An Update on What I’ve been Up To, and Where I am Journeying Forth

Last updated on: November 5, 2017 at 9:30 pm by Matthew Distefano

An Update on What I’ve been Up To, and Where I am Journeying Forth 2017-11-05T21:30:23-06:00 Matthew Distefano

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Photo by Matthew Distefano

Photo by Matthew Distefano

As I approach the release of my third book—a coauthored venture with my best friend Mike Machuga—I cannot help but reflect on what a whirlwind of a journey this has all been thus far. Indeed, it has taken me on paths I never thought I’d walk, like a comfortable Hobbit just coming into his own in the Shire who is forced to flee in haste. And while I’m no Frodo Baggins, my endeavors over these past three years have forced me to age like one who has in fact traversed the Mines of Moria as well as the mountains of Mordor. But persist I must, for the Grey Havens aren’t ready for me yet!

So what shall I be persisting on about?

Currently, I am putting together a short booklet, perhaps 30 to 40 pages or so, covering the book of Genesis. Of course, I am writing through the lens of Girard’s mimetic theory. My goal is to put forth a simple resource, void of pedantry, for folks to use at their leisure. Conceivably it could serve well in a small group, or even for pastors to incorporate into their sermons.

In addition, and possibly my most urgent project, is a book that I am titling Heretic! An LGBTQ-Affirming, Divine Violence-Denying, Christian Universalist’s Heartfelt Answers to Some of Evangelical Christianity’s Most Pressing Questions. This, like the Genesis booklet, will be a simple-worded book, albeit heavily researched and studied, so as to engage the broadest audience possible. I’ll include the Table of Contents so you can get a taste of what I’ll be covering:

Essay 1: Following Jesus: a Ticket Outta Hell or Something Much More?
Essay 2: Cherry-Picking the Scriptures, Jesus-Style
Essay 3: The Bible: Rated R for Graphic Divine Violence, Disturbing Images, and Strong Language
Essay 4: When in Doubt, Play the Marcionite Card
Essay 5: God Made Adam, Eve, and Steve
Essay 6: Indeed Very Many: Apokatastasis in the Early Church
Essay 7: The Cross of Christ: Pulling a Sacrificial One-Eighty
Essay 8: Locked from the Inside? Musings about Free Will and Hell
Essay 9: The Wrath (of God): Revealed from Heaven or from the Human Heart?
Essay 10: Kickin’ Ass and Takin’ Names

I’ll note that both of the aforementioned projects will be published by Quoir. More details will follow.

There is also a fictional project in the works, again with my comrade Mike. I’ll say little about it at this time, as we both foresee it being at-least 4 years in the making, perhaps more. What I will say is that it will be set in the not-too-distant future, and although it will be a “science-fiction” of sorts, it will primarily be a human story.

Now, what I most look forward to at the moment is the release of A Journey with Two Mystics: Conversations between a Girardian and a Wattsian. This collection of letters has been roughly 4 years in the making, involving countless bonfires at Mike’s home. So, needless to say, making it available to others is a much cherished moment for us both. For those interested, the official publication date was March 28, 2017, and is available through Wipf & Stock at (541) 344-1528 or online through wipfandstock.com, followed by Amazon.com. I will make all links available at allsetfree.com.

That being said, I want to thank all of you for your continual support. Whether you read and follow my blog, have purchased my books, support me on Patreon, or support me in other ways, I owe a debt of gratitude to all. You keep me going on this journey and for that I’m reverentially grateful.

Peace and love. I’ll see y’all out there!

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