by Ursula K. Le Guin
This
collection of four novellas by the Science Fiction author are
interconnected but self-contained at the same time. Using a future
setting when humanity has spread throughout the universe Le Guin
explores human relationships, and particularly the way in which we
enslave each other. Issues of racism, classism and sexism are all
explored in a creative manner. Other than an alternative setting to
earth there was little in this book that felt like Science Fiction, it
came across more as a study in anthropology, albeit an enjoyable one.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
by Neil Postman
This book was written over 30 years ago, but it could have been written yesterday given the the current craziness of the American election. Postman thoroughly explored the problems resulting from electronic communication tools - particularly the television. I think this book should be read by everyone who lives in the midst of the age of endless information, this era of social networks and instant communication. Almost every page had something interesting and relevant on it. A thoughtful critique, a needed sober assessment.
This book was written over 30 years ago, but it could have been written yesterday given the the current craziness of the American election. Postman thoroughly explored the problems resulting from electronic communication tools - particularly the television. I think this book should be read by everyone who lives in the midst of the age of endless information, this era of social networks and instant communication. Almost every page had something interesting and relevant on it. A thoughtful critique, a needed sober assessment.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Hammers & Nails: The Life and Music of Mark Heard
by Matthew Dickerson
A somewhat uneven biography of sorts for the great singer/songwriter Mark Heard. Rather than a straightforward biography this book is more like a mosaic of many pieces that added together form a portrait of this sadly little known artist. The bottom line - Mark was a complex human being who was incredibly thoughtful and honest in his songwriting, and sadly gone before the wider world could discover his genius. His life could be summed up with this line from one of Mark's songs he was"too sacred for the sinners, and the saints wish he would leave." Reading this book made me sad for what could have been, but glad for the body of work Mark did leave behind.
A somewhat uneven biography of sorts for the great singer/songwriter Mark Heard. Rather than a straightforward biography this book is more like a mosaic of many pieces that added together form a portrait of this sadly little known artist. The bottom line - Mark was a complex human being who was incredibly thoughtful and honest in his songwriting, and sadly gone before the wider world could discover his genius. His life could be summed up with this line from one of Mark's songs he was"too sacred for the sinners, and the saints wish he would leave." Reading this book made me sad for what could have been, but glad for the body of work Mark did leave behind.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
City of God: Faith in the Streets
by Sara Miles
This is the second book by Sara Miles that I've read, not quite as astonishing as the first, but still a worthwhile read. Centered around Ash Wednesday, and taking of the imposition of ashes ritual to the streets of her neighbourhood, it reflects on the meaning of being neighbours, the value of ritual, and the surprising work of the Holy Spirit. It reflects hope and faith in the midst of an urban environment.
This is the second book by Sara Miles that I've read, not quite as astonishing as the first, but still a worthwhile read. Centered around Ash Wednesday, and taking of the imposition of ashes ritual to the streets of her neighbourhood, it reflects on the meaning of being neighbours, the value of ritual, and the surprising work of the Holy Spirit. It reflects hope and faith in the midst of an urban environment.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
The Hammer and the Cross: The Conversion of the Vikings
by
Michael Scott Rohan & Allan J. Scott
A short book, densely packed with historical information about the Viking era, and how Christianity came to be the primary religion of the Scandinavian regions. This book revealed even more than I already understood, the extant to which all northern Europeans interacted with and influenced each other, and how the growth of Christianity in Europe was as much a political movement as it was a religious one. It also illustrated the bravery of the first missionary monks who sought to bring Christianity to the pagan north. More than anything this book whet my appetite to learn more about Scandinavian history.
A short book, densely packed with historical information about the Viking era, and how Christianity came to be the primary religion of the Scandinavian regions. This book revealed even more than I already understood, the extant to which all northern Europeans interacted with and influenced each other, and how the growth of Christianity in Europe was as much a political movement as it was a religious one. It also illustrated the bravery of the first missionary monks who sought to bring Christianity to the pagan north. More than anything this book whet my appetite to learn more about Scandinavian history.
The Helix War – Marseguro and Terra Insegura
by
Edward Willett
The first book (actually two novels bound in one volume) by local Regina writer Edward Willett that I have read. This sci-fi story mixes themes of genetic manipulation with religious extremism and a need for the acceptance of ‘the other’ in an entertaining manner. Fast paced yet thoughtful, based in a scientifically realistic but highly imaginative future Willett has made me a fan. There is actually a fair amount of theological wrestling in these novels, and no easy answers given, other than a God who demands hatred and killing is not a God worthy of believing in, a God of love and creation is the better God (though not as easy to use for political purposes).
