Bound and Free

“Douglas John Hall is the most thoughtful, brooding, steadfast Reformed theologian in North America, a fine, crafted mix of dourness and joy. In this retrospect on his life as a teacher of the church, of course, we never get Hall alone. We get cadences of Luther and Barth, of Tillich and Niebuhr all into this personally artistic combination. We never get only theology, we get economics and environmentalism and epistemology and hope. Above all, we get the cross.... The process of reading has been for me, as so often with Hall, an occasion of repentance and of healing.”

Walter Brueggemann

“How does someone become a theologian? Douglas John Hall's autobiographical sketch of his theological journey tells how it happened for Canada's premier Protestant theologian. This moving, insightful 'theology of the cross' for overly optimistic North American Christianity is a valuable text for all who want to think through their faith in the 21st century.”

Sallie McFague

“In giving a reason for the faith that lies within him, Douglas Hall perceptively interweaves theology and autobiography. Rejecting triumphalism, he plumbs life through doubt, darkness, and despair to offer a way of trusting divine mysteries. This honest and eloquent book mediates grace.”

Phyllis Trible

“More than a welcome memoir of an eminent theologian, Douglas John Hall's reflections on his journey as a theologian are a treasure of instruction and inspiration. If you want to learn from one who has lived through fascinating times in theology and integrated life and thought in a theology of the cross with wisdom and humility, read this book!”

James M. Childs Jr