Spiritual Living Reviews, October 1, 2011
Oct 1, 2011The cooler air of the early fall brings with it a number of strong titles in spirituality. Best known among these authors are the Dalai Lama, who returns with two titles (one for Buddhist adepts, the other for a broader readership), and former White House habitué William J. Bennett, who offers an anthology that models mature manhood. Father Robert Barron summarizes his faith, and a group of eminent scholars discuss 12 figures in the early Church, while Eerdmans brings us a vast commentary on Christian scripture. The Dargers show us the wholesome ordinariness of multiple marriage, while Amy Frykholm compassionately retells the tales of American Christians struggling with their sexual selves. On a more individual note, Peter Rollins and Lauren Winner guide us through the tough spots in faith, while Joan Chittister shows us how to create happiness. All in all, a strong and varied showing in spiritual reading: informative and touching works for the eager and curious spiritual seeker.
ENGAGING THE TRADITIONS
Barron, Robert. Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith. Image: Crown. 2011. c.304p. illus. ISBN 9780307720511. $27.99. REL
Barron (Francis Cardinal George Chair of Faith & Culture, Mundelein Seminary) has written a companion book to his ten-part documentary, Catholicism. As such, his book is not a systematic catechism or an official statement of doctrine but a more organically organized tour by a man of great personal faith. Addressing such topics as Jesus’s teachings, the Virgin Mary, the sacraments, the communion of saints, and prayer, Barron’s book is richly and aptly illustrated and learned without being oppressive. VERDICT Integrating personal story and insight with a lifetime’s experience and knowledge, this is an excellent and personal introduction to Catholicism for readers new to the faith as well as lifetime Catholics.
Bennett, William J. The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood. Thomas Nelson. Oct. 2011. c.560p. ISBN 9781595552716. $34.99. REL
The newest volume from former secretary of education Bennett (The American Patriot’s Almanac) is a kind of sequel to his Book of Virtues (1993). Like that volume, this is an anthology with brief headnotes for each selection; selections range from Homer to Byron to Colin Powell. Here Bennett’s focus is the revival of an authentic sort of man, distant from the crude and violent images available in mass media—brave, honorable, and devout (Bennett simply assumes his readers are all Christians). Bennett’s man is a fine fellow, and nothing he offers here would have been surprising in 1935, which means either that Bennett is out of date or that his values are timeless. VERDICT This book is likely to prove popular with a wide audience and is, for any purpose, a fine anthology of engaging writers and stories; especially suitable for fathers and adolescents searching for models.
Chittister, Joan. Happiness. Eerdmans. Oct. 2011. c.234p. ISBN 9780802864819. $20. REL
Chittister (God’s Tender Mercy), a Benedictine nun and a favorite in these pages, has written a book on that ever-elusive goal, happiness. In the course of a tour through the sciences, psychology, philosophy, history, and the lessons of the world’s major religions, Chittister concludes that happiness is not a matter of luck but is something we create—a process of appreciating what we have and pursuing worthwhile goals. VERDICT Chittister’s usual excellent and fluent style lends credence to this gentle reminder of the meaning of happiness (and perhaps of life in general). A good fit for readers of any faith yearning for contentment and self-improvement.
Early Christian Thinkers: The Lives and Legacies of Twelve Key Figures. IVP Academic: InterVarsity. 2011. c.256p. ed. by Paul Foster. index. ISBN 9780830839377. pap. $23. REL
Foster (New Testament, Univ. of Edinburgh) both edits and has contributed to this intriguing new volume on 12 important and at times controversial figures from the first three centuries of Christian history: Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Theophilus of Antioch, Clement, Tertullian, Perpetua, Origen, Cyprian of Carthage, Hippolytus of Rome, Gregory Thaumaturgus (“the Wonder-Worker”), and Eusebius. Of these, only a few are familiar names to most readers. While the details of the lives and works of all are contested, it is fascinating to delve into the mysteries of early Christian history and theology. The contributors go a long way toward making this abstruse material accessible to the casually curious reader. The addition of the female martyr Perpetua—one of the better-attested lives here—is a nice touch. VERDICT This assembly sheds much light on now-obscure figures who had an incalculable influence on later and more famous Christian thinkers; endlessly fascinating to readers interested in history and culture, as well as pastors and students of theology.
