While the formula may well be the same, the actual form of Christianity—particularly the understanding of "God"—I found in God and Hamilton is almost entirely updated (for lack of a better term). As a committed Christian and Anabaptist post-Evangelical (you can read all about my own theology and spirituality HERE if that background will help to contextualize this review), reading God and Hamilton was an almost surreal experience in that it brought together the emotionally discordant experience of the pop-Culture evangelical formula of my youth, with the ex-Evangelical theology of my present—a bit like eating a new food with a good taste but an off-putting texture. Cloud has filled the books with quotes and citations from the recent "college" of thinkers and writers most referenced in "progressive Christian" circles: Wright, Bueggemann, Buechner, Voscamp, and Vanier all make appearances in the text. Further, Cloud doesn't shy away from discussing on anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, gender inequality, or U.S. historical and structural racism (as well as the ways in which the Church in complicit in the history and present manifestation of all of these sins).
Ultimately God and Hamilton is a strange book. It doesn't argue for the religious sensibilities of contemporary progressive Christianity, it simply assumes them while making the argument that those Christian spiritual themes can be profitably discovered and explored in Miranda's musical and Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. For this reason it strikes me as a second generation work. If the first generation of a movement's writings are concerned with defining and defending the movement, the second generation will be marked by writings which are concerned more with exploring and applying the tenets of the movement (without yet having read it, I wonder whether Rachel Held-Evans' Inspired might not be another example of this development). As a result, God and Hamilton will likely hold little interest for those who are still exploring and justifying progressive or post-Evangelical theology. Rather I suspect that this book will find its greatest appreciation among those are fans of the Musical and are curious to think a little more about a more generous Christian spirituality than what they find among American White Evangelicals and among those progressive type Christian who are looking for a way to explore the application of their theology and would find it helpful to have a pop-culture reference point in doing so.
*I am using Progressive American Christianity for lack of a better term. If you have a better one for the thing that has happened in Western Christianity predominantly among post-Evangelicals following on the heels of the Emergent Christian movement, feel free to substitute it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
What will strike any long time Christian reader of God and Hamilton is the familiar ordinariness of the book. Cloud takes twelve major themes of Christian spirituality (grace, shame, faith, initiative, the outsider, sinner-and-sainthood, equality, forgiveness, despair, surrender, death, and redemption) and, in one chapter each, discusses how those themes are treated in Lin Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton as well as the real eponymous historical figure as represented by Ron Chernow in the biography which inspired it. Each chapter follows a straightforward and effective formula: first a discussion of the theme in the life of Alexander Hamilton and/or Miranda's musical, then an exploration of the same theme in the tradition of Christian spirituality (most often grounded in passages from Psalms and the New Testament, anecdotes from Cloud's own life experience, and citations from a variety of theologians and contemporary spiritual writers) and finally a conclusion, bringing the two together. The formula is effective and Cloud largely succeeds in demonstrating and briefly discussing the importance and meaning of the themes he has selected. In essence God and Hamilton effectively recapitulates the "God and ________" formula which sold so very well in Christian book stores throughout the 90's and early 2000's.
Where Cloud's work differs from this sub-genre of gen-X American pop-Christianity, isn't his methodology or his subject matter; it is in his sensibility. While the formula may well be the same, the actual form of Christianity—particularly the understanding of "God"—I found in God and Hamilton is almost entirely updated (for lack of a better term). As a committed Christian and Anabaptist post-Evangelical (you can read all about my own theology and spirituality HERE if that background will help to contextualize this review), reading God and Hamilton was an almost surreal experience in that it brought together the emotionally discordant experience of the pop-Culture evangelical formula of my youth, with the ex-Evangelical theology of my present—a bit like eating a new food with a good taste but an off-putting texture. Cloud has filled the books with quotes and citations from the recent "college" of thinkers and writers most referenced in "progressive Christian" circles: Wright, Bueggemann, Buechner, Voscamp, and Vanier all make appearances in the text. Further, Cloud doesn't shy away from discussing on anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, gender inequality, or U.S. historical and structural racism (as well as the ways in which the Church in complicit in the history and present manifestation of all of these sins).
