Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World

by Jacqui Lewis

A healing antidote to our divisive culture, full of evocative storytelling, spiritual wisdom, and psychological insight--by the first female, Black senior minister at the historic Collegiate Churches of New York

We are living in a world divided. Race and ethnicity, caste and color, gender and sexuality, class and education, religion and political party have all become demographic labels that reduce our differences to simplistic categories in which “we” are vehemently against “them.” But Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis’s own experience—of being the first female and first Black minister in her church’s history, of being in an interracial marriage, and of making peace with childhood abuse—illustrates that our human capacity for empathy and forgiveness is the key to reversing these ugly trends.

Inspired by the tenets of ubuntu—the Zulu philosophy that we are each impacted by the circumstances that impact those around us, and that the world won’t get better until we all get better—Fierce Love lays out the nine daily practices for breaking through tribalism and engineering the change we seek. From downsizing our emotional baggage to speaking truth to power to fueling our activism with joy, it demonstrates the power of small, morally courageous steps to heal our own lives, our posse, and our larger communities. Sharing stories that trace her personal reckoning with racism as well as the arc of her journey to an inclusive and service-driven faith, Dr. Lewis shows that kindness, compassion, and inclusive thinking are muscles that can be exercised and strengthened. With the goal of mending our inextricable human connection, Fierce Love is a manifesto for all generations: a bighearted, healing antidote to our rancorous culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Memoir, Christianity, Self Help, Faith

219 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis is Senior Minister at Middle Collegiate Church. In her activism, preaching, speaking, writing, and teaching, Dr. Lewis advocates for racial justice, gun control, economic equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Dr. Lewis has been featured on the The Today Show, All In with Chris Hayes, AM Joy, The Melissa Harris Perry Show, NY1, ABC, NBC, PBS, CBS. Her writing has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, USA Today, Vox, The Huffington Post and more.

Dr. Lewis completed the six-city Together Tour with best-selling author Glennon Doyle, Seane Corn, Valarie Kaur, Jennifer Randolph, and special guest Alicia Keys. Dr. Lewis created two national television programs: Just Faith, an on-demand television program on MSNBC.com, and Chapter and Verse at PBS. Her books include The Power of Stories; Ten Essential Strategies (with John Janka); Becoming Like Creoles (with Curtiss de Young, et al), and the children's book, You Are So Wonderful! You can follow her @RevJacquiLewis

Reviews

[Awallens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an audiobook from my library. It is read by the author which gives it particular poignance. The ideas in this book are simple, yet radical. I loved the presentation and the content.

[Becki · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a single thread that shimmers through the entire "Fierce Love" book... Ubuntu. Ubuntu is an Nguni Bantu concept that translates- "I Am because We Are". My identity, My flourishing, My pain are irrevocably intertwined with you, with the "other", with the collective. Part memoir and part sermon, "Fierce Love" is a deeply personal and vulnerable invitation to choose love- love of self, love of your "posse", and love of the world- and in so doing, to upend the world as we know it. Author Dr Jacqui Lewis boldly confronts racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia and advocates for the more perfect way- love. FYI- Dr Lewis is a Christian theologian and pastor, yet her message is 100% affirming and inclusive of those of other faiths and those of no faith.

I enjoyed an ARC of this book in exchange for my opinion. My thanks to the author, publisher and #NetGalley for the opportunity. #FierceLove

[Trinki Brueckner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a memoir than I was expecting. I thought there would be more concrete advice about how to love fiercely in order to change the world. However, it was a very good memoir. Rev. Jacqui is a remarkable woman.

[Gustavo Alves-Gregorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is most pertinent in our fight for equality be it queer, trans, Black, AAPI, Muslim, differently abled, atheist, woman, refugee, indigenous, immigrant is recognizing that our struggles are intertwined. Our lives are intertwined regardless of our backgrounds and it’s not about “accepting others” (I feel like that phrase is used to patronize marginalized people), it’s about *embracing others as our people.*

This is a great “how to” guide for anyone who wants to practice more love. I’m not Christian, but Lewis’ theology is not Christian in that sense, it’s multifaith, multicultural, etc. This is quite simply an amazing read.