The Eerdmans Companion to the Bible. Eerdmans. 2011. c.755p. ed. by Gordon D. Fee & Robert L. Hubbard Jr. illus. maps. ISBN 9780802838230. $40. REL
Fee (New Testament, emeritus, Regent Coll., B.C.) and Hubbard (biblical literature, North Park Theological Seminary) have edited a very substantial reference work on the Christian Bible. It should not be confused with a scholarly commentary or a “harmony” of differing versions or readings of scripture, and it does not reproduce the text of any translation of the Bible. Rather, it summarizes, discusses, and contextualizes each book of the Bible, followed by short essays that set Biblical writings and ideas in the context of contemporary Christian belief. Although the contributors’ outlook is conservative, they are not interested in Biblical literalism, and their comments are accessible if reductive. VERDICT This reader-friendly, book-by-book introduction to the key text of Christianity is ideal for the lone reader or the church-based Bible reading group, especially those who may feel overwhelmed by the Bible’s length or complexity.
Martella-Whitsett, Linda. How To Pray Without Talking to God. Hampton Roads. Oct. 2011. c.176p. ISBN 9781571746689. pap. $16.95. REL
The Unity Church, despite some famous adherents (Betty White, Patricia Neal, Victoria Moran) is little known and frequently mistaken for the Unitarian Universalist faith. Unity is a creedless and nondogmatic New Thought faith inspired by Christianity that sees potential good in all. Unity minister Martella-Whitsett shows the reader how to reinvigorate prayer life by reshaping prayer language, learning how to cultivate a daily discipline of prayer and meditation, and praying in company with others. VERDICT Adherents of all faiths will enjoy and esteem this little volume, which may also serve for many as an excellent introduction to the Unity Church.
Polkinghorne, John. Science and Religion in Quest of Truth. Yale Univ. Oct. 2011. c.160p. ISBN 9780300174786. $26. REL
Polkinghorne (former president, Queens’ Coll., Univ. of Cambridge; Belief in God in an Age of Science) is one of the most eminent writers to bridge the oft-warring disciplines of science and theology, having made significant contributions to the field of particle physics and, as an Anglican priest, having written numerous works of theology. Here he takes up, with clarity and concision, such vexed questions as causality, time, evolution, and consciousness in ways that integrate the latest understandings of science but also acknowledge a role for mystery and the work of God. VERDICT Loathed by Richard Dawkins and A.C. Grayling, Polkinghorne is the most gentlemanly champion that reasoned religion has; this brief and elegant discussion will be fodder for many conversations among interested atheists, agnostics, and believers.
Reuben, Steven Carr & Jennifer S. Hanin. Becoming Jewish: The Challenges, Rewards, and Paths to Conversion. Rowman & Littlefield. Oct. 2011. c.260p. ISBN 9781442208483. $22.95. REL
There is a long-standing tradition that, given the oppression that Jews have often faced, rabbis should make every effort to discourage would-be converts. Reuben (senior rabbi, Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation) and freelance writer Hanin, a convert to Judaism, by contrast, explain to the curious what conversion is apt to be like and address questions and issues that are likely to arise (Hebrew, Shabbat, kosher, Kabbalah, Israel, differing denominations). They instruct the reader on Judaism’s this-world focus and its status as a religion that emphasizes belonging over belief and the value of every person. VERDICT Short chapters and a simple style make this an excellent choice for interested readers and perhaps the first book any rabbi ought to hand a would-be convert. With a foreword by actor and comedian Bob Saget.
