Font of Life: Ambrose, Augustine, & the Mystery of Baptism

by Garry Wills

 

Under the cathedral floor in Milan archeologists have uncovered the baptistry where Ambrose baptized the newly converted Augustine in the late 4th century. Having visited this site I was interested to read Garry Wills book which looks at the life, teachings and ecclesiastical careers of these two significant leaders of the early church. This book is filled with many insights into these two giants of faith, as well as how differences in theology and praxis has been around for a long time. Of particular interest was how Ambrose used portions of Hebrew scripture as metaphor or allegory relating to baptism and the gospel.

An Acceptable Time

by Madeleine L'Engle

 

The fifth and final book in the Time Quintet, this was a most enjoyable read, one that I had not read before - which turned into a problem when I couldn't put the book down as I got into the final chapters and stayed up far too late in order to finish the book (which had a satisfying and appropriate conclusion). I liked the inclusion of the Bishop Heron character, which allowed for specific theological reflection. I enjoyed how the grandparents do not believe the strange happenings with a time gate even though they themselves experienced strange events when they were younger - a nod to age and responsibility distracting us from mysteries that we don't like. I also was surprised to find 'ley lines' in the story and wondered if this is where Stephen R. Lawhead got the idea for his Bright Empires series.

Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way

 by Lars Mytting

This book was a recommendation of a friend who shares a Norwegian heritage. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and how much I learned. Who knew there was so much to know about wood for heating homes?! Throughout the book I found myself longing for a home with a good wood stove in it (and access to forests) - maybe some day... until then I will have to content myself with the occasional wood felling and burning at the cabin.

Glory Season

by David Brin

 

An interesting premise for this sci-fi work, a world where women are in control and men are second rate citizens. The question in such a scenario is "would such a world be a better, more peaceful place?" Brin paints a highly detailed picture incorporating cloning, pastoralism and outside influence (in the form of a visitor from space). The conclusion seems to be that such a world would look more peaceful externally, but would still be fraught with inner tensions. It also makes a case for neither male nor female domination of the other, but of a partnership and valuing of each individual's strengths. Brin is the favourite author of a friend who recommended I give his books a try - I was glad to have read this one.

The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential

by N.T. Wright

Though known as a New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright turns his considerable skills to look at the Book of Psalms resulting in some helpful insights and commentary. Wright uses the "mystery of space and place" as a set of lens to consider the importance of the Psalms - and I will need to re-read this book to more deeply understand these connections. What I found most enjoyable was the Afterword, a chapter called "My Life with the Psalms" where Wright gives poignant examples of how specific Psalms were meaningful to him in various circumstances of his life.

The Whistler

by John Grisham

 

A parishioner of mine thought I should read something other than religious books, that I needed to read something just for enjoyment, then she lent me this Grisham book. It certainly was an easy read (unlike the Kierkegaard book I'm trying to work my way through currently). The themes of greed, corruption and perseverance certainly resonated with truth from my perspective. The ending was almost too happy, the bad guys (and gals) got their due and the pursuers of justice got their rewards. I wish it worked out that way as nicely in real life.

To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again

 by Mary C. Neal, M.D.

This book contains far more than an account of this person's NDE, it also sets out the many ways in which Mary has experienced God's presence and guidance throughout her life. I found the story around her death, NDE and resuscitation while kayaking in Chile the most intriguing. Other parts were also interesting, though not as gripping. Many who experience NDEs say they believe they are still on earth because they have something they need to do or finish, Dr. Neal's reason was incredibly personal and painful. A faith story in more ways than one.

The Transmigration of Timothy Archer

by Philip K. Dick

 

Unlike any other PKD fiction I have read, not science fiction at all, instead it tells the story of an Episcopalian Bishop who was ultimately interested in finding the source material for the Gospels, which led to his untimely death in the desert of Israel. This novel is apparently a thinly veiled story about Bishop James Pike, whom Philip K. Dick considered a personal friend. This work explores many themes including faith, gate, destiny, sin – all set in California in the height of the cultural revolution that was the late sixties. It is hard to say whether PKD has any personal affinity for Christianity based on this book, but he certainly doesn't dismiss it outright either. It felt like an honest attempt to explain this man and the reason for the choices he made.

The Farthest Shore - Earthsea Cycle Volume 3

by Ursula K. Le Guin

 

Exploring the age old questions surrounding life, death and immortality, Le Guin weaves a fantastic tale with wizards, dragons, princes and incredible journeys. In a sense I understood this story to be a version of Genesis Chapter 3, with the fall of humanity being linked to our desire to be God, to achieve endless power and immortality on our own – and the devastation that such grasping reeks on the world and on human relations. What is interesting is that Le Guin tells such a tale of ultimate violence with little violence in the telling. In the end, much like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it is friendship and love that restores things to their rightful manner. An enjoyable read to be sure.

Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences

by Jeffrey Long, M.D. with Paul Perry

 

Doctor Long has conducted the largest study of NDEs so far, and this book is a summary of his findings. Having read many other books about NDEs before there was not a lot of new information in this book for me, but having the information organized in a methodical manner was very helpful. Essentially what I learned from reading this book was that there is a high level of consistency between NDEs, in spite of the unique qualities of each one. This consistency spans age groups, cultures and religious beliefs (or lack thereof). This book would be a great introduction to someone wanting to learn about this fascinating subject.

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

by John O'Donohue

Once I figured out that only a portion of the book was specifically about the Celtic concept of Anam Cara (soul friend) I was able to enjoy the content of this poet/philosopher more. I found the book a mixture of great insights with creative expression of various concepts to a collection of obtuse reflections that would be more at home in a book of pop psychology or new age pseudo-religion. When it was the former I quite appreciate it, highlighting many passages I thought were well rendered. When it was the latter I plowed my way through regardless, even though I didn't connect with the material. Overall I would say the majority of the book was valuable, sharing important wisdom from the Celtic tradition.

The Way the World Is: The Christian Perspective of a Scientist

by John Polkinghorne

This didn't exactly cover what I was expecting it to cover, however there was lots of insightful and helpful parts to make it a worthwhile read. I was expecting more science and less theology, but other than the first couple of chapters the science writing only show up in bits throughout the rest of the book. This book could be summarized as John Polkinghorne's attempt at explaining Christianity in a rational, logical manner – though not as an exercise in apologetics, rather as a creedal statement. Overall I like Polkinghorne's approach and though written in 1983 originally it still feels very current and relevant (other than the use of 'men' to mean 'humankind' and a few other language clues to this being over three decades old). Polkinghorne's ability to straddle the disciplines of science and theology give him an unique voice worthy of noting.

Many Waters

by Madeleine L'Engle

 

The most enjoyable book in the series since the initial "A Wrinkle in Time". Madeleine explores questions of love and free will around the story of Noah and the flood. While not giving clear answers she points to the mystery of suffering and destruction being part of new birth (citing childbirth and the formation of stars as examples). Besides touching on this tricky subject she tells a gripping story filled with interesting characters. A nod to Enoch near the end is the best 'Deus ex Machina" moment in a book that I've read in a long time.

Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics

by Ross Douthat

 

A well written examination of how the religious life of the USA developed, and more specifically how it skewed away from traditional Christianity. I didn't always agree with Douthat's perspectives, I felt his portrayal of the mainline protestants was too narrow and focused on the obvious excesses of the Jesus Seminar and the like. I didn't feel like the Lutheran church of which I am most familiar was represented much in his discussion and thus found myself arguing with the author at times. Nevertheless there was a lot of keen observation and good historical research in this book - much to learn, and much to chew on.

When "Spiritual But Not Religious" Is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places, Even the Church

by Lillian Daniel

 

A book with a diversity of topics, mostly approached in short but engaging chapters. Lillian Daniel has a down-to-earth, no-nonsense style of writing which I found refreshing for a religious writer (most of the time). Her insistence that church community is an important part of one's spiritual life flies in the face of much of the "spiritual but not religious" mindset, and I found myself agreeing with her perspective. It would be unfair to suggest that the majority of the book focuses on this topic, for there are a wide variety of reflections on current religious life in North America, practical theology really.  Thanks to David Peterson for lending me this book.

Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale

by Frederick Buechner
 
This is a book to savored and pondered, a feast of images and ideas deftly interwoven with references to Shakespeare, Narnia, Hollywood, and Bible stories and much more. This is not a book about homiletical technique but rather about homiletical intent, getting to the core of the reason for preaching the truth - as set expressed in tragedy, comedy and fairy tale. There were little gems throughout, worthy of re-examination, thus my intent to read this volume again some day.

A Swiftly Tilting Planet

by Madeleine L'Engle 

The third book in L'Engle's Time Quintet, but the least satisfying one so far. I found the time hopping between different generations of the same family sometimes difficult to follow. There were elements I still enjoyed, and L'Engle's imagination is still abundantly evident. I found this to be less a story about the Murry family, and rather a vehicle into another family's epic. The threat of nuclear war did seem relevant to our current situation. Perhaps Mad Dog Branzillo foreshadowed current events. I did enjoy the Celtic rune that was central to the storyline.

