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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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Love Thy Neighbor: A Muslim Doctor's Struggle for Home in Rural America
by Ayaz Virji with Alan Eisenstock
What 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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A Year of Living Kindly : Choices That Will Change Your Life and the World Around You
by Donna Cameron
Being kind is something most of us do when it’s easy and when it suits us. Being kind when we don’t feel like it, or when all of our buttons are being pushed, is hard. But that’s also when it’s most needed; that’s when it can defuse anger and even violence, when it can restore civility in our personal and virtual interactions. Kindness has the power to profoundly change our relationships with other people and with ourselves. It can, in fact, change the world. In A Year of Living Kindly―using stories, observation, humor, and summaries of expert research―Donna Cameron shares her experience committing to 365 days of practicing kindness.
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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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No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners : Clear Answers to Burning Questions About Core Buddhist Teachings
by Noah Rasheta
How is an awakening different from enlightenment? Can agnostics and atheists be Buddhist? Am I supposed to stop thinking when I meditate? In No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners, renowned Buddhism teacher and host of the popular Secular Buddhism podcast, Noah Rasheta, delivers an easily accessible introduction to the teachings of Buddhism that answers these common questions and many more.
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Sadness, love, openness : the Buddhist path of joy
by Chökyi Nyima
This easy-to-read manual by one of the most widely loved and respected Tibetan Buddhist teachers of our time teaches us how to honestly explore and deal with our own hang-ups and neuroses. Through knowing our own true nature as aware and compassionate, we can progress, step-by-step, on the Buddhist path and use Rinpoche’s pithy wisdom along the way as a touchstone.
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Open Hands, Willing Heart : Discover the Joy of Saying Yes to God
by Vivian Mabuni
With Vivian’s warm encouragement in Open Hands, Willing Heart, you’ll learn how to step out in courageous trust as you invite God to give and take—and move and work—in your life as He sees fit. Along the way you’ll discover true joy and serenity that will carry you through every circumstance.
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Run the mile you're in : finding God in every step
by Ryan Hall
Reflecting on the joys and trials of the running life, the Olympic athlete and American record holder in the half marathon discusses how his powerful faith guided his extraordinary career and shares the lessons and inspiration he’s discovered to living a life devoted to a God-given purpose.
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Letters to the church
by Francis Chan
The author reflects on his personal failures and dreams, shares stories of God using ordinary people to change the world, and reminds readers of the power and glory the Church once had.
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And more! Contact your librarian for more great books. |
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