[Hannah Aziza · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love love love
love as a religion love as a life philosophy love as joy love as energy love as connection love as humanity
love love love

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiringly moving and brave book. Rev. Dr. Lewis accomplishes the incredible difficult task of creating a universal on-ramp to an inclusive, just future with incredibly touching personal anecdotes. Lewis also avoids proselytizing a specific belief system, but instead focuses on universal love as a guiding principle for spirituality and moral action.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a certain tension in the presentation of Fierce Love; I get the impression that Rev. Dr. Lewis wanted to write a memoir of certain spiritually significant events in her life, but the publisher requested certain changes in organization and presentation so that the book could be marketed as "self-help," which it really isn't. Certain passages of the book, about formative moments in Lewis' journey and how they influenced her mature theology, were immensely pleasurable. The "self-help" elements (the specific organization of chapters, the important pieces of text repeated verbatim in a different font, and the redundancy of certain concepts throughout) seem a bit out of place but are fortunately not too distracting. I recommend this book for those interested in Lewis' life and work.

[Rachel Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really loved this book! Her perspectives are great and she challenges all readers to think outside of their comfort and challenge themselves to love themselves and others fiercely.

“For us, faith means partnering with God, whom we call by many names—including Love—to make heaven on earth. That means healing the world of brokenness; that means working hard to dismantle systems of oppression.”

[Jess Witkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Released at a time when our country is so divided politically, ethically, spiritually, and even factually, Dr. Jacqui Lewis's Fierce Love is a personal account and manual for how to heal - heal ourselves and in a larger sense, our global community. As the first African American woman to lead the historic Middle Collegiate Church, known for its vast diversity in race, ethnicities, sexualities, and spiritual practices, she's the perfect person to write about what is possible when we come together with what she calls "fierce love."

The book kicked off strong, calling it like it is: "Let's face it: This nation is an environment in which it is difficult for any of us to learn to love ourselves well." She breaks down how generational trauma and social implicit bias (note* she doesn't use those terms, but discusses them through story) affect us all, noting how we are who we are because of who our parents are and their parents, etc. "I understand that how we are loved is as complicated as the one who loves us." Adding to that is that the framework of "Ubuntu," a Zulu philosophy that believes the world can't get better until all of us heal.

From there, by sharing stories of her own emotional healing and hardships, she expands to show us what's possible as a collective. The later chapters of the book examine critical issues facing us today and how religion and spirituality often get used to divide us, picking apart lines from the Bible to emphasize some things while ignoring others. "I'm always a little startled by the Church's denial about how long Christianity and white nationalism have danced together," Lewis writes.

Ultimately, Fierce Love points out that all of our accomplishments and all our failings tie us together. It's an inspirational and helpful book for anyone trying to fuse back together some semblance of who we are as a country, how to love friends and family we've felt divided from, even how to appreciate a church that, under some leadership, has exiled or turned off many of us. And it's a call to heal ourselves and understand that our ability to see the world for what it truly is and could be depends on how well we see ourselves.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not familiar with Dr. Jacqui Lewis before reading this, but I'm a fan now.

[Leigh Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book which accomplished a lot, but did not, I didn't think, transform my life as promised in the forward. It did give me a lot to think about, and I agree with the author about 99% of the time. It was nearly transformative, but not quite. I wish there had been a few more chapters. I was willing.

Nevertheless, a must read. God is defined as Love. It does make a good case for a modern, non-literal, Christianity as a meaningful path which can contain love, honesty, anti-racism, anti-sexism, and more. It presents as a rational and caring path chosen in the face of weaponized religion and lots of other isms.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few chapters were my favorite part. There was a smattering of politics which is getting more and more difficult these days to separate from living, breathing, and thinking. However, the overall spirit and education provided in this book is exactly what WE need.

[Ángel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though I 100% appreciate the intention behind this book and I think these conversations need to happen more, I found it repetitive, self-serving, and surface level.

The author used the term mestizaje in a teaching that felt misleading and incomplete, and used the term racism in prejudice, implying reverse racism is a thing. She mentions the word diverse and diversity so much it becomes performative and distracting.