Ultimately God and Hamilton is a strange book. It doesn't argue for the religious sensibilities of contemporary progressive Christianity, it simply assumes them while making the argument that those Christian spiritual themes can be profitably discovered and explored in Miranda's musical and Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. For this reason it strikes me as a second generation work. If the first generation of a movement's writings are concerned with defining and defending the movement, the second generation will be marked by writings which are concerned more with exploring and applying the tenets of the movement (without yet having read it, I wonder whether Rachel Held-Evans' Inspired might not be another example of this development). As a result, God and Hamilton will likely hold little interest for those who are still exploring and justifying progressive or post-Evangelical theology. Rather I suspect that this book will find its greatest appreciation among those are fans of the Musical and are curious to think a little more about a more generous Christian spirituality than what they find among American White Evangelicals and among those progressive type Christian who are looking for a way to explore the application of their theology and would find it helpful to have a pop-culture reference point in doing so.
*I am using Progressive American Christianity for lack of a better term. If you have a better one for the thing that has happened in Western Christianity predominantly among post-Evangelicals following on the heels of the Emergent Christian movement, feel free to substitute it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
August 1, 2020
I was attracted to this book because… After watching Hamilton, I wanted more, the lyrics, the script, anything. I searched Amazon. This was one of the first options list, and I knew I had to have. Kevin Cloud sums it up in the first sentences of his Acknowledgments. “I will never forget the moment I walked out of the Richard Rogers Theatre after seeing Hamilton on Broadway. Although I couldn’t articulate it at the time, I knew I had experienced a deeply spiritual work of art.” I knew what he was talking about.
This book was about Cloud brings together the timeliness of history, culture, art and how God works in a masterful presentation of the spiritual depth of this story. He points out how the characters in this story show us scene after scene, how it is possible to perform in an a brilliant manner working toward the good of mankind, and at the same time, be acting in despicable ways. And although they flawed humans, you care for them greatly, yet, hate what they have done. Cloud uses examples to support the play, from Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton, scriptural passages and his great pastoral wisdom to walk you through what you experienced in the play. All those things you couldn’t put words to, Cloud gives you the words and the scriptural background to support it.
Things I liked about this book Part of my satisfaction with the book is the reassurance that I had experienced something more than the thrill of a good production. Cloud’s research served to enriched my experience. One of my favorite song lyrics (at least for this paragraph) is in Say No To This, when tempted by Maria Reynolds, Hamilton prays “Lord, show me how to Say No to this.” As Maria draws him into the bedroom, the ensemble keeps singing in his head, “Say no to this.” But he can’t bring himself to say no, as much as he knows he should, and his life and his family’s life suffers. Finally, there is a redemptive story of forgiveness that is unforgettable. Now, it’s on to Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton.
Why you should read this book If you knew while watching Hamilton you were experiencing something more than an amazing work of great art, music and dance, this book will help you know what you were really feeling.
If you want to understand how to weave a story of cultural issues into strong spiritual values, this book will help you.
If you want to know more about God, but don’t want to pick up the Bible, this book is for you.
This book lived up to the back cover copy Here are some of the tidbits on the back cover that you will gain from God and Hamilton:
“Lead you into a deeper experience of God’s grace
Help you battle guilt and shame
Challenge you to forgive
Inspire your faith
Engage you in the struggle for human equality”
This book was about Cloud brings together the timeliness of history, culture, art and how God works in a masterful presentation of the spiritual depth of this story. He points out how the characters in this story show us scene after scene, how it is possible to perform in an a brilliant manner working toward the good of mankind, and at the same time, be acting in despicable ways. And although they flawed humans, you care for them greatly, yet, hate what they have done. Cloud uses examples to support the play, from Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton, scriptural passages and his great pastoral wisdom to walk you through what you experienced in the play. All those things you couldn’t put words to, Cloud gives you the words and the scriptural background to support it.