The first book (actually two novels bound in one volume) by local Regina writer Edward Willett that I have read. This sci-fi story mixes themes of genetic manipulation with religious extremism and a need for the acceptance of ‘the other’ in an entertaining manner. Fast paced yet thoughtful, based in a scientifically realistic but highly imaginative future Willett has made me a fan. There is actually a fair amount of theological wrestling in these novels, and no easy answers given, other than a God who demands hatred and killing is not a God worthy of believing in, a God of love and creation is the better God (though not as easy to use for political purposes).
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
by
Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell has a way of looking at things askew, and then making more sense of them in doing so. I enjoyed this book as much as Outliers, which I read last year. Gladwell draws on scholarly research along with biographical material to weave together an account of why sometimes circumstances which seem like a disadvantage can really be an advantage, and vice versa. His opening account of the battle between David and Goliath, and his use of scriptural quotes and stories of religious persons throughout the book reveals a renewed interest in his childhood faith. After finishing this book I believe I have a wiser and more complete way of looking at the world around us.
Gladwell has a way of looking at things askew, and then making more sense of them in doing so. I enjoyed this book as much as Outliers, which I read last year. Gladwell draws on scholarly research along with biographical material to weave together an account of why sometimes circumstances which seem like a disadvantage can really be an advantage, and vice versa. His opening account of the battle between David and Goliath, and his use of scriptural quotes and stories of religious persons throughout the book reveals a renewed interest in his childhood faith. After finishing this book I believe I have a wiser and more complete way of looking at the world around us.
Charles Williams – The Third Inkling
by Grevel Lindop
I first heard about Charles Williams from a comment by Bruce Cockburn in the liner notes of Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws. Since then I have read his 7 novels and some of his poetry and theological work as well. He was part of the group of literary and scholarly friends known as The Inklings, whose more famous members were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This comprehensive biography fills in some of the life details of this interesting and enigmatic character. Lindop is a poet himself, and so there is no surprise that more time is spent on Williams’ poetry than his other writings, but then again Williams probably considered himself a poet first, and writer of fiction, literary criticism and dramatic works second. After reading this interesting and sometimes surprising account of Williams life I think I will have a better understanding into his works. Charles Williams was a charismatic and flawed individual, a sinner and saint, a creative force who created his own path while trying to pay the bills, a continual struggle for artists, musicians and writers to this day.
I first heard about Charles Williams from a comment by Bruce Cockburn in the liner notes of Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws. Since then I have read his 7 novels and some of his poetry and theological work as well. He was part of the group of literary and scholarly friends known as The Inklings, whose more famous members were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This comprehensive biography fills in some of the life details of this interesting and enigmatic character. Lindop is a poet himself, and so there is no surprise that more time is spent on Williams’ poetry than his other writings, but then again Williams probably considered himself a poet first, and writer of fiction, literary criticism and dramatic works second. After reading this interesting and sometimes surprising account of Williams life I think I will have a better understanding into his works. Charles Williams was a charismatic and flawed individual, a sinner and saint, a creative force who created his own path while trying to pay the bills, a continual struggle for artists, musicians and writers to this day.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good
by Steven Garber
A thought provoking and inspiring book by a wonderful writer. Steven Garber explores the meaning of vocation from many angles. The primary question being "Knowing what you know, what are you going to do?" It took me a long time to finish this book, but simply because it is so rich. I would read a bit, and then take time to reflect and digest what I had read - often inspiring me to change the way I interact with the world. Highly recommended.
A thought provoking and inspiring book by a wonderful writer. Steven Garber explores the meaning of vocation from many angles. The primary question being "Knowing what you know, what are you going to do?" It took me a long time to finish this book, but simply because it is so rich. I would read a bit, and then take time to reflect and digest what I had read - often inspiring me to change the way I interact with the world. Highly recommended.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Escape from Rindorn (Volume 1 of the Magelandorn Chronicles)
by Bart Eriksson
A fantasy novel set in an alternative medieval world, this book is a real page-turner. Written by a friend and fellow Lutheran Pastor this book has interesting characters and plenty of action. Monasteries and hermits make for some welcome elements. The tale seems hardly begun (I'm not sure how many volumes Bart is planning for), and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
A fantasy novel set in an alternative medieval world, this book is a real page-turner. Written by a friend and fellow Lutheran Pastor this book has interesting characters and plenty of action. Monasteries and hermits make for some welcome elements. The tale seems hardly begun (I'm not sure how many volumes Bart is planning for), and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Saved by the Light: The True Story of a Man Who Died Twice and the Profound Revelations He Received
by Dannion Brinkley with Paul Perry
Dannion Brinkley has the most detailed Near Death Experience of any Dr. Raymond Moody has ever encountered, and to top it off, he has had two such experiences - the first after being struck by lightning and the second during open heart surgery. His story is both compelling and incomprehensible. If anything the book further convinced me that we are only minutely aware of the bigger picture.
Dannion Brinkley has the most detailed Near Death Experience of any Dr. Raymond Moody has ever encountered, and to top it off, he has had two such experiences - the first after being struck by lightning and the second during open heart surgery. His story is both compelling and incomprehensible. If anything the book further convinced me that we are only minutely aware of the bigger picture.
Waking Up to the Dark: Ancient Wisdom for a Sleepless Age
by Clark Strand
I quite enjoyed the first half of this book where Strand explores the research around the shifting pattern of sleep from ancient times until our modern age, and how electric light particularly has removed the natural sleep pattern of earlier generations. The natural pattern has sleep divided into two parts with an "hour of God" in the middle of the night. I was less convinced of his personification of darkness as a woman, and more specifically with the black Madonna. Still, some good food for thought about our disconnect from nature and its spiritual cost.
I quite enjoyed the first half of this book where Strand explores the research around the shifting pattern of sleep from ancient times until our modern age, and how electric light particularly has removed the natural sleep pattern of earlier generations. The natural pattern has sleep divided into two parts with an "hour of God" in the middle of the night. I was less convinced of his personification of darkness as a woman, and more specifically with the black Madonna. Still, some good food for thought about our disconnect from nature and its spiritual cost.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Inventing Hell: Dante, the Bible and Eternal Torment
by Jon Sweeney
In a manner that is quite accessible yet still academic Sweeney gives an overview of Dante's Inferno and more importantly the sources Dante drew on to develop his famous work. I was surprised to learn how much Greek mythology was woven into Inferno, and also how the Quran might also have been a source. It is important to understand what Dante was intending with his epic poem because much of western civilization's understanding of Hell has been shaped by Dante's work. Our western culture's image of Hell, which we might assume to be scriptural, is more the result of a early medieval work of fiction.
In a manner that is quite accessible yet still academic Sweeney gives an overview of Dante's Inferno and more importantly the sources Dante drew on to develop his famous work. I was surprised to learn how much Greek mythology was woven into Inferno, and also how the Quran might also have been a source. It is important to understand what Dante was intending with his epic poem because much of western civilization's understanding of Hell has been shaped by Dante's work. Our western culture's image of Hell, which we might assume to be scriptural, is more the result of a early medieval work of fiction.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Christianity and the Celts
by Ted Olsen
A good corrective to the tendency to over-romanticize Celtic Christianity. This book offers a clear summary of the history of the Christianity as it was introduced, developed and practiced by the Celts. Of particular interest was the final chapter which described the 4 periods of Celtic revivalism, and shows how each of these shaped our understanding of Celtic Christianity differently.
A good corrective to the tendency to over-romanticize Celtic Christianity. This book offers a clear summary of the history of the Christianity as it was introduced, developed and practiced by the Celts. Of particular interest was the final chapter which described the 4 periods of Celtic revivalism, and shows how each of these shaped our understanding of Celtic Christianity differently.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
The Sign of Jonas
by Thomas Merton
This is the first Merton book I've read. It was a mixed bag, sometimes brilliantly written insights into spirituality and theology, other times simply a journal of daily activities. It was interesting at times to learn the details of daily life of a Trappist monk, but at times it seemed like too much of the same. Merton uses Latin quotes throughout the book, which I could not read, this did not add to my enjoyment of the book. Finally, I read this in e-book format, and was surprised that the number of typos that appeared throughout the book, the version I read needed some serious proofreading.
This is the first Merton book I've read. It was a mixed bag, sometimes brilliantly written insights into spirituality and theology, other times simply a journal of daily activities. It was interesting at times to learn the details of daily life of a Trappist monk, but at times it seemed like too much of the same. Merton uses Latin quotes throughout the book, which I could not read, this did not add to my enjoyment of the book. Finally, I read this in e-book format, and was surprised that the number of typos that appeared throughout the book, the version I read needed some serious proofreading.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
The Perfect Prayer: Search for the Kingdom through the Lord's Prayer
by Philip Mathias
At times Mathias strays far from the content of the Lord's Prayer, but usually they are interesting diversions. The book attempts to see the big and detailed picture of the Lord's Prayer, and often succeeds in making worthwhile connections and observations. Occasionally I think the attempts at fitting the prayer into a pattern are a bit forced, nevertheless there are many insights into the fullness of the meaning of this most famous of prayers.
At times Mathias strays far from the content of the Lord's Prayer, but usually they are interesting diversions. The book attempts to see the big and detailed picture of the Lord's Prayer, and often succeeds in making worthwhile connections and observations. Occasionally I think the attempts at fitting the prayer into a pattern are a bit forced, nevertheless there are many insights into the fullness of the meaning of this most famous of prayers.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Vincent van Gogh - The Starry Night
by Richard Thomson
A short book focusing on Van Gogh's famous painting :The Starry Night". This book is published by the Museum of Modern Art, where The Starry Night is on permanent display. I didn't learn much new information, but the examples and detailed look at the painting still made this a worthwhile read.
A short book focusing on Van Gogh's famous painting :The Starry Night". This book is published by the Museum of Modern Art, where The Starry Night is on permanent display. I didn't learn much new information, but the examples and detailed look at the painting still made this a worthwhile read.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Van Gogh's Ghost Paintings: Art and Spirit in Gethsemane
by Cliff Edwards
Utilizing comments made in the letters of Van Gogh Cliff Edwards ponders the meaning behind the two paintings of Christ in Gethsemane that Van Gogh painted, then destroyed. An amazing amount of stuff can be written about two paintings that no one other than the artist ever saw. Perhaps the best way to describe this book is a quote from the author ""How poignant that the artist's giving up his Gethsemane paintings recapitulates the very meaning of Gethsemane in the gospels. Sacrificing personal preference for a deeper and broader mission requiring destruction is a process both journeys have in common."
Utilizing comments made in the letters of Van Gogh Cliff Edwards ponders the meaning behind the two paintings of Christ in Gethsemane that Van Gogh painted, then destroyed. An amazing amount of stuff can be written about two paintings that no one other than the artist ever saw. Perhaps the best way to describe this book is a quote from the author ""How poignant that the artist's giving up his Gethsemane paintings recapitulates the very meaning of Gethsemane in the gospels. Sacrificing personal preference for a deeper and broader mission requiring destruction is a process both journeys have in common."
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Swimming in the Sun: Discovering the Lord's Prayer with Francis of Assisi and Thomas Merton
by Albert Haase
This was a re-reading of the this book, which I first read a number of years ago. Albert Haase has a way of pulling spiritual insights and theological connections from a variety of sources and weaving them together in this study of the Lord's Prayer. I find this book both challenging and affirming - challenging in the sense that I am moved to live a more Christ-like life, and affirming in that Haase reminds the reader how God's grace is always active in our lives. Finally, this volume has given me a deeper insight into the underlying message of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples.
This was a re-reading of the this book, which I first read a number of years ago. Albert Haase has a way of pulling spiritual insights and theological connections from a variety of sources and weaving them together in this study of the Lord's Prayer. I find this book both challenging and affirming - challenging in the sense that I am moved to live a more Christ-like life, and affirming in that Haase reminds the reader how God's grace is always active in our lives. Finally, this volume has given me a deeper insight into the underlying message of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Mr g: A Novel About the Creation
by Alan Lightman
An imaginative and entertaining book that gives us God's point of view regarding the creation of time and the universe. The book is more based in science than spirituality, but is done so in an engaging manner. There is even a Trinity of sorts, not Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but rather Mr. g and his Aunt and Uncle. Evil shows up as a trinity as well, but more in the sense of the Hebrew concept of the devil found in the Book of Job, than the enemy of God found in the New Testament. The novel presents a novel interpretation of NDEs, but one that is ultimately unsatisfying, even to one of the characters in the book. This book was recommended to me by a student - thank you Ms. Kasha!
