Growing up as a Protestant, I learned to hold the Virgin Mary at arm's length, but over the years, I've come to adore her. Four years ago I wrote a piece for the Washington Post. At the time it made a bit of a fuss, largely because Breitbart was trending hard, and picked up on it as a ridiculous bit … [Read more...] about The Virgin Mary
Interview at “Faith & Feminism” Podcast with Meghan Tschanz
A lively conversation between Meghan Tschanz and me covering sexual assault and the emotions victims and survivors often deal with, including anger and shame, the reality of purity culture, what Jesus says about these things, and why churches are prone to hiding predators. … [Read more...] about Interview at “Faith & Feminism” Podcast with Meghan Tschanz
Covid Holiday Idea
This holiday season has the potential to be less than merry for many people. Social distancing is curtailing family gatherings and festivities, plus the recession has cut into budgets. So let me suggest a way we can brighten the season without spending anything. This is a perfect time to offer … [Read more...] about Covid Holiday Idea
THE #METOO RECKONING named one of the 5 Best Religion Books of 2020 by Publishers Weekly!
It is so affirming to see my book on this Top 100 list from Publishers Weekly! Here's the press release from the publisher, IVP. Thank you for reading and engaging with the important topic of sexual abuse in faith communities. … [Read more...] about THE #METOO RECKONING named one of the 5 Best Religion Books of 2020 by Publishers Weekly!
Republished my eBook: Grand Canyon by Mule
Here's my latest book! Except it's seven years old. Back in 2013 I self-published a short e-book about riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I wanted to share this unforgettable experience with others, and I also liked the DIY part — learning the mechanics of publishing and using … [Read more...] about Republished my eBook: Grand Canyon by Mule
Even Silence Is Different During this Pandemic
Later today I'm headed to Holy Cross Abbey for a week of silence. The guesthouse closed to the public in March and reopened at half capacity just two weeks ago -- so I'm taking a silent retreat originally scheduled for late April. I began doing monastic retreats in 2004 so they're part of my … [Read more...] about Even Silence Is Different During this Pandemic
Pandemic Cleaning: Pie Safe Edition
There are so many things we can’t control right now, many of them truly awful: the progression of the virus, the upcoming election, the lack of justice for people of color. Last week I decided to take matters into my own hands with some pandemic cleaning. I cleaned out my pie safe. (Dare I admit … [Read more...] about Pandemic Cleaning: Pie Safe Edition
A Wrong Number — a Gift in Dark Times
NOTE: I sent this story to my subscribers, along with some exclusive content. To join the list, sign up below! I send emails once a month. Last night I was reading about the Breonna Taylor verdict when my phone rang. Since the number was unknown, I let it go to voicemail. I don’t have a lot of … [Read more...] about A Wrong Number — a Gift in Dark Times
CCCU Interview with Morgan Feddes
Read my conversation with Morgan Feddes, an editor at CCCU's Advance Magazine. If you came here from that interview, looking for your free copy of THE #METOO RECKONING, welcome! Who doesn't love a free book? Click here for the deal. … [Read more...] about CCCU Interview with Morgan Feddes
Special Offer!
Do you have a small group that's looking for a meaty subject to dive into this fall? I have a special offer for you -- a quantity discount on my book, plus the chance to ask me questions about it. THE #METOO RECKONING takes on the problem of sexual abuse in churches -- specifically in mainline … [Read more...] about Special Offer!
Podcast — Can I Say This at Church? with Seth Price
I was a guest on Seth Price's podcast -- "Can I Say This at Church" -- last month. We had a lively discussion about the #MeToo movement and faith late one evening. The episode aired July 27, 2020. I hope you'll give it a listen and let me know what strikes you. You can also read the transcript … [Read more...] about Podcast — Can I Say This at Church? with Seth Price
Reviews of RUINED
#2. Review by C. Christopher Smith at Englewood Review of Books on 5/17/17. from the review: What I love most about this memoir is that it is a gift, primarily for her daughters, but by extension to other young women and ultimately Christian culture in general. Purity-culture theology has … [Read more...] about Reviews of RUINED