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Spirituality and Religion September 2018
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| In Search of Wisdom: A Monk, a Philosopher, and a Psychiatrist on What Matters Most by Matthieu Ricard, Christophe Andre, and Alexandre JollienThe premise: What happens when a monk, a shrink, and a philosopher walk into a (proverbial) bar? If they're as well-educated and observant as the three authors of this book, expect an expansive discussion of many of the issues at the core of happiness, enlightenment, and life itself.
What sets it apart: While other books have presented interfaith and interdisciplinary dialogues about spiritual issues, the has a warmth, intimacy, and frankness to that is only possible because of the authors' many years of close friendship. |
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| Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held EvansWhat it is: an eloquent analysis of the Bible as a work of literature.
What sets it apart: Rachel Held Evans admirably analyzes the Bible without getting too caught up in literalism: the "literal truth" of biblical stories is less important to her than the lessons they hold.
Why you might like it: The author's esteem for and admiration of her subject is palpable, which makes for a compelling balance of historical context and personal reflection. |
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A fool's guide to actual happiness
by Mark Van Buren
What it does: Presents advice on cultivating empathy, self-acceptance, and wisdom in facing life's challenges and finding inner peace through a practice of mindfulness.
Reviewers say: "Throughout the book, Van Buren regularly reminds readers that it is acceptable to be a foolish person so long as one is cultivating awareness, taking steps to avoid hurting oneself and others, and being exactly oneself to the fullest extent." (Publishers Weekly)
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| The House of Islam: A Global History by Ed HusainWhat it is: An informed, accessible exploration of Islam's past and present, thoroughly researched but effectively condensed to provide general readers with the historical context needed to understand many of the contemporary issues the religion faces.
Read it for: The in-depth examination of the many divisions within Islamic thought and practice, something that sets this book apart from other "Islam for beginners" titles. |
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The Daniel key : 20 choices that make all the difference
by Anne Graham Lotz
What it's about: Daniel's faith did not waver facing those who were against him, serving new kings in power, or even confronting hungry lions. How can you have that kind of faith? Daniel made 20 intentional, key choices in his life. Those choices took him down a path to a close relationship with God and a model for godly living to all around him.
Choices to make: The choice to trust; The choice to obey; The choice to pray; The choice to worship; The choice to repent; The choice to live humbly; The choice to have courage.
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The Four Noble Truths : a guide to everyday life
by Thubten Zopa
What it's about: The Buddhas profound teachings on the four noble truths are illuminated by a Tibetan master simply and directly, so that readers gain an immediate and personal understanding of the causes and conditions that give rise to suffering as well as the spiritual life as the path to liberation.
Reviewers say: "...this useful book clearly explains the Buddhist belief that the mind creates suffering through the mistaken notion of the self's inherent existence. Buddhists and readers looking to understand the four noble truths better will get much out of Zopa's book." (Publishers Weekly)
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Grateful : the transformative power of giving thanks
by Diana Butler Bass
What it does: Offers practical suggestions for reclaiming gratitude as a part of contemporary Christian spiritual practice.
Reviewers say: "By weaving a picture of gratitude as both a "me" and a "we" response composed of ethics as well as emotions, the author successfully creates a four-fold picture of thanks as a way of life. Although writing as a Christian, Bass includes other religious and nonreligious viewpoints..." (Library Journal)
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Winfield, IL 60190
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