🕯️ Occult Philosophy −51%

The Priest and the Medium: The Amazing True Story of Psychic Medium B. Anne Gehman and Her Husband, Former Jesuit Priest Wayne Knoll, Ph.D.

✍️ Giesemann, Suzanne
Reader Score
4.7
(5 reviews)
$18.95 $39.00 Save $20.05 (51%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Suzanne Giesemann recounts the intertwining life journeys of B. Anne Gehman and Wayne Knoll, Ph.D. Raised in the Mennonite faith, Gehman left home at 14, later using her psychic gifts to aid international investigators, top government officials, and families seeking connection with spirits. Knoll similarly left home at 14 to join a Catholic seminary, ultimately becoming a Georgetown University literature professor. After over a decade of religious practice, Knoll departed the priesthood to address an inner emptiness. Giesemann details how these two individuals, coming from contrasting mystical and traditional Catholic backgrounds, found each other as soul mates while maintaining their shared love for God.

🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Hay House 📖 322 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781401923099
Fun Fact
Giesemann crafts a compelling, if unconventional, narrative that successfully humanizes both the psychic and the priest. It shines as a testament to personal authenticity over dogma, appealing to seekers of non-traditional spirituality. Skeptics of mediumship may find the paranormal claims unsubstantiated, and those seeking strict theological debate will be disappointed. It occupies a unique niche as a romantic biography of spiritual divergence, offering warmth rather than doctrine.
📚 This Book in Collections

📝 Description: The Priest and the Medium: The Amazing True Story of Psychic Medium B. Anne Gehman and Her Husband, Former Jesuit Priest Wayne Knoll, Ph.D.

Published by Hay House in a paperback edition, this biography by Suzanne Giesemann documents the parallel lives and eventual union of psychic medium B. Anne Gehman and former Jesuit priest Wayne Knoll, Ph. D. The narrative traces Gehman from her childhood in the Mennonite tradition, where she offered spirit readings to teddy bears at age five, through a pivotal near-death experience that expanded her abilities. It details her work using predictions, healing, and mediumship to connect families with deceased loved ones, while assisting police departments, government agencies, judges, and corporate executives in solving crimes and locating missing persons or oil. Running alongside her story is that of Knoll, who entered a Roman Catholic seminary at age 14, served as a Georgetown University literature professor, and eventually left the priesthood after a decade of religious training to seek human love. Author Suzanne Giesemann structures the narrative around these two distinct spiritual trajectories to show how their shared devotion to God brought them together despite divergent beliefs. The text draws on the personal histories, religious backgrounds, and professional experiences of both figures. This volume suits readers interested in dual biographical accounts of mediumship, Christian clergy transitions, and non-traditional spiritual partnerships. It does not suit readers seeking a step-by-step instructional manual for developing psychic abilities or formal academic theology.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Giesemann presents a compelling narrative that challenges rigid binaries between science, faith, and the paranormal. While the couple’s journey is inspiring, readers who prefer strictly empirical accounts or those deeply committed to orthodox religious dogma may find the blending of Jesuit theology with mediumship jarring or unconvincing. The memoir succeeds in showcasing how intellectual rigor and spiritual intuition can coexist, offering a refreshing perspective on post-dogmatic spirituality. It avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on genuine transformation and partnership. However, those seeking step-by-step psychic training will be disappointed; this is primarily a testament to lived experience rather than an instructional manual for the occult arts.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book offers a profound exploration of spiritual evolution for those who feel constrained by traditional religious structures yet crave authentic connection. Readers seeking to understand how faith can transform rather than disappear will find resonance in the harmonious blend of Anne’s intuitive gifts and Wayne’s intellectual background. It is particularly valuable for individuals navigating their own deconstruction of dogma or exploring the validity of psychic phenomena alongside spiritual devotion. Those interested in relationships that bridge disparate worlds—sacred and supernatural, academic and mystical—will appreciate this narrative of love transcending boundaries to reveal a deeper, unified truth about human potential and divine connection.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
Readers intrigued by the intersection of Catholic theology and paranormal phenomena, those questioning religious orthodoxy, or anyone seeking a testament to love that defies institutional boundaries.

Reader rating

4.7
Based on 5 reviews
5
3
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0
B
Beatrice E.
September 4, 2025
Essential reading

This exceeded my expectations. It rewards patience more than any book I've bought this year. A text you study rather than simply read. Already eyeing my next order.

H
Hannah K.
June 12, 2025
Almost perfect

Honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm impressed. Solid binding, decent paper — holds up to heavy use. Delivery took a bit longer than quoted.

S
Silas S.
October 21, 2024
Exactly as described

Arrived faster than expected and well packaged. The symbolism is layered and generous to patient readers. Recommended if you're ready to do the work.

J
Jessica R.
September 9, 2024
A treasure

Been hunting for a decent copy of this text for ages. The print is clean and easy on the eyes for long sessions. The historical context alone makes it worth the price.

