Unnatural: Spiritual Resiliency in Queer Christian Women

by Rachel Murr, Jennifer Knapp (Foreword)

As a freshman in college, Rachel Murr found herself trying to decide which campus social group to the gay and lesbian advocacy group or the campus Christian fellowship. She knew it couldn't be both. For the next fifteen years she held onto the belief that she couldn't be both gay and Christian. When the pain involved in trying not to be lesbian called for a change in theology, she came out to her evangelical church. Conflict ensued.Unnatural is a collection of stories--not only of the harm religiously-inspired negative messages about homosexuality inflict, but also of redemption. Rachel uses her own story as well as personal interviews with ten other queer women and one female-to-male transgender man to tell how they were judged, lectured, kicked out of homes and families, subjected to reparative therapies, and even assaulted. Some faced homelessness, depression, suicide attempts, and pervasive shame. Still, they fought to keep their faith alive. Each demonstrated an Unnatural ability to forgive, love, believe, advocate, and heal."Rarely, if ever, does one have an opportunity to read unguarded, confessional stories by members of the LGBT community about the triumph of their Christian faith over the daunting rejection, and sometimes outright flagrant oppression, directed at them by other Christians. This book gives every one of us that precise opportunity . . . though, of course, each of us must first have the courage to dare to take it."--Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence"Unnatural skillfully and courageously weaves stories from the author's research to 'unpack' the complexities of religious and sexual identity development, how each powerfully impacts the other. They illuminate the developmental nature of all relationships and of faith in general, demonstrating how faith communities, parents, and a variety of social messages all contribute to these experiences. While giving voice to pain, loss, and grieving, these are also stories of transformation, healing, and possibility."--Mari Ann Graham, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN“With the skill and care of a seasoned storyteller, Rachel Murr pulls back the curtain on the lives and experiences of queer Christian women, whose joys, heartaches, questions, and hopes come to life in their own words. . . . Impeccably researched and beautifully written, Unnatural is a must read, not only for LGBT Christians, but for anyone who longs for a more inclusive and loving church. Let those with ears, hear.”—Rachel Held Evans, author of Faith UnraveledRachel Murr published "'I Became Proud of Being Gay and Proud of Being Christian': Faith Experiences of Queer Christian Women," as part of her MSW degree at St. Thomas University and the University of St. Catherine. She is a therapist at the Working Well Mental Health Clinic and a mental health practitioner at a trauma-informed treatment center for women with mental illnesses. She lives in St. Paul, MN.

Genres: LGBT, Religion, Feminism, Memoir, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2014

Reviews

[Brianna Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I recommend it to anyone who wants to better understand the experiences of queer women growing up in, or coming into, religious spaces.

The only thing that really bothered me, though, was the fact that it included the story of a trans man, Lawrence. Like... isn't that transmisic? Even though this man said he didn't mind being included, I would rather have seen the story of a trans woman in here.

Also, the author used his pre-transition name and she/her pronouns when talking about his past. Though Lawrence actually asked her to do that, I've heard from other trans people that that is a huge no-no and very offensive. So, it made me uncomfortable.

The author should have done more research on respectful ways to tell trans people's stories, because while her interviewee may have approved this format, it could be hurtful to other trans people reading this.

Otherwise, though, this was a great read. Some quotes I liked from the conclusion:

"No matter how right we may prove to be in ten, twenty, fifty years, I still want to love the people who fall on the 'wrong side of history.' I also think that love may be the most convincing response. Love is disarming, bridge-building, and powerful. It changes people. Loving our enemies is the highest and most difficult calling in Christianity. I don't know how to do it, but I feel compelled to try."

"It may be difficult to trust that the Spirit can guide us. The Spirit is not concrete. It cannot be read, referenced, memorized, highlighted, or put in our back pocket. Despite this elusiveness, Jesus referred to the Spirit as the one who 'will guide you into all truth.' Believing that the Bible holds truth and the Spirit holds the whole truth is the only way I see for evangelical churches to move forward. I believe we can trust the Spirit to reveal her work in our lives when we follow Jesus."

[Jane Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read! It's definitely not a book that is trying to persuade or argue for same-sex relationships if you're looking for rational for that. It starts with a basis assuming you, the reader, know whether you are affirming or not. It does a great job of interviewing women across the spectrum in regards to race, age, sexuality, etc. If you are a queer women and a Christian, YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories about gay Christians, the negative voices they heard and the redemption they found. It's pretty academic in the approach—she interviewed all participants and told their stories in a blended form through thematic chapters. But there's still enough story—and the unifying center of the author's story—to keep it from being too academic.

[jennspoint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I was attracted to this book by the gorgeous artwork on the cover...and then the title. I'm so glad I read what was inside. The well-written stories inside are full of the type of healing and hope that is so badly needed in the world today.

[Logan Alley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject matter was great. I'm grateful for this book. Reading it, the book still had the flavor of a research paper. But worth it for such and important read. Thank you!