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Spirituality and Religion September 2016
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| The Money Cult: Capitalism, Christianity, and the Unmaking of the American Dream by Chris LehmannIn this "lively study" (Kirkus Reviews), journalist Chris Lehmann chronicles how one stream of American Protestantism came to embrace materialism, from the Puritan settlers who believed that prevailing in the wilderness was a sign of God's favor to the contemporary evangelists who preach that personal devotion to God leads to happiness and wealth. Though the "self-help" gospel isn't the only expression of Christianity in America, it's widespread and influential. The Money Cult presents a balanced historical view of prosperity theology while comparing it to Christian doctrines that urge believers to help those in need before serving themselves. For another intriguing discussion of the "gospel of success," try Duke Divinity School professor Kate Bowler's Blessed. |
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| October 31, 1517: Martin Luther and the Day That Changed the World by Martin E. MartyNearly 500 years ago, an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther posted a set of propositions about Christian theology on the door of the Wittenberg Castle church, thus announcing that he was organizing a debate for local scholars about the practice of indulgences (selling Papal absolution to raise funds for the Vatican). Dubbed "The 95 Theses," Luther's challenges stirred up a much wider controversy that led to his break with the Roman Catholic Church and set the Protestant Reformation going in earnest. In October 31, 1517, Lutheran scholar Martin Marty explains Luther's theological claims in the context of 16th-century Catholic doctrine and argues that their ultimate effect was to empower the modern ecumenical movement. This brief discussion offers Christians an accessible and thought-provoking introduction to 500 years of Protestant theology. |
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| If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty by Eric MetaxasAccording to acclaimed Christian writer and speaker Eric Metaxas, the founding leaders of the U.S. perceived that liberty depends on individual and collective virtue motivated by religious faith. Disturbed by widespread disrespect for traditional ideas, which often leads to cynical and selfish behavior, he urges a return to the 18th-century values that underpinned such achievements as the crafting of the U.S. Constitution. Suggesting several approaches to renewing a love of country among Americans, he expresses an inspiring appeal to reverse what he sees as a trend towards jaded and anti-patriotic attitudes and behavior. |
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| Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible's View of Women by Sarah BesseyCanadian blogger Sarah Bessey introduces herself as a "happy-clappy Jesus follower," that is, an Evangelical Protestant. Addressing her fellow Evangelicals in Jesus Feminist, Bessey offers her interpretation of biblical teachings about gender issues in the context of her own faith journey and contemporary life. Challenging common conservative interpretations of the Bible that counsel against women taking leadership roles over men, she concludes that Jesus' teachings transcend distinctions between men and women. She argues that the church should accept women as fully equal in all areas. Her "warm and intimate" style (Publishers Weekly) will appeal to many people interested in the subject -- not just Evangelical Christians. |
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Living with a Wild God: A Nonbeliever's Search for the Truth about Everything
by Barbara Ehrenreich
Author Barbara Ehrenreich, who wrote Nickel and Dimed and Bright-Sided, was raised by vehemently atheist parents and regards herself as an unbeliever. However, when she was a teenager she noted an unexplained sensation of expanded consciousness in her journal, and this was just one of many such events throughout her life. In Living with a Wild God, Ehrenreich relates how she rediscovered that journal entry and decided to explore both the nature of her own experiences and the phenomenon of mysticism. Though this "powerful, honest" (Kirkus Reviews) autobiography takes an unusual approach to spirituality, it offers absorbing reflections on human awareness of the external world.
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| Untie the Strong Woman: Blessed Mother's Immaculate Love for the Wild Soul by Clarissa Pinkola EstésIn Untie the Strong Woman, author Clarissa Pinkola Estés, a Jungian analyst, Latina traditional storyteller, and the author of Women Who Run With the Wolves, recounts stories and poems, writes prayers, and presents images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Throughout, she portrays the compassionate and powerful presence of the divine feminine. Emphasizing Mary's connection with the humble poor while proclaiming her influential appearances in many times and cultures, Estés offers her as an inspiration to an awakening of consciousness and a renewal of faith. |
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| Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by Rachel Held EvansAuthor Rachel Held Evans, like many other millennials, saw the church as a hypocritical institution obsessed with fund-raising and divided by politics and scandals. In this memoir, she combines accounts of her coming of age and her spiritual pilgrimage into an engaging record of her adult search for a congregation where mundane problems didn't seem to overwhelm sincere faith. This "theologically astute and beautifully written" (Publishers Weekly) memoir by the author of A Year of Biblical Womanhood offers food for thought for millennials and Christian seekers of all ages. |
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| Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now by Ayaan Hirsi AliIn Heretic, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the acclaimed and controversial author of Infidel, presents a clear and impassioned call for reformation in Islam, which in many places and cultures oppresses women and minorities and promotes terrorism and war. While her characterization of Islam has drawn anger and even death threats, in this compelling new book she expounds on five areas where Islam needs to be transformed. Booklist calls this a "potent indictment, idealistic blueprint, and galvanizing appeal" to those who desire a more tolerant and peaceful Islam. |
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Traveling mercies : some thoughts on faith
by Anne Lamott
Combining elements of spiritual study and memoir, the author of Bird by Bird and Crooked Little Heart describes her odyssey of faith, drawing on her own sometimes troubled past to explore the many ways in which faith sustains and guides one's daily life. 75,000 first printing. Tour.
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Devotion and defiance : my journey in love, faith and politics
by Humaira Awais Shahid
A prominent Muslim woman activist describes how she took over the “women's section” of a Pakistani newspaper and exchanged light news to exposés on acid attacks, female slavery and other abuses of women and ultimately won a seat on the Provincial Assembly.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Carrollton Public Library 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton Texas 75006 4220 North Josey Lane, Carrollton Texas 75010 |
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