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Spirituality and Religion March 2018
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| The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World by Bart D. EhrmanWhat it is: the 400-year story of Christianity's growth, from a fringe sect of 20 illiterate peasants into Western civilization's dominant faith. New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman follows the birth of the religion from Galilee to the Roman Empire, including the conversion of Emperor Constantine in 312 AD. Further reading: The Triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus Movement Became the World's Largest Religion by Rodney Stark. |
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| Happiness in This Life: A Passionate Meditation on Earthly Existence by Pope FrancisWhat it is: a collection of homilies, addresses, and writings by Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, about finding joy and happiness in life.
Why you might like it: The short entries touch on topics ranging from humility to family; while aimed at Catholics, it's approachable for those of other faiths too. "A book as loving and encouraging as the man himself seems to be," says Booklist.
You might also like: The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. |
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| Moral Combat: How Sex Divided American Christians and Fractured American Politics by R. Marie GriffithWhat it is: a sweeping history of how sexuality divided the American political and cultural landscape -- and how Christianity played a role. Starting in the 1920s (when birth control activist Margaret Sanger arrived on the scene) and continuing through Donald Trump's election as President, Moral Combat touches on issues fought over in churches and the voting book alike -- abortion, gay marriage, and transgender rights.
Is it for you? This timely book will please readers interested in the history of today's hot-button issues. |
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| Madison Park: A Place of Hope by Eric L. MotleyWhat it is: a moving and inspiring memoir from Erik Motley, an academic scholar and former special assistant to U.S. President George W. Bush, about growing up in Madison Park, Alabama, which was founded by freed slaves in 1880. Motley reflects on the friends and neighbors who helped shape him and describes the strong role of faith in his small African American community.
Reviewers say: "The story of a remarkable yet humble life" (Library Journal). |
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Spring forward on Sunday, March 11, 2018. |
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Avon Lake Public Library 32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 440-933-8128alpl.org |
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