Not for me.

[Sophia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for a community bookclub. I would not have chosen this book, this book was not written for me, so I’m unsurprised I didn’t like it. That aside. It’s a good message (loving people deeply is central to everything, essentially) that I do agree with. The problem is that the writing, structure, and storytelling is bad. Rev. Lewis is a talented pastor, I’m sure, has led a fascinating life, and has good ideas. She is not, however, a good writer. My biggest critique is that I left with no understanding of the intended audience or purpose. Honestly I wish she’d had a ghostwriter because this had potential (she’s done incredibly cool things!), but the disorganized blend or memoir, enthusiastic self-help, and motivational encouragement made it an utterly annoying book to read.

I started this book already possessing self-confidence, knowing that religion is often toxic because it’s weaponized in unbiblical ways, not thinking non-Christians (or anyone for that matter) are going to hell, and believing that black and trans people deserve rights, so I didn’t get much from it. I don’t know who this book is supposed to be for, but it wasn’t me. Okay, I do know. It’s intended for people who did NOT come into the book with the privileges of confidence and a loving, secular upbringing. It’s for people who had shit experiences (with the church, with their family, with society) growing up and who now need to bolster their own self-love and hear that they deserve love from others. And who may be seeking a loving community of diverse, progressive Christians and know that they are not alone in that. I’m really, really happy for people who gain something from this book, because I sincerely believe that it contains a good and vital message. I did not like this book, but frankly my snark in this review is a little unfair because, as I opened with, I am not the intended audience.

[Mike Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. A good part of this is my fault. I presumed a Presbyterian Reverend would be pro-Jesus, pro-Christianity and at least mention lessons that we could learn from Christ's love but this was not the case. My bad. But I loved the title!

If you are looking for a Christian solution along the lines of this subject I would suggest:

The Third Option by Miles McPherson
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/sho...

A Gentle Answer by Scott Sauls
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...


We need to realize that the world in which we live does not want to fix itself. For a lasting solution, we need to look to the healing of Jesus.

[Rachel Snyder Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was an interesting listen, just because Rev. Dr. Lewis’ life is one that is such an interesting intersection of so many pieces of what it is to be Black in the American church. That said, it ventured into cliche more often than I’d have liked, and that made it difficult to listen to the buzz words on top of buzz words. I can tell she is a fantastic preacher in person, but this book did not showcase that. However, the story of the Middle Church fire and other pieces of Jacqui’s story were incredibly moving. So maybe 2.5 stars.

[La Crescent Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Released at a time when our country is so divided politically, ethically, spiritually, and even factually, Dr. Jacqui Lewis's Fierce Love is a personal account and manual for how to heal - heal ourselves and in a larger sense, our global community. As the first African American woman to lead the historic Middle Collegiate Church, known for its vast diversity in race, ethnicities, sexualities, and spiritual practices, she's the perfect person to write about what is possible when we come together with what she calls "fierce love."

The book kicked off strong, calling it like it is: "Let's face it: This nation is an environment in which it is difficult for any of us to learn to love ourselves well." She breaks down how generational trauma and social implicit bias (note* she doesn't use those terms, but discusses them through story) affect us all, noting how we are who we are because of who our parents are and their parents, etc. "I understand that how we are loved is as complicated as the one who loves us." Adding to that is that the framework of "Ubuntu," a Zulu philosophy that believes the world can't get better until all of us heal.

From there, by sharing stories of her own emotional healing and hardships, she expands to show us what's possible as a collective. The later chapters of the book examine critical issues facing us today and how religion and spirituality often get used to divide us, picking apart lines from the Bible to emphasize some things while ignoring others. "I'm always a little startled by the Church's denial about how long Christianity and white nationalism have danced together," Lewis writes.

Ultimately, Fierce Love points out that all of our accomplishments and all our failings tie us together. It's an inspirational and helpful book for anyone trying to fuse back together some semblance of who we are as a country, how to love friends and family we've felt divided from, even how to appreciate a church that, under some leadership, has exiled or turned off many of us. And it's a call to heal ourselves and understand that our ability to see the world for what it truly is and could be depends on how well we see ourselves.

