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Spirituality and Religion July 2017
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| The Souls of China: The Return of Religion after Mao by Ian JohnsonMao Zedong's death in 1976 ended decades of severe repression of religion in China, and now the Chinese people are practicing religion openly (though with continued government scrutiny). Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ian Johnson has been exploring Chinese religious life since 1984. In The Souls of China, he reveals what he learned during six years of visiting with members of religious groups in China. This "compelling and lyrical" (Publishers Weekly) account brings to life the varied practices he has observed and the individuals who participate in them. |
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| My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew by Abigail PogrebinIn My Jewish Year, television news producer Abigail Pogrebin recounts her systematic exploration of her faith's holiday rituals and their significance. Starting with Elul, the month before the Jewish new year, she engagingly describes the activities that mark each holiday. From learning how to blow the shofar to integrating observances into her family's daily life, she offers intriguing insights that will captivate readers interested in learning more about Judaism -- as well as Jews who are already observant. |
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| The Face of Water: A Translator on Beauty and Meaning in the Bible by Sarah RudenRealizing that English translations of the Hebrew scriptures and Greek New Testament fail to convey the texts' brilliance and complexity, classical scholar and poet Sarah Ruden decided to retranslate some key passages. Both to enhance her own understanding and enjoyment and to help others, she delves into grammar and the contextual richness of certain words. She presents her technical explanations as gems discovered in an entertaining treasure hunt. Whether you're a language lover or you're intrigued by the Bible, you'll appreciate Ruden's vivid and entertaining explanations. |
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| Protestants: The Faith That Made the Modern World by Alec RyrieMarking 500 years since Martin Luther unintentionally launched the Protestant Reformation, Christian History professor Alec Ryrie surveys Protestantism's impact on European civilization. Crediting the movement with promoting free speech and the sovereignty of individual conscience, Ryrie addresses developments that range from the emergence of democratic government to contemporary controversies such as legalized abortion and the challenges of secularism. Ryrie, a licensed lay preacher in the Church of England, addresses controversial subjects candidly and with an engaging and accessible tone that will appeal to non-specialists. |
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A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects: Bringing the Spiritual to Its Senses
by S. Brent Plate
In A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects, author Brent Plate, who teaches religious studies at Hamilton College, considers the significance of five specific objects in a variety of religious and spiritual experiences throughout history. First delving into the concept of "half," which represents humans' sense of incompleteness, he then describes how the five (stones, incense, drums, crosses, and bread) have enhanced religious experience through the senses and through their use in organized rituals and individual devotions. This compact and accessible volume illuminates the appreciation of religious practices and offers inspiration to those looking for insight into spiritual matters.
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| The Heathen School: A Story of Hope and Betrayal in the Age of the Early Republic by John DemosIn The Heathen School, acclaimed historian John Demos chronicles the work of a special Connecticut school founded in the 1820s for non-Christian ("heathen") boys from North America and around the world. The idea was that the children educated at these schools would promote Christianity in their home communities and that introducing the students to European-Americans would moderate prejudices against non-Europeans. Demos' riveting narration relates both the school's successes and some unforeseen -- and unfortunate -- outcomes of this well-intentioned missionary effort. |
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| In the Shadow of the Sword: The Birth of Islam and the Rise of the Global Arab Empire by Tom HollandTracing the varied and complex influences of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity in the first few centuries A.D., acclaimed historian Tom Holland portrays shifts in Arab culture that led ultimately to the rise of Islam. Holland shows how the teachings recorded in the Qur'an offered God's prophecies to those willing to listen. This "smoothly composed history and fine scholarship" (Kirkus Reviews) offers a plausible explanation for the success of Islam and the rise of Arab political power. |
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New Hanover County Library
201 Chestnut Street Wilmington, North Carolina 28401 910-798-6301 www.nhclibrary.org |
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