E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Giesemann presents a compelling narrative that challenges rigid binaries between science, faith, and the paranormal. While the couple’s journey is inspiring, readers who prefer strictly empirical accounts or those deeply committed to orthodox religious dogma may find the blending of Jesuit theology with mediumship jarring or unconvincing. The memoir succeeds in showcasing how intellectual rigor and spiritual intuition can coexist, offering a refreshing perspective on post-dogmatic spirituality. It avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on genuine transformation and partnership. However, those seeking step-by-step psychic training will be disappointed; this is primarily a testament to lived experience rather than an instructional manual for the occult arts.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, it is a personal exploration of faith, doubt, and love, respecting the author's background while documenting his departure from the priesthood.
It balances both, showing how Anne’s gifts and Wayne’s intellectual journey complement each other within their shared life and spiritual evolution.

📖 Who should read this

Readers intrigued by the intersection of Catholic theology and paranormal phenomena, those questioning religious orthodoxy, or anyone seeking a testament to love that defies institutional boundaries.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Spiritual intuition

Religious deconstruction

Sacred romance

📜 Historical context

Emerging during a late-20th-century surge in New Age spirituality, this work reflects a cultural shift where institutional authority waned while personal spiritual experience rose. It sits alongside confessional narratives of former clergy, yet uniquely pairs them with explicit mediumship, bridging the gap between academic theology and practical psychic phenomenon in a time of growing secular skepticism.

📚 Glossary

Mediumship
Mennonite
Jesuit

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Where do you find your own sense of the sacred outside of traditional structures?
  2. How might intellectual rigor and intuitive feeling coexist in your own life?
  3. What personal 'near-death' moments have reshaped your understanding of love or purpose?

✍️ More books by this author Giesemann, Suzanne

All books by this author →
The Awakened Way: Making the Shift to a Divinely Guided Life -14%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Giesemann, Suzanne
The Awakened Way: Making the Shift to a Divinely Guided Life
$17.99 $21.00
86
Making the Afterlife Connection: The Journey from Doubt to Knowing That Death Is Not the End -14%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Giesemann, Suzanne
Making the Afterlife Connection: The Journey from Doubt to Knowing That Death Is Not the End
$17.99 $21.00
86
Droplets of God: The Life and Philosophy of Mavis Pittilla -59%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Giesemann, Suzanne
Droplets of God: The Life and Philosophy of Mavis Pittilla
$16.95 $42.00
86
Wolf's Message -26%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Giesemann, Suzanne
Wolf's Message
$16.95 $23.00
78
In the Silence: 365 Days of Inspiration from Spirit -45%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Giesemann, Suzanne
In the Silence: 365 Days of Inspiration from Spirit
$15.95 $29.00
81
Love Beyond Words: 365 Days of Inspiration from Spirit
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Giesemann, Suzanne
Love Beyond Words: 365 Days of Inspiration from Spirit
$16.04
81
Messages of Hope -31%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Giesemann, Suzanne
Messages of Hope
$19.95 $29.00
78

🏛 Books from this publisher Hay House

All books from this publisher →
Solomon Speaks on Reconnecting Your Life
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Eric Pearl, Frederick Ponzlov
Solomon Speaks on Reconnecting Your Life
$17.99
81
Cellular Awakening: How Your Body Holds and Utilises Light
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Wren, Barbara
Cellular Awakening: How Your Body Holds and Utilises Light
$17.39
86
More to Life Than Shoes -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Finer, Nadia
More to Life Than Shoes
$16.95 $20.00
81
A Year With the Angels
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Smedley, Jenny
A Year With the Angels
$18.99
81
Time Management for Manic Mums -29%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Mitchell, Allison
Time Management for Manic Mums
$18.95 $27.00
81
Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Gibbons, Leeza
Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings
$25.95
78

You might also like

See more →
Making the Afterlife Connection: The Journey from Doubt to Knowing That Death Is Not the End -14%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Giesemann, Suzanne
Making the Afterlife Connection: The Journey from Doubt to Knowing That Death Is Not the End
$17.99 $21.00
86
A Drop from the Marvelous Ocean of History -52%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Rinpohe XI, Lelung Tulku
A Drop from the Marvelous Ocean of History
$18.95 $40.00
86
Movement Medicine
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Ya'acov Darling Khan, Susannah Darling Khan
Movement Medicine
$18.95
86
Get the Life You Love, Now -24%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Parker, Phil
Get the Life You Love, Now
$18.95 $25.00
86
Waking From Sleep: Why Awakening Experiences Occur and How to Make Them Permanent -38%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Taylor, Steve
Waking From Sleep: Why Awakening Experiences Occur and How to Make Them Permanent
$18.99 $31.00
86
Inside-Out Healing 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
7
Moss, Richard
Inside-Out Healing
$18.99
86
The Power of Then -29%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
4
Bremner, James
The Power of Then
$18.99 $27.00
86
Your Soul's Compass: What Is Spiritual Guidance? -20%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Borysenko, Joan
Your Soul's Compass: What Is Spiritual Guidance?
$18.99 $24.00
86
The Three Sisters of the Tao -20%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Collins, Terah Kathryn
The Three Sisters of the Tao
$18.99 $24.00
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist