Othered

“Jenai’s exquisitely personal book invites us to consider spiritual abuse and religious trauma through a wider lens—one that considers the experiences of those who’ve been historically marginalized. Her own wrestlings are woven beautifully into a narrative that draws from deep biblical wells but also navigates complex cultural currents, all in service of telling a better, Resurrection story—a story that names each of us as beloved.”

Chuck DeGroat

“Othered is a tender and honest love letter to those on the margins of Western, white Christianity, a reminder that we are not alone and that our journey matters. We need more books that speak truth to power and proclaim stories of advocacy and care for those who are again and again cast as ‘others’ by the church. This book is for those of us who are ‘of multitudes,’ looking to belong in a world that practices violence and oppression in the name of God again and again, and Jenai Auman is a caring and gentle guide, leading us through the pain and onto paths of hope and healing. I pray that church leaders will read this book and learn from the stories in it, and that those who are ‘othered’ by all kinds of institutions will find solidarity and kinship in these pages.”

Kaitlin B. Curtice

“Both informative and beautifully written, Auman shares vulnerably from her own experience while skillfully naming the power dynamics that exist in the church. Her vivid writing helps readers understand the concepts of religious abuse and trauma in a vivid, tangible experience. Auman’s is a much-needed voice, explaining the intersectionality of power structures in white evangelical churches. This is a must-read for anyone trying to understand why they’ve experienced so much pain in a place that’s supposed to offer comfort.”

Krispin Mayfield

“If you don’t want to know, and rather intimately, the God who sees you, don’t read this book. I’m afraid you’ll be found.”

Dr. Peace Amadi

“Jenai Auman’s debut pierces the dark places of church abuse, exposing malformed leadership practices to the light. Her prophetic voice extends a wide embrace to bring those othered by the church into a renewed space of belonging. Her invitation: remember you’re not alone. . . . Your liberation is near.”

Rev. Rohadi Nagassar

“Native, Living Resistance, and Winter’s Gifts “With clear-eyed wisdom, nuance, and the kind of honesty that only comes after walking through the wilderness, Auman is a welcome friend for the journey of walking through—or walking with someone as they recover from—spiritual harm. I left Othered feeling very much a part of a community of people healing and moving toward bright hope.”

Sara Billups

“Jenai Auman has given those of us who have experienced the pain of othering a tender and honest guide in Othered. She 27s offered us her heart and story in these pages, and her fiercely compassionate words will give many the permission and space to name, be, and become, as they wander toward healing. This is a needed book today.”

Tasha Jun

“Whether abused, exiled, excommunicated, scapegoated, or marginalized, being ‘othered’ seeks to erase parts of you and the stories one may possess. Auman’s work in Othered calls us to remember, pay attention to, include, and see and hear the stories of those who have been overlooked as a sacred part of the story of God. We should read Othered and allow it to move us to fight for the belonging of all.”

Dr. Terence Lester

“Jenai’s story moved me, to both clench my teeth and unclench my hands, to be angry for her, to be healed alongside her. Jenai takes us through her harrowing story of spiritual abuse, how she re-found the God of the marginalized—the God who has always been for those of us cast aside. If you are, like me, deeply wounded by harmful religion and abuses of power, as you read Othered you’ll find yourself holding your breath and then finding it again. I’m thankful for Jenai, who in advocating for herself advocates for us. Her words un-other and will bring you in.”

J.S. Park