Gay Spirituality

Gay Spirituality PDF

Author: Toby Johnson

Publisher: Lethe Press

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 1590210220

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In this award-winning title, Johnson explores how the rise of gay identity--their ability to step outside the conventions of culture and see things from a different point of view--has become an important part of religious development.

Spiritual Direction & The Gay Person

Spiritual Direction & The Gay Person PDF

Author: James Empereur

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 1998-01-01

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 0225668319

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Intended for counsellors and spiritual directors, this text aims to assist gay men and lesbian women in relationships, prayer, liturgy, and in the problems produced by their commitment to, or rejection of, institutional religion.

Christian Mysticism’s Queer Flame

Christian Mysticism’s Queer Flame PDF

Author: Michael Bernard Kelly

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-08-21

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 1351357174

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Is the Christian mystical tradition a relic of another time, shaped by celibates for celibates, unable to engage meaningfully with people of our time who embrace their corporeality and sexuality as crucial aspects of their journey towards union with God? This book reflects in serious theological depth and detail on the spiritual and sexual journeys of gay men of mature and committed Christian faith, employing the Christian mystical tradition as the lens and the interlocutor in this process. This study examines the major themes and stages of the mystical tradition as outlined by Evelyn Underhill, but also including more recent work by Ruth Burrows, Thomas Merton and Constance Fitzgerald. Using methods of qualitative research, it then considers the texts of in-depth interviews conducted with men, most of whom are theologians or spiritual leaders with a deep Catholic faith, and all of whom are openly, self-affirmingly gay. Finally, it employs Ricoeur’s hermeneutical theory to engage in a creative theological conversation between the traditional mystical stages and themes and these men’s lives, as described in their interviews. This is a unique study that brings together ancient spirituality with contemporary lived religion. As such, it will be of interest to scholars of religious studies, theology, Christian mysticism and spirituality, and queer studies. It will be of particular interest to those teach spiritual direction and to all who seek new ways to engage with the spiritual lives of LGBTIQ+ people.

Gay and Catholic

Gay and Catholic PDF

Author: Eve Tushnet

Publisher: Ave Maria Press

Published: 2014-10-20

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1594715432

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Winner of a 2015 Catholic Press Award: Gender Issues Category (First Place). In this first book from an openly lesbian and celibate Catholic, widely published writer and blogger Eve Tushnet recounts her spiritual and intellectual journey from liberal atheism to faithful Catholicism and shows how gay Catholics can love and be loved while adhering to Church teaching. Eve Tushnet was among the unlikeliest of converts. The only child of two atheist academics, Tushnet was a typical Yale undergraduate until the day she went out to poke fun at a gathering of philosophical debaters, who happened also to be Catholic. Instead of enjoying mocking what she termed the “zoo animals,” she found herself engaged in intellectual conversation with them and, in a move that surprised even her, she soon converted to Catholicism. Already self-identifying as a lesbian, Tushnet searched for a third way in the seeming two-option system available to gay Catholics: reject Church teaching on homosexuality or reject the truth of your sexuality. Gay and Catholic: Accepting My Sexuality, Finding Community, Living My Faith is the fruit of Tushnet’s searching: what she learned in studying Christian history and theology and her articulation of how gay Catholics can pour their love and need for connection into friendships, community, service, and artistic creation.

Coming Out Spiritually

Coming Out Spiritually PDF

Author: Christian de la Huerta

Publisher: TarcherPerigee

Published: 1999-05-24

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780874779660

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In these times of dramatic social change, when the highly charged issue of homosexuality is undeniably causing controversy in many arenas--religion, marriage, politics, education, the military--Christian de la Huerta, founder and director of Q-Spirit, offers a fresh outlook on gay spirituality and how to assert it.A spiritual awakening is occurring in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community, as in much of the world. In this encompassing guidebook, de la Huerta looks at Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sufism, New Thought, New Age, and Earth-based religions, including Native American. Cogently investigating these traditions' attitudes, teachings, and policies toward homosexuality, the author gives the queer reader a foundation from which to begin building a spiritual connection. Coming Out Spiritually also synthesizes ten spiritual roles or archetypes people we now call gay or queer have often assumed and continue to enact today: creators of beauty, consciousness scouts, mediators, shamans, and healers, among others. Drawing on these models while acting as a guide to the queer community, the author shows how to look deeper inside; to reach higher than ever before; to step forth more fully into a rightful self. An impassioned call to action, Coming Out Spiritually alternatively touches, challenges, encourages, and supports the queer community to fully reclaim its spiritual heritage.

