Related
Telling rich stories about people and communities across a vast religious spectrum, Smietana delivers his insights on reimagining American Christianity and organized religion more broadly.
Baker’s book means to reach readers who might be in despair, but it should appeal to anyone who, in her words, “need a touch from heaven.”
By integrating Eastern practices to illuminate her own spiritual tradition and personal encounters, Spitzer moves beyond merely touting the benefits of mindfulness exercises, even while one wonders whether the Big Person can be integrated with these metaphors and practices or must be left behind.
PREMIUM
All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep: Hope—and Hard Pills To Swallow—About Fighting for Black Lives
This is a book full of difficult choices, about choosing not to waste energy trying to convince those willfully entrenched in racist narratives, during a personal and historic struggle for meaning, life, and Black joy.
Highly recommended for general readers interested in Eastern philosophy and open to learning practical approaches to dealing with anxiety. Masuno’s useful advice is particularly needed in recent times.
Although readers might be occasionally disappointed by an infelicitous approach to a delicate topic or a missed opportunity for a critical conversation with pre-modern quotations, reading Leviticus alongside Zornberg still manages to be a thoughtful, informative experience.
Recommended for readers interested in assimilation issues faced by Irish Catholic immigrants as well as the varied aspects of racism in the United States.
A challenging and contemplative book, eminently readable as engaging prose while offering insight and depth throughout.
Recommended for those interested in improving their lives through an intellectual approach grounded in the realities of life in today’s challenging world.
Salguero’s is not a work for academic researchers or readers already versed in Buddhist philosophy; in fact, he dissuades such readers in the introduction. It will most suit niche readers with a skeptic’s mindset who are seeking basic information about Buddhism. Not a necessary acquisition.
People interested in Jewish history, tradition, and texts, as well as general readers interested in religion or historical narratives, will find this book to be informative and useful.
PREMIUM
Wholehearted Faith
Evans’s honest questioning of Christian teachings and a God she mostly (but doesn’t always) believe in will strike a chord with believers and agnostics alike.
Meditation has become increasingly popular in self-help in recent years; Epstein’s book is recommended for anyone interested in exploring the potential benefits of a meditation practice.
An excellent account of Jebara’s personal understanding of the Prophet Muhammad that could inspire readers to undertake their own similar journey.
Highly recommended for students working on research papers or projects. This work will also appeal to anyone interested in learning about the religious lives of women or to those interested in a more inclusive society.
Readers interested in history or philosophy (whether or not they are religious), will find Ignatieff’s blend of spirituality and self-help to be particularly significant.
Pitre offers a fine introduction to Catholic spiritual life that would be accessible to any reader seeking to go beyond simple prayers and discover the richness of the Catholic spiritual tradition; it might be appreciated by non-Catholic readers as well.
Lewis’s infectious optimism (about the power of love and its potential to change society) will reignite hope in many readers who might be weary from personal and professional struggles.
Individual readers and discussion groups interested in Gospel-based spirituality will appreciate this book’s broad-based approach to a familiar scripture passage.
This faith-centered memoir will find an audience particularly among readers interested in the intersection of religion, gender, and politics.
For readers seeking solace and a deeper spiritual practice, or anyone with an interest in Benedictine monastic practices. With its advice on contemplation, this is also a helpful guide for groups.
General readers will benefit from Nhat Hanh’s focus on mindfulness and positive at the individual level. Recommended for anyone wanting a better world for future generations.
Christians in general and ones specifically concerned about social justice will find this book to be almost essential reading.
To advocate for a non-productive spirituality, Sherrill focuses on the pragmatic benefits of contemplation and offers a handful of spiritual life hacks for readers in need of advice or guidance.
Interspersed with allusions to Toni Morrison’s seminal Beloved, Bailey’s book is simultaneously evocative and provocative.
Witkowski does an admirable job covering an extraordinary life. Her book will appeal first to people of faith, but jazz lovers will find it valuable too.
