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Spirituality and Religion September 2018
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| Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held EvansWhat it is: an eloquent analysis of the Bible as a work of literature.
What sets it apart: Rachel Held Evans admirably analyzes the Bible without getting too caught up in literalism: the "literal truth" of biblical stories is less important to her than the lessons they hold.
Why you might like it: The author's esteem for and admiration of her subject is palpable, which makes for a compelling balance of historical context and personal reflection. |
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The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World
by Bart D. Ehrman
What 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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Wholeness : winning in life from the inside out
by Touré Roberts
What's in it: Wholeness, the sophomore book from international thought leader and pastor Tour Roberts is about removing invisible boundaries from our lives that keep us from realizing our highest potential. Roberts brilliantly lays forth the truth that in order to live an outer life without limits, we have to uncover and address the inner limitations that hide in our blindspots. Why you might like it: This life-changing book explains that regardless of where you are in life, Wholeness will take you higher. Wholeness will elevate your sense of fulfillment in life, produce healthier, more rewarding relationships, and will position you for optimum success in every endeavor.
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| Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved by Kate BowlerWhat it's about: In her previous book Blessed, Kate Bowler explored the history and theology of the Prosperity Gospel. It's in this same context that she reflects on her diagnosis, at age 35, of Stage IV cancer, and how her impending mortality has affected her own faith.
Read it for: the seemingly effortless way that Bowler weaves her brand of warm, candid humor throughout a book that is as funny as it is bleak and as erudite as it is intimate. |
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When breath becomes air
by Paul Kalanithi
What it's about: A Ivy League-trained, award-winning young neurosurgeon describes his how after receiving a terminal diagnosis with lung cancer he explored the dynamics of his roles as a patient and care provider, the philosophical conundrums about a meaningful life and how he wanted to spend his final days.
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Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet
by Lyndal Roper
What's in it: In 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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| Higher is Waiting by Tyler PerryWhat it's about: Successful film director and actor Tyler Perry reflects on the people and places of his youth and how they shaped his current faith, his drive to achieve, and his creativity. The lives he describes have more than their fair share of pain and sorrow, but their trials taught a young Perry how to rely on God when dealing with his own challenges.
Read it for: the unexpected yet deeply moving discussion of Perry's relationship with the natural world and the peace he has learned to find in it. |
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The Light Within Me
by Ainsley Earhardt
What it is: a memoir by Fox News journalist and Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt, in which she reflects on the role that faith has played in her personal and professional life.
Who it's for: Earhardt's many fans; readers looking for an inspiring account of letting one's faith provide guidance and support in challenging circumstances.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Central Mississippi Regional Library System
100 Tamberline Street
Brandon, Mississippi 39042
601-825-0100
http://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us
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