A Strange Freedom: The Best of Howard Thurman on Religious Experience and Public Life

by Howard Thurman, Martin E. Marty (Foreword), Walter Earl Fluker (Editor)

A spiritual advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr.; the first black dean at a white university; cofounder of the first interracially pastored, intercultural church in the United States, Howard Thurman offered a transcendent vision of our world. This lyrical collection of select published and unpublished works traces his struggle with the particular manifestations of violence and hatred that mark the twentieth century. His words remind us all that out of religious faith emerges social responsibility and the power to transform lives.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Religion, African American, Nonfiction, Philosophy

360 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

About the author

Howard Washington Thurman was an author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. As a prominent religious figure, he played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the twentieth century.

Reviews

[Drick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last year, I have read several Howard Thurman books, including his autobiography. I have come to appreciate his gentle gutsiness, spiritual wisdom, and capacity for language in a way I had not seen before. This book is an anthology of his writings and gives one a flavor for the man. The editors introduce each essay, speech or poem to set the tone and context. They have grouped them into general subject areas, which at times seemed arbitrary. Nonetheless the essence of the book is Thurman himself, and that in itself makes this a great read.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Howard Thurman’s writings in seminary in the early 1980’s. He has been a spiritual guide and mentor ever since. This volume gives an excellent introduction to his writings although it leans heavily into the academic. It is a great companion to the book “For the Inward Journey” which contained more of his poetic and mystical writings.

[Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved a few of the writings of this American mystic . A couple of them really touched a nerve. Like the one called “what to do with my life” . Others were nice and compelling. I only found some small dissonances which are easily attributable to the passing of time and changing political times. For example his emphasis on racial identity, something that was denied to many during his time and still is today but has eventually been co-opted by a few and has become a crutch in more recent times. Same goes for his outlook on war and violence, an outlook which I agree with completely but that has to be more nuanced within the decline of US power and shifting sectarian dynamics.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential reading. Required.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howard Thurman has some wonderful insights into our current times. It was good to reread some of his work.

[Mjensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of sermons, lectures and articles - I'm reading piece by piece.

I love the way he connects mysticism to social action!

[Sarah Boyette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a collection of some of his best works. Contemporary and accessible. It deals with topics of race and other struggles, including representing your faith, but does it with compassion.