News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Angels feature as a theme in this month’s recent acquisitions, together with religions in Korea and China, and the latest Rob Bell.

Spiritual letters, by Wendy Beckett.
“Apart from her celebrity status as the art nun, fueled by her popular television programs and prolific writing, Sister Wendy has been approached throughout her life for counsel on the spiritual life and the life of prayer. Here, for the first time, are collected some of the finest of her responses in the form of letters, kept and treasured by their recipients over the years. Sister Wendy herself has written a charming and very personal autobiographical preface in which she sets these letters in their context. This little book is a treasure trove of wisdom and sound simple advice.” (drawn from the publisher’s description)

What we talk about when we talk about God : finding a new faith for the twenty-first century, by Rob Bell.
“While in the past Bell has questioned traditional views on sex, sacrifice, and hell, now he tackles the big one: God. He writes of “waking up in new ways to the God who’s been here the whole time,” a divine being who is with, for and ahead of humanity so that a jaded generation of “spiritual but not religious” may see Jesus, and divinity, in all things. As always, his work is replete with unexpected stories, relevant pop culture references, and new takes on old scriptures; Bell is finally certain about his ontological uncertainty. Undoubtedly, conservative readers will find much to argue with, and Bell seems content with that, hoping that for many others, this book will be a welcome breath of fresh air in a spiritual haze. Agent: Chris Ferebee (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.” (Publisher Weekly)

Sharing Eden : green teachings from Jews, Christians and Muslims, by by Natan Levy, David Shreeve and Harfiyah Haleem ; edited by Lindsay Swan.
“Six green issues, including climate change, energy, and food, are discussed in terms of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious imperatives to care for the world. … After the faith groups’ theoretical concerns with each topic have been stated briefly, a list of exemplary responses already in effect internationally but largely in Britain is provided. Then comes a solid set of suggestions for the reader to consider undertaking, either alone or with his or her congregation. Studded with beautifully reproduced nature photos, this book is quick to read but has much for individuals and groups to digest and consider as options for bringing faith-based responses to environmental care.” (drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics)

Understanding Chinese religions, by Joachim Gentz.
“Chinese religions are often represented as a unity in which each tradition possesses a number of features typical of a Chinese religious system. … Abundant historical material makes Chinese religions a highly interesting case. With their entirely different philosophical and political context Chinese religions are a challenging field of analysis for Western systematic questions and theories of religion. There is a rich and expanding scholarship in Chinese religions.” (drawn from the Syndetics summary)

The seven-point mind training : a Tibetan method for cultivating mind and heart, by B. Alan Wallace ; edited by Zara Houshmand.
“At the heart of the Seven-Point Mind Training lies the transformation of the circumstances that life brings us, however hard as the raw material from which we create our own spiritual path. The central theme of the Seven-Point Mind Training is to make the liberating passage from the constricting solitude of self-centeredness to the warm kinship with others which occurs with the cultivation of cherishing others. This Mind Training is especially well-suited for an active life. It helps us to reexamine our relationships – to family, friends, enemies, and strangers – and gradually transform our responses to whatever life throws our way.” (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Waking up in Heaven : a true story of brokenness, Heaven, and life again, by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski.
Recounts the story of a young mother who underwent an intense near-death experience after she became unresponsive during a medical emergency, as she discusses the hardships of her past and the impact of the experience on her life.

Angels are for real : inspiring, true stories and biblical answers, by Judith MacNutt.
Angels – are they real or just part of our imagination? In her newest book, Judith MacNutt tackles this topic with Biblical information and real life stories. We pray about many things and don’t always notice how the prayer is answered. Angels could be at work. Have you ever had an experience where you know someone stopped you before a horrible accident? or, lost something that miraculously was found? These are just two of the ways angels could be working in your life. … The research that Ms. MacNutt has done will inspire you. (drawn from www.goodreads.com.)

An angel to watch over me : true stories of children’s encounters with angels, by Joan Wester Anderson.
If Jesus himself taught that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children, there’s no reason in the world not to believe that God can reveal his love to little ones through angels. More than 30 stories of children’s experiences with celestial beings are shared in this book — from a boy whose angels helps him conquer his fear of thunderstorms to a girl who is miraculously rescued from her burning home. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

From Gabriel to Lucifer : a cultural history of angels, by Valery Rees.
For sceptics, angels may be no more than metaphors: poetic devices to convey, at least for those with a religious sensibility, an active divine interest in creation. But for others, angels are absolutely real creatures: manifestations of cosmic power with the capacity either to enlighten or annihilate those whose awestruck paths they cross. (Syndetics summary)

Silence : a Christian history, by Diarmaid MacCulloch.
“The New York Times bestselling author of Christianity explores the vital role of silence in the Christian story. … MacCulloch shows how Jesus chose to emphasize silence as an essential part of his message and how silence shaped the great medieval monastic communities of Europe. He also examines the darker forms of religious silence, from the church’s embrace of slavery and its muted reaction to the Holocaust to the cover-up by Catholic authorities of devastating sexual scandals. A groundbreaking work that will change our understanding of the most fundamental wish to be heard by God, Silence gives voice to the greatest mysteries of faith.” (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Religion in Korea : harmony and coexistence, by Robert Koehler ; editor, Jang Woo-jung ; copy editor, Colin A. Mouat, Daisy Larios.
“Korea is a remarkable case study in religious coexistence. Even though only about half the country identifies as religious, the half that does displays a remarkable diversity of both indigenous and imported faiths, including Buddhism and Christianity (of both the Catholic and Protestant varieties). Korean religious pluralism is no recent phenomenon. Koreans have respected religious diversity since ancient times. Indeed…This book surveys the rich religious and spiritual tapestry that is contemporary Korea. We begin with the earliest of Korean faiths the shamanism that prehistoric Koreans brought with them as they migrated to the peninsula from Central Asia and continue on to today’s most prominent faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism. Korea has given birth to a large number of indigenous faiths, and we will take a look at some of these, too.” (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Slaying the dragons : destroying myths in the history of science and faith, by Allan Chapman.
“From the leading scientists of medieval times, many in holy orders, to the seventeenth-century popes who maintained an astronomical observatory in the Vatican, to the Christian people of science today, science and faith have grown up together”–Back cover.

Pentecostal spirituality, the latest Joyce Meyer, and studying Hinduism are featured in this April edition.

