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.