Grace is a Pre-Existing Condition

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Emerging from David Finnegan-Hosey's personal experience of living with a diagnosis deemed a preexisting condition by insurance companies, this book explores the theological and spiritual dimensions of our public discourse around mental healthcare and mental illness and finds there the transformative reality of grace.

Combining the accessibility of personal narrative with issues receiving attention on the national scale, Grace Is a Preexisting Condition can begin vital and creative dialogues at a crucial time for the church and the country.

You can read a free excerpt of the book by clicking here.

Praise for Grace is a Pre-Existing Condition

"As someone with bipolar II disorder who works in the church, I found this narrative an especially compelling reminder that God isn t done with me, the church, or anyone who suffers in this way. This book is what the church needs as we continue to de-stigmatize and reimagine how we care for those who are struggling the most." -- Rev. Robert W. Lee, Pastor of Unifour Church and author of A Sin by Any Other Name

"This book is for anyone who lives with mental illness, anyone who loves someone who does, anyone who has tried to navigate the complexities of our healthcare system, and anyone who thinks we can and should do better." -- Rev. Lee Hull Moses, Chief of Staff, Office of the General Minister, and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

"By God's grace, David shows us how we can courageously step into the big, bold, conversation of many stories and many voices that we must have if we are to see change in the way we treat people with mental health struggles in our faith communities, in our country." -- Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice for the United Church of Christ

Christ on the psych ward

In June 2011, shortly after finishing his first year of seminary, David admitted himself into a psychiatric unit in Washington, DC. Christ on the Psych Ward is a book that emerges from this experience. The book weaves together three threads: personal narrative about David's time in and out of psychiatric hospitalization in 2011, theological reflections from the standpoint of mental illness, and practical guidance for communities of faith discerning how to be in faithful ministry alongside people with mental health struggles. 

Read an excerpt here. 

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Praise for Christ on the Psych Ward

"This is a powerful, much-needed book about mental health and faith. Filled with engaging storytelling, thoughtful theological reflection, and challenging questions. Filled with wisdom and insight mined from the author's personal struggle and recovery, we are the beneficiaries of this generous, authentic, and in-depth account of the power of hope in Christ to carry us through our deepest struggles. This is a book to share with everyone you know."

-- Sarah Griffith Lund, author of Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness, Family, and Church
 

"David Finnegan-Hosey tells a brave and honest story of his experience wrestling through mental illness and faith. As he charts a personal journey toward healing, David offers readers a valuable resource for their own health and wellbeing. This book will be a trusted companion and welcome encouragement for all who long to be made whole."

 -- Michael S. Koppel, Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC
 

"The issue of theology as it relates to mental health is crucial for the faithful care of the Body of Christ. And yet, there are precious few serious theological reflections on this vital aspect of human experience. David Finnegan-Hosey’s book, Christ on the Psych Ward, is one of the few. The book is deeply personal, often moving and always thoroughly and consistently theological.  For anyone who desires to find insight into what it feels like to live with a mental health challenge and to live well with God, this book will both enlighten and give privileged access to aspects of human experience that are often misunderstood, ignored or undervalued. This book is a gem."

-- Rev. Professor John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, University of Aberdeen, Scotland UK
 

"This well-written and insightful book offers the Church a model for how to realistically talk about the spiritual dimensions of mental illness. In this book you will find profound personal stories alongside solid theological reflection that will equip us to serve people with mental health struggles. David Finnegan-Hosey does not offer pious platitudes or easy answers but authentic Christian hope in the face of illnesses that affect nearly every Church, family, and organization today."

-- Rev. David W. Peters, author of Post-Traumatic God: How the Church Cares for People Who Have Been to Hell and Back

"In Christ on the Psych Ward, David Finnegan-Hosey does something the Church has had difficulty doing regarding mental illness; he opens up the blinds and he lets the light in. David's story is compelling, his voice clear, his insight profound, and his subject matter critical. A book like this is long overdue, both in and outside the Church. It will save lives."

-- John Pavlovitz, author of A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community

Belovedness: Finding God (And Self) on Campus

This thought-provoking book for college students deals with issues of faith, identity, sex, success, failure, and everything in between, through the concept of belovedness.

Featuring a chapter from David Finnegan-Hosey about mental health on campus, along with nine other campus ministers from across several denominations, this book helps students navigate questions of life and faith in the world of high-pressure college campuses. Telling it like it is with wit and wisdom drawn from scripture, tradition, and life experience, this book offers profound and practical reminders of what it is to be beloved. Order now from Bookshop or wherever you buy books!