The Monk and the Skeptic
Dialogues on Sex, Faith, and Religion
by Frank Browning
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Pub Date Oct 15 2013 | Archive Date Sep 10 2013
Counterpoint/Soft Skull Press | Soft Skull Press
Description
Through his provocative and influential work, most notably The Culture of Desire and A Queer Geography, Frank Browning has proven himself to be an erudite and intellectual writer with deep insights into the fusion of culture and identity.
In his new book The Monk and the Skeptic, Browning examines the intersection of sexuality and religion through the framework of conversations between the author and a gay priest to discuss the nature of secular and spiritual friendship; religious thought on same-sex marriage; the relation of the body to God; the mission of charity enacted by the drag troop Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; the biblical prohibitions on improper pleasures of the body; and the history of how the church has viewed the body and desire. Browning manages to bring in a host of influences to his discussion: Descartes, Locke, Greek Myth, Christian Myth, Buddhist myth, Harry Potter, St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as modern writers like Jeanette Winterson, John Boswell, and Daniel Mendelsohn. The result is an engaging, timely, and very modern discourse on how the self and sexuality has been interpreted throughout the ages.
In his new book The Monk and the Skeptic, Browning examines the intersection of sexuality and religion through the framework of conversations between the author and a gay priest to discuss the nature of secular and spiritual friendship; religious thought on same-sex marriage; the relation of the body to God; the mission of charity enacted by the drag troop Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; the biblical prohibitions on improper pleasures of the body; and the history of how the church has viewed the body and desire. Browning manages to bring in a host of influences to his discussion: Descartes, Locke, Greek Myth, Christian Myth, Buddhist myth, Harry Potter, St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as modern writers like Jeanette Winterson, John Boswell, and Daniel Mendelsohn. The result is an engaging, timely, and very modern discourse on how the self and sexuality has been interpreted throughout the ages.
Advance Praise
The Culture of Desire: Paradox and Perversity in Gay Lives Today (Vintage)
“Absolutely cutting edge—a portrait of modern sexual politics [that] should be required reading.” —Armistead Maupin
"One of the most honest and provocative nonfiction books ever published on the contemporary life of gay men in America. Browning delves into not only the controversial sexuality of gay men, but also their deepest emotional strivings for community, family, and spiritual connection...This book documents our lives and examines the big question about the meaning of life, death, love, and human community."--Jeffrey Escoffier, Publisher, OUT LOOK: National Lesbian and Gay Quarterly
“Browning has produced a biting portrait of contemporary gay society. Writing as both observer and participant, he meticulously and perceptively probes issues of queer activism, sexuality, spirituality, family, and community… His analysis of gay society will prove a definitive resource for future research on gay culture in America. A superlative addition to gay studies collections in academic and larger public libraries.” —Library Journal
“A sensitive, searching inquiry.” —Publishers Weekly
A Queer Geography (FSG)
"Browning investigates the idea of a gay identity as just one point on a global spectrum of homosexual lives and behaviors. He presents an international and historical overview of homosexuality that is refreshingly broad-minded for these isolationist times.” —Roberto Friedman, The Washington Post Book World
"A Queer Geography is in many ways a sequel to The Culture of Desire. Browning's greatest skill is as a storyteller in classic American Style. He writes with warm and intimate tone that draws the reader in, but he never sacrifices the serious issues that underlie his expedition, the issues that leave readers pondering and discussing his work.” —Wayne Hoffman, Windy City Times
“In an often provocative personal exploration of homosexual identity, National Public Radio reporter Browning (The Culture of Desire) argues that gay activism in the U.S. has taken on a communitarian, almost religious character, shaped by a Protestant belief in spiritual rebirth that is central to American culture.” —Publishers Weekly
“Browning importantly contributes to gay studies by moving beyond sexual politics to look at other forces--economic, aesthetic, historical, etc.--that drive gay "outness." —Booklist
Apples (North Point Press)
“A piece of magnetic storytelling.” —Book
“An exceptional popular study --right up there with John McPhee's Oranges that is often as exquisite as its subject.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Browning . . . has combined the best features of travel, food, and science writing in this engaging and informative book.” —Chicago Tribune
“Makes the mouth water and the memories flow.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Absolutely cutting edge—a portrait of modern sexual politics [that] should be required reading.” —Armistead Maupin
"One of the most honest and provocative nonfiction books ever published on the contemporary life of gay men in America. Browning delves into not only the controversial sexuality of gay men, but also their deepest emotional strivings for community, family, and spiritual connection...This book documents our lives and examines the big question about the meaning of life, death, love, and human community."--Jeffrey Escoffier, Publisher, OUT LOOK: National Lesbian and Gay Quarterly
“Browning has produced a biting portrait of contemporary gay society. Writing as both observer and participant, he meticulously and perceptively probes issues of queer activism, sexuality, spirituality, family, and community… His analysis of gay society will prove a definitive resource for future research on gay culture in America. A superlative addition to gay studies collections in academic and larger public libraries.” —Library Journal
“A sensitive, searching inquiry.” —Publishers Weekly
A Queer Geography (FSG)
"Browning investigates the idea of a gay identity as just one point on a global spectrum of homosexual lives and behaviors. He presents an international and historical overview of homosexuality that is refreshingly broad-minded for these isolationist times.” —Roberto Friedman, The Washington Post Book World
"A Queer Geography is in many ways a sequel to The Culture of Desire. Browning's greatest skill is as a storyteller in classic American Style. He writes with warm and intimate tone that draws the reader in, but he never sacrifices the serious issues that underlie his expedition, the issues that leave readers pondering and discussing his work.” —Wayne Hoffman, Windy City Times
“In an often provocative personal exploration of homosexual identity, National Public Radio reporter Browning (The Culture of Desire) argues that gay activism in the U.S. has taken on a communitarian, almost religious character, shaped by a Protestant belief in spiritual rebirth that is central to American culture.” —Publishers Weekly
“Browning importantly contributes to gay studies by moving beyond sexual politics to look at other forces--economic, aesthetic, historical, etc.--that drive gay "outness." —Booklist
Apples (North Point Press)
“A piece of magnetic storytelling.” —Book
“An exceptional popular study --right up there with John McPhee's Oranges that is often as exquisite as its subject.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Browning . . . has combined the best features of travel, food, and science writing in this engaging and informative book.” —Chicago Tribune
“Makes the mouth water and the memories flow.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer
Marketing Plan
National print campaign targeting top art and religion outlets
Radio campaign targeting shows at NPR
Online campaign featuring blogs, interviews, and podcasts
Radio campaign targeting shows at NPR
Online campaign featuring blogs, interviews, and podcasts
National print campaign targeting top art and religion outlets
Radio campaign targeting shows at NPR
Online campaign featuring blogs, interviews, and podcasts
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781619021839 |
| PRICE | $15.95 (USD) |
