Collection: Spirituality & Religion

He is sixteen in 1964. He has friends. He has fun. He smokes unfiltered Luckies. He loses his virginity. He gets his first car and drives with abandon. He is growing up as fast as he can, if not as fast as he wants. A white boy from the suburbs, he goes into the Black city to see the Motown Revue, and to listen to jazz in smokey clubs. Inspired by the non-violent civil rights movement, he embarks on an activist path that in a few years will place him in the militant Weather Underground. He has sex with girls, hiding the unmentionable fact that he is gay. His father is checked out while his mother is dying--another thing that may not be discussed. He pretends he doesn't care, projecting himself as a worldly proto-adult, but he is a scared kid. Performance Anxiety is a vivid portrayal of one boy's rocky youth--and of America on the brink of the cultural tumult known as "the sixties." With rare honesty and humble self-forgiveness Jonathan Lerner recalls the exuberance and pain of growing up in a time and place, and family, that seemed whole but were cracking apart.

"A lively, affectionate autobiography with messages of inspiration and acceptance." -Kirkus Reviews

"An inspiring depiction of human endurance and the heart-healing balms of generosity and kindness." -Jeff Mann, author of Purgatory

When Scott Terry was ten, he embraced the Jehovah's Witness faith and their prediction that the world would soon end. As an adolescent, he prepared for Armageddon and prayed for God to strip away his growing attraction to other young men. By adulthood, Terry found himself no longer believing in the promised apocalypse. Over time, he left the Witness religion and became a cowboy, riding bulls in the rodeo. He overcame the hurdles of parental abuse, religious extremism, and homophobia and learned that Truth is a concept of honesty rather than false righteousness.

Cowboys, Armageddon, and The Truth: How a Gay Child was Saved from Religion offers an illuminating glimpse into a child's sequestered world of abuse, homophobia, and religious extremism. Scott Terry's memoir is a compelling, poignant and occasionally humorous look into the Jehovah's Witness faith-a religion that refers to itself as The Truth-and a brave account of Terry's successful escape from a troubled past.

"A powerful story not only of dealing with and escaping from abuse but also about coming to terms with being gay in an atmosphere that regarded it as both unnatural and sinful." - Brady Clemens, GLBTRT of the American Library Association

"A whiplash piece of literary reporting, about a family of children growing up poor and religiously abused in the rural West, and one child miraculously finding himself in spite of everything. I was riveted." -Patricia Nell Warren, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Front Runner

Advocate magazine Top 20 Must-Read Books

Nominated for the Over The Rainbow Book List by the American Library Association in July 2012

Best LGBT Debut and Best LGBT Non-Fiction of 2013 by Rainbow Book Awards, Elisa Reviews

Healing Religious Hurts: Stories & Tips to Find Love and Peace by Elizabeth Ann Atkins & Joanie Lindenmeyer offers a compassionate guide for those who have endured the pain of being shamed, guilted, rejected, or scorned by religion or its people. Delving into the complexities of spirituality and the quest for inner peace, the book courageously explores questions and past experiences relating to religion, spirituality, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Elizabeth and Joanie collaborated on this book because they've both individually chronicled their unique religious and spiritual journeys in their best-selling memoirs.Now they present Healing Religious Hurts-with its focus on finding spiritual nourishment and embracing individuality-to provide valuable insights on how to navigate the path to healing and self-acceptance. From understanding the difference between religion and spirituality, to finding a faith community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, the book quips readers with the tools to forge their own spiritual journey and connect with others who share similar experiences.Healing Religious Hurts features a special chapter dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting stories of resilience and self-discovery as individuals reclaim their spirituality after facing rejection, heartache and disconnection from religious institutions. With contributions from people across America, the book serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, offering a supportive space for readers to explore their spiritual beliefs and find solace in shared experiences.Ultimately, Healing Religious Hurts is a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness, acceptance, and the pursuit of spiritual peace, offering readers the guidance and inspiration they need to embark on a journey of healing and rediscovery.

Have you experienced a rift with religion, and now you're seeking the love, comfort, and peace of spiritual connection?

Do you feel disconnected from traditional religion that may have caused a chasm with your family?Are you on a spiritual quest to find meaning and solace that may have taken you on many paths, but not leading to the idyllic place that your heart and soul desire? Welcome to Healing Religious Hurts, a safe space to explore new ideas and learn how others have healed past pains and found peace and love with God, Spirit, or their own beliefs.Welcome to Healing Religious Hurts: Stories & Tips to Find Love and Peace by Elizabeth Ann Atkins & Joanie Lindenmeyer. This book frees you to express your most authentic self, just as you are, and to feel the divine love and joy without restrictive rules, fear of rejection, or devastating labels.This book can guide your spiritual journey and show that you have the power to define your own beliefs, and to create a daily practice that nourishes your heart and soul. This book is for everyone-young or older, LGBTQ+ or straight. Race, ethnicity, national origin, culture, and other divisive labels are irrelevant here.God is love. Our hearts yearn for love, peace, and connection to each other and to the magnificent spiritual powers of the universe.So let this book help you explore, learn, and celebrate the wondrous powers of Healing Religious Hurts, so you can enjoy peace and love as never before.

