Claiming the Beatitudes

Nine Stories from a New Generation

“In troubles times, hope often seems elusive, a vague promise of the future. But Anne Howard transforms hope into a tangible practice of faith by sharing the stories of young adults who take Jesus’ beatitudes both literally and seriously. Read Claiming the Beatitudes and glimpse a transformational wisdom for church that grounds life in God’s beauty, truth, and goodness.” - Diana Butler Bass, author, Christianity for the Rest of Us and A People’s History of Christianity

“Anne Howard interprets each beatitude through the story of a present-day student as well as Jesus’ beatitudes. She brings the beatitudes into our experience now, beautifully, readably, so we can answer the question, ‘Where do you see God’s presence in our world?’ And so we can say, ‘yes, thanks’ to God’s invitation to participate.” - Glen Harold Stassen, Lewis B. Smedes Professor of Christian Ethics, Fuller Theological Seminary

“By focusing on how Jesus’ beatitudes are actually being lived in the lives of twenty-and thirty-somethings today, Anne Howard accomplishes what few before her have done; she takes the beatitudes out of the realm of pietistic platitudes or arcane academics and puts flesh and blood on them. In so doing, she instills a craving in each of us to wrap our own lives around these simple yet revolutionary words.” - Eric Elnes, author of The Phoenix Affirmations and Asphalt Jesus

“Can the beatitudes come alive for us today? The moving stories and compelling reflections of Claiming the Beatitudes say ‘Yes!’ The questions at the end of each chapter offer true-to-life challenges. The entire book is an invitation to conversation and conversion. Try it!” - Bishop Frederick Borsch, Professor of New Testament, Chair of Anglican Studies, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia