Keeping the Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives

Religion and American Culture

by Wayne Flynt

This historical memoir by the widely recognized scholar, Wayne Flynt, chronicles the inner workings of his academic career at Samford and Auburn Universities, as well as his many contributions to the general history of Alabama. Flynt has traveled the state and the South lecturing and teaching both lay and academic groups, calling on his detailed knowledge of both the history and power structures in Alabama to reveal uncomfortable truths wherever he finds them, whether in academic institutions that fall short of their stated missions, in government and industry leaders who seek and hold power by playing to the fears and prejudices of the public, or in religious groups who abandon their original missions and instead seek financial and emotional comfort in lip service only.

 

In doing so he has not only energized those who think the State of Alabama can and must do better, but  also has earned the enmity of those who prosper, profit, and prevaricate for their own selfish ends. Nevertheless, Flynt utilizes a lifetime of learning and reflection to voice the conscience of his community. Keeping the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives tells the story of his life and his courageous battles against an indifferent or hostile hierarchy with modesty and honesty. In doing so he tells us how Alabama institutions really are manipulated and, more importantly, why we should care.

 

Genres: Memoir, History

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

James Wayne Flynt is Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at Auburn University. He has won numerous teaching awards and been a Distinguished University Professor for many years. His research focuses on Southern culture, Alabama politics, Southern religion, education reform, and poverty. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Online Encyclopedia of Alabama.

Reviews

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography that lays out how Flynt ended up being a historian and why he has been so passionate about documenting the history of the ordinary Alabama citizen. Last couple chapters are especially juicy for state residents as he lays out some the University of Alabama Trustee machinations of the 1990s and early 2000s for all to see.

[Jeff Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful memoir of Wayne Flynt - child of poverty, Samford graduate, history professor at Samford and then at Auburn, Baptist preacher, progressive, lifelong advocate for education and economic reform. Provides a front-row seat for the politics of pover