Ragman - reissue: And Other Cries of Faith

by Walter Wangerin Jr.

This reissue of the Wangerin classic contains 11 new stories and meditations - yet all seem to be from the time period when Wangerin served an inner city parish in Evansville, Indiana. I enjoyed revisiting old favourites like Ragman and discovering new gems like Moses Swope. I limited myself to one offering a night, so I could soak in the fullness of these wonderful reflections on life and faith. Wangerin's writing brilliance shines through again and again in this collection.

Bach Among the Theologians

by Jaroslav Pelikan
 
An in-depth look at J.S. Bach's theological themes found within his many sacred works, especially the Passions and B Minor Mass. Pelikan also gives an overview of the theological shifts occurring in Bach's time in Europe and how Bach's work either reflects those trends or stands in contrast to them. He even delves into different theories of atonement and how those show up in Bach's compositions. The picture painted of Bach is one of a faithful Christian, but one who is more complex than simply an orthodox Lutheran proclaiming the party line. I'd like to take some time to listen intently to some of the Bach works referenced in Pelikan's book, with his commentary in front of me - I think that would give me deeper appreciation for the genius and faith of this greatest of Lutheran composers.

How the Irish Saved Civilization

by Thomas Cahill
 
Subtitled: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe - a thoroughly enjoyable overview of European Christianity in the first Millennium. I was already aware of the basic premise, that Celtic monks copying ancient manuscripts saved much of the great works of Roman thinkers, poets and theologians from the destruction of the barbarians demolishing civilization in Europe (the fall of Rome and its aftermath). Cahill's style is both informative and personal. I particularly liked this quote from the very end of the book: "The Romans are the rich and powerful who run things their way and must always accrue more because they instinctively believe that there will never be enough to go around; the catholics, as their name implies, are universalists who instinctively believe that all humanity makes one family, that every human being is an equal child of God, and the God will provide." I've been meaning to read this book for a long while, glad for the recent vacation that gave me the time to do so.

The Tombs of Atuan

by Ursula K Le Guin
 
The second volume in the Earthsea trilogy, quite different from the first because for the most part the action is claustrophobic and dark, literally dark - taking place primarily in underground caverns and tunnels without light. It explores how power can either set free or entrap. A different reading experience from the first book in the series, but enjoyable as well.

A Wizard of Earthsea

By Ursula K. Le Guin

The first in the Earthsea trilogy by this renowned American author. This was a fantasy novel in the form of Tolkien, though written before that genre really became popular. I read some of her science fiction before and thought I would try her fantasy literature on a short holiday. Well written and interesting characters, conflict without warfare or (much) violence. The story felt like a seafaring pilgrimage tale reminiscent of the voyage of Saint Brendan. An enjoyable read, looking forward to reading the next volume in the series. 

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity

by Nabeel Qureshi

I first heard of Mr. Qureshi through an online appeal to pray for his recovery of health. Sadly he passed away shortly afterwards. The internet reports of this seeker of truth captured my attention enough to get his book. In some ways this book taught me more about the Muslim religion and culture than any other source I’ve read to date. It helped me understand many things that I was unclear about, including why the Trinity is an offensive concept for Muslims and the role of Shame/Honour in much of the Islamic world. It also emphasized apologetics as a tool for evangelization, though not without friendship as a platform first. 

A Wind in the Door

by Madeleine L’Engle

The second second in the quartet of novels about the Murray family, a sequel to A Wrinkle in Time. Creative and inventive, spiritual and scientific speculation. The cherubim character is worth the read alone. I can’t see this one being made into a movie like the first book, I’m not sure how a lot of this material could be visualized. Same message in the end, love conquers evil.

Dark Age Ahead

by Jane Jacobs
 
Though written a decade and a half ago there is much in this volume that seems current. Jacobs warns against the loss of knowledge and expertise, leading to a mass amnesia - or dark age. Sometimes it felt like it was just a pile of complaints about the way our current society is functioning (or not functioning more accurately), but other times there was astute insight, and some ideas about how to reverse these negative trends.

All Things Made New: The Reformation and Its Legacy

by Diarmaid MacCulloch
 
This book is essentially a compilation of essays and articles that MacCulloch has written over the years, and subsequently seems somewhat disjointed. Some chapters I enjoyed and appreciated, others were simply tough to get through. The majority of the book is about elements of the English Reformation, and these parts were far to detailed to be of interest to me. He does make clear that the Anglican Church really doesn't belong to the Protestant Reformation or the Roman Catholic church, but formed in an ongoing tension between the two. I was disappointed in this book since I had high expectations from reading some of MacCulloch's other works.