Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, professor of religion and director of the Forum on Faith and Life, released a new book in August titled “Love Without Limits: Jesus’ Radical Vision for Love with No Exceptions.”
The book, published by Fortress Press, sold out online the first day of sales. In it, Bussie writes down-to-earth theology in the way she would speak with her students about it.
“I want to write
These true stories are also theological truths, Bussie says. She describes the book of stories as both a memoir and a how-to guide “for love across difference in divided times.”
The books
“We can disagree and we can still have conversations. Love demands understanding and not agreement,” Bussie says. “Jesus is repeatedly calling us to widen love’s wingspan. It’s really beautiful and really hard.
Publishing the book wasn’t simple either. It hit a bump in the road when the original publisher asked Bussie to delete stories about people who are LGBTQ or Muslim. Bussie refused and her contract was canceled. Through the power of social media, friends picked up on her plight for a new publisher and Fortress signed on.
Now, when not teaching, Bussie is doing a book tour throughout the United States. One of the stops is just another illustration of beautiful connections with people. The pastor for Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran in Peachtree City, Ga., called to ask her to make a stop there in March 2019. Bussie was thrilled to say yes because the church was her home congregation as a child.
“I haven’t been there since I was 9!” Bussie says with delight.