Department of Religion Welcomes 'Holy Ghost Girl' Author Donna Johnson
Donna Johnson courtesy photo
Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMediaCom
Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321
WACO, Texas (Oct. 21, 2013) - Baylor's department of religion has invited Donna M. Johnson, author of "Holy Ghost Girl," to speak about her autobiographical book at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in Bennett Auditorium.
Johnson's book is a memoir of her experiences as a child who experienced many years under a tent used for religious revivals. She frequently witnessed miracles, exorcisms and Ku Klux Klan faceoffs during the revivals, which she recalls in vivid detail in the book.
Doug Weaver, Ph.D., a professor of religion and director of undergraduate studies in the religion department, said her experiences directly relate to the studies of Baylor students.
"One of the areas we study in the religion department is Pentecostalism and faith healing," he said. "Her experiences directly relate to that."
The lecture is not just for those interested in religion and faith, Weaver said.
"This is really for anybody. When you read her book, you don't have to have a background in religion to benefit from it. And the book is set in Texas, so people can relate to that aspect too."
Johnson describes her process of writing the book "a way to connect the disparate parts of herself."
"Holy Ghost Girl" has been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, Texas Monthly, O Magazine and many other publications.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Bennett Auditorium is located in Draper Academic Building, 1420 S. Seventh St.
For more information, call Joyce Swoveland at (254) 710-3758.
by Kristen Bennett, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.