Kissing Fish

About the Book

Christianity gets plenty of media attention—but often for all the wrong reasons. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by the loudest, most rigid voices in modern Christianity, Kissing Fish: Christianity for People Who Don’t Like Christianity offers a refreshing alternative.

Roger Wolsey presents an accessible and engaging introduction to progressive Christianity—a growing movement that reclaims the radical love, inclusivity, and transformative message at the heart of the Gospel. Part postmodern systematic theology and part personal spiritual journey, this book speaks directly to those who have left the church, never felt welcome in it, or are simply searching for a faith that makes sense in today’s world.

Wolsey weaves together personal stories and deep theological reflection, offering a candid and hopeful invitation to rediscover Christianity beyond dogma and exclusion. His voice brings together the thoughtfulness of Brian McLaren and Diana Butler Bass, the pastoral warmth and openness of Rob Bell, and the prophetic call to social justice found in the work of Jim Wallis and Shane Claiborne. Like Walter Wink, Wolsey explores the powers and principalities with clarity and courage, and like Wes Howard-Brook, he calls readers to return to the radical roots of the Christian tradition. There’s also an authenticity and down-to-earth narrative style reminiscent of Donald Miller.

Kissing Fish challenges harmful stereotypes while presenting a faith that is intellectually honest, emotionally satisfying, and spiritually fulfilling. Whether you’re “spiritual but not religious,” a progressive believer, or someone standing at the edges of faith, this book offers a way forward.

If you like Jesus but struggle with Christianity, Kissing Fish invites you to explore a path that embraces mystery, fosters compassion, and empowers you to love boldly and live authentically in today’s complex world.

About the Author

Roger Wayne Wolsey is a free-spirited GenX-er who thinks and feels a lot about God and Jesus. He’s a Christian, yet he identifies with people who consider themselves as being “Spiritual, but not Religious.” He grew up during the “Minneapolis sound” era and enjoyed seeing The Replacements, The Jayhawks, Husker Du, The Wallets, Trip Shakespeare, Prince, and Soul Asylum in concert – leading to strong musical influences in his theology. Roger double majored in philosophy and political science and graduated magna cum laude from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. He was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society. He earned his Masters of Divinity degree at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO. Roger is an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the director of the Wesley Foundation campus ministry at C.U. in Boulder, CO. He was married for ten years, divorced in 2005, and co-parents a delightful little boy. Roger loves live music, dancing, rock-climbing, trail-running with his dog Kingdom, yoga, camping, hosting house concerts, riding his motorcycle, and playing his trumpet. Roger currently serves on the Board of Directors for Her Many Voices and the Boulder International Fringe Festival. Roger also blogs for Elephant Journal – an online magazine for the Buddhist and Yoga communities.