Books Written By Chris Glaser

"Sexuality and spirituality are not opposing forces, as is frequently supposed. Instead, both draw us into relationship. Both our sexual and spiritual powers are holy, and therefore both may be profaned. The integrity of our sexual and spiritual powers is called the soul." -- Coming Out to God.

Whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or straight, this is a truth we may discern through reflection and discover through experience. Though I recognize that there are many spiritual paths, I reflect and write on this and other themes as a Christian. My books reveal that biblical stories and sayings offer rich metaphors and sacred truths of the spiritual life. My books are also full of present-day stories of my own and others that may inform and influence the reader's spiritual quest as well. Take a look at the following descriptions and see which one might work best for you.

	GAY AND CHRISTIAN:
	Uncommon Calling - A Gay Christian’s Struggle to Serve the Church Original Publisher - Harper & Row (1988) New Edition Publisher - Westminster John Knox Press (1996) The new edition includes photographs for the first time. It is both Chris Glaser's story as one of the few openly gay candidates for ordination in the church in the 1970’s, as well as the story of one denomination (the Presbyterian Church) struggling with the issue.
	Come Home! Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as Gay Men and Lesbians Original Publisher - Harper & Row 1990 New Edition Publisher - Chi Rho Press The new edition includes five additional chapters. The book helps gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to find meaning in Christian spirituality, leading readers through five spiritual movements with chapters such as “Practicing Safer Spirit,” “Celebrating Gay and Lesbian Pride,” and “Turning the Church Upside Down.”
	Coming Out to God - Prayers for Lesbians and Gay Men, Their Families and Friends Publisher - Westminster John Knox Press (1991) This book of sixty prayers includes an introduction describing the relationship of sexuality and spirituality. The prayers are divided in three sections: “Created in God’s Image,” “Called as Community,” and “Citizens of a Commonwealth.”
	The Word Is Out - Daily Reflections on the Bible for Lesbians and Gay Men Publisher - Harper San Francisco (1994) New Edition Publisher - Westminster John Knox Press (1996) A 365-daily devotional divided into monthly themes blending the Christian year with gay and lesbian concerns. Each day begins with a scripture verse, followed by a brief meditation and prayer or affirmation.
	Coming Out as Sacrament Publisher - Westminster John Knox Press (1998) Coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or as a supporter of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people is viewed as a holy, sacramental act in which God’s presence may be visible to those with “eyes of faith.” Using cultural critic René Girard’s concept of the scapegoat mechanism, the deeper religious roots of both Jesus’ sacrifice and our own “living sacrifice” are explored and critiqued. The theme of coming out in the Bible is demonstrated as yet another method of re-viewing scripture in our own experience. The book concludes with seven rites for the soul for individual or group use.
	Reformation of the Heart: Seasonal Meditations by a Gay Christian With a Scripture Index Publisher - Westminster John Knox Press (2001) In these meditations for the church year, Chris Glaser continues his tradition of writing meaningful meditations for all Christians from the perspective of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. He begins where the Christian story and calendar begin, with Advent and Christmas, reflecting on how Jesus was influenced by his spiritual ancestors and family. For Epiphany, in addition to Christian understandings of the season, Glaser explores epiphanies that are unexpected manifestations of the sacred in our lives. In the Lenten meditations, he describes the necessity of reforming oneself as one reforms the church. "Where does one start?" he asks. "With prayer." This book has become an important seasonal resource.
	OF GENERAL INTEREST:
	Unleashed-The Wit and Wisdom of Calvin the Dog Publisher - Westminster John Knox Press (1998) Calvin, a mixed breed refugee from the Atlanta Humane Society, waxes philosophical “On Collars,” “On Being Close to the Ground,” “On Going to Church,” “On the Edible Complex,” and a host of other topics, revealing his good sense and instinct, as well as a dry dog food wit. Translated by the canine by Chris Glaser, and accompanied by wonderful illustrations from Jim Kelley.
	Communion of Life-Meditations for the New Millennium Publisher - Westminster John Knox Press (1999) This meditation book is written for those who want to avoid the trappings of religion as they discern a spiritual path. Using the ancient mythological premise that everything consists of the “communion of life”--the blending of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire--these twelve cycles of four meditations, one on each element, are accompanied by beautiful color photographs from National Geographic photographers.
	Henri's Mantle: 100 Meditations on Nouwen's Legacy Publisher - Pilgrim Press, (Fall, 2002) Henri's Mantle takes its name from the mantle that fell from Elijah to Elisha, passing on spiritual strength and wisdom. Henri Nouwen's forty-plus books on the spiritual life collectively serve as a mantle passed on to his readers. Nouwen wrote them while teaching at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard and ministering alongside the poor in Latin America and the disabled of the L'Arche community in Toronto. His student and friend, Chris Glaser, who has written books of daily meditations on sacred writings from the Bible, interprets Nouwen's "sacred writings" on a wide range of topics to uplift and encourage spiritual seekers. What results is a touching, accessible book on the inner struggles of the spiritual life.