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.