Dr. Jacqueline Bussie’s “Outlaw Christian: Finding Authentic Faith by Breaking the Rules” has won a gold Illumination Book Award.
Bussie’s book debunks the myths that surround Christianity such as never getting angry with God, never doubting and never questioning. “Outlaw Christian” won in the category of Christian Living, one of 20 medal categories. Bussie says at first she was incredulous but extremely honored by the award because many authors whose works she uses in her classes have won this award.
“I had a lot of respect for the award because of who had won it in the past,” says Bussie, professor of religion and director for the Forum on Faith and Life. “Many of my all-time favorite Christian theologians and activists whom I greatly admire such as Barbara Brown Taylor, Desmond Tutu, Elizabeth Johnson, Diana Butler Bass and Leonardo Boff have been medalists."
Another notable winner from this year was Pope Francis for his book “I Believe: The Promise of the Creed.” Bussie is on sabbatical this year working on a second book for HarperCollins Christian Publishing and doing speaking engagements for “Outlaw Christian.”
“So many diverse readers have reached out to me to share not only how the book resonated with them, but also their own deep personal stories,” Bussie says.
Bussie’s next book is on radical agape – or the highest form of love. This book uses much of her interfaith work and research she does as the director of the Forum on Faith and Life.
“In my writing process, I am fortunate enough to get to spend every day thinking deeper about two of my favorite things – love and compassion.”
(aek/9652)