The Devil within : possession & exorcism in the Christian West, by Brian P. Levack.
“In this riveting, readable study, Levack (The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe), a history professor at the University of Texas, Austin, offers readers a comprehensive view of reports of demon possession and efforts to rid victims of it. Focusing on the years leading up to and including 17th century Europe, a period the author cites as “the golden age of the demoniac,” readers come away from this book amazed at the extent to which demon possession permeated a deeply superstitious Europe. … And while the role of exorcist is sufficiently well known in Catholic circles, readers will be surprised at how common they were in Protestant societies. This is must-reading for students of history, psychology and religion.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Discovering the city of Sodom : the fascinating, true account of the discovery of the Old Testament’s most infamous city, by Steven Collins and Latayne C. Scott.
“Despite the prevailing view among scholars that Sodom and Gomorrah were mythical, Collins maintains that the cities actually existed and reports on his search for them, eventually settling on a location, Tell el-Hammam, north of the Dead Sea in present-day Jordan. Although finely argued, Collins’s work originates from an unapologetically religious point of view, and his assumption of the historicity of certain biblical tales, for instance the Exodus, will prove controversial to many scholars and skeptics. … Collins’s work will be contested in the academy. Recommended for general readers, particularly those with an interest in archaeology or biblical studies. (drawn from Library Journal, courtesy of Syndetics)

Cosmic healing : a spiritual journey with Aaron and John of God, by Barbara Brodsky and Aaron.
“With the onset of sudden profound deafness at the age of twenty-nine, Barbara Brodsky set out on a path to understand the nature of illness and healing, examining the interrelationship of mind and body and our capacity to transcend limitation. A nationally known dharma teacher who first began meditating in the ’60s, Brodsky discovered an entirely new path on her healing journey when her channeling of the spirit Aaron began in 1989. Brodsky’s personal narrative is interspersed with Buddhist teachings, channeled material from Aaron, exercises for the reader, and an account of her experiences with the healer known as John of God (João Teixeira de Faria) at his teaching center, Casa de Dom Inácio, in Brazil. …. Book jacket.” (Syndetics summary)

The emergence of Islam : classical traditions in contemporary perspective, by Gabriel Said Reynolds.
“Gabriel Said Reynolds organizes his study in three parts, beginning with Muhammad’s early life and rise to power, showing the origins and development of the Qur’an with a distinctive, if unique, juxtaposition between the Qur’an and biblical literature, and concluding with an overview of modern and fundamentalist narratives of Islam’s origin…Includes chapter summaries, questions for review and discussion, photos, maps, suggested readings, glossary, and timeline” (drawn from the publisher’s description).

Heaven is real but so is Hell : an eyewitness account of what is to come, by Vassula Rydén.
“Internationally renowned speaker, author and mystic Vassula Ryden takes the reader into the supernatural world where she has experienced the hidden forces that affect every moment of our lives. It features her amazing encounters with both good and evil forces and reveals profoundly important messages for all humanity, largely hidden until now. Sometimes harrowing, but filled with hope, it answers many of the questions that people have been asking for thousands of years and at the same time offers a glimpse into God’s love and justice, and of what is soon to come.” –Publisher.

Cults : a reference and guide, by James R. Lewis.
“Examines the status of cults across the United States, Europe, and East Asia. Focusing on the principal controversial religions and movements that have attracted major media attention, the book also includes profiles of hundreds of minority religions, from Jesus People and Rastafarians to voodoo practitioners and the human-cloning Raelians. …Cults presents a comprehensive and authoritative reference, offering a balanced view of the controversy surrounding these new religious movements, assessing the movements themselves as well as the legal and governmental responses to them, including attempts to quantify membership.” (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Christian peoples of the Spirit : a documentary history of Pentecostal spirituality from the early church to the present, edited by Stanley M. Burgess.
“In this anthology, Burgess (Regent Univ.)…, provides readers with a compelling defense of his thesis, based on documented testimony, that Pentecostalism – defined as manifestations of spiritual gifts and Pentecostal-like worship and experience – has been an ongoing phenomenon throughout church history. … This collection – organized into the ancient, medieval, early modern, and contemporary periods – includes an eclectic and provocative selection of writings that eschew strict orthodoxy while emphasizing the witness to the presence of Pentecostalism. Thus, along with Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Wesley, and Pope Paul VI, readers encounter the Cathars, Shakers, E. G. White, Joseph Smith, and snake handlers. … overall the documents enrich and broaden understanding of Pentecostal experiences ….” (drawn from Choice, courtesy of Syndetics)

Firsthand : ditching secondhand religion for a faith of your own, by Ryan & Josh Shook.
An exploration in which “the brothers tell about growing up in church only to realize that ‘how things are supposed to be’ had stopped working for them. So they set out to find what makes a young person’s Christian faith stick – or not – and in the process, asked hundreds of other people, young and old, some really hard questions, like ‘If God is real, then why do I feel empty?’”–Dust jacket flap.

Making good habits, breaking bad habits : 14 new behaviors that will energize your life, by Joyce Meyer.
“In this work the author examines the nature of habits and provides guidance for listeners seeking to break bad habits. She argues that any immediate gratification gained from bad habits is outweighed by the spiritual toll they take on an individual. Here, she introduces fourteen fulfilling habits that she suggests using to replace the bad ones. She explains that by implementing the good habits, listeners will become spiritually fulfilled and will have no use for bad habits.” (Syndetics summary)

Studying Hinduism in practice, edited by Hillary Rodrigues.
“Drawing on personal experiences of Hinduism on the ground, this book provides a reflective context within which religious practices can be understood and appreciated. It conveys the rich realities of the Hindu tradition and the academic approaches through which they are studied. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including dance, music, performance, festival traditions, temples, myth, philosophy, women ’s practices, and divine possession. …. All the entries are accompanied by photographs and suggestions for further reading.” (Syndetics summary)

Astonished : a story of evil, blessings, grace, and solace, by Beverly Donofrio.
In the middle of her vibrant Mexican town, amid good friends, margaritas at sunset, salsa, yoga, mariachis, even before the rapist arrived, a midlife crisis had been brewing. Failed relationships, worn-out dreams, and wavering religious beliefs had tinged her life with despair, flat-lined it to gray. No longer sustained by the religious practices that had nourished her for years, she missed God and had been searching on the Internet for a monastery she might join. Now, as the worst thing imaginable happened, she turned to prayer. – drawn from the cover p.[2]

Arguments for and against God, or same sex relationships, both feature in this month’s arrivals to the library collection.

Rastafarian children of Solomon : the legacy of the Kebra Nagast and the path to peace and understanding, by Gerald Hausman.
“Hausman came to know Jamaica from the “inside out,” developing deep friendships with an intriguing cast of Rastas, who trace their lineage to King Solomon, “the wisest man on earth.” … Rastafarian spiritual wisdom, recounted here in authentic Jamaican patois, emphasizes equality: an unwavering faith and hope in the holy spirit that lives in each human being. As followers of the Kebra Nagast-the African gospel excised from the King James version of the Bible-these Rasta “old ways” are epitomized by a statement from Jesus: “According to your faith, be it unto you.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Bible, gender, sexuality : reframing the church’s debate on same-sex relationships, by James V. Brownson.
*Starred Review in Booklist* “In an outstanding presentation of academic scholarship to general readers, Brownson, a New Testament professor, does indeed, as the subtitle avers, reframe biblical debate about same-sex relationships. … we discover the scriptures’ wisdom in the presence of new questions and points out the shortcomings of both traditional and revisionist positions on the Bible and homosexuality. …Out of rigorous inspection, then, Brownson establishes that what the Bible condemns is same-sex abuse, and that the moral logic that applies to abuse doesn’t speak to the committed, loving, consecrated same-sex relationships we see today. Demanding focused but not labored reading, this strikes to the heart of the Bible-versus-homosexuality fracas.” (drawn from Booklist courtesy of Syndetics)

Astrology and cosmology in the world’s religions, by Nicholas Campion.
“… This new volume reviews a mixed bag of world literature. Many of his sources are themselves interpretations. He touches upon texts that bear on origins, stars, climatological phenomena, navigation, and just about anything else that relates to peoples’ apprehension of the sky. Campion packs the cultures of whole continents into single chapters, juxtaposing living belief systems, such as many of those in India, in one chapter, with those of ancient Babylon in the next chapter. The book is crammed with information, occasionally punctuated by interpretation or analysis. …. Summing Up: Recommended. Public and general libraries.” (drawn from Choice, courtesy of Syndetics)

The Gospel according to Bob Dylan : the old, old story for modern times, by Michael J. Gilmour.
“Since the early 1960s, music fans have found Bob Dylan’s spirituality fascinating, and many of them have identified Dylan as a kind of spiritual guru. This book examines Dylan’s mystique, asking why audiences respond to him as a spiritual guide.” (Syndetics summary)

Kingdom of fools : the unlikely rise of the early church, by Nick Page.
“Fools. Rebels. Ignorant peasants. That’s how the Roman world saw the first Christians. Led by fishermen, tax collectors and renegade Pharisees, the first Christians shunned power and welcomed the poor and uneducated. Roman commentators mocked their upside-down values, but the apostle Paul – himself a Roman citizen, and a Pharisee to boot, affirmed that ‘God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise.’ Its followers were persecuted and its leaders killed, yet this ragged collection of lowly tradesmen, women, slaves – and a smattering of turncoat high-born Jews – created a movement that changed the world. How did this happen? …” (Drawn from Synetics summary)

Understanding Taoism : origins, beliefs, practices, holy texts, sacred places, by Jennifer Oldstone-Moore.
“Understanding Shinto provides a succinct, authoritative and accessible introduction to one of the great religious traditions. The book is organize around nine key themes: Origins and Historical Development, Aspects of the Divine, Sacred Texts, Sacred Persons, Ethical Principles, Sacred Spaces Sacred Time, Death and the Afterlife, and Society and Religion. Each of these themes is supplemented by extracts from or summaries of historical texts with an author commentary that explains the significance of each piece or places it in context…” (Syndetics summary)

Finding the mind : a Buddhist view, by Robin Cooper.
“How does Buddhism view consciousness? This approachable introduction considers the nature of the mind, asking questions about the Buddhist search for the “I” that gazes out on the world and experiences it.” (Syndetics summary)

The narrow way : a memoir of coming out, getting clean and finding Buddha, by Chris Lemig.
A personal memoir of Chris Lemig who finds “sanity and healing in the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and without looking back, sets off on an inspired pilgrimage to India and Nepal. The Narrow Way is the harrowing and sometimes beautiful story of a man who lost his mind only to find it again in a strange new religion, in a strange new place, halfway across the world.” (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Dreaming, by Barbara A. Holmes.
“Dreaming is an ordinary practice that weaves the mystery of consciousness into everyday life. On any given night, we can experience lucid visions, nightmares, or prophetic dreams that invite us to see the world differently. Christians are betrothed to a God who dreams. As the book of Genesis unfolds, we find God busily untangling the chaos in the cosmos. …. This book connects Christian traditions and dream stories to our everyday lives so that we might engage the mysteries of life” — Publisher description.

God : a story of revelation, by Deepak Chopra.
“In Deepak Chopra’s powerful, groundbreaking, and imaginative new work, a unique blend of storytelling and teaching, the New York Times bestselling author explores the evolution of God. By capturing the lives of ten historical prophets, saints, mystics, and martyrs who are touched by a divine power, Chopra reveals a riveting portrait of a constantly changing God. …Tearing at our hearts and uplifting our souls, “God” leads us to a profound and life-altering understanding about the nature of belief, the power of faith, and the spirit that resides within us all.” (drawn from Syndetics summary)

The God argument : the case against religion and for humanism, by A. C. Grayling.
“In his 31st book, the eminent English philosopher re-examines the arguments for and against God and falls firmly in the camp of the nonbelievers. There is not a lot of new ground covered here – Kant, Descartes, Hume and Locke all fall under the microscope, and Grayling has intelligently tackled religious belief in a long list of other books, including The Good Book (2011). … Until Grayling and other atheist writers recognize that religious believers, too, have brains that can be appealed to and must also be reached not only with emotion, his book and others like it are just more preaching to the atheist choir.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

The Pope’s last crusade : how an American Jesuit helped Pope Pius XI’s campaign to stop Hitler, by Peter Eisner.
“Draws on new archival research to examine Pope Pius XI’s effort to reject Nazism, discussing how he enlisted the assistance of John La Farge, a virtually unknown American Jesuit, to craft a papal encyclical condemning Hitler’s campaign against the Jews” (Syndetics summary) “This engrossing look behind the scenes of the Vatican at a pivotal moment in world history will appeal to history buffs.” (drawn from Library Journal, courtesy of Syndetics)

Is God happy? Why priests? What is it really like behind the scenes in the Vatican? This month’s recent arrivals ponder these topics, as well as covering an Amish childhood and life inside Scientology.

The Vatican diaries : a behind-the-scenes look at the power, personalities, and politics at the heart of the Catholic Church, by John Thavis.
“Focusing on the reigns of John Paul II and Benedict XVI (neither of whom come off well here), Thavis reveals a great deal about how the Vatican bumbles along. Each chapter focuses on a particular mishap, so readers are sure to be intrigued, whether by “Bones” – the story of how a priceless archeological find almost fell to the expansion of the Vatican’s parking spaces – or a profile of Father Reginald Foster, the Vatican’s rebellious, mouthy (and deeply gifted) chief Latinist. …. Given such insight, readers may wish that Thavis had provided his own perspective on if, and how, he kept his own faith while working in such an environment.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

The utter relief of holiness : how God’s goodness frees us from everything that plagues us, by John Eldredge.
“… For those who feel guilt or a weight of past sins, the book includes instruction about how to confess, seek forgiveness, and receive cleansing in order to live the holiness of God. The tone is at times strident and preacherly, but sincere and based in the teachings of Christ. He rails against “convenient” doubt: “Take notice just how convenient ‘doubt’ is for you…. Doubt is not a virtue. Doubt is not humility. Doubt is doubt. It is unbelief. Jesus understands doubt, and he wants us to get past it, not embrace it for heaven’s sake.” Ever full of gusto and nerve, Eldredge is as strict and orthodox a pastor as A.W. Tozer, but with hiking boots and a zipline.” (Drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

The tragedy of the Templars : the rise and fall of the Crusader states, by Michael Haag.
“In 1187, nearly a century after the victorious First Crusade, Saladin captured Jerusalem. The Templars, headquartered on the Temple Mount, were driven from the city along with the Frankish population. This book explores the rise and fall of the Templars against the backdrop of the Crusader ideal and their settlement venture in Outremer.” – Publisher’s description.