Rollins, Peter. Insurrection: To Believe is Human, To Doubt, Divine. Howard: S. & S. Oct. 2011. c.208p. ISBN 9781451609004. pap. $16. REL
Rollins (Irish Sch. of Ecumenics, Trinity Coll., Dublin) follows up his How (Not) To Speak of God and The Orthodox Heretic with a thoughtful work of theology aimed at a broad Christian readership. For Rollins, Christianity has been long misunderstood—it is not a faith of certainty and triumph, but a faith that allows and even insists that the believer experience grief, doubt, and darkness, as Jesus did at the point of death; the responsible Christian is not arrogant, but lives to serve others. VERDICT Although Rollins’s ideas and insights may be familiar ground for the deeply thoughtful Christian, they are stated with effectiveness and force here; excellent for the independent-minded Christian reader as well as the unchurched and agnostic reader.
ADVICE & SELF-HELP
The Dalai Lama. A Profound Mind: Cultivating Wisdom in Everyday Life. Harmony: Crown. Oct. 2011. c.160p. ed. by Nicholas Vreeland. ISBN 9780385514675. $23. REL
The Dalai Lama (In My Own Words) is one of the most respected spiritual leaders and popular authors of our time. His industry—and the industry of those around him who place his ideas and writings before the reading public—is admirable, to say the least. This volume contains carefully edited versions of several talks the Dalai Lama gave between 2003 and 2007 on the Buddhist doctrine of selflessness, especially as seen in several ancient texts. These addresses are fascinating but not for the beginner—here, the Dalai Lama speaks as a Buddhist to other Buddhists. VERDICT This volume, for all its rather scholarly approach, perhaps suggests the Dalai Lama at his most sincere. Recommended for convinced and experienced Buddhists and larger religious libraries. With an afterword by Richard Gere. [See Prepub Alert, 4/25/11.]
The Dalai Lama. Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World. Houghton Harcourt. Dec. 2011. c.192p. ISBN 9780547636351. $24. REL
In this kind of sequel to his Ethics for the New Millennium, the Dalai Lama delineates some of our global challenges and suggests a nonreligious yet ethical mode of thinking that might help us. Although the note of exhaustion has been sounded—the Dalai Lama has spoken of retirement and begins this book by saying “I am an old man now”—his nonreligious ethics still have a strong and perhaps welcome Buddhist flavor. VERDICT The Dalai Lama’s gentle and sensible messages of focus, peace, and mindfulness may not be heeded in a divided world but will be very welcome to seekers of all faiths. [See Prepub Alert, 5/16/11.]
Frykholm, Amy. See Me Naked: Stories of Sexual Exile in American Christianity. Beacon, dist. by Random. Nov. 2011. c.208p. ISBN 9780807004661. $24.95. REL
Frykholm (correspondent, Christian Century; Rapture Culture) tackles difficult and even taboo subjects from a Christian position. Rather than instructing Christians how to manage or control their sexual impulses, Frykholm acts as a kind of journalist-sociologist, compassionately retelling the stories of nine faithful but often puzzled Christians trying to deal with challenges as diverse as chastity, lesbianism, pornography, and prostitution. Frykholm recognizes the agonies Christians often suffer as they try to come to terms with sexuality without coherent guidance from their culture or church. VERDICT A fascinating, troubling, and finally heartening book that subtly shows ways that Christians might reconcile their bodies with their devotion to God. Highly recommended for individual Christians but also for pastors and church groups.
MEMOIR & BIOGRAPY
Aguilar, Michelle. Becoming Fearless: My Ongoing Journey of Learning To Trust God. David C. Cook. Oct. 2011. c.240p. ISBN 9781434703279. $19.99. REL
Aguilar was the winner of the sixth season of television’s weight-loss contest The Biggest Loser; she is also known now as an advocate of the I Am Second movement (placing Jesus first and helping others overcome difficulties). This memoir details her life story up to, through, and beyond her television experience, emphasizing the continuing power of Christian faith in her life, experience, and recent marriage. VERDICT Upbeat and straightforward, Aguilar’s book will speak to many Christians as well as other individuals looking for positive role models and help in life changes.
