Judged by Love
A Biography of William X. Kienzle
By Javan Kienzle
Author William X. Kienzle touched readers, both on and off the page. His twenty-four Father Robert Koesler mysteries attracted an ever-growing following of faithful and new fans alike, while his status as a highly intelligent and thoughtful ex-priest sparked curiosity and interest in his unique perspective. When Bill died suddenly in December 2001 his readers were crushed, as were so many who knew him personally and professionally. After much reflection on his life, Bill's widow, Javan, chose to write his biography.
Judged by Love is a loving but candid portrait of a deeply religious and spiritual person, one who dedicated his life to God by becoming a priest, then found himself separated from the priesthood he loved because of disagreements with its policies. While this is the individual story of Bill Kienzle from his youthful days in the seminary onward, it also serves as a reflection on the current examination of faith that much of the Catholic clergy and laity have experienced over the last 50 years.
Complete with Bill and Javan's singular love story, Judged by Love is a moving tale of a remarkable man. Readers interested in religion and spiritual topics, as well as the faithful fans who purchased more than two million copies of Bill's hardcover and paperback mysteries, will be heartened and gratified by the chance to read about this extraordinary human being.
In this era of war, mendacity, clerical and political scandal, and personal disillusion, I hoped that the example of Bill's love of the Church, his love of the priesthood, his love of people…and his love of the woman he married could show that life can be lived honestly, uprightly, fulfillingly…and with kindness and humor." -Author Javan Kienzle
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About the Author
Javan Kienzle was married to William X. Kienzle for more than 25 years. As his live-in editor, she worked side by side with the author of the Father Koesler mysteries, editing, typing, and critiquing his works in progress. Javan also shared in her husband's experience as a former parish priest, editor of Minneapolis's MPLS magazine, and director of the University of Dallas's Center for Contemplative Studies, and she had access to his copious nonfiction articles and sermon files while researching this biography. A copyeditor at the Detroit Free Press, Javan now lives in suburban Detroit.