Is God happy? : selected essays, by Leszek Kolakowski.
“… Born in Poland, in 1927, he lived through the German occupation of WWII and much of the Communist totalitarian state that followed, witnessing firsthand some of the greatest evil of the twentieth century. The essays selected for inclusion here demonstrate his vast range. The collection’s title is taken from the title of an essay in which Kolakowski offers his unique analysis of the age-old problem of reconciling human suffering with a compassionate god. The same freshness and originality are found in the other essays, which address such topics as natural law, totalitarianism, truth, history, and reason, along with selections from his withering critiques of Marxism. This is philosophy at its best; namely, engaging, thoughtful, timely, challenging, and eminently readable. (drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics)

Why priests? : a failed tradition, by Garry Wills.
Garry Wills spent five years as a young man at a Jesuit seminary and nearly became a priest himself. So this is not a Protestant critique but arising within a sympathetic Catholic tradition. His main thesis is that the anonymous Letter to Hebrews (and later interpretations) elevated the view of priesthood in Christianity to a place where it did not exist. How is Jesus present at the Eucharist? This detailed discussion is likely to appeal to an ecumenical audience.

The great agnostic : Robert Ingersoll and American freethought, by Susan Jacoby.
“Journalist and atheist intellectual Jacoby (Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism) recaps the Gilded Age career of Robert Green Ingersoll, an influential lawyer and liberal Republican orator dubbed “The Great Agnostic” for his wildly popular lectures on religion, evolution, and other hot-button issues. Her brisk, lucid study makes him an apostle of irreligion in the tradition of Thomas Paine: a minister’s son steeped in Christian doctrine, Ingersoll used folksy humor, clear expositions, and conversational language to extol science and condemn religious cant. (He lampooned the notion of intelligent design by touting cancer as the capstone of God’s plan.) … Jacoby is hardly neutral in that culture war, but her stimulating study shows that rationalist skepticism is as authentic and deep-seated as America’s fabled religiosity.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Beyond belief : my secret life inside Scientology and my harrowing escape, by Jenna Miscavige Hill with Lisa Pulitzer.
“Hill’s candid memories of growing up inside the Church of Scientology are notable not just for their detail but for the light they shed on an environment that fosters isolation, powerlessness, and privacy loss. … Although most of Hill’s extended family has left Scientology, her uncle, David Miscavige, is currently head of the Church. …Those looking for a glimpse into the celebrity side of Scientology will be disappointed; Hill primarily relates how celebrities are treated differently from the rest. Some readers may have difficulty believing such insular Scientology communities can exist in this age of access, but memoirs like Hill’s cast light on their internal practices.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

My Amish childhood, by Jerry S. Eicher.
“…The tale follows his family from 1968 to 1977, when they left the rules (or “ordnung”) of Amish society in Aylmer, Ontario, to start a new community in Honduras. Eicher unveils surprise after surprise, from his father’s being robbed at gunpoint to Eicher’s keeping a pet monkey as well as the realization that the Amish were the economic elite among their Third World peers. Readers will find they can, perhaps unexpectedly, relate to the politics of the Honduran Amish community and Eicher’s own struggles with stuttering and depression. Fans of his fiction will fall in love with the characters that form the basis for his novels.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Love does : discover a secretly incredible life in an ordinary world, by Bob Goff.
“… In a folksy and candid style that sometimes seems to beg for editorial ministrations, the writer spins some fascinating yarns, from the winsome sit-in that won him a place in law school to a family world tour prompted by questions his children sent global leaders after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Paired with reflections on God’s purposes and faithful living, the stories are engaging and often funny. However, a reader is left satiated, questioning whether perhaps a writer with a wider-angled lens and a tauter style could have tied the various strands together in a way that truly does this eccentric and apparently eternally hopeful man the justice he probably deserves. (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Spiritual healing, church history and mindfulness meditation all feature in this month’s selections. Don’t forget that our Gale database has many religions and beliefs periodicals in full text. Titles include : Interpretation, Islam & Science, Journal of religion and popular culture, Journal of theological studies and many more. Use your library card to login for free.

Nine lives : the Enneagram in life stories, by Eric Foggitt.
Why do we make the same mistakes over and over? Why do people make crazy choices? Can we change and grow up or are we like the proverbial leopard with his spots? In these nine short stories you’ll meet… a whole cast of [characters] who find out – eventually – that it is possible to change and grow. Each of the main characters is a different Enneagram type.

The complete Buddhism for mothers : Buddhism for mothers, Buddhism for mothers of young children, Buddhism for mothers of schoolchildren, by Sarah Napthali.
Become a calmer and happier mother with The Complete Buddhism For Mothers. Parenthood can be a time of great inner turmoil for a woman, yet parenting books invariably focus on nurturing children rather than the mothers who struggle to raise them. … In her clear and engaging way, Sarah Napthali takes us on a journey through the challenges (and the pleasures!) of raising children, using Buddhist teachings and principles to help her answer the eternal questions of mothers everywhere: Who am I now? Where am I going? And how can I do my best by my children and myself? … Even if exploring Buddhism at this busy stage of your life is not where you thought you’d be, it’s well worth reading this book. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

The first Muslim : the story of Muhammad, by Lesley Hazleton.
“It is surprising how little most people know about the life of the prophet Muhammad. Hazleton sets out to rectify that in this eminently readable biography. Relying on two biographies from the eighth and ninth centuries, as well as other sources, she presents Muhammad’s life as both history and story. It begins with a moving scene: Muhammad alone in the barren mountains, at night, praying and waiting. Who he is and how he came to be there are revealed in chapters that show him as an orphan in need of protection, as a young camel driver appreciated for his fairness, as a prophet touched by Allah, and as a political leader driven to bring the message to all those with ears to listen. … A highly readable, insightful biography.” Drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics.

