Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexual People of Faith [Paperback]

Debra Kolodny (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 21, 2000

Reflecting a wide spectrum of religious tradition and spiritual paths—including Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan, 12-step, Christian and Jewish—over 30 contributors speak about the intersections of their faith practice and their bisexuality.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Blessed Bi Spirit" (an unforgivable title, but still a worthwhile book) is a kaleidoscopic anthology of the works of bisexual men and women of all faiths who are eager to explore the impact of their sexuality on their spiritual lives. The results are uneven, but most of the essays are engaging and more modestly expressed than "Gay Spirituality." Readers who can't abide Johnson will enjoy reading "The Holy Leper and the Bisexual Christian," in which Amanda Udis-Kessler explores the implications of a God who "won't let mere human boundaries stop love." And Debra Kolodny herself makes a fine contribution to the volume with a piece entitled "Hear, I Pray You, This Dream Which I Have Dreamed," an intriguing meditation on Jewish identity and bisexuality. The contributors to "Blessed Bi Spirit" have fruitfully discussed what Kolodny says are the "three things we are not supposed to talk about in 'polite' company: sex, religion, and politics." Many of the authors--like Raven Kaldera, who offers an invented three-way marriage ceremony--probably find Toby Johnson's way of doing theology congenial. Other contributors are more interested in making their own inherited religious traditions, be they Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism, work. (Beliefnet, Sept. 2000) -- From Beliefnet

“Reading Blessed Bi Spirit is a life-and-spirit affirming experience…. A highly recommended book for persons of all genders.” -- SageWoman, Spring 2001

About the Author

Debra Kolodny has been an activist in faith and social justice movements for 20 years. She served two terms as a national coordinator for BuNet USA and is currently the facilitator of the National Religious Roundtable.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (April 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826412319
• ISBN-13: 978-0826412317
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,881,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comments from a contributor, June 27, 2000

By 

Sherry A. Marts (Washington, DC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexual People of Faith (Paperback)

First, a conflict of interest disclosure: I am one of the contributors to this anthology. And I must insist that you buy this book anyway. It is one of the best anthologies on the bisexual experience I've encountered, and believe me I've read them all. Deb Kolodny has a good ear and a deft editing hand, and she compiled a superb collection of insightful, well-written pieces. The anthology reflects the glorious diversity of the bi movement, and the unique contributions of bisexuals to their spiritual communities.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By the Grace of God, August 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexual People of Faith (Paperback)

My lover/partner/friend/conspirator gave me this book last night. As he walked away, I clutched it to my chest and began to cry.... I have not finished reading it, but have only put it down long enough to sleep a few hours(at my lover/partner/friend/conspirator's insistance), eat and now write. I have not been so overwhelmed with a feeling of coming home since reading Bi Any Other Name ten years ago.This is, literally, the answer to my prayers! As a bisexual Catholic I have struggled many years with my spiritual and sexual identities with little guidance from others who could not understand and therefore could not speak.At last I have found others who share my struggle! Thanks to all who helped make this book possible! I hope you are as richly blessed as this book has so richly blessed me.