In spirited writing, Jill McNish goes to the heart of the matter, calling us to recognize evil exists and that we can get caught in its numinous power breaking through the fabric of humanity, both personally and collectively. Ardent, daring self-examination can help keep us mindful and protect us from dangerous denial. We can also take heart that we yearn for the good, look for it. The author’s own priestly tenderness comes through, that we want goodness, want to build up, not to destroy. Her amazement at the pursuit of goodness is wonderfully contagious. This book will make a difference. Ann Belford Ulanov, Ph.D., L.H.D., Christiane Brooks Johnson professor of psychiatry and religion, Union Theological Seminary, psychoanalyst, and author of The Unshuttered Heart: Opening to Aliveness and Deadness in the Self
Getting Real is a courageous, timely and insightful book. With theological and philosophical astuteness, psychological depth, and much personal vulnerability, McNish explores the nature and presence of sin and evil in our world … Getting Real is a must-read for anyone wondering why there is so much evil, hatred and violence in our world or [anyone] asking how … to love one’s neighbor. Jaco Hamman, Ph.D., professor of pastoral care, Western Theological Seminary, author of Becoming a Pastor: Forming Self and Souls for Ministry