| 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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Introduction to Islam
by Tariq Ramadan
Tariq Ramadan walks readers through Islam and its principles, rituals, diversity, and evolution. Ramadan, known for his efforts to reform and change the understanding of Islam in the West, avoids ideology and idealism, instead attempting to depict the true meaning of Islam for readers who have no previous experience with the religion. The book is therefore focused on defining the basic principles of Islam and offering an overview of the faith's history.
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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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Advice not given : a guide to getting over yourself
by Mark Epstein
The Harvard-trained psychologist and author of The Trauma of Everyday Life explores how the traditions of Buddhism and Western psychotherapy can complement each other to promote a healthier ego and maximize the human potential for living a better life.
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| Flunk. Start. Reclaiming My Decade Lost in Scientology by Sands HallWhat it is: a candid memoir of a woman's seven years in the Church of Scientology.
Is it for you? Readers looking for a scathing exposé should look elsewhere (try Lawrence Wright's sobering Going Clear), but those who want a thoughtful examination of what was ultimately the wrong choice (and why she stayed for so long) will appreciate the author's spiritual journey. |
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| Paul: A Biography by N.T. WrightWhat it's about: Combining solid scholarship of what is known about the apostle Paul with a careful reading of the writings he left behind, Anglican bishop N.T. Wright provides both a biography and an examination of Paul's intentions.
Reviewers say: Written "not for the skeptic but for the believer" (Kirkus Reviews), this is a thought-provoking analysis that will inform interested readers and likely prompt debate amongst scholars. |
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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 Bible for grown-ups : a new look at the good book
by Simon Loveday
The Bible for Grown-Ups neither requires, nor rejects, belief. It sets out to help intelligent adults make sense of the Bible – a book that is too large to swallow whole, yet too important in our history and culture to spit out.
Why do the creation stories in Genesis contradict each other? Did the Exodus really happen? Was King David a historical figure? Why is Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus so different from Luke’s? Why was St Paul so rude about St Peter?
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Jesus on trial : a lawyer affirms the truth of the gospel
by David Limbaugh
A New York Times best-selling author and practicing attorney applies his lifetime of legal experience to a unique new undertaking: making a case for the gospels as hard evidence of the life and work of Jesus Christ.
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Revelations : visions, prophecy, and politics in the book of Revelation
by Elaine H. Pagels
An exploration of the history of the controversial biblical book places Revelations in a historical first-century context, reinterpreting the book as a scathing attack on the decadence of Rome that was subsequently adopted by early Christians as a weapon against heresy.
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The case for the Psalms : why they are essential
by N. T. Wright
Providing the historical, literary and spiritual contexts for reading these hymns from ancient Israel's songbook, one of the world's most trusted Bible scholars presents a manifesto for why all Christians should live and pray the Bible's Psalms.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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