Armas’s gift for storytelling and in-depth research in Latine theology make for an account that’s accessible for lay readers as well as religion scholars interested in Christian theology through the lens of Indigenous knowledge systems. For public and academic libraries focused on inclusive, representational theological collection development.
A valuable resource for teachers, students, and anyone interested in religion and contemporary American society.
Complete with a discussion guide, this is a sobering yet inspiring discourse for open-minded, thoughtful readers.
With its frequent reminders that we are not alone, this personal account is recommended for the reader who needs encouragement to move forward through life’s darker moments.
Ogren has authored a tour de force with this well-written and captivating volume that reexamines the role of religion in the period leading up to American independence. A must for readers interested in an often untold perspective on the history and religious identity of the United States.
More than just a celebration of Jane Eyre, Zoltan’s touching account, spanning spirituality, literature, memoir, and self-help, will resonate with fans of re-reading as a meditative practice.
A personal collection that offers a firsthand glimpse into lives that most of us will never know, but which social media is making less of a mystery.
PREMIUM
Christians Against Christianity: How Right-Wing Evangelicals Are Destroying Our Nation and Our Faith
An examination and call to action that will be of particular interest to readers of White Evangelical Racism, by Anthea Butler, or Jesus and John Wayne, by Kristin Kobes Du Mez.
An excellent starting point for those who wish to explore new religions further. Recommended for anyone interested in emerging religions, and an essential resource for academic and religious libraries.
Highly recommended for readers who are seeking reassurance of God’s presence in their lives. Stephens’s latest work, in its substance and delivery, compares to books by Mark Hamilton or Max Lucado.
Roberts argues that Eve is a role model to be emulated because of her ability to move beyond her past and partner with God to create a hopeful future. Her words will draw in fellow Evangelical Christians who are navigating fear or insecurity.
As with mysticism, highly personal accounts of Jesus run the risk of portraying the Jesus one wants to see, rather than encountering the transformative power of the Spirit. Bass neatly avoids most of this and so provides a portrait of Jesus for progressive Christians of all stripes that is as tangible, compelling, and biblical as the Christ of their more fundamentalist counterparts.
While there is a bit of a reliance on “the enemy” to explain bad behavior, Carpenter’s message is basically a hopeful one that emphasizes her concept of God’s love.
These moving narratives, offering firsthand perspectives from a racially diverse group of LGBTQ Christians and their families, will resonate with many.
A thoughtful approach to a vital topic. It will especially appeal to fans of Jemar Tisby’s The Color of Compromise.
A must for devotees of Sadhguru. This work will also be of interest to those trying to explore the complex topic of karma in a more conversational form. However, readers seeking an academic exploration of karma may want to consider other resources.
A well-written, passionate critique of the current state of the Catholic Church by one who, to a certain extent despite himself, still respects and admires it.
Citing research from scholars like N. T. Wright and Richard B. Hayes, this latest book by Keller will find an audience among experienced students of Christian theology, especially those interested in the practical application of biblical concepts.
This insightful book blends histories of religious belief, political change, and societal needs, to provide a coherent narrative outlining various undercurrents that shaped and ultimately determined predominant religious views. Highly recommended for readers interested in Islamic religious thought.
This cartographic chronicle of Christianity is an excellent, affordable resource for students of history, geography, and religion; both public and academic libraries will want to add it to their collections.
A timely reminder of the need to model the behavior we hope to see in others, this text could easily be the basis for group study.
Written with passion and erudition, this title will appeal to Catholics and Christians searching for meaning during this time.
Jones’s pensive reflections will call into question readers’ unexamined notions about Islam and Christianity. A thoughtful approach to interfaith dialogue.
This book will appeal to readers of Louise Hay as well as those who enjoy simple, accessible affirmations to help cultivate self-healing. Combining positive psychology and spirituality, and quoting from influence leaders such as Pema Chodron, this moving book should find a broad audience.
This encouraging guide is recommended for persons who seek motivation in being a light in the world.
PREMIUM
A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson, Translator of the Message
For those who desire an in-depth look at Peterson’s life.