A gentle, wise guide for everyone deconstructing their beliefs and struggling with the role of faith in their life

As a "good Christian," Karla Kamstra attended church every Sunday, listened to the pastor, and committed to functions and activities. But no amount of participation could shake her growing sense of spiritual unrest. As time went on, she realized that she was doing Christianity on autopilot--going through the motions, but spiritually checked out.

She finally understood that the rules of the church were keeping God inside a too-small box, and it was time to let "Him" out. And so Karla embarked upon her sacred journey of deconstruction: healing her religious trauma and reclaiming her spirituality.

Now, Rev Karla shares her journey in this wise, gentle guide to help anyone struggling with the role of faith in their lives. Readers are called to demolish the oppressive, patriarchal structure upon which their faith has been built, repair what experiences with dysfunctional and destructive religion may have done to them, and restore their hearts and souls. DECONSTRUCTING will lead readers from silent obedience to sacred empowerment, from religious dogma to spiritual freedom, from toxic theology to authentic faith. For anyone chafing against the confines of church doctrine--it's time to release God from the rules.

Many people long to be physically fit, happy, and successful, but so many factors get in the way - competing priorities, family, illness, the demands of work, the negativity of others. What truly holds us back, however, is a weak vibrational foundation within us. In Be Yourself: How an ancient pathway can guide you back to love, passion, attraction, security, confidence, courage, fearlessness & peace, author Wayne Christopher unearths age-old principles hidden in sacred geometry to help readers strengthen their foundation, stand firm in the face of challenges, and find self-love through dance fitness.

Throughout history, dating back to ancient Egypt, various cultures have reversed the effects of aging by understanding, controlling, and manipulating their vibrational energy. Our forebearers knew that fitness wasn't only about exercise - it was about how me moved and existed in every facet of our lives. That's the idea at the core of Be Yourself. Instead of exhaustive workout routines and restrictive diets, this book ignites your mental and energetic transformation by helping you find the self, reimagine fitness in a new, spiritual light, and amplify your vibrations. The result will be achieving your desired physique, but getting there will require a holistic journey that emphasizes every part of you - not just your body.

As a vibrational being of light, you are more in control of your destiny and your results than you know. Be Yourself is the missing link to help unlock your potential. If you've ever felt frustrated by stalled progress, trapped by unwanted circumstances, voiceless against external forces, or unable to live life as your authentic self, this book is for you. Throughout the text, Wayne simplifies scientific, philosophical, and spiritual concepts and shares his inspirational evolution to help you build a strong vibrational foundation and change the course of your life. Be Yourself is the resource that will not only unleash the new You, but help you finally live the life you've always envisioned.

Through extensive scientific and philosophical research, and learnings from his own spiritual fitness journey, His ultimate purpose is to spread love through his branded message BU and help individuals see health, wellness, and fitness in an exciting, new way and permanently remove the barriers to achieving happiness and personal fulfillment.

Jaylin wants to be who she is but isn't sure with people telling her who to be, From the creative mind of Jessi Hersey comes an adventure in finding oneself in a place where voices of others can take what your heart truly telling you. This is meant for children 3 years of age and up and is perfect for those questions as your learning who you are. We are all constantly learning about ourselves came on a journey in this story of Jaylin.

Sueña en grande con una biografía Little Golden Book sobre el Papa Francisco! La introducción perfecta a la no ficción para lectores jóvenes, así como para fanáticos de todas las edades!

Este Little Golden Book sobre el Papa Francisco, líder de la Iglesia Católica Romana y primer Papa de América Latina, es una biografía inspiradora para niños pequeños.

Busque más biografías Little Golden Book:
- Reina Elizabeth II
- Rey Charles III
- Barack Obama
- Dr. Jonas Salk
- Harriet Tubman

Dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about Pope Francis! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers--as well as fans of all ages!

This Little Golden Book about Pope Francis--the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Pope from South America--is an inspiring read-aloud for young children.

Look for more Little Golden Book biographies:
- Queen Elizabeth II
- King Charles III
- Barack Obama
- Dr. Jonas Salk
- Harriet Tubman

Dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about Pope Francis! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers--as well as fans of all ages!

This Little Golden Book about Pope Francis--the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Pope from South America--is an inspiring read-aloud for young children.

