Religion & Beliefs Recent Picks
October 2009
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Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.
Quotations where uncredited are from book summaries and citations via our online catalogue.
Buddhism | Christianity | General | Islam
Compassion and meditation : the spiritual dynamic betweed Buddhism and Christianity, by Jean-Yves Leloup ; translated by Joseph Rowe. (2009)These two religious traditions have a profound common ground. Compassion is, in fact, central to Buddhism, and meditation practices have been central to many Christian traditions. Both view murder, theft, and the destructive use of sexuality as great barriers to realizing our essential being, and both agree on the need to rise above them. Here, however, Leloup suggests that both faiths could benefit from the precepts of the other. The complementary aspects of Christianity and Buddhism offer the possibility for a truly profound ecumenical religion whose interfaith relations are based on deep understanding of the true meaning and practice of meditation and compassion and not merely shared goodwill. (drawn from the book jacket, courtesy of Syndetics).
The gnostic bible , edited by Willis Barnstone and Marvin Meyer. (2009).
"The bulk of the text is taken up with primary sources, which are drawn from three continents and span an astonishing 13 centuries. These are helpfully organized into various schools of Gnostic tradition: Sethian, Valentinian, Syrian, Hermetic, Mandaean, Manichaean, and - in an unusual move - relatively late Islamic and Cathar texts. Each grouping of texts is preceded by a brief introduction to that particular section's brand of Gnosticism. What is clear from this sourcebook is the tremendous diversity of thought that exists under the "Gnostic" umbrella, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, pagan, Zoroastrian and Greco-Roman themes. Many of the texts are being published here in English for the first time, making this a valuable resource for students and scholars" -- Publishers Weekly.
Israel is real, by Rich Cohen. (2009)
Reading the Bible and Jewish history both literally and symbolically, this eclectic and passionate, wide-ranging history of Israel and Zionism by the author of Tough Jews decodes the story of Jonah in the whale's belly as the Diaspora Jew in Nazi concentration camps. Cohen catalogues the accomplishments of first-century Jewish scholar Jonathan ben Zakkai in the way Willie Dixon catalogues a man's deeds in a blues song, and summons Kierkegaard and Allen Ginsberg as he muses about Abraham, a crazy old man willing to murder his son to earn God's blessing: Everything in Judaism is a repetition of this scene, Cohen asserts. ... Cohen's idiosyncratic yet often lyrical take on Israel is sometimes exasperating but always deeply felt and refreshing. (drawn from Publishers' Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)
Buddhism
Seeking peace : chronicles of the worst Buddhist in the world, by Mary Pipher. (2009)
After decades of exploring the lives of others through her writing and therapy, Pipher turns her attention to herself - culling insights from her own life to highlight the importance of the journey, not just the destination. She tells her own remarkable story, and in the process reveals truths about our search for happiness and love. While her story is unique, the basic map and milestones are universal - reflecting on her life in a way that allows readers to reimagine theirs. - From publisher description.
Tantric techniques, by Jeffrey Hopkins ; edited by Kevin Vose. (2009)
Deity yoga is the meditative practice of imagining oneself as an ideal being fully endowed with compassion, wisdom, and their resultant altruistic activities. The idea is that by imagining being a Buddha, one gets closer to actually achieving Buddhahood. Tantric Techniques will give the reader a dynamic sense of the potential of the human mind for self-transformation through step-by-step use of the imagination. (Drawn from the book jacket, courtesy of Syndetics)
Universal love : the yoga method of Buddha Maitreya, by Lama Yeshe ; edited by Nicholas Ribush. (2009)
"Tantra is the right practice for Westerners and of the utmost need in this twentieth century. After all, the Buddha wanted us to have as much perfect pleasure as possible; he certainly didn't want us to be miserable, confused or dissatisfied. Therefore we should understand that we meditate in order to gain profound pleasure, not to beat ourselves up or to experience pain. If entering the Buddhist path brings you nothing but fear and guilt then it's certainly not worth the effort. Maitreya is the manifestation of the love of all the buddhas - the supreme beings who have achieved limitless, universal love. When we practice the yoga method of Buddha Maitreya we unify with the universal love energy that is Maitreya by developing to their ultimate extent the limited qualities of love, compassion and purity that presently lie within us." -- Lama Yeshe.
