"It would take me twenty years to come to understand that the biggest beneficiary of my attempt to make a difference for others would be me." ~ from Timothy Shriver's Fully Alive
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| The Good Book: Writers Reflect on Favorite Bible Passages by Andrew Blauner, editorIn The Good Book, editor Andrew Blauner assembles essays about the Bible's influence from a wide range of contributors, including literary fiction authors, nonfiction writers, social activists, and acclaimed commentators. In their varied responses, the writers discuss what specific passages mean to them, relate situations in which they have encountered the texts, and even reimagine some of the stories. Believers who appreciate different takes on the Bible, people interested in the intersection between writers and a particular classic work, and those who admire good writing will want to look into this anthology. |
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| A Charlie Brown Religion: Exploring the Spiritual Life and Work of Charles... by Stephen J. LindWhile Charles Schultz's Peanuts comic strip can be read simply as a humorous take on the challenges and vicissitudes of life, it often includes lighthearted philosophical and theological commentary. Although Christianity clearly has influenced the strip's content, Peanuts alone doesn't offer a spiritual profile of Schultz the man. In A Charlie Brown Religion, author Stephen Lind draws on written records and interviews, as well as the Peanuts comics and television specials, to create a religious portrait of the iconic artist and author. If you're interested in Schultz and his religious thought, be sure to pick up this book. |
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| The Big Question: Why We Can't Stop Talking about Science, Faith, and God by Alister McGrathAuthor Alister McGrath, who is the Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University, has written several books about the philosophical conflict between science and religion. In The Big Question, McGrath discusses the debate over scientific atheism vs. faith-based theology. Asserting that science and religion aren't mutually exclusive, he discusses the sources of religious faith, the nature of scientific inquiry, and how belief in God relates to both. While he approaches the questions from a Christian perspective, this book appeals broadly to those interested in the apparent religion/science dichotomy. For another accessible discussion of the subject, try Jonathan Sacks' The Great Partnership. |
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Great Books You Might Have Missed |
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Preaching : Communicating Faith in An Age of Skepticism
by 1950- Keller, Timothy J.
A preacher and the New York Times best-selling author of The Reason for God—known for his insightful, down-to-earth sermons and talks—presents a practical guide for pastors and laypeople alike that teaches them how to present the Christian message of grace in a more engaging, passionate and compassionate way. 100,000 first printing.
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| The Radical King by Martin Luther King, Jr.; edited by Cornel WestMartin Luther King, Jr., is remembered for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, especially during the 1960s. However, his speeches and writing address a wider range of social and political issues as well as nonviolent movements and interfaith relations. In The Radical King, scholar Cornel West assembles King's short works -- some familiar, some less so -- into thematic groups that reflect West's perceptions of King's philosophy. His own commentary emphasizes more radical aspects of King's thought. Those who know King mainly from his "I Have a Dream" speech or from the 2014 film Selma will find this collection informative and thought-provoking. |
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| One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America by Kevin M. KruseIn One Nation Under God, historian Kevin Kruse argues that the concept of the United States as a Christian nation originated quite recently. Tying the 20th-century Evangelical Christian movement to business leaders' opposition to the New Deal, he depicts the effort to link "American" closely to "Christian" as a marketing campaign designed to support the political agenda of certain capitalist interests. If you're intrigued by Kruse's well-researched discussion, try Peter Manseau's similarly thought-provoking One Nation, Under Gods. |
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Stealing from God : Why Atheists Need God to Make Their Case by Frank TurekWhat if your best reasons to doubt God prove that He exists?If you think atheists have reason, evidence, and science on their side, think again. Award-winning author Dr. Frank Turek "(I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist)" will show you how atheists steal arguments from God when trying to justify their atheism. If that sounds contradictory, it's because it is! Atheists can't make their case without appealing to realities only theism can explain.In an engaging and memorable way, "Stealing from God" exposes the intellectual CRIMES atheists are committing. Join Turek as he explores how many atheistic arguments, instead of disproving God, show that God actually exists. Turek also provides a powerful four-point defense for the truth of Christianity. Whether you are exploring answers for yourself or want to understand how God transcends the reasoning of those who would deny His existence, this book is for you.
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| Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most by Timothy ShriverAuthor Timothy Shriver (son of Sargent and Eunice Shriver and nephew of John F. Kennedy) has devoted much of his life to the Special Olympics. In this thoughtful memoir, Shriver recounts how his relationship to his Aunt Rosemary inspired him to join his mother in working for the needs of the intellectually disabled. Before he was able to do this work effectively, however, Shriver had to learn to see himself as God's beloved. Fully Alive offers Shriver's moving spiritual memoir in addition to the sobering story of Rosemary's life, Shriver's observations about social isolation of the disabled, and the inspiration he's received from Special Olympians. Kirkus Reviews calls the book "sincere, profound and deeply satisfying." |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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