Sexual Authenticity - Book 24

The full title of this book is Sexual Authenticity; An Intimate Reflection on Homosexuality and Catholicism by Melinda Selmys.

I originally heard about this book when it was first published. For some reason the cover of the book turned me off and I thought, nuh-uh, don't wanna read that! But then I chanced to read something on the internet by Selmys which intrigued me and then, a while later I caught her interview on Life on the Rock (a show I seldom watch so it seemed providential that she kept popping up unexpectedly). I seem to be on a kick, exploring just what the sexual revolution has rendered in our culture and trying to figure out if I can genuinely defend Catholicism's take on homosexuality or if we really are all homophobes - that lovely word that gets batted about so easily on the interwebs.

I recently read this book that tells the tale of a lesbian college professor who converts to Christianity. It is a really interesting and honest book. So when Selmys' book surfaced in my consciousness I thought well, let's read how things happened in Melinda Selmys' life.

One thing I really take away from this book (and the other one mentioned) is how admirably honest both these women are. I remember feeling that way when reading The Thrill of the Chaste. Gah! I could never spill the beans, so to speak, in an effort to evangelize or at least clarify what the cultural sexual war is about. But this is what Selmys does beautifully. This is a really searching, profound parsing of the whole issue of homosexuality in our culture today. She recounts her journey very clearly. This is indeed a very intimate examination of her life in terms of her developing understanding of sexuality, life, God and Everything. Her conversion to Catholicism was so intelligent and profound, that I felt the weakness of my own faith. Her honesty made me realize how much I repress because I don't like to think through unpleasant things. I don't like confrontation, even with myself. Selmys is very deliberate in everything, even her own introspection. One thing that I really loved about the book was how it upholds the idea that our inner life, the life of our soul, really is the greatest thing going on in the universe! Sometimes I look out in a crowd and see the swarms of humanity and think, 'each one, a universe!'

I told my husband I want him to read this book too. I feel like with my own family and friends I have a very hard time talking about this. I seem to come off as a shrill reactionary or something. I don't feel like they are hearing what I am really saying. For some reason a shyness comes over me. I get too emotional and I constantly grope for words.

Anyway, this book is a really spiritually clarifying book. Selmys does a wonderful job. And she's funny too! I laughed out loud several times. There are lots of lines that I thought would make great quotes.

I give this book 5 stars!

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