Saffron Cross: About the Book

Now at the Patheos Book Club
Saffron Cross
The Unlikely Story of How a Christian Minister Married a Hindu Monk
By J. Dana Trent

About the Book

A Christian minister and a Hindu monk fall in love and get married. How does this interfaith relationship work?

Saffron Cross is the intriguing memoir of the relationship between Dana, a Baptist minister, and Fred, a devout Hindu and former monk. The two meet on eHarmony and begin a fascinating, sometimes daunting but ultimately inspiring journey of interfaith relationship and marriage.

Dana's compelling vignettes, laced with self-deprecating humor and refreshing honesty, give you a glimpse into the challenges and benefits of bringing together two vastly different spiritual paths into one household.

Saffron Cross includes chapters on Dana and Fred's honeymoon at an ashram in India, their individual spiritual journeys, Sabbath keeping, vegetarianism, grief, community, and more. You will sense what an adventure their East-meets-West partnership has been, and you'll also see how much Fred's commitment to his faith has enhanced Dana's Christian growth.

At a time when people are inundated with messages of intolerance and hate, Saffron Cross is a welcome and inspiring story of empathy, love, and understanding.

About the Author

The Rev. J. Dana Trent is an author, instructor, and ordained Baptist minister. She holds an undergraduate degree in French and history from Salem College and a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School. Dana has worked with nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and hospitals—holding positions at Duke University, UNC Health Care, and the Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church.

Dana is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham, where she teaches English, Public Speaking, and Student Success. She also offers "Writing as a Spiritual Practice" workshops for small groups, worship communities, and universities. Dana specializes in writing and spiritual direction surrounding interfaith topics, spiritual practices, and grief. She has published articles with Sojourners, DIVINITY, and Saathee magazines.

She is married to Fred Eaker, a former Hindu monk. They live in Raleigh, North Carolina.

For more information, visit Dana's website: jdanatrent.com