Ordering Information
$14.95, 5 x 7, softcover, 120 pages
ISBN: 978-1-942155-65-2 softcover – $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-942155-66-9 eBook – $9.99
Publication date: November 1, 2023
To order copies visit Casemate IPM.
Words, Wonder, and the Divine in You
by Rev. Dr. Deborah Roof
This is one woman’s story of faith, discovery, and joy!
Deborah Roof, a queer Christian pastor, shares her experience, strength and hope and invites the reader to take their own spiritual journey. Exemplifying her authentic gift of hospitality Roof shares the truth she has come to know: divinity dwells within each one of us. She finds God in the wonder of the created world and in the scriptures she has come to love.
As much as Roof loves a God-by-whatever-name-resonates-for-you, she also loves Christian scripture and works to find redemption even in the verses used as weapons. Roof invites us to take a close look at the words we use and the meaning we intend.
Words, Wonder, and the Divine in You is a journey and an invitation. Deborah Roof’s generosity of spirit and openness about her truths encourages and supports others to look closely at their own journey, to be open to the Divine that surrounds us – and especially to the Divine within each of us. This little book of wonders is for anyone who has been hurt by toxic religious institutions or for anyone who wonders if there’s more to this human life – more wonder, more wisdom, more love.
Advance readers’ praise
“Deborah Roof had a mystical experience in an AA meeting soon after coming out as queer. She later lets God nudge her to trade in her closet of brown garb for a wardrobe splashy with tie-dye. She doesn’t try to sell readers on the merits of church but tells the truth that we can reliably– and more palpably–encounter the Divine outside of institutions … This little book of wonders is …for anyone who has been burned by toxic Christian theology or just needs their longtime faith exfoliated to get at the tender fresh skin underneath.”
—Molly Baskette, UCC pastor, author of How to Begin When Your World is Ending
“Roof’s book presents an original framework for introspection on the daily life of faith.”
—Sarah Drummond, founding dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School
“Engaging work, inviting us to reimagine our lives, and the church, as wondrous expressions of divine love—where God is still and always speaking!”
—Anna Carter Florence, PhD, biblical scholar, Columbia Theological Seminary
“With humor and heart-filled honesty, the words of this beautiful book will instill wonder in your soul, ignite your spirit, and bring love to the center of your life.”
—Karoline M. Lewis, PhD, biblical scholar, Luther Seminary
“There is a heart beating in Roof’s new book. [Her] generosity with her own life invites readers to discover a spiritual core in their own experiences.”
—Maren C. Tirabassi, UCC pastor, author, poet
“ A courageous, engaging, and unpretentious guide to help expand and deepen the reader’s awareness of their own . . . spiritual connection and love-centered faith.”
—Thomas Warfield, performing artist, director of dance, NTID, Rochester Institute of Technology
About the Author
Deborah Roof is an enthusiastic life-long learner and a passionate teacher. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with a Master of Divinity degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Chicago Theological Seminary. Deborah is fluent in French, holds a Master’s degree in French Literature, and taught French for over twenty years. Intrigued by ancient archetypal wisdom, Deborah studied and became a Certified Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator. Deborah and her wife, Liz, have four adult daughters, their daughters’ four spouses, and four grandchildren.