Buddha’s book of sleep : sleep better in seven weeks with mindfulness meditation, by Joseph Emet ; [foreword by Thich Nhat Hanh].
Buddha’s Book of Sleep is the first book to treat sleep disorders from the perspective of mindfulness meditation. Yet this is a natural choice – mindfulness meditation has proven effective for other psychological problems such as stress, depression and anxiety and these very issues are what become sleep problems when our heads hit the pillow. Divided into two sections, this book attacks sleep disorders with a combination of wisdom and practical meditation exercises. … [this] will help the reader calm their hurried thoughts and rest easy. (description from Syndetics)

When “spiritual but not religious” is not enough : seeing God in surprising places, even the church, by Lillian Daniel.
“In this wise and witty collection, some of them short musings and others in-depth theological explorations, United Church of Christ pastor Daniels [writes] about people who feel compelled to tell her they find God in nature, as if Christians “never heard all those Old Testament psalms that praise God in the beauty of natural creation,” she dissects shallow, individualistic spirituality, and evokes the rough beauty of church where “we are stuck with one another.” Whether pondering the reality of never-completed jobs (like parenting), sharing lessons learned from teaching in Sing Sing prison, or describing her personal struggles with yoga and meditation through the lens of the Martha and Mary story, Daniels offers an honest, often hilarious perspective on faithful living….” (drawn from Publisher Weekly)

Jesus wars : how four patriarchs, three queens, and two emperors decided what Christians would believe for the next 1,500 years, by Philip Jenkins.
Historian Philip Jenkins tells the fascinating, violent story of the Church’s fifth century battles over ‘right belief’ that had a far greater impact on the future of Christianity and the world than the much-touted Council of Nicea convened by Constantine a century before. Over the last 2000 years, Christians have repeatedly struggled to resolve the tension between two seemingly rival claims: Jesus was fully human and yet fully divine. Never was the debate more central to Christianity than during the Church Councils of the fifth century…. (drawn from Syndetics)

In the footsteps of Jesus : a chronicle of his life and the origins of Christianity, by Jean-Pierre Isbouts.
“Using new archaeological discoveries, Isbouts takes readers on a trip back in time to uncover Jesus and the places where he lived, preached, and died. The first part of the book, The World of Jesus, looks at the larger Roman world as well as the locales that nurtured Jesus and his work. The text then goes on to trace the life of Jesus as he moved through Galilee, ending up in Jerusalem for his final days. The book concludes with a look at the Christian communities that sprang up throughout the Roman Empire. An epilogue tracks various pilgrimage routes. … Good for browsers and students of the period alike.” drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics.

The journey : a practical guide to healing your life and setting yourself free, by Brandon Bays.
“Diagnosed with a basketball-sized tumor in her uterus, Brandon Bays refused drugs and surgery, instead discovering a powerful direct path to the potent healing power of the soul. Six and a half weeks later, she was tumor free. …”–Back cover.

Once again, this selection covers a wide range – from the culture of Biblical times, to ethics, forgiveness and the latest from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Wisdom of compassion: stories of remarkable encounters and timeless insights
“An attendee at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s meetings all over the world and coauthor with him (The Wisdom of Forgiveness), Chan provides an insider’s account of the spiritual master’s teachings at venues large and small. “This is the Dalai Lama in context,” he writes, “live, unscripted, and at his most charismatic.” Encounters are arranged by theme: “Overcoming Adversity,” “Educating the Heart,” and “Compassion in Action.” … These inspiring dialogues communicate His Holiness’s worldwide appeal and essential commitment to compassion. (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Jews and words, by Amos Oz and Fania Oz-Salzberger.
“These four long essays – really more of a free-flowing conversation between the noted Israeli novelist and his daughter, a historian-focus primarily on the Jews as “a nation only by virtue of its texts,” from the Bible to the work of contemporary Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai – and the interpretations and argumentations that flow from them. The authors, secular Jews who are lovers of the Hebrew Bible, note that “Genesis, Isaiah, and Proverbs are our pyramids… our Gothic cathedrals… undemolished in the flow of time.” They look specifically at the role of “vocal women,” such as Eve and Lilith, in the Bible and biblical legends…. it will appeal to lay readers interested in a nonreligious Judaism based on contemporary readings of traditional and more modern Jewish texts. (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

The saint who would be Santa Claus : the true life and trials of Nicholas of Myra, by Adam C. English.
“Serving up a fresh look at St. Nicholas of Myra-of Santa Claus fame-English, (religion, Campbell Univ.; Theology Remixed: Christianity as Story, Game, Language, Culture) reexamines new evidence about the personal life and ministry of the saint whose acts of charity led to the legend of St. Nick…. Expertly weaving through the web of historical facts and legend, English does a solid job of fleshing out the life and ministry of this man who became a saint who still inspires today. This academic work is best suited for those who have knowledge of early church history. (drawn from Library Journal, courtesy of Syndetics)

Fool me twice : fighting the assault on science in America, by Shawn Lawrence Otto.
“Otto (founder and CEO, ScienceDebate.org) provides the latest defense of science in the ongoing culture wars. From the space program to the public debates on evolution and global warming, Otto makes the case that postmodern ideologies like the “marketplace of ideas” and the equality of different “ways of knowing” have resulted in a devaluation of scientific knowledge in the media, the general public, and the political spheres. Politicians, journalists, the public, and scientists themselves all share the blame for the shrinking role science plays in public discourse and policy….. Although overly polemic at times, the arguments are eloquent and the sources rigorous and thorough. The information contained in the book is critical to an informed electorate and enlightened policy makers. (drawn from CHOICE review, courtesy of Syndetics)

Paul and Jesus : how the Apostle transformed Christianity, by James D. Tabor.
“Historians know almost nothing about the two decades following the crucifixion of Jesus, when his followers regrouped and began to spread his message. During this time the apostle Paul joined the movement and began to preach to the gentiles. Using the oldest Christian documents that we have – the letters of Paul – as well as other early Christian sources, historian and scholar James Tabor reconstructs the origins of Christianity. Tabor shows how Paul separated himself from Peter and James to introduce his own version of Christianity, which would continue to develop independently of the message that Jesus, James, and Peter preached. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Not for happiness : a guide to the so-called preliminary practices, “plagiarised by” Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse.
“This stylish and wonderfully written guide to the so-called Preliminary Practises is not only very much written for and easily chewable by a western audience but also and most importantly is extremely profound and clear, all the way widening limited views and removing tons of misconceptions and misunderstandings about the Vajrayana path and Dharma practice in general. It is full of pith instructions suitable and fitting for this time and age Dharma practitioners. Every single Dharma practitioner interested in seriously engaging in the Vajrayana path should definitely take a good look at this timely masterwork by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.” (Amazon customer review)

The passionate Jesus : what we can learn from Jesus about love, fear, grief, joy and living authentically, by Peter Wallace.
“The author (Living Loved: Knowing Jesus as the Lover of Your Soul) is a gay Episcopal priest who looks at Christ through the lens of a Bible scholar. Knowing the text of the Bible is the key to knowing Jesus. “In all four gospels, strong and emotionally intense language dominates the Passion narratives,” Wallace writes. For the reader looking for a Bible study, the author goes deeply into the scriptures that convey a loving Christ, seeking to portray Jesus as a man with human characteristics, a Jesus who is vividly there in times of fear and grief and joy….This book will appeal to the reader looking for a deep Bible meditation.” (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Ethics, by Julian Baggini ; series editor, Simon Blackburn.
The Big Questions series is designed to let renowned experts confront the 20 most fundamental and frequently asked questions of a major branch of science or philosophy. In ‘The Big Questions: Ethics’ Julian Baggini, one of Britain’s best-known philosophers, condenses complex, contemporary issues of right and wrong into 20 key questions. He examines how we can start to answer them, what they might mean to us and how they influence the way we choose to live our lives. The ideas debated include : Can it ever be right to kill? Should euthanasia be legal? Do animals have rights? (drawn from goodreads.com)

Let it go : forgive so you can be forgiven, by T.D. Jakes.
This book explores forgiveness as an idea and at the same time offers specific and clear actions for readers who seek to apply the idea in their daily lives. Offenses are a part of life, he says. But conflicts can be resolved and relationships do have a future, if we learn how to forgive. No matter how great or small the injustice, Jakes shows how the matter can be put behind you for the sake of a better tomorrow if you can “Let It Go.”

