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Spirituality and Religion September 2020
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Running toward mystery : the adventure of an unconventional life
by Tenzin Priyadarshi
What it's about: A revered monk and teacher as well as president and CEO of The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values shares the spiritual journey that led him to where he is today.
Is it for you? "Readers of any background may appreciate the insight he has gained as a student, teacher, world traveler, and man who has experienced life on Earth while exploring the mysteries of the universe." (Booklist)
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Dessert First : Preparing for Death While Savoring Life
by J. Dana Trent
What it's about: Life is short ... eat dessert first. In this unique book on coping with death and dying, hospital chaplain Dana Trent shares stories, rituals, practices, and even some humor, to help us make meaning out of the end of life, be it our own, or those we love and care for.
Is it for you? "Trent’s engaging approach and infectious enthusiasm will appeal to any reader concerned with end-of-life care and preparation, even those who, as Trent writes, “would rather die than talk about dying.”" (Publishers Weekly)
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| The King of Confidence: A Tale of Utopian Dreamers, Frontier Schemers, True Believers... by Miles HarveyIntroducing: Lawyer and committed atheist James Strang, who disappeared from his small New York town in 1843 only to reemerge as part of the fledgling Latter-Day Saint movement, eventually declaring himself Joseph Smith's successor.
Read it for: the surprising moments of dark humor that come from the truly farcical nature of parts of Strang's story, including forgery, piracy, and creating a private kingdom for himself on an island in Lake Michigan. |
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The Knights of Columbus: An Illustrated History
by Andrew T. Walther and Maureen H. Walther
What it's about: the history of American Catholic religious order the Knights of Columbus, which was established in Connecticut during the Gilded Age.
Who it's for: readers interested in the immigration of Catholics to the United States; anyone looking for insider information (as both authors have ties to the organization that give them unique access).
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Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife
by Bart D. Ehrman
What it is: an accessible and thought-provoking look at historical conceptions of heaven and hell across continents, cultures, and faiths.
Topics include: the Epic of Gilgamesh, Homeric Hades, Plato's views on the idea of an immortal soul, and what the Bible actually says about the afterlife.
About the author: Noted biblical scholar Bart D. Ehrman is the author of numerous books about early Christianity, including Misquoting Jesus and Jesus Before the Gospels.
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| Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN by Tara BrachWhat's inside: an accessible guide to learning mindfulness skills, with a focus on developing self-compassion through an easy-to-remember "RAIN" technique -- Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture.
About the author: Mindfulness teacher Tara Brach hosts an eponymous weekly meditation podcast and her previous books include Radical Acceptance, True Refuge, and Healing Traumatic Fear. |
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| An Appeal to the World: the Way to Peace in a Time of Division by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Franz AltWhat it is: a concise, inspiring contemplation of some of the most important-yet-contentious issues dividing people today, from one of the world's most revered spiritual leaders.
Why you should read it: The co-author, German journalist Franz Alt, first began covering the Dalai Lama 35 years ago, and in that time has developed a unique rapport with His Holiness that makes reflecting on weighty ethical topics feel a bit more accessible. |
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| The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now by Thích Nhất HạnhWhat it is: an inspiring and thought-provoking guide to mindful living from one of the world's foremost Buddhist figures, peace activist and monk Thich Nhat Hanh.
Why you should read it: With new books about mindfulness published every day that increasingly remove meditation from its traditional context, The Art of Living is refreshingly grounded in Buddhist thought and practice. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Winfield, IL 60190
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