~Jess

[Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't let my three-star rating confuse you. This book is worth reading. I gave it three stars because I was hoping for a little more how and a little less what. I wanted every sentence in this book to zing (because so many of them did), but there were some that left me wondering, "How in the world do I go about doing this?"

Here's an example, quoting from page 147: "If we examine our beliefs through the lens of fierce love, we can build an ethical and just society in which more and more people thrive. If we think of the stranger as our neighbor and ask, What would Love have me do, we might make choices that help us heal collectively, choices that heal our souls and the world." What does it mean to examine your beliefs through the lens of fierce love? How do I do that without wandering down the obtuse thought process: hey, I agree with most of this book, politically and spiritually, what do I have to change? What about those who don't agree with the politics, and may struggle to agree with the book's definition of fierce love? The second sentence in that quote offered more answers for me. Instead of just suggesting we examine our beliefs, there's a how: think of the stranger as our neighbor. Suddenly fierce love becomes clearer. That's a how anyone can mull over.

I love the vision of fierce love presented in this book. I think Fierce Love really shined in Dr. Lewis' stories, where I could see love in action in what occurred or in what she learned. I wish the sermon sections of the book offered more concrete suggestions, more hows. And I know there isn't always a clear how that would apply to every unique reader's situation. I guess I wanted less preaching and more teaching. (I wondered if I would have enjoyed this as an audiobook more, and consumed it like I might a sermon.)

All that said, read this book. There's a lot to glean for anyone in here. The three star rating is mine but certainly may not be yours. And I'll take away a lot from this book too. I'm glad I read it.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut by theologian Lewis is the kind of book that will inspire and encourage and may push readers out of their comfort zones. Lewis (senior minister of Collegiate Church in New York City and creator of the MSNBC online show Just Faith and the PBS show Faith and Justice) advocates a radically accepting brand of Christianity that finds its roots in her experience growing up as a Black child in the United States, a country that tolerates and rarely confronts racism and misogyny. The author also reveals the effects of her sometimes supportive, sometimes dysfunctional family life on her spiritual and emotional growth—a path that she says included a failed first marriage, a suicide attempt, and, ultimately, a PhD in psychology and religion and a career in the ministry. To explain her deep passion for activism, she writes: “My new religion is Love. Fierce Love. Period. This is all that matters.” The book’s autobiographical elements lend authenticity to Lewis’s writing.VERDICT Lewis’s infectious optimism (about the power of love and its potential to change society) will reignite hope in many readers who might be weary from personal and professional struggles.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK

This book focused on the principle of Ubuntu - "I Am Because We Are" and love conquers all.

It taught me how to love yourself, your posse, and the world. She is a Christian pastor and mentions scripture, but her focus is inclusive love. No matter what your faith is, we can all agree that we need more love in the world. I liked how this book was so relevant - it was released in the past few years and references the COVID shutdown, racial discrimination, and spiritual divide. This book encouraged me to reflect on my own religious beliefs - do I take the bible too literally, do I love first, do my actions reflect the self-less love of Jesus.

Overall, this book was good and I would recommend it. It emphasizes how love could solve all the injustice in the world. A very beautiful story.

I am hoping to read more books that share the struggles of racism, inequality, and injustice.

[Kapinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book. I loved the meaning of 'Ubuntu' we see you and how this vibrates through the thinking of Middle Church but also through the Philosophy of Rev Dr Jacqui Lewis and how she also translates this into something everyday. The book is very nice if you want to explore faith and religion in small steps. Spoiler alert, every religious belief is about having love for yourself and for everything. It is also very much about community education. I had hoped more in depth about what love can be and how you can build community through loving and what are the difficulties that you face when you get together with people with different views. It leaves me hungry for more. I do believe this book is a very good start for people who have never faced this before. Also, Jacqui's autobiography also makes it so relatable. So read it and then look for even more answers and even more questions.

