by Charles Seper
Focusing
primarily on the books Phantastes and Lilith Seper unfolds the many
layers and meanings woven into these book by MacDonald. It has been
many years since I read either of those books, but Seper's exposition
brought many scenes from those works back to life in my memory. This is
the first I have encountered someone who identifies MacDonald as a
Christian mystic, but after reading his reasoning I am inclined to agree
with the author.
Monday, August 25, 2014
At the Back of the North Wind
by George MacDonald
One of George MacDonald's most popular books, which I have read before. This time I was struck by how the experiences and behaviour of the young protaganist Diamond reminded me of someone who has experienced a Near Death Experience, which is indeed what it means to go to the back of the north wind.
One of George MacDonald's most popular books, which I have read before. This time I was struck by how the experiences and behaviour of the young protaganist Diamond reminded me of someone who has experienced a Near Death Experience, which is indeed what it means to go to the back of the north wind.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Scattering Seeds: Cultivating Church Vitality
by Stephen Chapin Garner with Jerry Thornell
The pastor of a thriving United Church of Christ parish in Massachusetts sets forth how that congregation's unique blend of liberal and evangelical emphases make for a vibrant ministry.
The pastor of a thriving United Church of Christ parish in Massachusetts sets forth how that congregation's unique blend of liberal and evangelical emphases make for a vibrant ministry.
Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind and Fire
by Philip Bailey
An inside look into one of my favourite bands of all time, and one of my favourite singers (that distinctive falsetto that soared above the groove of EWF songs). This band paved the way for many African-American artists and this book shows how this happened.
An inside look into one of my favourite bands of all time, and one of my favourite singers (that distinctive falsetto that soared above the groove of EWF songs). This band paved the way for many African-American artists and this book shows how this happened.
Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians
by Stephen R. Haynes and Lori Brandt Hale
The first book I read totally on my iPhone! A decent introduction to the person and theological thought of the 20th Century's best known Christian martyrs.
The first book I read totally on my iPhone! A decent introduction to the person and theological thought of the 20th Century's best known Christian martyrs.
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of the Native People in North America
by Thomas King
Dis-heartening, embarrassing, enlightening, important and entertaining - a book of significance for our current reality, by recounting the past 5 centuries of interaction between native Americans and Caucasians.
Dis-heartening, embarrassing, enlightening, important and entertaining - a book of significance for our current reality, by recounting the past 5 centuries of interaction between native Americans and Caucasians.
The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin
by Mash Gessen
An eye-opening account of the man who has created a new Russia which is very much like the old. A tale of power - especially the power of limiting information.
An eye-opening account of the man who has created a new Russia which is very much like the old. A tale of power - especially the power of limiting information.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Living by Grace
by William Hordern
A re-reading of this book that is almost 40 years old reveals how Hordern (the President of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon when I began there) was incredibly perceptive to the state of the church and culture, and in some ways ahead of his time. A great reminder of what should be central to Christian life and thought.
A re-reading of this book that is almost 40 years old reveals how Hordern (the President of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon when I began there) was incredibly perceptive to the state of the church and culture, and in some ways ahead of his time. A great reminder of what should be central to Christian life and thought.
The Age of the Spirit: How the Ghost of an Ancient Controversy is Shaping the Church
by Phyllis Tickle with Jon M. Sweeney
What in the hands of other authors could be dry and boring was made interesting and understandable by these two theologians/authors. They cover the development of the detailed understanding of the Trinity, and how the place of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity shaped church politics for centuries. They also suggest that we are in the midst of a major transition in religion, what is being called "The Age of the Spirit". Fascinating stuff.
What in the hands of other authors could be dry and boring was made interesting and understandable by these two theologians/authors. They cover the development of the detailed understanding of the Trinity, and how the place of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity shaped church politics for centuries. They also suggest that we are in the midst of a major transition in religion, what is being called "The Age of the Spirit". Fascinating stuff.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
D-Day: from the Invasion to the Liberation of Paris
by Richard Holmes
Read in honor of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. The best thing about this book were reproductions of documents, maps and memorabilia from the Normandy fighting. Pictures also help create a sense of what happened in this turning point of WW II.