Buddhism & science : a guide for the perplexed by Donald S. Lopez, Jr. (2008)
"Beginning in the nineteenth century and continuing to the present day, both Buddhists and admirers of Buddhism have proclaimed the compatibility of Buddhism and science. ... Lopez argues that by presenting an ancient Asian tradition as compatible with - and even anticipating - scientific discoveries, European enthusiasts and Asian elites have sidestepped the debates on the relevance of religion in the modern world that began in the nineteenth century and still flare today. As new discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of mind and matter, Buddhism and Science will be indispensable reading for those fascinated by religion, science, and their often vexed relation.". (Drawn from the book jacket, courtesy of Syndetics)
Christianity
The beginning of all things : science and religion, by Hans Kung ; translated by John Bowden. (2008)"In an age when faith and science seem constantly to clash, can theologians and scientists come to a meeting of minds? Yes, maintains the intrepid Hans Kung, as he brilliantly argues here that religion and science are not mutually exclusive but complementary. Focusing on beginnings -- beginnings of time, of the world, of man, of human will -- Kung deals with an array of scientific precepts and teachings. From a unified field theory to quantum physics to the Big Bang to the theory of relativity - even superstring and chaos theories - he examines all of the theories regarding the beginning of the universe and life (of all kinds) in that universe.Exhibiting little patience for scientists who do not see beyond the limits of their discipline or for believers who try to tell experts how things must have been, Kung challenges readers to think more deeply about the beginnings in order to facilitate a new beginning in dialogue and understanding."
Eternal life : a new vision : beyond religion, beyond theism, beyond heaven and hell by John Shelby Spong. (2009).
Arguing that modern scientific understanding necessitates dismissing outdated metaphors and assumptions by which faith seeks to calm human anxiety, Spong suggests an understanding of God not as a person, but as the process that calls personhood into being. Spong's examination of the gospel resurrection accounts includes an intriguing interpretation of John's portrayal of Jesus as a being so courageously present that he was open to the ultimate reality of life, love and being. This work, bound to be influential, offers new insights into religion's big questions about life and death, making an invaluable contribution to both religious scholarship and faithful exploration. (drawn from Publishers' Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)
Reflections on the Lord's prayer, edited by Susan Brower. (2009)
"Presents the best-known prayer among Christians as the ultimate prayer model. From Martin Luther's reflection on why the prayer opens with "Our Father..." to the acknowledgment of God's "power and glory forever," readers move phrase-by-phrase through this inspiring prayer reading what others have said about the love, reverence, gratitude, and awe that God wants at the heart of all prayer. Insights and thoughts culled from a variety of respected writers enhance our understanding of the prayer, and carefully chosen passages of Scripture help confirm and underscore the relevance of each phrase - and the prayer as a whole - in our daily lives" -- www.flipkart.com
The first Paul : reclaiming the radical visionary behind the Church's conservative icon, by Marcus J. Borg, John Dominic Crossan. (2009)
Starred Review. In dissections of what the lordship of Christ, the Crucifixion, and justification meant to Paul, and in absorbing explications of Philemon and parts of Romans, Galatians, and First Corinthians, which clarify Paul's Christian positions on slavery and social equality among Christians, Borg and Crossan reveal a figure who, besides being neither anti-Semitic, anti-sex, nor misogynist, stresses social and political equality among Christians and between them and others. A refreshing and heartening exculpation of a still routinely maligned figure of the first importance to culture and civilization. (drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics)
Forgiveness : following Jesus into radical loving, by Paula Huston. (2008)
"If you're having trouble accepting forgiveness for something you have done, this is your inspiration. With honesty, writing about her own failings, Paula Huston examines the intellectual, psychological, social, and spiritual meanings of forgiveness. She asks tough questions and then offers possible solutions, drawing a portrait of a truly forgiving person..."
Sin bravely : a joyful alternative to a purpose-driven life, by Mark Ellingsen. (2008)
"It seems hard to believe that anyone would want to take on Pastor Rick Warren and his purpose-driven life agenda, but Ellingsen, associate professor of church history at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta does just that in this brief but persuasive volume. Steeped in the pietistic leanings of American religion, Warren, the author insists, has promoted an agenda that focuses too much on personal development and not enough on the larger issue of man's utter sinfulness. ... Instead, Christians should be in the business of transforming society, not merely themselves" -- Publishers Weekly.
Heroic living : discover your purpose and change the world, by Chris Lowney. (2009)
Bestselling author Lowney combines the proven practices of Ignatian spirituality with his business expertise to help everyone discover his or her purpose and develop a personal life strategy.
