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Spirituality and Religion November 2020
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| White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity by Robert P. JonesWhat it is: a comprehensive, well-researched exploration of racism in American Christianity and a compelling call to action for modern Christians to address the sins of the past and work for a more inclusive present.
You might also like: The Color of Christ by Paul Harvey and Edward J. Blum; Reconstructing the Gospel by Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove. |
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| Veritas: A Harvard Professor, a Con Man, and the Gospel of Jesus's Wife by Ariel SabarWhat it is: the well-researched, thought-provoking true crime story of a fraudulent historical document that allegedly quoted Jesus as referring to Mary Magdalene as his wife and how respected Harvard religious scholar Karen King fell for the hoax.
Read it for: The author's ability to describe the events in journalistic detail while simultaneously examining King and her involvement through a humanizing lens of compassion. |
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Books You Might Have Missed
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| The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices by Casper ter KuileWhat it is: a thoughtful examination of the concept of ritual and the ways that intentionally approaching any habitual activities can enhance spiritual fulfillment.
Why you might like it: The author's deep knowledge of theology when discussing ritual in a religious context is refreshingly juxtaposed with modern ritual activities such as CrossFit, gratitude journaling, and book clubs.
About the author: Casper ter Kuile is a fellow at Harvard Divinity School who cohosts the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. |
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| The Hope of Glory: Reflections on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross by Jon MeachamWhat it's about: the final seven sayings attributed to Jesus from the cross, including the a survey of the different references to them in the gospels, important historical and theological background to consider when reflecting upon them, and what lessons Christians can take from them today.
About the author: Jon Meacham is a journalist and editor whose previous books have included religious histories of the United States and presidential biographies, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Andrew Jackson American Lion. |
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| In the Name of God: The Role of Religion in the Modern World: A History of Judeo-Christian... by Selina O'GradyWhat it is: a sweeping, thought-provoking history of different societies' attempts at religious pluralism and the varying results those efforts have delivered.
Topics include: the role of nationalism in religious identity; the similarities between the Christian Reformation and the Sunni-Shia split; the dramatic cultural and religious fallout of Napoleon's invasion of Egypt.
Reviewers say: "This perceptive, masterly history will change how many readers think about toleration and the supposed clash between Christian and Muslim worlds" (Publishers Weekly). |
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| Unholy: Why White Evangelicals Worship at the Altar of Donald Trump by Sarah PosnerWhat it's about: the gap between the espoused views of many "values voters" and their statistically significant backing of Donald Trump, and how some of the less savory parts of the history of Evangelical Christianity in America explain their fervent support for him.
Who it's for: anyone interested in the intersection of religion and politics, or with the ongoing fight for the soul of Evangelical Christianity in the United States. |
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| For All Who Hunger: Searching for Communion in a Shattered World by Emily M.D. ScottWhat it is: the reflective and inspiring memoir of Lutheran minister Emily M.D. Scott and the unique church community she founded, St. Lydia's Dinner Church, which serves as a welcoming place for people who feel out of place in more traditional church environments.
For fans of: Rachel Held Evans, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Katie Hayes, and other memoirist ministers with unique approaches to their faith. |
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The Buddhist on Death Row: How One Man Found Light in the Darkest Place
by David Sheff
What it is: an exploration of the spiritual transformation of death-row inmate Jarvis Jay Masters, describing the brutal suffering that led him to the discipline of meditation and his embrace of the philosophies of Buddhism.
Reviewers say: "Applying the same mix of empathy and journalistic integrity demonstrated in Beautiful Boy (2009), Sheff conveys Masters’ transformative jailhouse exchanges with Buddhist masters, family members, and special friends with poignancy and profound emotional power... An indelible portrait of an incarcerated man finding new life and purpose behind bars" (Kirkus Reviews).
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Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN
by Tara Brach
What's inside: an accessible guide to learning mindfulness skills, with a focus on developing self-compassion through an easy-to-remember "RAIN" technique -- Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture.
About the author: Mindfulness teacher Tara Brach hosts an eponymous weekly meditation podcast and her previous books include Radical Acceptance, True Refuge, and Healing Traumatic Fear.
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Demystifying Shariah: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It's Not Taking Over Our Country
by Sumbul Ali-Karamali
What it's about: clearing up common misconceptions about shariah, with an accessible tour through the basic precepts and the role it plays in modern Muslim life.
Read it for: the author's incisive observations, which are delivered in an engaging and compassionate tone.
Did you know? In English, the literal translation of the word "shariah" is "the way."
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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