An imaginative and entertaining book that gives us God's point of view regarding the creation of time and the universe. The book is more based in science than spirituality, but is done so in an engaging manner. There is even a Trinity of sorts, not Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but rather Mr. g and his Aunt and Uncle. Evil shows up as a trinity as well, but more in the sense of the Hebrew concept of the devil found in the Book of Job, than the enemy of God found in the New Testament. The novel presents a novel interpretation of NDEs, but one that is ultimately unsatisfying, even to one of the characters in the book. This book was recommended to me by a student - thank you Ms. Kasha!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
A Beautiful Mess: How God Re-creates Our Lives
by Danielle Strickland
This is a quick read, but filled with delightful connections and images. Danielle takes the creation story of Genesis 1 and sees in it connections with our lives today, even in all their messiness. It reminded me at times of Mike Yaconelli's book "Messy Spirituality". This book is a down to earth look at what faithful living looks like. Quite enjoyable.
This is a quick read, but filled with delightful connections and images. Danielle takes the creation story of Genesis 1 and sees in it connections with our lives today, even in all their messiness. It reminded me at times of Mike Yaconelli's book "Messy Spirituality". This book is a down to earth look at what faithful living looks like. Quite enjoyable.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Silence: A Christian History
by Diarmaid MacCulloch
This book looks at silence in two ways, first as a devotional practice, and second as a way of hiding things. Both sections were interesting and informative and MacCulloch has a way of drawing the reader into deeper reflection on this subject. Protestants were portrayed as noisy late comers to the party who discarded silence as a spiritual discipline, which sadly is true for the most part.
This book looks at silence in two ways, first as a devotional practice, and second as a way of hiding things. Both sections were interesting and informative and MacCulloch has a way of drawing the reader into deeper reflection on this subject. Protestants were portrayed as noisy late comers to the party who discarded silence as a spiritual discipline, which sadly is true for the most part.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Did God Kill Jesus? Searching for Love in History's Most Famous Execution
by Tony Jones
An engaging look at atonement theories past and present. Jones has a way of explaining complex theological concepts in a fresh and revealing manner. The book ends with his own version of atonement theory, which resonates well with 21st century thinking, though I thought it needed to be fleshed out some more. Overall a worthwhile read.
An engaging look at atonement theories past and present. Jones has a way of explaining complex theological concepts in a fresh and revealing manner. The book ends with his own version of atonement theory, which resonates well with 21st century thinking, though I thought it needed to be fleshed out some more. Overall a worthwhile read.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Forever Kalei's Mom: A Story about Life, My Child's Death and What Forever Really Means
by Lorene Holizki
A honest and sometimes painful reflection on what a mother who has an only child die in a car accident experiences in her grief. The most helpful section for me was near the end of the book where Lorene explains what is helpful and not helpful to saying to a grieving parent and why.
A honest and sometimes painful reflection on what a mother who has an only child die in a car accident experiences in her grief. The most helpful section for me was near the end of the book where Lorene explains what is helpful and not helpful to saying to a grieving parent and why.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Spiritual Kaizen: How to Become a Better Church Leader
by Grant Hagiya
Kaizen comes from the martial arts training of the author, and it means 'steady and continuous growth and learning'. This book suggests that the best leadership strategy is to strive for growth and understanding, not in dramatic shifts and sudden transformations, but in a reflective, intentional approach to leadership development. Much good food for thought from this Methodist Bishop.
Kaizen comes from the martial arts training of the author, and it means 'steady and continuous growth and learning'. This book suggests that the best leadership strategy is to strive for growth and understanding, not in dramatic shifts and sudden transformations, but in a reflective, intentional approach to leadership development. Much good food for thought from this Methodist Bishop.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
by Charles Marsh
Before reading this comprehensive biography of this Lutheran martyr I only had a general understanding about the life and theological ideas of this man. Marsh's book drew me into Bonhoeffer's world and enriched my understanding of this complex and unique theological giant of the 20th century. I was also surprised and disturbed to learn how much the German Protestant church went along with the Nazi ideology and program. A very well written work, and worthy of a re-read some day, but after I have read more of Bonhoeffer's writings.
Before reading this comprehensive biography of this Lutheran martyr I only had a general understanding about the life and theological ideas of this man. Marsh's book drew me into Bonhoeffer's world and enriched my understanding of this complex and unique theological giant of the 20th century. I was also surprised and disturbed to learn how much the German Protestant church went along with the Nazi ideology and program. A very well written work, and worthy of a re-read some day, but after I have read more of Bonhoeffer's writings.
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