Cloister talks : learning from my friends the monks, by Jon M. Sweeney. (2009)
Starred Review. We still thirst to know what goes on behind the walls of closed religious communities, even as vocations for those communities dwindle. Sweeney has written an account of his visits to a number of Cistercians and Benedictines, who gradually draw him closer to the experience of contemplation, to "be quiet, sit down, and listen." Benson, a member of an ecumenical lay order, asks us to consider the Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia - the founding document of the Benedictines - as an oblique guide to the more loosely knit modern communities we wish to build or of which we are a part. VERDICT Reaching well beyond Catholic readership, these will be valuable to the thoughtful reader, Christian and non-Christian. (drawn from Library Journal, courtesy of Syndetics)
To the field of stars : a pilgrim's journey to Santiago de Compostela, by Kevin A. Codd. (2008)
"To the Field of Stars tells the fascinating story of Codd's spiritual and physical journey on foot across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, the traditional burial place of the apostle James the Greater. Each brief chapter chronicling Codd's thirty-five-day trek is dedicated to one or two days on the road. Codd shares tales of other pilgrims, his own changes of perspective, and his challenges and triumphs along the way - all told with a disarming candor. Seen through the eyes of a Catholic priest who honors the religious worldview that originally gave rise to these medieval odysseys, "pilgrimage" comes to life and takes on new meaning in these pages."
Signs & wonders : why Pentecostalism is the world's fastest-growing faith, by Paul Alexander ; foreword by Martin E. Marty. (2009)
"Drawing on personal experiences and numerous interviews with individuals who practice Pentecostalism, Alexander, who teaches at Azusa Pacific University, attempts to provide insights into why the Pentecostal faith continues to grow by leaps and bounds around the world. He examines such key elements of Pentecostalism as speaking in tongues, healing, prophecy and visions, and spiritual warfare and prayer in arguing that they provide freedom to hope for and experience a better life" -- Publishers Weekly.
This flowing toward me : a story of God arriving in strangers, by Marilyn Lacey. (2009)
"What began in 1979 as a response to a random bulletin board posting would ultimately change Sister Marilyn Lacey's life--and the lives of countless refugees. In vivid prose, Sister Lacey narrates her twenty-five year spiritual journey of work with those displaced by conflict and disaster. In the spirit of "Dead Man Walking," she invites us to solidarity with some of the world's most vulnerable. Timely and engaging, "This Flowing Toward Me" offers fresh, personal insights into the world of refugees and international immigrants. More importantly, it stirs our hearts to remember the gospel mandate to welcome the stranger." (annotation from Syndetics)
Overcoming emotions that destroy : practical help for those angry feelings that ruin relationships, by Chip Ingram, Becca Johnson. (2009)
Ingram and Johnson help readers learn the difference between good and bad anger, how to gain control of their anger, and how to direct it toward constructive ends.
General and other
The spiders of Allah : travels of an unbeliever on the frontline of holy war, by James Hider. (2009)
Starred Review* A reporter covering the Middle East for various news outlets, including The Times of London, Hider views the conflicts there through the perspective of an atheist, keenly observing current geopolitics in the context of tangled religious history. Hider flew to Israel on one of the last flights before the attack on 9/11 and later moved on to Iraq. His quirky, personal, and penetrating dispatches offer observations from the broad scope of religion, economics, history, politics, and archaeology as well as his own musings on life and death and the odd protection from the horror afforded by lack of faith. ... Hider's reporting is at times hilarious and at other times harrowing as he examines the volatile mixture of religion and fanaticism in world politics. (drawn from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics)
Jainism : an introduction, by Jeffery D. Long. (2009)
"Jainism evokes images of monks wearing face-masks to protect insects and mico-organisms from being inhaled. Or of Jains sweeping the ground in front of them to ensure that living creatures are not inadvertently crushed: a practice of non-violence so radical as to defy easy comprehension. Yet for all its apparent exoticism, Jainism is still little understood in the West. What is this mysterious philosophy which originated in the 6th century BCE, whose absolute requirement is vegetarianism, and which now commands a following of four million adherents both in its native India and diaspora communities across the globe? In his welcome new treatment of the Jain religion, Long makes an ancient tradition fully intelligible to the modern reader. .... --www.us.macmillan.com
The cult files : true stories from the extreme edges of religious belief, by Chris Mikul. (2009)
"Explores the history, features and beliefs of thirty cults through the ages. Riveting, sometimes amusing, often horrifying stories show the inside workings of these groups, and trace their historyand often their demise. The book includes the Aum Shinrikyo followers, who killed twelve people in a poison gas attack on the Tokyo subway; Scientology (now known for its celebrity followers), which was established in the 1950's by a science fiction writer; and the Peoples Temple, in which Jim Jones convinced hundreds of followers to commit suicide en masse. Discover the unbelievable power and wealth held by cult leaders, and the physical and mental authority they wield over their followers. The full story of some of these cults is told for the first time in this book."
Islam
Tales of a modern Sufi : the invisible fence of reality and other stories, by Nevit O. Ergin. (2009)
A collection of modern Sufi tales by renowned Rumi translator and Sufi initiate Nevit Ergin containing 24 deceptively simple stories that take readers from basic perception to states of extraordinary awareness. The stories invoke questioning while expanding the notion of reality. (drawn from Syndetics)
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