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.