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Spirituality and Religion September 2019
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| A History of the Bible: The Story of the World's Most Influential Book by John BartonWhat it is: a thought-provoking journey through the collection of texts (from parables to poetry) that make up the Bible, with plenty of historical and cultural context.
Why you might like it: The comprehensive timeline coupled with the author's impartiality make this a useful resource for all readers of religious history, no matter their individual beliefs.
Try this next: Constantine's Bible by David Laird Dungan; Three Testaments by Brian Arthur Brown. |
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| Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power by Pam GrossmanWhat's inside: the author's story of the path that led her to witchcraft traditions and the freedom that her practice provides her; discussions of the hold witches have over our cultural imagination.
Why you should read it: There has been a recent resurgence of interest in pagan and magic-influenced religious traditions, especially among young adults.
You might also like: Vexed by Devils by Erika Gasser; Backwoods Witchcraft by Jake Richards. |
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| Leaving the Witness: Exiting a Religion and Finding a Life by Amber ScorahWhat it's about: the personal and religious trials of third-generation Jehovah's Witness Amber Scorah, from growing up in the church to missionary work to ultimately losing her faith and her family of origin.
What makes it unique: the circumstances and story of the author's missionary posting in China, where religious expression is tightly controlled by the government.
Reviewers say: "[Scorah] has a winning sense of humor" in this "impressive debut" (Publishers Weekly). |
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| Love Thy Neighbor: A Muslim Doctor's Struggle for Home in Rural America by Ayaz Virji with Alan EisenstockWhat it is: the moving story of a Muslim doctor who moved to a small town where doctors were in short supply, only to face an increase in anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments in the wake of the 2016 election.
Why you should read it: The author is candid about discrimination but hopeful because of the impact of his "Love Thy Neighbor" lectures, which are part of an interfaith effort to increase understanding about Muslims.
Did you know? According to the US Department of Health, 20% of Americans live in rural communities while only 9% of doctors do, and many of those doctors were born abroad. |
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