Cross Sections: A Poetry Collection

Cross Sections is a powerful book of poetry-as-prayers weaving together Christian imagery tradition progressive theology and fresh vision. For those of us familiar with scripture especially Schurs words challenge us to boldly and tenderly engage some of the verses and stories that are so familiar to us that they have otherwise gone stale in our hearts. Cross Sections gives space to all human emotions on both the individual and communal level and reminds us of the holiness of our own experiences with lament questions rage and doubt.Elle Dowd (she/her) activist and ELCA candidate for ministry author of Baptized in Tear Gas: From White Moderate to AbolitionistFor the devout Christian to the agnostic to the atheist Matt Schurs poems supply the reader with an edifying and informing examination of what it means to be a Christian wrestling like St. Augustine before him with various questions of meaning purpose and faith punctuated with a refreshing and lyrical candor. Erik Campbell author of The Corpse PoseCross Sections is moving and important. Like many Christians today I am asking new questions many of which are echoed in Matts writing. He voices the frustration and confusion we currently face but remains humble human and hopeful.Jen Smedley of #imomsohard author/comedianIn Cross Sections Matt Schur takes us with him on a journey into his soul. He keeps his eyes fully open to the pressing issues of both his personal past and this troubled world while remaining equally fully grounded in his faith. Juxtaposing beautiful love from God with the pain of daily life (childhood loss grief depression adult trauma racism sexism idolatry) he offers us a raw candid totally authentic look into what it means to walk with God. If you are looking for a book of simple Christian platitudes this is not it. But if you want a companion on your spiritual journey who knows that real anger doubt and sadness can coexist with celebration joy and deep communion with God and others you will want to read every word this book offers -- slowly reverently questioningly bringing your real self to the Presence of the Holy just as Cross Sections does. You will be challenged here and you will be richly rewarded.Rev. Stephanie Lape ELCA pastor and author of Beckoned: Hearing Gods Call to Deeper FaithThis collection is like a living museum each piece a strange new diorama inviting you to step inside and look around and discover. Matts words will do things to you: knock down your idols expose your phony do-gooder conscience scramble your notions of what is truly holy problematize your pieties and interrogate both your grandiosity and your self-loathing. A brilliant and deliciously eclectic collection of prophetic de-centering daring and sometimes profoundly comforting poems.Mark Stenberg Ph.D author of 51% Christian: Faith After CertaintyMatt shares his faith vulnerably in a way that moves past cliched Christian insider-speak and gets into the heart of genuine faith. This book can be a great resource for people who are looking for a more expansive paradigm of Jesus-following.David Scherer co-founder of JUSTmove: Anti-Racism Education through the Arts