PREMIUM
The Gospels
An instructive and thought-provoking translation of the Gospels, and their historical context, that will interest a variety of readers, from students to scholars.
Highly recommended for all Christian believers, those beginning their faith journey, and others seeking spiritual development.
An important contribution to filling a major gap in Buddhist studies and a triumph in understanding Buddhism through a feminist lens. Recommended for academic libraries and scholars interested in religious or feminist studies.
This study of the use of the Bible at a critical time in the history of the United States can shed light on our own times, when the Bible is often used in a political tug-of-war.
A helpful, non-judgmental resource for readers questioning their Christian faith, and looking for guidance on living with doubt.
A helpful, non-judgmental resource for readers questioning their Christian faith, and looking for guidance on living with doubt.
PREMIUM
Let Us Dream
Informed by spiritual sources and the thinking of some of the world’s foremost scientists, economists, and activists, Pope Francis offers tools for creating a better, more just world.
Han’s contribution to this overlooked aspect of the Asian American experience is an important one as it gives a voice to many invisible people in American society.
This insightful account will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about faith and war heroics, and those interested in saint making within the Catholic Church.
PREMIUM
The Truth of Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga’s History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices
Simpson covers the study and practice of yoga in this comprehensive yet accessible text. By sharing what he has learned, and continues to learn, without prescribing a single, definitive approach, he welcomes readers to embrace the truth of yoga.
This richly illustrated, scholarly book is recommended for anyone with an interest in modern Middle Eastern art and society.
Despite the lack of careful editing, especially in the African and Buddhism chapters, these generally nuanced, in-depth, and wide-ranging volumes should benefit postgraduates and general readers alike.
PREMIUM
Dangerous Religious Ideas: The Deep Roots of Self-Critical Faith in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Those interested in scriptural interpretation, monotheistic religions, and interfaith dialog will find this book to be highly informative, well-researched, and relevant to contemporary culture.
This well-researched and well-written book offers a corrective to certain of the popular myths about race relations in the pre-Civil War South, and of postemancipation relations; it also has a good deal to teach us about race relations today.
There is much food for thought here, perhaps too much for a text of just a little over a 100 pages (excluding appendixes), but the authors prove persuasive in their arguments for inclusivity and mutual respect.
A general but authentic overview of the Dalai Lama’s life that will appeal to those new to the topic, as well as vested scholars, for the work’s valuable archival material.
Mears herself almost disappears from view under all her accomplishments in this work that is clearly aimed at those immersed in the Evangelical ethos and may be difficult for nonreligious readers to grasp fully her influence on the character and culture of Evangelicalism.
An impressive scope and depth will make these volumes illuminating the interaction between religion and social structures valuable to students, academics, administrators, counselors, journalists, and other researchers in the field.
Villodas’s message will resonate especially with Christian readers who enjoy writers like Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. Highly recommended.
Wright delivers another readable apologia for the Christian faith. Recommended for those interested in growing or renewing their faith and for anyone looking for insights into our shared experience of a world that could and perhaps should be better.
PREMIUM
The Jefferson Bible: A Biography
An illuminating look at a work of one of our most intellectually inquisitive presidents that will appeal to Jefferson aficionados, as well as anyone interested in the history of American religion.
Taylor’s writing is lyrical and compelling, a feast for the senses and the intellect. Recommended for all libraries.
This personal story of faith lost and found is especially recommended to Christians who are struggling to comprehend God’s complex ways.
For church leaders and congregants interested in the intersection of social justice issues, scripture, and the ministry.
This fascinating and erudite account by Seeskin subtly argues for an Old Testament God concept that is far richer and more evocative than the limited vision of many philosophers. Readers interested in learning about biblical prophets will find much to uncover.
This contemporary analysis of tenants of the Jewish faith will be welcomed by informed and ambitious readers of religion and Judaic studies.
While drawing on Buddhist influences, this excellent complement to collections for the bereaved will be a comfort to those of many faiths experiencing grief.
Those with an interest in Christian literature, apologetics, or theology in general will find this an informative, thought-provoking read.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
