Thursday, May 16, 2013

Becky Garrison's "Roger Williams' Little Book of Virtues"

You may remember our journalist friend Becky Garrison from her coverage of trans and faith (http://mtpcicte.blogspot.com/2012/07/becky-garrisons-3-new-articles-re-trans.html). 

Her book about her 11th and 12th great-grandfather Roger Williams is out, and free through Sunday (Pentecost).

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Proclaiming Liberty of Conscience in the 21st Century



The merger of church and state remains "opposite to the souls of all men who by persecutions are ravished into a dissembled worship which their hearts embrace not.—Roger Williams

In Roger Williams' Little Book of Virtues, religion writer Becky Garrison delves into the life of her 11th and 12th great-grandfather to uncover the untold story behind this forgotten pioneer of religious liberty.  How can Roger Williams' life and ministry shed light on the role of individual beliefs within the context of a pluralized global culture?  

Throughout this short e-book, Garrison speaks to those who share Williams' concerns about the historical influence of a politicized form of exclusionary Christian faith that enforces its will in the public square. In this age of horizontal social media where everyone can all state their views in the public arena, what prevents people from standing up to these modern-day Goliaths and taking away their media megaphone? Here Garrison sees hope in the rise of the "nones" for a new conversation. Like Williams, these seekers follow their own spiritual path and create spaces that embrace all including women, people of color, LGBT folks and others marginalized by the institutional church.  

"Among religion writers, Becky Garrison stands out as one of the most willing to 
respectfully and thoughtfully engage alternative views, especially those of atheists, agnostics, and even humanists like me. Religious and nonreligious alike should make themselves aware of her voice. With her great sense of humor, they'll be glad they did.
"—Greg Epstein, Humanist Chaplain, Harvard University

Becky Garrison contributes to a range of outlets including The Washington Post's "On Faith" column, The Guardian's "Belief" zsection, The Revealer, Believe Out Loud, American Atheist, Free Inquiry, Truth Wins Out and Killing the Buddha. Her seven books include Jesus Died for This? and Red and Blue God, Black and Blue Church (Starred Review, Publishers Weekly). 

From now through Pentecost, get this ebook for free by logging on to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/294776 and using coupon code YQ46D.

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