Beyond Parochial Faith

“Beyond Parochial Faith invites readers into deep reflections on their spiritual lives. The author takes readers on a fascinating tour through her family and the religious culture of Stearns County, Minnesota. This book is splendidly written. Its intimate feel pulls readers ‘beyond’ constricting ideas to adventurous new visions about God, church, women, doctrine, and other religions. With intimate sharing and courage, Clancy sheds light into the darkness of ‘parochial faith,’ blazing a trail for others.”


—Vincent M. Smiles, Professor of Theology, College of St. Benedict & St. John’s University





“The author brings us into the strange world of her puritanical childhood. We can identify with the self-doubt that torments her yet leads her toward personal rebirth and meaning. Ms. Clancy is self-reflective without being self-involved. Readers of her provocative blog will here discover how her need to escape the past sparked her independent thinking. All readers will meet a woman who is an insightful, modest, and gifted writer.”


—Lance Becker, Northwell Health





“Clancy emphatically stays true to her ‘god is not three guys’ mantra as she rattles patriarchal cages in this well researched and intimate biography. It shows the devastation to lives steeped in unhealthy Christian self-denial. Beyond Parochial Faith might set free people who are shackled by religious conditioning, willing to accept abuse and sacrifice quietly—like good little children as God pats our heads.”


—Karen Tate, author, radio show host, social justice advocate