Spirituality and Religion
November 2020

Recent Releases
Everything is Spiritual: Who We Are and What We're Doing Here
by Rob Bell

What it's about: This impassioned memoir of a former evangelical Christian minister who left behind his megachurch in search of a more inclusive faith community includes his reflections on his faith journey, mysticism, and situating yourself in the universe.

 
White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity
by Robert P. Jones

What it is: A comprehensive, well-researched exploration of racism in American Christianity and a compelling call to action for modern Christians to address the sins of the past and work for a more inclusive present.

 
Searching for the Messiah: Unlocking the Psalms of Solomon and Humanity's Quest for...
by Barrie Wilson

What it's about: The messiah concept, from the earliest and most specific definition of the word in a Jewish context to interpretations of the New Testament that broadened the meaning and lastly, to modern secular messianic figures.

 
Books You Might Have Missed
The Hope of Glory: Reflections on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross
by Jon Meacham

What it's about: The final seven sayings attributed to Jesus from the cross, including the a survey of the different references to them in the gospels, important historical and theological background to consider when reflecting upon them, and what lessons Christians can take from them today.

Also available in eAudiobook on CloudLibrary
In the Name of God: The Role of Religion in the Modern World: A History of Judeo-Christian...
by Selina O'Grady

What it is: A sweeping, thought-provoking history of different societies' attempts at religious pluralism and the varying results those efforts have delivered.

Topics include: The role of nationalism in religious identity; the similarities between the Christian Reformation and the Sunni-Shia split; the dramatic cultural and religious fallout of Napoleon's invasion of Egypt.

 
Unholy: Why White Evangelicals Worship at the Altar of Donald Trump
by Sarah Posner

What it's about: The gap between the espoused views of many "values voters" and their statistically significant backing of Donald Trump, and how some of the less savory parts of the history of Evangelical Christianity in America explain their fervent support for him.

Who it's for: Anyone interested in the intersection of religion and politics, or with the ongoing fight for the soul of Evangelical Christianity in the United States. 
For All Who Hunger: Searching for Communion in a Shattered World
by Emily M.D. Scott

What it is: The reflective and inspiring memoir of Lutheran minister Emily M.D. Scott and the unique church community she founded, St. Lydia's Dinner Church, which serves as a welcoming place for people who feel out of place in more traditional church environments.

 
Contact your librarian for more great books!