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Spirituality and Religion May 2018
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| To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism by Ross DouthatWhat it is: a thought-provoking account of Pope Francis' attempts to change the Catholic Church, focusing particularly on his decision to allow communion for the divorced and remarried. The future of Catholicism -- with a clear divide between conservative and liberal views -- is also discussed.
Reviewers say: While New York Times columnist Ross Douthat identifies as conservative when it comes to Catholicism, reviewers agree that To Change the Church is a balanced overview. |
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| Flunk. Start. Reclaiming My Decade Lost in Scientology by Sands HallWhat it is: a candid memoir of a woman's seven years in the Church of Scientology.
Is it for you? Readers looking for a scathing exposé should look elsewhere (try Lawrence Wright's sobering Going Clear), but those who want a thoughtful examination of what was ultimately the wrong choice (and why she stayed for so long) will appreciate the author's spiritual journey. |
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Stalking God : My Unorthodox Search for Something to Believe In
by Anjali Kumar
What it's about: Anjali Kumar, a pragmatic lawyer for Google, was part of a rapidly growing population in America: highly spiritual but religiously uncommitted. But when her daughter was born, she became compelled to find God--or at least some kind of enlightenment.
Is it for you? Readers seeking affirmation of their faith will find thoughtful questions instead of answers. Kumar narrates from the open-minded perspective of a spiritual seeker rather than a religious scholar.
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I've Been Thinking : Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life
by Maria Shriver
What it's about: Maria Shriver shares inspiring quotes, prayers, and reflections designed to get readers thinking, get them feeling, get them laughing, and help them in their journey to what she calls The Open Field--a place of acceptance, purpose, and passion--a place of joy.
Is it for you? Readers will find "an optimistic reminder to be gentle with oneself." — Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh (for Library Journal)
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| Paul: A Biography by N.T. WrightWhat it's about: Combining solid scholarship of what is known about the apostle Paul with a careful reading of the writings he left behind, Anglican bishop N.T. Wright provides both a biography and an examination of Paul's intentions.
Reviewers say: Written "not for the skeptic but for the believer" (Kirkus Reviews), this is a thought-provoking analysis that will inform interested readers and likely prompt debate amongst scholars. |
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| Evolution of the Word: Reading the New Testament in the Order It Was Written by Marcus J. BorgWhat it is: an explanation of how the traditional order of the New Testament differs from the order in which the different books were written (the letters of St. Paul were actually written first).
What does that mean? Theology professor Marcus Borg, the author of several popular works on Christianity and the Bible, argues that the Gospels and other later writings were influenced by St. Paul's opinions.
Reviewers say: "eminently readable and eye-opening" (Booklist). |
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| How to Read the Bible by Harvey CoxWhat it is: an accessible, insightful discussion of biblical interpretation through history and into the present day.
Who it's for: those who would like to study the Bible at a deeper level.
Further reading: John Dominic Crossan's How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian. |
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| The First Love Story: Adam, Eve, and Us by Bruce FeilerWhat it's about: the impact that biblical figures Adam and Eve have had on Western society, from masterpieces by Michelangelo to more contemporary pop culture.
Who it's for: readers interested in how learning about Adam and Eve can help us understand couplehood today.
Further reading: Try Stephen Greenblatt's The Rise and Fall of Adam and Eve. |
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