Look for more Little Golden Book biographies:
- Queen Elizabeth II
- King Charles III
- Barack Obama
- Dr. Jonas Salk
- Harriet Tubman

What the emergent church movement is all about and why it matters to the future of Christianity

Following on the questions raised by Brian McLaren in A New Kind of Christian, Tony Jones has written an engaging exploration of what this new kind of Christianity looks like. Writing dispatches about the thinking and practices of adventurous emergent Christians across the country, he offers an in-depth view of this new "third way" of faith--its origins, its theology, its views of truth, Scripture, and interpretation, and its hopeful and life-giving sense of community. With the depth of theological expertise and broad perspective he has gained as a pastor, writer, and leader of the movement, Jones initiates readers into the emergent conversation and offers a new way forward for Christians in a post-Christian world. With journalistic narrative as well as authoritative reflection, he draws upon on-site research to provide fascinating examples and firsthand stories of who is doing what, where, and why it matters.

The rules have changed. Everything you believe is suspect. The world is up for grabs. Welcome to the emerging postmodern culture. A "free zone" of rapid change that places high value on community, authenticity, and even God--but has little interest in modern, Western-tinged Christianity. Postmodern Youth Ministry addresses these enormous philosophical shifts and shows how they're affecting teenagers.

Unlock a connection to a more illuminated you, through Mindkeeping, a meditative technology and framework that can help you evolve past the hurts and pains of the physical world and emerge with a new generation of consciousness.

Mindkeeping is a practical and accessible path to reaching a profound spiritual destination that's been within you all along. It's not about fixing what's wrong; it's about embracing what's right and discovering the next generation of consciousness-Lumen beingness.

McCann unravels the mystery and benefits of Mindkeeping by explaining:

1) a 4-step framework called SOAR

2) the differences between human mind and Lumen mind

3) how to tap into the lumen mind by using the higher senses

4) the five parts of the mind system and how they work with our emotions

The Art of Mindkeeping imbues daily life with healing, purpose, wisdom, and compassion. Using the SOAR paradigm, McCann helps you develop a personal compass so that you can identify and follow your true north star.

Illuminate your life and embark on the path that is meant for you.

First-person testimonies from LGBTQ+ Christians about coming out and navigating their family dynamics

What happens in a family when one member comes out? How does LGBTQ+ identity affect relationships with parents and grandparents, siblings and cousins? What does Christian love require and make possible for families moving forward together?

A social scientist and a pastor, both from Galileo Church on the outskirts of Fort Worth, Texas, asked their LGBTQ+ friends from church to help them understand how they navigate relationships with their affirming, non-affirming, and affirming-ish families of origin, even as they also find belonging in other families of choice. The resulting stories, crafted from interviews with fifteen queer Christians and family members, kept anonymous at their request, are as varied as the colors of the rainbow. Over the years, some grew closer to their families of origin; others grew more distant. Some were surprised by the hardness of heart they encountered; others were amazed by the breadth of their family's love. Most all describe a trajectory, a journey, from the coming-out moment till now and beyond, as their families of origin, like all families, remain a work in progress.

In medieval Japan (14th-16th centuries), it was customary for elite families to entrust their young sons to the care of renowned Buddhist priests from whom they received a premier education in Buddhist scriptures, poetry, music, and dance. When the boys reached adolescence, some underwent coming-of-age rites, others entered the priesthood, and several extended their education, becoming chigo, or Buddhist acolytes. Chigo served their masters as personal attendants and as sexual partners. During religious ceremonies--adorned in colorful robes, their faces made up and hair styled in long ponytails--they entertained local donors and pilgrims with music and dance. Stories of acolytes (chigo monogatari) from the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries form the basis of the present volume, an original and detailed literary analysis of six tales coupled with a thorough examination of the sociopolitical, religious, and cultural matrices that produced these texts.

Sachi Schmidt-Hori begins by delineating various dimensions of chigo (the chigo "title," personal names, gender, sexuality, class, politics, and religiosity) to show the complexity of this cultural construct--the chigo as a triply liminal figure who is neither male nor female, child nor adult, human nor deity. A modern reception history of chigo monogatari follows, revealing, not surprisingly, that the tales have often been interpreted through cultural paradigms rooted in historical moments and worldviews far removed from the original. From the 1950s to 1980s, research on chigo was hindered by widespread homophobic prejudice. More recently, aversion to the age gap in historical master-acolyte relations has prevented scholars from analyzing the religious and political messages underlying the genre. Schmidt-Hori's work calls for a shift in the hermeneutic strategies applied to chigo and chigo monogatari and puts forth both a nuanced historicization of social constructs such as gender, sexuality, age, and agency, and a mode of reading propelled by curiosity and introspection.

The bad news: Your parents lied to you about who you are and what life is about.

The good news: Most parents didn't do it intentionally. They told you what they learned from their parents.

Are you ready to:

Look at the world differently?

Challenge the beliefs that you were force-fed as a child?

Live life on your terms, being free and at peace with yourself?

Stop passing fiction to your own children and their children?

... then you are ready for Facing the Truth of Your Life.

Some self-help books promise simple solutions that sound easy and might even feel good. Yet the fact about your personal truth is that getting down to it, facing it, and getting to the other side of it, involves some pain. There's no way around it. The way out is through.

Facing the Truth of Your Life is a tough, enlightening and demanding book that delivers. If you're ready to grow fast, then it's time to read this book.