Here I Walk: A Thousand Miles on Foot to Rome with Martin Luther

by Andrew L. Wilson
 
Since my wife and I will be leading a tour called "In the Footsteps of Luther" this summer, I thought this would be a good book to read in advance of our trip. I was somewhat disappointed, not learning as much as I had hoped about Luther's trip to Rome. The book is more like a travelogue with some theological reflections sprinkled in. At times the writing is insightful and interesting, at other times it tries too hard and comes across as a bit pretentious. Still I would say that overall I enjoyed this read, and am grateful for the learnings I did glean from the pages.

Luther's Fortress: Martin Luther and His Reformation Under Siege

by James Reston, Jr.
 
In this interesting volume Reston chooses to focus on the period of time Luther was hiding in the Wartburg Castle after the Diet of Worms. Reston sees those 8 months as key to the success of the Reformation, as it was the most dangerous time for the survival of the new movement. In this time Luther continued to write, and in a spurt of incredible academic energy translated the New Testament into German. Reston shows how Luther attempted to lead while in hiding and finally growing weary of the limitations of such how he went against Prince Frederick's wishes and returned to Wittenberg. Well written and quite informative.

Martin Luther: Visionary Reformer

by Scott H. Hendrix
 
Read as part of my preparations for leading a tour called "In the Footsteps of Luther" I found this book both an interesting and informative work. It helped me understand how Luther's reformation work wasn't a solitary man against the papacy, but rather a collection of scholars and political leaders working with Luther (and sometimes against him). There were many surprising facts about Luther's life that I don't recall ever coming across before. An enjoyable read that breathes life into this particular period of history.

Hope Against Darkness: The Transforming Vision of Saint Francis in an Age of Anxiety

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).

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.

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.

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.