| 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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Focus on: Women and Religion |
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Find your goddess : how to manifest the power and wisdom of the ancient goddesses in your everyday life
by Skye Alexander
Learn about the ancient goddesses and how they can empower you, guide you, and help you achieve your own life goals. From Greek and Roman to Nordic mythology, the goddesses often take center stage. Each goddess possesses her own strengths and traits that every woman can draw on for daily inspiration and guidance in their own life's journey. In Find Your Goddess , you'll learn the mythical origins of these powerful female figures and how their stories relate to modern times. From Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and fertility, to Kuan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion, you'll discover the history of each unique goddess and how they can manifest their virtues into your own life. Whether you're looking for guidance in relationships, your career, personal development, or physical and emotional wellness, Find Your Goddess can help you identify and draw strength from the ancient wisdom of famous goddesses. Call on the power of divine femininity and let your own goddess shine!
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| Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People by Nadia Bolz-WeberWhat it is: Bestselling author Nadia Bolz-Weber, a tattooed former stand-up comic and recovering addict who is now an ordained Lutheran minister, shares stories of finding grace in the most surprising people and everyday situations. Tying her memoir to the liturgical calendar, Bolz-Weber writes in a witty, humorous, and "compulsively readable" (Booklist) style, but be advised that she also includes rough language and the occasional vulgarity.
Who it's for: Fans of Anne Lamott and Brian McLaren; feminist Christians. |
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| May I Be Happy: A Memoir of Love, Yoga, and Changing My Mind by Cyndi LeeWhat it is: Though she danced professionally in the 1980s and has been a well-known yoga teacher for years, Cyndi Lee had always hated her body. In May I Be Happy, Lee recounts both her lifelong struggles to achieve self-acceptance and how the tenets of Buddhism and yoga helped her quiet the critical voice inside her head.
Read it for: An empowering message about body image and self-love.
Is it for me? This memoir will appeal to those who strive to make peace with their bodies. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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