Memoir touches on timeless truths

By Blair Mirau and ChristianWeek | August 18, 2010

Readers who enjoy paradox and tension will enjoy Stanley Hauerwas' new memoir, although those who don't many become frustrated with the seeming contradictions. A quote describing Hauerwas' personality illustrates the point: "[he has] been called energetic and kind, controversial and thoughtful, abrasive and generous, shocking and sensitive, boisterous and tender, loud but loving."

These traits permeate the pages of Hannah's Child as Hauerwas expounds upon the thoughts, ideas, experiences and people he has encountered during his life.

From the preface, this book captivated me. At times, it was an absolute joy to share in the experiences in Hauerwas' life; at other times, captivation coincided with feelings of anguish as the pain and struggles of everyday life overtook the majority of Hauerwas' thought.

Between the emotional highs and lows, I very much enjoyed the various messages, themes, moral concepts, opinions, and strands/tangents of thought which have culminated over the course of Hauerwas' life. His style of writing combined with his blunt, yet caring, personality made for an "easy" read. Although there were many controversial issues on which Hauerwas and I would disagree, his respect for learning, opposition, disagreement and debate kept me satisfied throughout his memoir.

The label of a "must-read" is an exaggeration, so to claim Hannah's Child is such would be to misconstrue the work. However, those who consider themselves to be serious about theology should regard Hauerwas' memoir highly. It plays a distinct and crucial role in many prominent and relevant conversations of today.

Even though this memoir is written for a particular time and people, Hauerwas continually reminds the reader of Christianity's timeless, primal and foundational truths, something that is definitely necessary for today's post-9/11 world.