Crossing Myself

Greg Garrett, PhD, has written more than twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and translation, including My Church Is Not Dying: Episcopalians in the 21st Century. Professor of English at Baylor University and Theologian in Residence at the American Cathedral in Paris, he has appeared internationally on radio and television and regularly preaches, gives readings, and leads workshops and retreats. He lives in Austin, Texas.

“I met Greg Garrett just before this book began its life in print. He asked questions of me, like many who are exploring church. He might have asked me a question I get a lot, ‘Why do people cross themselves and what does it mean?’ I, of course, have answers: there are many, some of them technical and practical, others more mystical and adventurous. I have offered them all—and yet one of the most clear and complete answers I know to that question is this book. I cannot recommend it enough. I am glad to have lived some of it with Greg and to continue to learn through his wisdom and friendship. For anyone that has ever wondered about the practice of faith, the meaning of community, and the expression of both, Crossing Myself is a must-read.” —The Rt. Rev. Gregory H. Rickel VIII, Bishop of Olympia“If names like Walker Percy, Flannery O’Connor, and Will Campbell mean something to you—southern authors whose work reflects both their geography and their faith—you’ll love Greg Garrett’s memoir. If names like Annie Lamott, Rachel Held Evans, and Nadia Bolz-Weber mean something to you—authors who aren’t afraid to let you see their pain and doubt as well as their joy and hope—you’ll also love Crossing Myself. And if you’ve never heard of any of these other authors, but love writing that is good and honest and important, Crossing Myself will introduce you to a gifted author who will, I predict, become one of your favorites.”—Brian McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration“Blisteringly honest, a spiritual autobiography written with complete candour about himself and God in the great tradition of Augustine’s Confessions—but delivered with much more fun and pizazz! Garrett’s writing ability was already evident in his award-winning novels, but the frank self-portrait of his journey from contemplating suicide to faithful ministry is as engaging and riveting as that of any of his fictional heroes. Unusually organised around the sacraments, this new edition is greatly to be welcomed.”—The Revd Canon Prof Richard Burridge FKC, The Dean of King’s College London Professor of Biblical Interpretation