by Richard Rohr with John Feister
This
book felt very relevant even though it was published in 2001, there was
much that seemed to be a response to the current social and political
climate. Divided into three sections (1) The Current Dilemma, (2)
Francis the Rebuilder, and (3) Finding a Third Way. Of these three it
was the concluding section that provided some good perspective and a
sense of hope particularly needed at this time. Rohr emphasizes our
connection with the wider world and with the Divine, the need to become
aware of the Divine Spirit within and can transform us into agents of
God's transforming the world. For Rohr it is important to consider
orthopraxy first and foremost, rather than focusing on orthodoxy only (which will not transform the world by itself).
Monday, April 3, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Into the Region of Awe: Mysticism in C.S. Lewis
by David C. Downing
One does not usually associate mysticism with C.S. Lewis, champion of apologists everywhere, however in this book Downing makes a good case for Lewis' interest in Christian Mysticism. Downing shows how mysticism shows up in both Lewis' fiction, and in his scholarly writing. I found this book giving me a new perspective on Lewis, and at this stage I didn't think that would be too likely. I will read C.S. Lewis somewhat differently from now on.
One does not usually associate mysticism with C.S. Lewis, champion of apologists everywhere, however in this book Downing makes a good case for Lewis' interest in Christian Mysticism. Downing shows how mysticism shows up in both Lewis' fiction, and in his scholarly writing. I found this book giving me a new perspective on Lewis, and at this stage I didn't think that would be too likely. I will read C.S. Lewis somewhat differently from now on.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Four Ways to Forgiveness
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.
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.
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.
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