Bulletproof Faith

Bulletproof Faith PDF

Author: Candace Chellew-Hodge

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Published: 2008-09-22

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13:

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This thoughtful, practical guide shows readers a way through the minefield of condemnation and persecution faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians and helps foster a faith that is bulletproof—impervious to attacks, yet loving and savvy in its approach. Bulletproof Faith is filled with useful insights and proven spiritual practices that deflect attacks and enhance and strengthen faith by turning attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth. Praise for Bulletproof Faith "Gay and lesbian Christians are constantly demoralized and told they are not children of God. In Bulletproof Faith, Chellew-Hodge reassures gays and lesbians that God loves them just as they were created and teaches them how to stand strong, with compassion and gentleness, against those who condemn them." —Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu "It is an amazing truth that gay and lesbian Christians need to develop a bulletproof faith in order to survive the attack of other Christians. That, however, is the experience of many homosexual persons. Candace Chellew-Hodge has in this book committed herself to the task of making that survival a reality. I salute her and her work." —John Shelby Spong, author, Jesus for the Non-Religious "We know the Religious Right is wrong about same-sex relationships and it's time to move on. But how to withstand their relentless attacks and find lasting peace of soul? Candace Chellew-Hodge offers a practical guide. It met me right where I am. It will touch and help heal many others, too." —Daniel A. Helminiak, professor of psychology, University of West Georgia, and author, What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

Gay Perspective

Gay Perspective PDF

Author: Edwin Clark Johnson

Publisher: Lethe Press

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 1590210158

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In this companion volume to his critically acclaimed, Lambda Literary Award-winning book, Gay Spirituality, Toby Johnson further explicates his visionary stance that gay people's nature as outsiders gives them a uniquely powerful perspective on the nature of God and religion. By living outside gender norms, gay people are more open to seeing across boundaries of gender and gain access to a less dualistic outlook on the nature of life. Once again, Johnson approaches this potentially controversial subject matter with erudition, empathy and visionary speculation and gives meaning to gay consciousness beyond superficial issues of sexual behavior.

Coming Out, Coming Home

Coming Out, Coming Home PDF

Author: Kenneth A. Burr

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 0789038439

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First Published in 2009. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

A Change of Affection

A Change of Affection PDF

Author: Becket Cook

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: 2019-07-30

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1400212340

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The powerful, dramatic story of how a successful Hollywood set designer whose identity was deeply rooted in his homosexuality came to be suddenly and utterly transformed by the power of the gospel. When Becket Cook moved from Dallas to Los Angeles after college, he discovered a socially progressive, liberal town that embraced not only his creative side but also his homosexuality. He devoted his time to growing his career as a successful set designer and to finding "the one" man who would fill his heart. As a gay man in the entertainment industry, Cook centered his life around celebrity-filled Hollywood parties and traveled to society hot-spots around the world--until a chance encounter with a pastor at an LA coffee shop one morning changed everything. In A Change of Affection, Becket Cook shares his testimony as someone who was transformed by the power of the gospel. Cook's dramatic conversion to Christianity and subsequent seminary training inform his views on homosexuality--personally, biblically, theologically, and culturally--and in his new book he educates Christians on how to better understand this complex and controversial issue while revealing how to lovingly engage with those who disagree. A Change of Affection is a timely and indispensable resource for anyone who desires to understand more fully one of the most common and difficult stumbling blocks to faithfully following Christ today.

Spiritual Friendship

Spiritual Friendship PDF

Author: Wesley Hill

Publisher: Brazos Press

Published: 2015-04-14

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 1441227512

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Christianity Today Book Award Winner Friendship is a relationship like no other. Unlike the relationships we are born into, we choose our friends. It is also tenuous--we can end a friendship at any time. But should friendship be so free and unconstrained? Although our culture tends to pay more attention to romantic love, marriage, family, and other forms of community, friendship is a genuine love in its own right. This eloquent book reminds us that Scripture and tradition have a high view of friendship. Single Christians, particularly those who are gay and celibate, may find it is a form of love to which they are especially called. Writing with deep empathy and with fidelity to historic Christian teaching, Wesley Hill retrieves a rich understanding of friendship as a spiritual vocation and explains how the church can foster friendship as a basic component of Christian discipleship. He helps us reimagine friendship as a robust form of love that is worthy of honor and attention in communities of faith. This book sets forth a positive calling for celibate gay Christians and suggests practical ways for all Christians to cultivate stronger friendships.