A cultural handbook to the Bible, by John J. Pilch.
“Pilch, author of The Cultural Dictionary of the Bible (1999), provides Bible scholars and readers with another insightful collection of articles that helps place the Bible in a historically accurate cultural context. …Pilch has a knack for making potentially dry material lively and interesting, using pop-culture references like Garrison Keillor and Hollywood musicals to illustrate a particular point in a relevant and entertaining way. While this is first and foremost a reference book for those seeking to broaden their understanding of the Bible using current knowledge of Middle Eastern cultures, it may prove to be a draw for history buffs as well. (Drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics)

Unapologetic : Why, despite everything, Christianity can still make surprising emotional sense, by Francis Spufford.
“A book written for atheists. I was giggling all of the way through. A very sweary book but I think the language helps make his point. For once we have a defence of faith which is predicated not on nit picking arguments but rather on how it feels to believe, and how it feels right to the author. I identify with him a lot. I love the honesty of his writing. He has no pat answers. I’m sure many traditional Christians will be offended by this book. And that is sad. Couldn’t put it down…” Goodreads customer review.

Unleash! : breaking free from normalcy, by Perry Noble.
Why is it that we trust Jesus with our salvation but never fully trust him with our lives? God longs to unleash his full measure of power in our lives to fill us with passion and purpose. But too often the things of our past-fear, anger, bitterness, worry and doubt-hold us back. Rather than focusing on the reality of who Christ is and what he has done for us, we allow ourselves to be identified by all the things we aren’t. … Join Perry on this journey as he digs into the major barriers holding people back and shows how Jesus calls and equips his followers to experience a life most of us never dreamed possible. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

From the Kabbalah, to Camino de Santiago, divine compensation to overcome financial stress, or the Vatican’s secret plan to save Jews during World War Two, this month’s selection covers a wide range for your holiday reading and reflection.

Jesus of Nazareth : the infancy narratives, by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) ; translated by Philip J. Whitmore.
In 2007, Joseph Ratzinger published his first book as Pope Benedict XVI in order to ‘make known the figure and message of Jesus’. Now the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmation of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. … It is a story of sacrifice and trusting completely in the wisdom of God as seen in the faith of Simeon, the just and the devout man of Jerusalem, when he is in the presence of the Christ child. Ultimately, Jesus’ life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy and freedom. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Faitheist : how an atheist found common ground with the religious, by Chris Stedman.
In Faitheist, Stedman draws on his work organizing interfaith and secular communities, his academic study of religion, and his own experiences to argue for the necessity of bridging the growing chasm between atheists and the religious. As someone who has stood on both sides of the divide, Stedman is uniquely positioned to present a way for atheists and the religious to find common ground and work together to make this world – the one world we can all agree on – a better place. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

A message of hope from the angels, by Lorna Byrne.
Lorna Byrne sees angels with as much clarity as the rest of us see people, and she speaks to them every day. In this inspiring and uplifting book, Lorna reveals how we can call on the help of our angels to carry us through the challenges that we all inevitably face, including loneliness, depression, stress, financial strain, heartbreak, the death of a loved one, or feeling inadequate as a parent. No matter what obstacles we face, we can call on this support to make our lives happier and more fulfilling. (drawn from the publisher’s book description) We have also received Angels in my hair : a memoir by the same author.

And man created God : kings, cults, and conquests at the time of Jesus, by Selina O’Grady.
This text takes the reader on a geographical and intellectual journey across the evolving empires and kingdoms of the ancient world. Through evocations of individual rulers and holy men, Selina O’Grady shows how emperors sought to shape religion to their ends, and how religion shaped emperors and their subjects.

Understanding the mysteries of Kabbalah : exploring the ancient esoteric heart of Jewish mysticism : offers concise and practical insight into the foundations of Kabbalah and explores how it aims to deepen our connection with the universe and contribute to the search for awareness and true enlightenment, by Maggy Whitehouse.
This lavishly illustrated book covers the fascinating Kabbalah tradition, from its beginnings to its modern incarnation as a mystical path followed by many celebrities. It explains how the Tree of Life and Jacob’s Ladder are at the heart of Kabbalistic teaching, bridging the gap between humans and the divine. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

A pilgrim’s guide to the Camino de Santiago : St. Jean, Roncesvalles, Santiago : the Way of St. James : the ancient pilgrim path also known as Camino Francés, by John Brierley.
This comprehensive guidebook to the Camino de Santiago and its offshoots contains all the information needed by modern-day pilgrims wishing to walk the sacred Way of St. James. Overview route planners plus daily stage maps and detailed town plans help sojourners with all the advance preparation they need. The maps feature contour guides to help distinguish the terrain that will be crossed each day, while full information on all pilgrim hostels, as well as details for alternative accommodation, allow travelers to plot adequate nightly stopping points. All reference information is accompanied by helpful spiritual guidelines to support the seeker’s inner journey as well as the outer pilgrimage. Otherwise known as the Camino Frances, the main route covered in this volume is the most popular sacred route through Spain, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. (drawn from the publisher’s description).

The Dead Sea Scrolls : a biography, by John J. Collins.
This compact book, is not so much about what the Dead Sea Scrolls are but, rather, how the arguments around them have impacted Christianity, Judaism, and the wider world. Collins writes engagingly about the history of the Scrolls and examines the debates and conclusions that various scholars have put forth about who wrote the Scrolls, what the location of their discovery means, and the way the wide-ranging writings have been used to promote various positions. . . . A solid introduction that offers plenty of information. (drawn from Ilene Cooper, Booklist )

The Pope’s Jews : the Vatican’s secret plan to save Jews from the Nazis, by Gordon Thomas.
Accused of being “silent” during the Holocaust, Pope Pius XII and the Vatican of World War II are now subjected to closer examination in Gordon Thomas’s newest investigative work, The Pope’s Jews. Thomas’s careful research into new, first-hand accounts reveal an underground network of priests, nuns and citizens that risked their lives daily to protect Roman Jews. Investigating assassination plots, conspiracies, and secret conversions, Thomas unveils faked documentation, quarantines, and more extraordinary actions taken by Catholics and the Vatican. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

The law of divine compensation : on work, money, and miracles, by Marianne Williamson.
New Age thinker Marianne Williamson reveals the spiritual principles that help people overcome financial stress and unleash the divine power of abundance.

