| Title: |
Freedom, Glorius Freedom - The Spiritual Journey to the Fullness of Life
for Gays, Lesbians, and Everybody Else |
| Author: |
John J. McNeill |
| Published by: |
Beacon Press, 1995 |
| ISBN: |
0-8070-7936-7 [hardcover, 220 pages] |
Now, in the long-awaited third volume of
his informal trilogy [The Church and the Homosexual and Taking
a Chance on God were the first two volumes] McNeill focuses on the
freedom that lesbians and gay men can find by connecting with the spirit
of God in their hearts. McNeill shows how "discernment of spirits"
enables us to have direct, mature relationships with God, free from the
homophobia of many established churches. McNeill also reveals how both
coming out and participating in twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics
Anonymous can result in intimacy with God, the ability to give and receive
love from others, and assuming one's special role in the ongoing struggle
for human liberation.
Throughout the book, McNeill draws on examples from his
own life and practice; analysis of current events such as the controversy
over gay members of the armed services; current scholarship in theology
and psychology; and, in particular, his own reading of French philosopher
Maurice Blondel. If we are enriched by the Spirit, McNeill believes, then
"come what may - tempest, drought, old age, illness - we can remain
green, viable, and growing with hope and love."
