My Top Book Recommendations on Recovering and Reclaiming a Healthy Spirituality
I spent years deconstructing my beliefs. I realized that people-pleasing had played a big role in how I had embraced a fundamentalist evangelicalism. It looks a long time to get to a place where I feel healthy spiritually. I think this is a hard thing to do on your own and I’m happy to be a coach/mentor/spiritual director if you need one. Contact me.
A couple of things to note.
I will be adding to this list as I discover more books. I think these are an excellent place to start!
I use Amazon affiliate links AND I recommend you purchase from your local book store if possible. Amazon links are great for a couple of reasons in my opinion. First, you can read reviews of the books, find out more about the author and even look inside the book. Second, if you use a Kindle, it makes it easier for you to download the book. I also receive a very small compensation from Amazon and there is no extra cost for you.
The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman’s Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine
Sue Monk Kidd’s book of her journey set me free to question my faith and the toxic culture I experienced in the evangelical church. I spent thirty years in the role of 'the pastor’s wife.’ Along the way I ignored my own questions and doubts until I couldn’t any longer. I’m grateful for a happy ending—the truth did set me free.
From the back cover: Sue Monk Kidd was a ‘conventionally religious, churchgoing woman, a traditional wife and mother” until she began to question her role as a woman in her culture, her family, and her church. Kidd takes readers through the fear, anger, healing and transformation of her awakening. Read. This. Book.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
Early in my Christian experience I was a founding member of a cult information ministry. When I did my MA in Leadership I was fascinated about Group Think and how people will go along with authority or cave to peer pressure rather than disagree.
From the inside cover: “In Cultish, Montell argues that the key to manufacturing intense ideology, community, and an “us/them” attitude comes down to language. In both positive and shadowy ways, cultish language is something we hear—and are influenced by—every single day.” All of us are susceptible to cults and group think - especially people-pleasers who want to be liked and accepted.
Decision Making & Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way by Nancy L. Bieber
Part of the journey of healing from toxic beliefs is learning to trust your own judgement. When I started to pay attention to what I wanted and how I felt it was both liberating and scary. I found this book and interviewed the author on my podcast. Nancy Bieber is a psychologist and a spiritual director. Her wisdom emanates throughout this book.
From the back cover: “Spiritual discernment is the traditional name for listening and responding to divine guidance. In this book you will approach decision making as an active participant, a co-creator with God in shaping your life.”