Historia Divina: A New Spiritual Practice on Self-Immolation - Paperback
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Discover HISTORIA DIVINA-a bold new spiritual practice that invites Christ to guide you through the depths of history into profound revelation.
In a world marked by sacrifice, protest, and the search for divine presence amid suffering, theologian and activist Jeff Hood introduces Historia Divina: a six-step mystical journey of Read, Meditate, Pray, Contemplate, Envision, and Record. This contemplative process draws you not merely to read historical accounts, but to enter them alongside the risen Christ, who has been present throughout all time. Expecting divine guidance, you encounter deeper truths about history, spirituality, and the self-culminating in a fresh revelation of Christ Himself.
This volume applies Historia Divina to one of history's most radical acts of protest: self-immolation. Through visionary encounters, Hood journeys with Christ into the flames of:
- Thích Quảng Đức's 1963 act against oppression in Vietnam
- Alice Herz's Quaker witness for peace
- Norman Morrison's desperate cry to end the Vietnam War
- Roger Allen LaPorte's Catholic Worker sacrifice
- Nhất Chi Mai's Buddhist plea for liberation
- George Winne, Jr.'s campus protest against injustice
In these searing moments, Christ appears not distant, but intimately present-revealing beauty, love, and divine solidarity in the fire. What emerges is a shocking yet liberating truth: "God Is in the flames."
Whether you're a seeker exploring contemplative prayer, interfaith mysticism, anti-war theology, or the intersections of sacrifice and spirituality, Historia Divina equips you to engage history mystically, awaken to Christ's ongoing presence, and find inspiration for justice and change in our world today.
May this practice liberate your heart and equip you to transform tomorrow.
The Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood is a Catholic Priest (Old Catholic) and nationally recognized theologian and spiritual advisor to death row inmates nationwide. He has accompanied eleven men to their executions, including the first and eighth nitrogen hypoxia executions. Widely regarded as the leading spiritual voice on the death penalty, his work has been profiled in outlets ranging from the New York Times to a Rolling Stone documentary, The Spiritual Advisor. For his service and scholarship, he was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
Dr. Hood holds degrees from Auburn University (BA), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv), Emory University's Candler School of Theology (ThM), the University of Alabama (MA), Creighton University (MS), Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University (DMin), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the American Institute of Metaphysics. His primary interest has always been the power of spirituality to bring about liberation.
Ordained to ministry in 2006, Dr. Hood was incardinated into the priesthood of the Old Catholic Church in 2022. The author of over 100 books - including The Courage to Be Queer, named one of the best religion books of 2016 at the Independent Publishers Book Awards - he regularly partners with men on death row to co-produce original works of theology.
On July 7, 2016, Dr. Hood organized and led a Dallas rally against police brutality that ended in the shooting deaths of five police officers. He saved lives by using the cross he was carrying to force people away from the gunfire. The Dallas Public Library honored his role in that event and his wider work by opening the Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood Collection in its archives.
In January 2024, Dr. Hood became the first spiritual advisor present in an execution chamber for a nitrogen hypoxia execution. Amid the international media attention that followed, he kept the memory of Kenneth Smith at the center of the story while demanding that such an execution never be repeated. No other spiritual advisor in the country has been present in the execution chamber for as many executions.
Believing that traditional theological education is increasingly inadequate, Dr. Hood founded The New Theology School, where he serves as Dean and as the Rev. Charles Moore Professor of Prophetic Theology.
With many arrests and assaults, he is not afraid to give his body to the struggle for justice."Free shipping on orders over $75. Standard shipping takes 3-7 business days. Eligible items may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Conditions apply.