In
Becoming Wholly Ourselves, spiritual director Josh Proctor guides readers through six spiritual movements that help LGBTQ Christians integrate their sexuality and gender with their faith.
Rather than reducing spiritual formation to believing the right things and behaving in the right ways, Proctor invites readers to engage with God as embodied human beings. By understanding sexuality as the inner drive for connection that every person carries, readers will learn how to bring their whole selves into their relationship with God.
Grounded in research, real-life case studies, and practical exercises, this book addresses the shame, spiritual murkiness, sorrow, resentment, entitlement, and isolation that many queer Christians experience. With vulnerable authenticity and insight, Proctor invites them to shed these burdens and move into dignity, transparency, joy, gratitude, humility, and intimacy.
Key Features of
Becoming Wholly Ourselves:
- Integrates queer emotional health research with Christian spiritual formation wisdom and practices for a holistic approach
- Tackles the nuanced reality of spiritual formation surrounding sexuality rather than focusing on behavior management or overemphasizing personal freedom
- Pairs each spiritual movement with practices and actionable next steps to help readers apply what they learn
- Equips pastors, counselors, spiritual directors, and others who walk alongside LGBTQ Christians with a richer, more nuanced vision for what spiritual formation can look like in queer lives
- Speaks honestly from a Side B theological perspective to LGBTQ Christians interested in the intersection of sexuality and spiritual formation
Becoming Wholly Ourselves is written for LGBTQ Christians who long to have their burdens and fears lifted, to open their hearts to the Spirit in new ways, and to know that they are loved by God. It is also for the pastor, friend, or ministry leader who wants to walk alongside them well. Wherever you are in your journey, this book invites you into a spiritual journey that holds your whole self.
