Theological Perspectives for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Rather than wield religion as a weapon or a ruse in irrational appeals, the book attempts to reimagine a shared American mythos and ethos, by reminding us of our shared stake in creating an America committed to the life of all peoples and species and to the full developments of our capabilities as an exercise of liberty.

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - what's not to love? Sadly, much hate has been enacted under the auspices of these American ideals. But that's only one side of the stories you will read here. Their other side is about the hunger for life and the struggle for elemental freedom going on everywhere in America indeed, everywhere in the world - beyond the lonely domain of the 1%. Listening deeply to these stories, these authors articulate a vision of happiness that's both eminently possible and urgently needed." Kathleen Sands, Associate Professor of American Studies, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, USA 'A highly engaging and provocative series of reflections from a stellar group of theologian-activists on the state of our American creed. The volume powerfully captures the urgency of retrieving core American values from the racism, militarism, and economic injustices that eviscerate their moral power. It is a wonderful testimony to the spirit and legacy of Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz.' Linell Cady, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Arizona State University, USA

Andrea Smith associate professor, Department of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of California, RiversideJames H. Evans, Jr. Robert K. Davies Professor of Systematic Theology, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity SchoolSharon Welch provost and professor of religion and society, Meadville Lombard Theological SchoolK. Christine Pae Assistant Professor of Ethics, Denison UniversityPaula M. Cooey Margaret W. Harmon Professor of Christian Theology and Culture, Macalester CollegeTeresa Delgado Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Iona CollegeJoerg Rieger Wendland-Cook Endowed Professor of Constructive Theology, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist UniversityMark Lewis Taylor Maxwell M. Upson Professor of Theology and Culture, Department of Theology, Princeton Theological SeminaryAnthony B. Pinn Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and Professor of Religious Studies, Rice UniversityStephanie Y. Mitchem Professor, Department of Religious Studies, University of South Carolina