One of the most famous of all confessions of a soul. It remains a work which inspires us to realise that no matter how low we fall in life there is hope that we can rise again. The story of a sinner who became one of the world’s most loved and influencial saints.

St. John is one of the greatest poets of Spain and Spanish literature and among the most famous Christian saints and mystics. Previous translations in English have been done from a strictly traditional Christian point of view and often in obscure and out-of-fashion language. Starr’s new translation is done from an wide-open spirituality perspective in everyday modern language. It is a wonderful way to discover the thinking and inspiration of this mystic and it makes him available to everyone.

A collection about saints and holy men and women who were gay. This book will help to heal the wounds of all who have experienced rejection and exclusion from organised religions and to inspire everyone, gay or not.

Reviewed by Urs Mattmann, author of Coming In – Gay and Lesbian people reclaiming the spiritual journey.

Happily in the past 45 years dozens of affirmative, liberating and inspiring Christian books have been written from different angles, debunking religious homophobia, urging the full acceptance and inclusion of LGBT people. This new book, The Gay Gospels by Keith Sharpe, makes another valuable contribution.

It makes is the point that the Good News of Jesus is also Good News for LGBT people and tries to emphasis what this practically means in practical terms. One is aware that it does this from an evangelical angle and tries to reach people with rather conservative understanding of the bible.

A first part called The Defensive Testament looks at the few passages in the Bible that have been misused to harm LGBT people and gay men in particular by the church and the societies it affected. There is little new to discover as this subject has been explored so many times, but it is helpful to have all the argument s gathered together in a concise and well structured form.

With many great books on this subject already written, the main unique contribution of the book is in its second part: Here in an more original, positively provocative way the author explores biblical texts where he sees a specific gay friendly narrative and message. Besides the already familiar examples like that of David & Jonathan, the narrative examines themes and stories that have been less or not at all highlighted in the past. For example, in chapters like Jesus was no family man or The Transgendered Christ stand out.

Much has been written lately about a special relationship of Jesus with Mary Magdalena which reflects our contemporary interest in sensationalism about historic figures. In The Gay Gospels, the author makes a very enlightening point with challenging implications about the relationship of Jesus with the Beloved Disciple as much more important.

The Good Retreat Guide can highly recommend The Gay Gospels as it offers a vision of the Christian Faith which is full of hope for LGBT people.

Immensely popular and easy to read modern translation of the bible. Likle most people you probably use many expressions every day which springs from the bible. Here is a chance to find out the story behind those words – and to be inspired by the ‘greatest book ever written.’

Here we share in the initiation of a group of young monks as they are introduced to the practice of prayer. We learn about the prayer process. A dazzling insight into little known and traditionally hidden ways to God.

A short but charming study of the story of Jonah and the whale. While being theologically sound, is both amusing and inspiring in our struggle to recognize our human failings and the voice of God in our lives.

The thoughts of a profound mystic which are as meanful for our lives today as when they were first written centuries ago.

One of the very best translations of the history of God in the lives of men and women. These words are meant for everyone. The holy scriptures that changed the world.

Another monk writing here for us in a time of the world which finds everything we know and understand changing. A book which helps all who wish to accept the challenge of living to the full their Christian vocation… and for all perhaps who want and need structure and comprehension in the way they live out a sacred life.

The happiest of spiritual guidance books! Written centuries ago by a modest monk in plain language, this little book explains how to live in the presence of God every minute of the day – not just when you pray but when you cook and scrub and go to your office and drive the car. This humble but holy man really got it right.

The most beauty of Sufi mystics and one of the world’s great poets. No mind that seeks God should be without knowledge of this remarkable and gifted holy man.

A very old spirituality book but one which remains ever popular for its direct manner and appeal to the way most people feel. Perhaps an old-fashioned kind of language but still very helpful in the spiritual life.