[Carol Wierzbicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fierce love helps us navigate the hard, so we can come out stronger.”
This is what the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis says she wants to be the main takeaway from her book. Full disclosure: I go to Middle Collegiate Church, a progressive New York-based church where Jacqui is Senior Minister.
In the book, Jacqui shares many fascinating autobiographical details—memories from early childhood, her years in seminary, and her postdoctoral education—on up through her present position as public theologian, appearing on talk shows and news programs.
From intimate personal details to fiery declarations on global justice, Jacqui draws us in and ignites our motivation to build a better world. She truly walks the walk, whether at a demonstration or organizing conferences for change, and invites us to walk with her.

[Brad Dell · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest, as-practical-as-emotional-self-exploration-can-be book. I enjoy Dr. Lewis’s book and her life story seems to have laid out exactly as it did for the primary purpose of writing this book. I loved her stories and she left me with much to chew on. However, I do wish there was more scripture and interpretation in this book — for all her talk about God and the marketing of this book as Christian, I found little of the Bible in its pages.

Not many lines were underlined because it’s not the punchiest writing, but after each chapter I’d sit back just to process its depth. I’m thankful she shared these steps toward a more liberating faith. Those limping from wounds of family, racism, and purity culture will find riches in her words.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One part memoir and one part spiritual teaching Dr. Jacqui Lewis' book is an engaging read of how one woman who has every reason to be bitter can still be joyous, engaging, and spiritual WHILE continuing to fight for equity and a better world. Dr. Lewis references Ubuntu and how we won't get better until we all get better. and she offers specific practices for personal growth and healing. Religious readers will enjoy this book AS WILL readers of no specific faith who just long for a more just and equitable world.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Smooth Via · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I hold deep love and respect for Dr. Jacqui Lewis and appreciate her contributions to theological discourse, Fierce Love unfortunately did not resonate with me as I had hoped. Despite our theological differences, which I fully embrace as part of a rich and diverse conversation, my critique lies elsewhere. The book, though it presents some valuable insights and inspiration, struggled to maintain my engagement throughout. The narrative lacked the compelling drive that I seek in reading material, and I found my attention wavering. This is not a reflection of my views on the subject matter or the author, but rather on the book's ability to captivate and sustain a reader's interest.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

we need this book

We are in trouble as whole in the world today. We are literally at each other’s throats on every issue imaginable either face to face or through social media. We will never survive and thrive again until we figure out that we are all connected. I can’t be everything I want to be unless you are everything you want be. Rough paraphrase of MLK words. The only way we make that happen is through fierce love. This book is well written and will guide you to the key to life~ Love, period.

[Emily Feldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was fairly good. i think it aligned with my personal philosophy of non-dualistic judaism but anyone who is spiritual or not rigid in their religious beliefs would probably enjoy it. she calls for love to be our guide and to follow that. a good reminder during these contentious times to continue to love others and see **all** parts of people. yes, people can be hateful and hurtful, but i think that there is still a part that is good in them (even if it is small). two quotes that really stood out to me were **justice is what love looks like in public** and "The core feature of a moral life is to see"

[Benjamin Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lewis has such a gift for storytelling. Liberation, here, is offered—as it is in life—deeply enmeshed with stories. She's so concerned with the particularities of how we know ourselves, and how we love each other, that you can't help but feel seen and held while reading. Never preachy but always compelling, her book offers a love that is simultaneously ancient and fresh, an invitation to reimagine how we build community, and our place within it.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I appreciated the opportunity to read it, but I was not particularly interested in it. I think I would have enjoyed it more a few years ago, just because of where I was spiritually and emotionally. While I found this book to be rambling and redundant, I can see how it would be inspiring to someone at the right time. I will pass it on in hopes of encouraging that inspiration.

[Laura Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book!!! I read this along with her podcast Love. Period. Each chapter is told with authenticity, vulnerability and poise...and ends with an invitation into living and loving fiercely (starting with ourselves). The podcast adds rich voices to the conversation. I love Jacqui Lewis's voice and grace as she loving births fierce love with each of her guests. I highly recommend this book.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great and well written book full of inspiration and hope. Dr. Lewis uses examples from her life that at least for me, helped encourage me to continue to love myself authentically. All of the stories were authentic and so needed in this day and age. Phenomenal job with the entire book

I received a copy of the book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.