Yolo County Library
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Spirituality and Religion May 2017
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| The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims by Mustafa AkyolAccording to Turkish journalist Mustafa Akyol, the first Muslims drew significantly from early Jewish-Christian belief that Jesus was a prophet rather than God in human form. Accessibly analyzing early Christian texts, the Qur'an, and archaeological evidence, Akyol discusses a possible connection (identified by scholars) between the Jewish-Christian movement and the origins of Islam. He also details Qur'anic texts about Mary the mother of Jesus and about Jesus the man. This thought-provoking study offers a theological basis from which Christians and Jews can learn from Islamic teaching and Muslims can benefit from a deeper understanding of Jesus. |
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| Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet by Lyndal RoperIn Martin Luther, Oxford University historian Lyndal Roper provides a detailed biography of the great Reformation leader in time for the 500th anniversary of his theological debate challenge in the form of 95 Theses. Presenting well-known history in a fresh and engaging manner, Roper portrays Luther's family background, depicts key friendships, and discusses important influences on his theological evolution. Candidly and with restraint, she examines his uncompromising stances on such significant matters as his rejection of humanism and his anti-Semitic proclamations. Both scholars and general readers will appreciate the "grace and perceptiveness" (Booklist) of this volume. |
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Walking with Jesus : A Way Forward for the Church
by Francis
In excerpts from recent papal encyclicals, homilies, and speeches, the author discusses the direction of the Catholic Church in the twenty-first century and calls for a return to the faith's foundations
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Focus on: Spiritual Memoirs
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Accidental saints : finding God in all the wrong people
by Nadia Bolz-Weber
A standup comic-turned-pastor describes her experiences with "accidental saints"--individuals with whom she has found the meaning of grace--including a drag queen, a felonious bishop, and a gun-toting member of the NRA
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Growing Up Plain : Witty and Confessional Memories from the Adolescence of a "Plain" Mennonite Girl
by Shirley Kurtz
What is it like to be a young woman who dresses "plain?" How does it feel to be so identifiably different? What allowed Shirley Kurtz to find warmth and humor in her Mennonite upbringing? In this witty and lightly confessional memory, Kurtz unearths the painful and hilarious details of marching through adolescence. Not only was she worried about whether glances from particular boys were gestures of love, but she was burdened by how to make her required capes look interesting, trying not to be jealous of her friend, Gloria, who could wear skirts and blouses, and pretending to be beautiful Renee in the Sears Catalog. While there is every adolescent's uncertainty in these pages, there is also the wonder of being loved.
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| Nine Essential Things I've Learned about Life by Harold S. KushnerLooking back on his life and his career as a rabbi, well-known author Harold Kushner offers a compendium of lessons he's learned about faith. He emphasizes that learning is more important than knowing and recounts events that taught him to listen well and discern the deep questions that lead to God. With chapters such as "Forgiveness Is a Favor You Do Yourself" and "Leave Room for Doubt and Anger in Your Religious Outlook," Kushner grounds his theology in the realities of human existence, just as he did in his now-classic When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Kushner's fans and those new to his writing will appreciate this "balm for the skeptical and the religious" (Publishers Weekly). |
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| The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy by Rainn WilsonBest known as Dwight Schrute on television's The Office, comedian Rainn Wilson didn't fit in while growing up (and never was a bassoon phenom), and he struggled financially early in his acting career. He also floundered spiritually until he reconnected with Baha'i, the faith of his childhood. In The Bassoon King, Wilson irreverently and movingly details the challenges of his youth, dishes gossip on The Office, and shares the importance of openly embracing Baha'i and living according to its teachings. Whether you're a fan of his career (which he broadcasts on Twitter) or interested in his spiritual life, be sure to pick up this autobiography. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Yolo County Library
226 Buckeye St. Woodland, California 95695 530-666-8005
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