Read in honor of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. The best thing about this book were reproductions of documents, maps and memorabilia from the Normandy fighting. Pictures also help create a sense of what happened in this turning point of WW II.
Friday, June 6, 2014
The Path of Celtic Prayer: An Ancient Way to Everyday Joy
by Calvin Miller
Essentially an introduction to Early Celtic spirituality, using the framework of 6 types of Celtic Prayer (Trinity, Scripture, Wandering, Nature, Lorica and Confessional Prayer). Miller would be the first to admit he is no Celtic Christianity scholar, but nevertheless he has shaped a good introduction to this unique form of Christianity.
Essentially an introduction to Early Celtic spirituality, using the framework of 6 types of Celtic Prayer (Trinity, Scripture, Wandering, Nature, Lorica and Confessional Prayer). Miller would be the first to admit he is no Celtic Christianity scholar, but nevertheless he has shaped a good introduction to this unique form of Christianity.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age
by Richard Louv
A call to improve our life by re-connecting with nature. This includes our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Richard Louv gathers research and helps us understand the implications for our modern way of living. More importantly he comes up with realistic strategies for dealing with Nature Deficit Disorder.
A call to improve our life by re-connecting with nature. This includes our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Richard Louv gathers research and helps us understand the implications for our modern way of living. More importantly he comes up with realistic strategies for dealing with Nature Deficit Disorder.
Friday, May 16, 2014
The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully
by Dr. Penny Sartori
A nurse does an intensive multi-year study to investigate Near Death Experiences and earns her PhD with her studies. This book summarizes her research and what she has learned over the past number of years. Many individual stories add to the interest of this book which I believe puts forth a rational and sensible call to take seriously Near Death Experiences and the impact they have on those who have experienced them.
A nurse does an intensive multi-year study to investigate Near Death Experiences and earns her PhD with her studies. This book summarizes her research and what she has learned over the past number of years. Many individual stories add to the interest of this book which I believe puts forth a rational and sensible call to take seriously Near Death Experiences and the impact they have on those who have experienced them.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis
Edited by Robert MacSwain and Michael Ward
A collection of scholarly articles on the person and writings of C.S. Lewis. Some of the articles unveiled new insights and understandings into Lewis and his work, others were too academic to be enjoyed in a general sense. Part III - which examined Lewis' works of fiction was the best section as far as I am concerned.
A collection of scholarly articles on the person and writings of C.S. Lewis. Some of the articles unveiled new insights and understandings into Lewis and his work, others were too academic to be enjoyed in a general sense. Part III - which examined Lewis' works of fiction was the best section as far as I am concerned.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Reflections on the famous painting by Rembrandt. This book is almost devotional in nature and Nouwen recounts the meaning of the the parable and the painting as expressed in his own experience and life. A gentle book, much like the portrayal of the father figure in Rembrandt's painting.
Reflections on the famous painting by Rembrandt. This book is almost devotional in nature and Nouwen recounts the meaning of the the parable and the painting as expressed in his own experience and life. A gentle book, much like the portrayal of the father figure in Rembrandt's painting.
Monday, April 21, 2014
God For Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Lent and Easter
Edited by Greg Pennoyer & Gregory Wolfe
A beautiful book of writings and artwork related to themes based on the daily scriptures readings in the season of Lent (up to and including Easter). Some wonderful essays on the various significant days and traditions for this season. Devotional writing from some favourite authors like Richard Rohr, Scott Cairns, Ronald Rolheiser and Kathleen Norris.
A beautiful book of writings and artwork related to themes based on the daily scriptures readings in the season of Lent (up to and including Easter). Some wonderful essays on the various significant days and traditions for this season. Devotional writing from some favourite authors like Richard Rohr, Scott Cairns, Ronald Rolheiser and Kathleen Norris.
Show Me the Way: Readings for Each Day of Lent
by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Selections drawn from Nouwen's writings put together according to themes drawn from daily scripture readings for the Lenten season. Much wisdom and inspiration in these words.
Selections drawn from Nouwen's writings put together according to themes drawn from daily scripture readings for the Lenten season. Much wisdom and inspiration in these words.
Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story
by Robyn Doolittle
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. The strangest part of this story is how Rob Ford continues to have support after all this damaging behavior came to light.
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. The strangest part of this story is how Rob Ford continues to have support after all this damaging behavior came to light.
Friday, April 4, 2014
The Orenda
by Joseph Boyden
(winner of the 2014 Canada Reads competition on CBC)
A gripping tale of the interaction between early French Jesuit missionaries and the Huron peoples. Paints a complex picture where there are no "bad guys" and "good guys" - instead we see the initial intersections of two cultures, the problems that creates, and the foreshadowing of problems that will come.
(winner of the 2014 Canada Reads competition on CBC)
A gripping tale of the interaction between early French Jesuit missionaries and the Huron peoples. Paints a complex picture where there are no "bad guys" and "good guys" - instead we see the initial intersections of two cultures, the problems that creates, and the foreshadowing of problems that will come.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Craddock on the Craft of Preaching
Edited by Lee Sparks and Kathryn Hayes Sparks
Gathered from lectures and presentations that Fred Craddock made on a subject that he taught for many years - preaching. Many golden nuggets of wisdom and insight in this collection, and even thought Craddock represents a different era in the life of the church much of what he says still rings true today.
Gathered from lectures and presentations that Fred Craddock made on a subject that he taught for many years - preaching. Many golden nuggets of wisdom and insight in this collection, and even thought Craddock represents a different era in the life of the church much of what he says still rings true today.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore: And How 4 Acts of Love Will Make Your Church Irresistible
by Joani & Thom Schultz
An interesting analysis of the current trend in North America, and some creative ideas to make things different. Towards the end I thought it was too much a commercial for their LifeTree Cafe program, but some worthwhile ideas to consider.
An interesting analysis of the current trend in North America, and some creative ideas to make things different. Towards the end I thought it was too much a commercial for their LifeTree Cafe program, but some worthwhile ideas to consider.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sinister Resonance: The Mediumship of the Listener
by David Toop
Not sure where I heard of this book, but it wasn't what I expected. I enjoyed bits of it, but I also found large swaths of it wading through joyless ruminations on the less pleasant aspects of sound.
Not sure where I heard of this book, but it wasn't what I expected. I enjoyed bits of it, but I also found large swaths of it wading through joyless ruminations on the less pleasant aspects of sound.
Monday, February 3, 2014
In Praise of the Inexpressible: Paul's Experience of the Divine Mystery
by Jean Paillard
An interesting examination of Paul's writings from the perspective of Paul's mystical nature. One doesn't often think of Paul as mystical but Jean Paillard does a convincing job of highlighting and exploring the elements of Paul's letters that indicate this side of the apostle.
An interesting examination of Paul's writings from the perspective of Paul's mystical nature. One doesn't often think of Paul as mystical but Jean Paillard does a convincing job of highlighting and exploring the elements of Paul's letters that indicate this side of the apostle.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Dog on the Cross: Stories
by Aaron Gwyn
A collection of short stories set in Oklahoma, filled with a fascinating set of characters mixing the sacred and profane in a manner similar to Flannery O'Conner.
A collection of short stories set in Oklahoma, filled with a fascinating set of characters mixing the sacred and profane in a manner similar to Flannery O'Conner.
Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint
by Nadia Bolz-Weber
Heard Nadia at the Festival of Homiletics and have since seen her all over the internet and other media (including CBC radio). A funny, inspiring, challenging memoir of this woman who became a pastor to her own kind, be which she means people who seldom like they are welcome (or would even want to be) in church.
Heard Nadia at the Festival of Homiletics and have since seen her all over the internet and other media (including CBC radio). A funny, inspiring, challenging memoir of this woman who became a pastor to her own kind, be which she means people who seldom like they are welcome (or would even want to be) in church.
The Miracles of Ordinary Men
by Amanda Leduc
Rather unusual novel set on Canada's west coast, involving some people who suddenly grow angel wings, but only a very few people can see them. An exploration of faith, love and death.
Rather unusual novel set on Canada's west coast, involving some people who suddenly grow angel wings, but only a very few people can see them. An exploration of faith, love and death.
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