Peden, Creighton and Larry E. Axel, eds. Creative Freedom, Henry Nelson Wieman. New York: The Pilgrim Press, 1982.

Abstract

Over a long and distinguished career, Henry Nelson Wieman came to be known as one of the most influential figures in American theology. In Creative Freedom, which has been retrieved from the Wieman Archives and is now being published for the first time in book form, Wieman argues that mature religion must assist people in realizing the constructive possibilities of creativity. Such a religion, he maintains, offers a renewed vision of the life of freedom and a more fulfilling life of creative transformation. Wieman seeks to answer these questions. What kind of freedom should religion attempt to nourish? When is freedom a mistaken goal? What truly makes a religion "liberal"? When is religious tolerance not a proper stance? Relating these concerns to everyday life and the problems of modern society, Wieman makes an important, eloquent statement about the relevance of religion to contemporary humanity. This is a crucial addition to the body of Wieman's work.