Riding Wild Horses Home: A Conservative Christian Apology (Paperback)

by Katherine W. Unthank (Author) "This story is about a pilgrimage I made in January of 1995 after remembering an old promise..." (more)
Key Phrases: spiritual rape, frozen darkness, Jesus Christ, New Harmony, Cris Williamson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
In a market overflowing with self-serving, quasi-religious memoirs, first-time author Unthank contributes a singularly refreshing change. She traces her slow and painful progress from a judging, homophobic, and ultimately self-destructive Christian faith?which she calls an experience of "spiritual rape"?to a humbler and more accepting spirituality: "God says God is love and that love never fails. So, love wins." Unthank, with her engaging style and her faithful dog, deserves a broad readership.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
A tender, personal journey of painful realities. Powerful and revealing, this little book deals with big issues. Who among us hasn't been guilty of such arrogance as, "You can't be gay and a Christian"? -- Lou Dean, award winning author of ANGELS IN DISGUISE

A unique, nonfiction work for adults and serious young-adult readers on several levels: *It is a compelling account of a journey into self and towards the other. *It will be of interest to readers who seek a faith-based life. *It can also connect us (no matter our sexual orientation)to the other, who happens to be gay or lesbian. *It is immensely valuable to a faith-based person who is struggling with her or his sexual identity. *On each of these levels it can be read and then re-read. I dream . . .that Unthank's story will be read widely by many people, and that it will come especially to religious and lay leaders, particularly those who inflict the violence. -- Arthur S. Meyers, ALA 1999 Nonfiction Book Award Nomination, October, 1999

Eloquent, often funny, completely heart-wrenching . . . Speaking as one gay Christian who still feels the pain of her own spiritual rape by the church: apology accepted. -- Candace Chellew, WHOSOEVER, March, 1999

Katherine . . . captures what many of us experience from our journey with the church and Christianity. You must look past the words "conservative Christian" to the word "apology". This book takes readers on a journey across country and through the author's life ending with an apology to her friend Peggy for "spiritual rape." Many of us have been spiritually raped by the church and will relate to this journey and concept. . . .Katherine gives us a name for this act of violence so that we can recognize it, heal, and find true unconditional love. . . .If you feel as though you have been violated by the church or the conservative Christian movement, this book will speak to you on many levels and is a must-read. -- Chelly Christiansen, WOMEN IN THE ARTS, June 1999

Riding Wild Horses Home is a tender, personal journey of painful realities. Powerful and revealing, this little book deals with big issues. Who among us hasn't been guilty of such arrogance as, You can't be gay and a Christian?' -- Lou Dean, Award winning author of Angels In Disguise

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Moondrawn Books (January 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966759486
• ISBN-13: 978-0966759488
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,688,887 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want to read it again! I LOVED IT!!!, January 3, 1999

By A Customer

I loved it for several reasons. Ms. Unthank has a good writing style. It is easy to read and her humor and sensitivity is woven in to the text. The story is tender and reaches me in the places that are hard to examine. It defines what the whole point of Christianity is. I wish everyone in a position of ecclesiastical leadership could and would read this and take it in. It promotes awareness of our place in humanity. It reminds us that we cannot speak for God, we can only be witnesses of God's power. And that power IS love.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Here's a book every Christian should read!, January 22, 1999

By A Customer

A lyrical book, rich with examples and images, this is small book with a powerful impact. It demonstrates how people with "good intentions" acting in the name of Christ can perpetrate what Unthank calls "spiritual rape."

As a counselor, I know that gay people are often in deep turmoil; to be rejected when they turn to churches for support adds more pain. Unthank provides us with her own deep personal insights and shares the critical experiences which precipitated her own spiritual healing. Her words can speak to those of us who have caused pain to others in the name of Christianity as well as offer solace to those who have suffered such pain. I highly recommend this book to all!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A book for recovering fundamentalists, December 17, 1998

By A Customer

Are you a recovering fundamentalist? There are lots around. And they should all read this book. Unthank gives us a beautiful story of her own growth from a critical, unloving "Christian" to a loving, humble child of Christ. She opens wide her soul to show us the ignorant arrogance of a subculture that confidently declares who is a believer and who is not. Christ has shown her love, and she reveals that love and grace to her readers.