True Christianity cannot exist without freedom. A book by Raymond Frenz that continues the discussion begun in Crisis of Conscience. Questions are considered of how Christian freedom gradually gave way to authoritarian control over others in the first centuries of our era, how today there is a similar encroachment by a small group of imperfect people on the right of others to make their own decisions, and how to resist such interference. The book discusses teachings on organizational loyalty, door-to-door preaching, disfellowshipping, bloodshed, and many others. Finding the appropriate balance between freedom and responsibility is a challenge faced by every serious Christian. Growing up in a rigidly structured religious environment, people must combine allegiance to a religious organization, It’s especially difficult for family and one’s own conscience. Raymond Frenz's first book, Crisis of Conscience, was devoted to resolving this dilemma. A third-generation Jehovah's Witness, Frenz served at all levels of the organizational structure for nearly forty years. He spent nine of those years as a member of the organization's central executive body, its Governing Council. Frenz's experience allows him to provide unique insight into the issues faced by sincere Jehovah's Witnesses who question their religious views or the structure of their organization. Experience also enables him to examine the motives of the small group of people who are the stewards, legislators, and judges of Jehovah's Witnesses—in their words, actions, and attitudes. In Quest for Christian Freedom continues the discussion begun in Crisis of Conscience. Of this work, which contains an even more in-depth study of the issue, Professor Stephen Cox of the University of California wrote: In Search of Christian Freedom is one of the most complete and insightful accounts of the life of a modern religious group. Perhaps never before has the question of the relationship between religious faith and the activities of a human institution been explored so deeply. The author has unparalleled sources of information about the religious organization on which his research focuses. He also has a keen understanding of the issues of faith and freedom that have challenged Christianity since its inception. To study the Watchtower movement and understand its current state, In Search of Christian Liberty" is of unique importance. However, its significance is not limited to this movement. It helps to understand the wide range of social and psychological forces that influence people's religious lives and their interpretation of the Bible, even if the people themselves are not aware of it. Raymond Frenz sheds light on the issue of freedom as it is reflected in Scripture, in religious history, and in the decisions of today's men and women. Although the issues discussed and opinions expressed in the book relate primarily to the structure of Jehovah's Witnesses, they are not very different from the issues with that other Christians have faced and continue to face as they try to balance issues of conscience, devotion, responsibility and freedom. This book will encourage readers - of any religion - to think seriously about how much they value Christian freedom, and the extent to which their own freedom can be called real.Original publication: In Search of Christian Freedom by Raymond Franz. Commentary Press, Atlanta, 1999. PO Box 43532 Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30336.