A year of Biblical womanhood : how a liberated woman found herself sitting on her roof, covering her head, and calling her husband “master”, by Rachel Held Evans ; cover photo by Maki Garcia Evans.
The author spends a year exploring traditional Biblical roles for women, including such activities as interviewing a polygamist’s wife, visiting an Amish school, abstaining from gossip, and corresponding with an Orthodox Jewish woman.

My sisters the saints : a spiritual memoir, by Colleen Carroll Campbell.
Author Colleen Carroll Campbell blends her personal narrative of spiritual seeking, trials, stumbles, and breakthroughs with the stories of six women saints who profoundly changed her life: Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Faustina of Poland, Edith Stein of Germany, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Mary of Nazareth. Drawing upon the rich writings and examples of these extraordinary women, the author reveals Christianity’s liberating power for women and the relevance of the saints to the lives of contemporary Christians. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Spiritual partnership : the journey to authentic power, by Gary Zukav.
“In his first major work since “The Seat of the Soul,” Zukav introduces a profound new relationship dynamic which enables and empowers individuals to reach their true potential and discover what Zukav calls authentic power.” (Syndetics summary)

The latest arrivals feature a relook at angels, The Shack, the latest Deepak Chopra, and getting to know your neighbours.

Blasphemy : the true, heartbreaking story of a woman sentenced to death over a cup of water, by Asia Bibi with Anne-Isabelle Tollet.
Punjab, Pakistan, June 2009. At midday Asia goes to the nearest well, picks up a cup and takes a long drink of cool water. .. Suddenly one of her fellow workers cries out that the water belongs to the Muslim women and that with her actions, Asia – who is Christian – has contaminated it…. ‘Blasphemy!’ someone shouts… Asia was soon after thrown into prison and then sentenced to be hanged. Since then she has been kept in a windowless cell. …only two public figures came to Asia’s defence: the Muslim governor of the Punjab and Pakistan’s Christian Minister for Minorities, both have since been brutally murdered. Here, in equal measures shocking and inspiring, Asia Bibi, who has become a symbol for everyone concerned with ending the violence committed in the name of religion, bravely speaks to us from her prison cell.

Angels all around us : a sightseeing guide to the invisible world, by Anthony DeStefano.“The increasing secularization of society has led, in the words of Pope Benedict XVI, to a sort of ‘eclipse of the sense of God.’ Anthony DeStefano’s book, Angels All Around Us, is a welcome attempt to remind Christians of truths which, though mentioned explicitly in the Gospel and belonging to the deposit of faith, in recent decades have been overshadowed.” Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Vatican City, Rome.

The shack revisited : there is more going on here than you ever dared to dream, by C. Baxter Kruger ; foreword by Wm. Paul Young.
Young’s novel, The Shack, has been embraced by Christians worldwide. Kruger explores this story of a man lifted from the depths of despair through his life-altering encounter with God, and guides readers into a deeper understanding of the core message of the novel: God is love. (summary courtesy of Syndetics)

If you’re lucky, your heart will break : field notes from a Zen life, by James Ishmael Ford.
Using anecdotes from his own life, with quotations drawn from sources as varied as the Bible, and stand-up comedy, Zen teacher and Unitarian Universalist minister James Ishmael Ford shares the gifts won over his lifetime of full-hearted engagement with the Zen path. If You’re Lucky, Your Heart will Break breathes new life into the Buddhist ideas of karma and rebirth – as well as the Buddhist precepts of ethical action – and finds for them kinship in other spiritual endeavours. Even the most cynical of hearts will find resonance in Ford’s compassionate presentation of basic human truths. (drawn from the publisher’s summary)

Jesus : a theography, by Leonard Sweet, Frank Viola.
Biographies of Jesus generally have been written by those trying to investigate the historical Jesus with little attention given to the grand narrative of Scripture. On the flip side, those interested in tracing the theology of Scripture are typically disinterested in historical Jesus studies. These two approaches have yet to converge…until now. Written for the average reader as well as scholars. (drawn from the book summary)

Is God an illusion? : the great debate between science and spirituality, by Deepak Chopra, Leonard Mlodinow.
Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Hawking have had a major impact on the loud and popular debate between ‘aggressive atheists’ and religion. Now ‘the rock star of the new spirituality’, Deepak Chopra, is entering this debate, sparring with leading physicist, Professor Leonard Mlodinow.

Drink, smoke, pass out : an unlikely spiritual journey, by Judith Lucy.
Judith Lucy’s Spiritual Journey takes us on Judith’s path from being a child so Catholic that she wanted to be a nun, to a genuinely curious adult looking for meaning via atheism, advanced yoga, astral travel and a whole lot more. Based on the popular ABC television series of the same name, this book features her trademark blend of her ‘brutal frankness and dazzling wit’ (The Age), and will appeal to anyone who has wondered about the bigger questions in life, as well as fans of her bestselling memoir, The Lucy Family Alphabet. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Evolution of the Word : reading the New Testament in the order it was written, by Marcus J. Borg.
Contents : A chronological New Testament — Before anything was written — Paul and his letters — Time line — 1 Thessalonians — Galatians — 1 Corinthians — Philemon — Philippians — 2 Corinthians — Romans — Mark — James — Colossians — Matthew — Hebrews — John — Ephesians — Revelation — Jude — 1 John — 2 John — 3 John — Luke — Acts — 2 Thessalonians — 1 Peter — 1 Timothy — 2 Timothy — Titus — 2 Peter.

The art of neighboring : building genuine relationships right outside your door, by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon.
Once upon a time, people knew their neighbours. We now choose to live among strangers, and it can be hard to make lasting connections with those who live right outside our front door, although we have hundreds of “friends” through online social networking. This unique and inspiring book asks the question: What is the most loving thing I can do for the people who live on my street or in my apartment building? Through compelling true stories of lives impacted, the authors show readers how to create genuine friendships with the people who live in closest proximity to them. (drawn from the publisher’s description)

The ultimate conversation : talking with God through prayer, by Charles F. Stanley.
Chapter headings include : A conversation with the great problem-solver : your priceless privilege — With whom are you speaking? : your perception of God will characterize your prayer life — The God who answers : He is faithful to show you His will — Listening to God, walking with God : the importance of learning the sound of His voice — Our helper in prayer : the Holy Spirit as our ambassador — How God uses silence : His message in the stillness — Talking to God on behalf of others : how to know you are praying God’s will — The answer to our hearts’ desires : accepting the challenge to wait.

The book of Job : when bad things happened to a good person, by Harold S. Kushner.
Draws on lessons from the Book of Job to offer advice on how to retain faith in the face of adversity and explains how to recognize controllable and uncontrollable factors.

