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Spirituality and ReligionJanuary 2015
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"I would say that one encounters God walking, moving, seeking Him and allowing oneself to be sought by Him." ~ from Pope Francis and Abraham Skorka's On Heaven and Earth
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New and Recently Released!
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| Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence by Karen ArmstrongIn Fields of Blood, acclaimed writer Karen Armstrong offers insight into the connections between religion and violence. A comprehensive history, it explores the use of violence in early human communities and shows how religion was later employed to justify it. As religion evolved, its adherents (especially in Christianity and Islam) promoted principles of love and non-violence, but despite these core teachings religion often takes the blame for terrorism and political oppression. Armstrong's expertise in religious studies contributes to her "definitive voice in defense of the divine" (Kirkus Reviews), which rebuts those who assert that religion's influence is necessarily harmful. |
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| Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age by James CarrollAward-winning religion columnist James Carroll examines Christian doctrine about Jesus Christ in Christ Actually, looking for an interpretation that makes sense in the post-Holocaust and post-Hiroshima era. Concluding that Jesus' identity as a Jew has been neglected or obscured by the Church, he analyzes the record in the New Testament, emphasizing Jesus' relationship with John the Baptist and Paul's Jewish training. Though Carroll's scholarship does not break new ground, he makes Jesus and Christian faith newly relevant for the 21st century in this thoughtful and engaging book. |
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| Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace by Anne LamottNovelist and essayist Anne Lamott offers her observations on life in this collection of essays, deploying her trademark humor to craft insightful commentary on the challenges and rewards of her Christian faith. Depicting her spiritual journey as a step-by-step adventure, she reveals her fears and doubts and celebrates her achievements through vivid anecdotes that accurately connect with her readers' lives. Established Lamott fans and those new to her writing will find quiet inspiration as well as exuberant joy in these pages. |
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| Village of Secrets: Defying the Nazis in Vichy France by Caroline MooreheadA small mountain village in France, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, has a long heritage of dealing with religious persecution because of its Huguenot roots. Moved by this tradition, Protestant Pastor André Trocmé inspired the townspeople to shelter victims of Nazi persecution during World War II. Besides hiding refugees in their homes, the villagers risked their own safety by providing other protective services, which included guiding people through the mountains into Switzerland. Author Caroline Moorehead draws on interviews with survivors as well as archival records to bring this heroic tale to life. |
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| Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Anna Whiston-DonaldsonIn Rare Bird, author Anna Whiston-Donaldson relates the depths of her grief after her 12-year-old son Jack's death. She frankly discusses the effects of this loss on her relationship with her husband, her unexpected feelings of shame, and her certainty -- despite her devastation -- that she was protected by God's love. She also describes how she learned new ways to relate to God. Readers who have experienced such a loss will especially appreciate this memoir, which will also offer their friends insight into the experience of grief. For another wise and moving exploration of a parent's bereavement, read Richard Lischer's Stations of the Heart. |
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Books You Might Have Missed
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| Hanukkah in America: A History by Dianne AshtonIn Hanukkah in America, religion scholar Dianne Ashton offers a cultural history of American Judaism as she describes the heightened importance of Hanukkah in the U.S. Though this festival is historically a minor Jewish religious observance, American Jews have made it more prominent for a variety of reasons -- not just because of its proximity to Christmas. Immigration to the U.S. and assimilation to American culture have prompted Jewish families to look for religious observances that strengthen family ties, and Hanukkah effectively fills this role. This thoroughly researched book engagingly provides information on Hanukkah's history and practice, from its origin to recent American influences. |
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| Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here: Untold Stories from the Fight Against... by Karima BennouneFor three years, author Karima Bennoune traveled the globe, interviewing Muslims who have taken public stands against extremist Islamic fundamentalists. In Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here, human rights specialist Bennoune recounts what she learned from interviews in Algeria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, South Asia, and other Islamic regions. She refutes misrepresentations of Islamic doctrine, critiques Europeans and Americans who accept moderate-seeming fundamentalist groups such as Egypt's Islamic Brotherhood, and illuminates the courage of those who resist both fundamentalist Muslims and prejudiced Westerners. Anyone interested in a balanced understanding of Islam will find this a valuable resource. |
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| On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church... by Pope Francis and Abraham SkorkaCardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, and Rabbi Abraham Skorka (a religion scholar and biophysicist) recorded a series of their conversations about a range of topics, sharing their religious views and discussing moral issues such as the Holocaust, euthanasia, sexual abuse by priests, and the future of religion. Published in Spanish in 2010, their open and forthright comments offer insight into issues important to Jewish-Christian dialogue and the views of Pope Francis. Be sure to pick up this translation for a thought-provoking, accessible dialog on religious questions of general interest. |
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| Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric MetaxasClearly explaining his definition of "manhood" and stating that his own "greatest role model is Jesus," bestselling author Eric Metaxas portrays seven men who he thinks provide ideal examples of manhood. Those whose life stories appear in this book represent particular personal qualities and ideals of service to others, which Metaxas hopes will inspire men in the present day, and each brief, witty biography includes captivating little-known details. Though Seven Men profiles Christians, readers who profess different faiths can still find inspiration here and emulate the men's "more laudable qualities," according to Publishers Weekly. |
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| The Bonobo and the Atheist: In Search of Humanism Among the Primates by Frans de WaalIn The Bonobo and the Atheist, primatologist Frans de Waal relates his observations on moral behavior in chimpanzees and bonobos. Based on his research (which includes humans and other species) de Waal concludes that altruism is a common natural impulse. He refutes the commonly held view that moral behavior depends on self-interest, and offers an "intimate and joyful series of proofs" (Kirkus Reviews) that people are naturally motivated to build civil societies. Emphasizing the usefulness of religion in such societies, de Waal appeals to atheists (like himself) to be more accepting of believers. Readers interested in science or religion shouldn't miss this book. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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