Things I liked about this book Part of my satisfaction with the book is the reassurance that I had experienced something more than the thrill of a good production. Cloud’s research served to enriched my experience. One of my favorite song lyrics (at least for this paragraph) is in Say No To This, when tempted by Maria Reynolds, Hamilton prays “Lord, show me how to Say No to this.” As Maria draws him into the bedroom, the ensemble keeps singing in his head, “Say no to this.” But he can’t bring himself to say no, as much as he knows he should, and his life and his family’s life suffers. Finally, there is a redemptive story of forgiveness that is unforgettable. Now, it’s on to Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton.
Why you should read this book If you knew while watching Hamilton you were experiencing something more than an amazing work of great art, music and dance, this book will help you know what you were really feeling.
If you want to understand how to weave a story of cultural issues into strong spiritual values, this book will help you.
If you want to know more about God, but don’t want to pick up the Bible, this book is for you.
This book lived up to the back cover copy Here are some of the tidbits on the back cover that you will gain from God and Hamilton:
“Lead you into a deeper experience of God’s grace
Help you battle guilt and shame
Challenge you to forgive
Inspire your faith
Engage you in the struggle for human equality”
April 5, 2021
I think my expectations might have been too high. I agree with the author that the Hamilton musical is amazing and can transform your life. I like how the author incorporated Jesus with different themes from Hamilton. I also liked the history that the book contained and the fact that it was a fast and easy read. I just felt like something was lacking. It was like a Cliff Notes version of the Hamilton biography by Ron Chernow and a few stories from the Bible.
March 25, 2023
2.25 stars ⭐️⭐️✨
This book has the feeling of I just saw Hamilton, loved it and have a book due to the publisher really soon. Each chapter begins with a glowing review of a song or contrast between two characters then into a Bible reference on that theme. The book would be stronger if there was research into Hamilton’s own relationship with faith and how that impacted his life and the musical it inspired but instead it feels like the musical was added to sell more books while it is popular.
This book has the feeling of I just saw Hamilton, loved it and have a book due to the publisher really soon. Each chapter begins with a glowing review of a song or contrast between two characters then into a Bible reference on that theme. The book would be stronger if there was research into Hamilton’s own relationship with faith and how that impacted his life and the musical it inspired but instead it feels like the musical was added to sell more books while it is popular.
June 12, 2018
Written by a pastor at my local church, this does pull a lot of spirituality out of this musical. The idea that a play like Hamilton can be a “thin-place”, between the mundane and divine, is a beautiful sentiment, and while sometimes that sentiment comes a little heavy handed with the real life of the writer it is still a good read.
August 14, 2019
What an amazing book!
I’m blown away by the life story of Alexander Hamilton as described by Chernow as well as how it was used as a basis for the play, Hamilton. But more importantly, how the author uses these stories to show us the spirituality of Hamilton’s life to a life lived to serve God. Outstanding!!
I’m blown away by the life story of Alexander Hamilton as described by Chernow as well as how it was used as a basis for the play, Hamilton. But more importantly, how the author uses these stories to show us the spirituality of Hamilton’s life to a life lived to serve God. Outstanding!!
December 7, 2020
Excellent book with 300+ footnotes to Chernow Hamilton Bio and many books I respect. This book is a wonderful companion to a complete Hamilton study. I read it on my kindle be would have like to own it. Can't recommend it enough. Galations references, Jerry Sittser. and many other titles.
August 2, 2020
Hamilton the orphan
I considered Hamilton a failure in his later later life. After reading this I understand now that while his life ended prematurely, his impact continues and reminds us that God uses orphans to transform culture.
I considered Hamilton a failure in his later later life. After reading this I understand now that while his life ended prematurely, his impact continues and reminds us that God uses orphans to transform culture.
March 2, 2021
good background info for participating/watching "Hamilton"
October 25, 2021
I believe the author is stretching some theological points here. But, nevertheless this is a good book.
December 22, 2021
3.5 stars.
February 12, 2023
This is a lovely look at the themes of Hamilton, stretching beyond the musical into the spiritual lessons readers can take from Hamilton's life.
March 9, 2023
3.5 ⭐ Some interesting tidbits and insights. Nothing incredibly profound, but good information to think about while viewing the musical.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews