Bøger af Kelly Barth

Does one have to speak English to be an American? Or follow a particular religion? Many students learn in school that America is the world's melting pot, yet this belies long-established attempts by many communities to retain aspects of life from original countries. Racial and ethnic identity sometimes conflict with established national narratives, leading some students to wonder how the most diverse country in history can also define itself so narrowly? This volume analyzes assimilation in the United States from contrasting viewpoints. Readers will learn the relevant questions and key ideas driving perceptions of assimilation, such as the role of immigration policies in creating assimilation, the implications of adopting dual-language and dual-citizenship programs, and the importance of pushing businesses to market to a diverse society.

Kelly Barth, like many American kids, went to Sunday school, sang songs about Zaccheas, and was tucked in with bedtime prayers. A typical Christian kid, that is, until she developed a searingly deep crush on another little girl playing afterhours in church, and more importantly, until Jesus-a tiny, imaginary Jesus, one that stays "safely tucked behind the baseboard or the petals of a peony"-became her invisible friend and constant companion. Heartbreakingly honest and hilarious, My Almost Certainly Real Imaginary Jesus shows just how easy it can be to fall headlong into fundamentalism, venturing into the very heart of enemy territory and the churchÆs false promises of altar calls and sexual cures. In the spirit of Anne LamottÆs Traveling Mercies, this debut memoir is plainspoken, speaking with candor and insight. Barth particularly addresses the disconnect between the radical and very human Jesus of history and the churchÆs supernatural savior. She asks the question to all in the closet-both closet Christians and closet homosexuals: Which is more difficult, admitting to being Christian or admitting to being gay?An answer is found in her own hard-won journey, a hopeful answer that is an "attempt to leave a record of the early signs of the turning and softening of a collective heart." Giving voice to many who have searched for sanctuary in a church that has largely rejected them, this story pauses at the threshold of one of a growing number of churches which, in opening the door to her and other homosexuals, welcome Jesus back inside as well.