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Spirituality and Religion May 2018
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| To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism by Ross DouthatWhat it is: a thought-provoking account of Pope Francis' attempts to change the Catholic Church, focusing particularly on his decision to allow communion for the divorced and remarried. The future of Catholicism -- with a clear divide between conservative and liberal views -- is also discussed.
Reviewers say: While New York Times columnist Ross Douthat identifies as conservative when it comes to Catholicism, reviewers agree that To Change the Church is a balanced overview. |
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| Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us by Roma DowneyAuthor alert: Fans of the television show Touched by an Angel will recognize Roma Downey's name; here, she shares stories and reflections from her life, along with inspiring quotes, poems, scripture, and artwork.
Why you might like it: readers looking for encouragement will find hope in Downey's faith in -- and gratitude for -- God. |
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The Fox Hunt : A Refugee's Memoir of Coming to America
by Mohammed Al Samawi
The son of middle-class Shiite doctors in Yemen shares his moving story of love, war and hope that describes his harrowing escape from regional fanaticism and civil unrest through a daring plan engineered on social media by a small group of Western interfaith activists. 100,000 first printing.
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There is more : when the world says you can't -- God says you can
by Brian Houston
Think about your wildest dreams for your life. What are your craziest ideas, your deepest longings, your grandest plans? The things you haven't dared to tell anyone and barely allowed your soul to imagine?
In There Is More, Brian Houston repeatedly invites you into God's Word to remind you that even those dreams aren't enough. God's amazing plans for your life supersede your biggest hopes- all for a purpose larger than you. In fact, the "more" that God wants for your life is beyond comprehension.
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| Evolution of the Word: Reading the New Testament in the Order It Was Written by Marcus J. BorgWhat it is: an explanation of how the traditional order of the New Testament differs from the order in which the different books were written (the letters of St. Paul were actually written first).
What does that mean? Theology professor Marcus Borg, the author of several popular works on Christianity and the Bible, argues that the Gospels and other later writings were influenced by St. Paul's opinions.
Reviewers say: "eminently readable and eye-opening" (Booklist). |
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| How to Read the Bible by Harvey CoxWhat it is: an accessible, insightful discussion of biblical interpretation through history and into the present day.
Who it's for: those who would like to study the Bible at a deeper level.
Further reading: John Dominic Crossan's How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian. |
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| The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus by John Dominic CrossanWhat it is: a lucid explanation of how Jesus used parables to engage and challenge his audience -- and how the role of parables can be used to explain much of the Bible, too.
What reviewers say: The Power of the Parable is "one of the best, most enthralling Bible-study courses" (Booklist).
Further reading: Amy-Jill Levine's Short Stories by Jesus. |
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| The First Love Story: Adam, Eve, and Us by Bruce FeilerWhat it's about: the impact that biblical figures Adam and Eve have had on Western society, from masterpieces by Michelangelo to more contemporary pop culture.
Who it's for: readers interested in how learning about Adam and Eve can help us understand couplehood today.
Further reading: Try Stephen Greenblatt's The Rise and Fall of Adam and Eve. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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