Publisher's Synopsis
This is the story of a clergyman's struggle with his faith. The stories in this book involve faith, psychology, hypocrisy, theology, morality and agnosticism. All of the episodes are true. They are humorous, sad, cynical and shocking. The author, writing under a pseudonym, has changed all of the names of persons, places and institutions, lest some individuals might be identified. Because it presents controversial viewpoints, the book is an excellent source for church discussion groups. It evokes questions rather than answers. It is a "must-read" for all clergy! The author grew up as a High-church Episcopalian. He was a pioneer in ecumenical relations during the 1960, s and 1970's. As a liberal Episcopal priest, he taught religion and moral theology in a Roman Catholic high school and university. Eventually, the battles of church politics and hypocrisy took their toll, resulting in anger, disillusionment, loss of faith and depression. Finally, after decades of agnosticism, he searched for faith in Roman Catholicism, but found it impossible to accept many "moral" tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually he renounced that faith as well. He has a strong aversion to fundamentalism and Biblical literalism. He rejects the ways that many denominations interpret Christianity. His story reveals a struggle between reason and faith in the tornado of his questioning mind. Beware! This is not a story for the super pious. The book is scathingly honest. It both challenges and affirms faith. It presents a fascinating and personal study of the psychology of faith as it developed, was lost, sometimes found and questioned. The book puts a personal "human face" on theology and psychology. Is a questioning mind a curse or a blessing?
