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Spirituality and Religion September 2018
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| In Search of Wisdom: A Monk, a Philosopher, and a Psychiatrist on What Matters Most by Matthieu Ricard, Christophe Andre, and Alexandre JollienThe premise: What happens when a monk, a shrink, and a philosopher walk into a (proverbial) bar? If they're as well-educated and observant as the three authors of this book, expect an expansive discussion of many of the issues at the core of happiness, enlightenment, and life itself.
What sets it apart: While other books have presented interfaith and interdisciplinary dialogues about spiritual issues, the has a warmth, intimacy, and frankness to that is only possible because of the authors' many years of close friendship. |
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Godless citizens in a godly republic : atheists in American public life
by R. Laurence Moore
Two Cornell University professors examine the stigma that has caused atheists to be marginalized by First Amendment protections, the dramatic rise of atheism in America and the inherent prejudices of a non-secular Constitution that accepts religion as proof of integrity.
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| The House of Islam: A Global History by Ed HusainWhat it is: An informed, accessible exploration of Islam's past and present, thoroughly researched but effectively condensed to provide general readers with the historical context needed to understand many of the contemporary issues the religion faces.
Read it for: The in-depth examination of the many divisions within Islamic thought and practice, something that sets this book apart from other "Islam for beginners" titles. |
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| The Chosen Wars: How Judaism Became an American Religion by Steven R. WeismanWhat it is: an engaging, richly detailed journey through the history of Judaism in America, from the first arrivals in colonial New Amsterdam through the turn of the 20th century.
Don't miss: the special attention Weisman pays to how America and Judaism influenced each other, such as the economic consequences of Jewish and Christian communities observing the Sabbath on different days of the week and the roles that Jews played on both sides of the Civil War.
Did you know? The first Jewish congregation formed in what would later become the United States dates back to 1654. |
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| Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric MetaxasWhat it's about: Published to mark the Protestant Reformation's 500th anniversary, this fast-paced, accessible biography explores Martin Luther as a religious reformer but also as a human being.
Reviewers say: “a masterful portrait of a seminal figure" (Booklist).
Don't miss: Eric Metaxas's biographies of other pivotal figures in European Christianity, such as Amazing Grace (about William Wilberforce) and Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. |
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Sin bravely : a memoir of spiritual disobedience
by Maggie Rowe
A formerly dedicated Born-again Christian describes her experiences in an Evangelical psychiatric facility, a place where she found a way to temper her zeal and live a more normal life
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| How to Be a Muslim: An American Story by Haroon MoghulWhat it is: In this informed, touching, and funny memoir, Haroon Moghul explains how in advocating for his fellow Muslims, he was pushed to reexamine his somewhat estranged relationship with God and with his Pakistani heritage.
What happens: After the 9/11 attacks politicized Muslim identity in America, Moghul found himself pushed into the spotlight and became, as he jokes, a "professional Muslim."
What sets it apart: The author meditates on some of his mental health struggles within the context of his religion, offering a welcome foray into a sometimes taboo topic. |
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The wind in my hair : my fight for freedom in modern Iran
by Masih Alinejad
An award-winning Iranian journalist traces the story of her conservative upbringing and exile away from her son, detailing her activist work with the "My Stealthy Freedom" viral social media campaign in protest of Iran's compulsory hijab. 40,000 first printing.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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