Embark on a captivating journey through the second volume of Joe Armstrong's memoir series, "Losing Religion, Finding Myself." In "Saved by a Woman," Joe's transformative story continues as he explores the pivotal six years following his request for leave of absence following his nine years of studying for the Catholic priesthood. This deeply personal narrative reveals the next stage of his gradual transition from belief to unbelief, navigating the complexities of faith, love, sexuality, identify, personal meaning, and self-discovery.
After taking a leave of absence from the Marist Fathers, Joe finds himself at a crossroads. Alone in his East End flat, he contemplates his future and makes a definitive decision not to return to his priestly path. Embracing the guidance of a career analyst, who affirms his potential as a writer and thinker, he acts on his decision not to return to his priestly studies and embarks on a journey to leave teaching and pursue his true calling as a writer and thinker.
Amidst his vocational journey, Joe seeks love and discovers it in Ruth, the love of his life. Their marriage becomes a backdrop for Joe's career in teaching, which presents a challenge. Despite the allure of stability and societal expectations, he yearns to pursue his passion for writing. Juggling the demands of work and a three-hour daily commute, Joe records his thoughts in an audio diary, offering readers humorous and insightful moments.
Throughout his journey, Joe grapples with the constraints of religion, seeking authenticity and self-expression. As a teacher of religious education, he encourages his students to think independently, even if it challenges the status quo. Joe's honesty and willingness to express his views through writing become paramount, even at the risk of jeopardizing his teaching career.
Supported by Ruth, Joe takes a leap of faith in himself and resigns from his teaching post, coinciding with the birth of their first child. As the memoir unfolds, readers witness Joe's gradual detachment from Catholicism, his exploration of faith and doubt, and his ongoing transformation from losing his religion to finding himself.
In this poignant and often humorous memoir, Joe offers a candid and insightful examination of his quest for self-knowledge and authenticity. With each page, he unearths the complexities of his own identity while shedding light on the experiences of those who have left religious paths. Joe's storytelling invites readers into a world of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the pursuit of personal happiness.
As the second memoir concludes, Joe and Ruth embark on a new adventure, setting sail for Ireland with their precious baby, their love, their hopes, and their dreams. This poignant ending sets the stage for the eagerly anticipated third volume in Joe's memoir series.
Join Joe Armstrong on his profound inner and outer journey through "Losing Religion, Finding Myself", as he confronts faith and doubt, loneliness and love, work and personal meaning; challenging religious constraints, and embracing the path towards an authentic and happy life.