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Today, what constitutes freedom is identified in terms of human autonomy. Ziegler instead proposes a previously undeveloped thesis—that freedom is a gift from without, not from within. He proposes that being a son of God is essential to being free and that there is no tension between freedom and human obedience to commands—a relationship exemplified by Jesus. This is a concept previously undeveloped at an exegetical or a theological level.

Endorsements

“I have seldom met such a happy blend! Dr. Ziegler conjoins a deeply original meditation—not at all novelty for novelty’s sake but an insight into the truth of Scripture that has until now received scant attention—with philosophical competence and a sure-footed understanding of contemporary issues.”

—Henri A. G. Blocher, formerly Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology, Wheaton College Graduate School

“Geoff Ziegler’s Free to Be Sons of God is interesting, relevant, and prophetic. . . . I found this superb dissertation both stimulating and sanctifying. If you want to be free, or reminded of what freedom in Christ means, take and read.”

—Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Senior Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Elgin, Illinois

“Dr. Ziegler tackles an issue that is important and contested in current society and culture: freedom. . . . Dr. Ziegler’s work illuminates an important strand of biblical teaching and usefully confronts a false view of freedom that is widespread in our modern culture.”

—Douglas J. Moo, Blanchard Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College Graduate School

“In this important study, Ziegler provides a penetrating biblical, theological, and historical assessment of John Stuart Mill’s conception of human freedom as radical autonomy. In our age drunk on the elixirs of individualism, identity construction, and self-determination, Ziegler’s conclusions are as countercultural as they are compelling.”

—Scott M. Manetsch, Professor of Church History, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

The Author

Geoffrey M. Ziegler

Geoffrey M. Ziegler (PhD, Wheaton College) is senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Hinsdale, Illinois.

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