Darger, Joe & others. Love Times Three: Our True Story of a Polygamous Marriage. HarperOne: HarperCollins. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780062074041. $26.99. REL
The Dargers, with longtime journalist Brooke Adams, have written a remarkably candid and plainspoken account of their lives as an Independent Fundamentalist Mormon polygamous family: Joe Darger has three wives—Alina, Vicki, and Vicki’s twin sister, Valerie. What is perhaps most striking about their story is its ordinariness—the Dargers, despite their unusual cultural choices, are stalwart, upstanding, middle-class citizens; they are even a little dull (there is not a trace of the lurid in their narrative). Although they may not represent the style of all polygamous families, their “niceness” is apt to make readers wonder why we are so quick to condemn a life so few would choose, given the crushing expense of 24 children, ten cars, and 36 rolls of toilet paper per week. VERDICT This unassuming book opens the door on plural marriage, and the result is both less thrilling and more accessible than one might expect; it should interest a wide general readership and will be good for curious church reading groups.
Paul, Greg. Close Enough To Hear God Breathe: The Great Story of Divine Intimacy. Thomas Nelson. Oct. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9781400203000. pap. $15.99. REL
Paul (The Twenty-Piece Shuffle: Why the Poor and Rich Need Each Other) does admirable work in Toronto, where his Sanctuary ministry cares for society’s neglected—addicts, prostitutes, and the homeless, to name a few. His newest book asks us to see God as an inviting parent and to have the experience of reading the Bible or knowing God as an invitation to intimacy with a divine father. Paul tells stories of people he has known through his ministry as well as stories from his own life to underscore the point. VERDICT Paul’s inspirational work and writing encourage the reader to enter a close relationship with the author and God. His book should be a welcome lesson for pastors and readers interested in questions of social justice in addition to theology.
Winner, Lauren. Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis. HarperOne: HarperCollins. Feb. 2012. c.256p. ISBN 9780061768118. $24.99. REL
Winner (Duke Divinity Sch.; Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life; Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity) has a knack for a certain kind of candor in both her titles and her topics. This latest finds Winner in the aftermath of a typically painful divorce, coming up against an equally painful wall in her faith. Compulsively readable, direct yet never indiscreet, Winner’s book shows intelligence and verve as it seriously addresses the spiritual crises around God’s apparent absence or silence, as faced by many. VERDICT A must-have for Winner’s readers and fans of Anne Lamott, this title is recommended for educated readers as well as people of faith somewhere in midlife.
ADDITIONAL SPIRITUAL LIVING
Wangyal, Tenzin. Tibetan Yogas of Body, Speech, and Mind. Snow Lion. Nov. 2011. c.230p. ed. by Polly Turner. illus. index. ISBN 9781559393805. pap. $18.95. REL
Wangyal (founder, Ligmincha Inst.) presents a primer on the Bon school of Tibetan Buddhism. Some traditional Bon teachings are foreign to Western thinking and concepts may be difficult to grasp. In clear prose, Wangyal explains the interconnectedness of body (matter/force), speech (energy/life force), and mind (awareness) in Tibetan yoga. Part 1 provides instruction on Body of Light meditation, which brings awareness to thinking, introduces more positive behaviors, and purifies language. Part 2 introduces healing sounds or syllables that clear mental blocks and promise to diminish illness, particularly when combined with breath and prana . Part 3 discusses teachings on the nature of the mind and offers an array of guided practices. VERDICT This is a good introduction to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and Bon dzogchen teachings. Wangyal simplifies the tenets of great masters without diminishing them, thereby opening the door to a more global audience. —Ajoke
Kokodoko, Oakland P.L.