The power of the Prophetic Blessing, by John Hagee.
“The power and permanence of the Prophetic Blessing has been clearly charted over the centuries in Scripture… This transforming supernatural blessing, when spoken by spiritual authority, has the power to sculpt your future! And as you’ll discover from Pastor John Hagee… the words of this blessing carry the power to revolutionize your life – and the lives of your children and grandchildren – for today, tomorrow, and forever, so that you may all experience spiritual, physical, emotional, and relational prosperity”–dust jacket.

Heretics, church conflicts, how to tame your tongue, and faces of compassion all feature in the recent arrivals to our beliefs shelves.

Brigham Young, pioneer prophet, by John G. Turner.
“*Starred Review* In 1859, Brigham Young declared, I love my religion above all things else. In recounting the life of a man whose devotion made him one of the titans of nineteenth-century America, Turner traces Young’s cautious investigation and then wholehearted acceptance of the radical gospel preached by the Latter-day Saints prophet Joseph Smith. This gospel meant not only a new volume of scripture (the Book of Mormon) but also priesthood ordinances sealing families in the eternities  … Turner’s broad historical perspective clarifies why Young’s ecclesiastical successors have still felt the man’s influence even after abandoning polygamy. An impressively detailed portrait of a controversial giant.   (drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics)

Change your words, change your life, by Joyce Meyer.
Words are a big deal. They are containers for power, and we have to decide what kind of power we want our words to carry, says the author. “I believe that our words can increase or decrease our level of joy. They can affect the answers to our prayers and have a positive or negative effect on our future. ….”  Topics include:  How to Tame Your Tongue ;  When to talk and when not to talk ; Speaking Faith and Not Fear ;  Do you really have to give your opinion? ; The importance of keeping your word ; The power of speaking God’s word.   (drawn from the publisher’s description)

The illustrated Bible retold and explained : from the Creation to the resurrection, editor-in-chief Father Michael Collins.
Sumptuously illustrated, this large book format book is a useful introduction to the stories of the Bible. It’s coverage extends well beyond the well-known favourite stories (e.g. Noah’s ark and Paul’s conversion). The illustrations complement the text well and include paintings, landscape photos and explanations of how people lived in Bible times, archaeology, historical artefacts, and specially commissioned maps.

Just one thing : developing a Buddha brain one simple practice at a time, by Rick Hanson.
You’ve heard the expression, “It’s the little things that count.” Research has shown that little daily practices can change the way your brain works, too. This book offers simple brain-training practices you can do every day to protect against stress, lift your mood, and find greater emotional resilience. Just One Thing is a treasure chest of over fifty practices created specifically to deepen your sense of well-being and unconditional happiness. Just one practice each day can help you: – Be good to yourself – Enjoy life as it is – Build on your strengths – Be more effective at home and work – Make peace with your emotions.

Jesus : an historical approximation, by José Antonio Pagola ; translated by Margaret Wilde.
Contents include :   A Galilean Jew — Life in Nazareth — A seeker of God — A prophet of the reign of God — A poet of compassion — A healer of life — Defender of the last — A friend of women — A teacher of life — Creator of a renewal movement — A faithful believer — Combative and dangerous — Martyr of the reign of God — Raised by God — Exploring the identity of Jesus. 

Embraced by God : celebrating who and whose you are, by Babbie Mason.
Babbie Mason shares her personal journey to understanding how very much God loved her, not as a singer or teacher but as His child. Here she equips readers to accept that love, and grow their confidence because of it… Babbie’s warm, creative and friendly approach will engage readers and encourage them on this blessed journey”  (drawn from goodreads)

Divine healing hands : experience divine power to heal you, animals, and nature, and to transform all life, by Zhi Gang Sha.
Zhi Gang Sha was born in China’s Shaanxi province and became interested in healing during childhood. He received a doctorate in Western medicine from Xi’an Jiaotong University and is certified in acupuncture and moxibustion. … Per his personal website, Sha’s stated mission is “to transform the consciousness of humanity and souls in the universe to create a peaceful and harmonized world and universe”. His title Tao II made the New York Times Bestseller List for 2010. (Drawn from Bowker Author Biography)

Heretics : the creation of Christianity, from the Gnostics to the modern church, by Jonathan Wright.
“A lively new examination of Christian heresy, from a historian who argues that heretical dissent helped Christianity become the world’s most powerful religion.” (Syndetics summary)

Greater : dream bigger, start smaller : ignite God’s vision for your life, by Steven Furtick.
“The death of Apple founder Steve Jobs prompted megachurch pastor and author Furtick (Sun Stand Still) to read a saying of Jesus Christ about doing great things. Jesus claimed ambitiously that disciples will not only do things they see him do but “will do greater things.” Furtick weaves stories of his own life with that of the prophet Elisha, the lesser known successor of Elijah. The spiritual fodder that Furtick squeezes from his story and that of Elisha is impressive. …Like many sermons turned book chapters, the book is full of personal and Bible stories, but seems patched together. Still, Furtick’s laugh-out-loud turn of phrase, enthusiasm, and faith pops even in print.  (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics) 

Redeeming church conflicts : turning crisis into compassion and care, by Tara Klena Barthel and David V. Edling ; foreword by Ken Sande.
“Every church will experience conflicts. How a church handles these inevitable conflicts determines its future and the spiritual health of its members. If properly approached, church conflicts can be used for spiritual growth – both individually and corporately as the body of Christ. …Two church-conflict resolution experts take readers through the Acts 15 model of approaching conflict in order to help them understand the intricacies of their church conflict.  (drawn from the publisher’s description)

Faces of compassion : classic Bodhisattva archetypes and their modern expression : an introduction to Mahayana Buddhism, by Taigen Dan Leighton ; foreword by Joan Halifax.
“This wonderful book could also be artly titled ‘An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism.’ From Ali to Gandhi, Dylan to Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Theresa, Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They’re not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities, but shining examples of our own highest potential. Zen teacher and scholar Taigen Dan Leighton takes us through the ages to meet the people who have shaped history and society with their compassion and wisdom. Faces of Compassion emphasizes the universality of spiritual ideals, and the power each of us has to change our world” — www.amazon.com

Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed cross the road? : Christian identity in a multi-faith world, by Brian D. McLaren.
“Using stories from his life and what he has gleaned, sometimes creatively, from theologians, McLaren focuses on ways Christians can reconfigure concepts such as Christology and the Trinity to build a robust emergent Christian faith that repudiates violence, coercion, and domination. Although he claims to reject a sugary Coke commercial version of interfaith “harmony,” McLaren’s utopian vision, however, might strike even his followers as overly sanguine in its downplaying of the problem of evil. Further, some of his personal anecdotes read more like Save the Children infomercials than slices of real life. Ultimately, McLaren remains worth reading, lively and passionate at translating progressive theology into a popular idiom. (drawn from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Spring brings with it an atmosphere of new growth and possibilities; a chance to leave behind the winter blues. This month’s Mind & Body selections will help you do just that, with plenty of ideas and inspiration from rustling up new recipes to refocusing your life.

Library News

• Law for Lunch is back in October at Central, Johnsonville and Newtown libraries!
• Speak a different language with Mango