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Philosophically minded thinkers will find this clearly written, accessible work to be rewarding as a challenge to consider other perspectives.
Dougherty is one of only a few people challenging the New Thought philosophy, which has influenced current culture and thinking in the United States. Her book’s tone is conversational and integrates her personal experiences, which is an approach that will appeal to many general readers. It makes a good addition to religion and philosophy collections.
One gets the sense that there are two or three possible books vying for space inside this one packed tome that critiques public displays in the U.S. An important work for students of sociology of place and religion.
Easily the most comprehensive and scholarly work ever written on Francis of Assisi, this highly recommended work belongs in all religious collections.
This book by an author with solid credentials invites readers to pray, eat unprocessed foods, exercise mindfully, and incorporate self-care into their routines. Readers may disagree with some of Nugent’s assertions, but overall, the advice is sensible.
PREMIUM
Aflame: Learning from Silence
A nice addition to the literature on the blessings of quietude. Iyer’s observations about people, places, and himself are beautifully written and may offer readers some reassurance about these troubled times.
This is an advanced text that will be of interest to readers with an active Zen practice or a solid understanding of basic Zen principles and historical figures. It makes a strong addition to collections.
A unique, scholarly take on fast capitalism. González challenges readers to take vigorous social actions against the religion of consumerism that’s embodied by companies such as Disney, Amazon, and Starbucks.
Students with some background in philosophy might find this book more accessible. Readers interested in metaphysics will also appreciate it.
This book is distinctive, highly informative, and useful. Give to readers curious about interreligious relationships and religious history.
A well-researched, engrossing read that demonstrates why the Jewish and Christian communities went their separate ways and how Christianity not only became a spiritual practice but also a political force. Ideal for both religious studies individuals and Bible study groups.
Leach is an inspiring teacher and guide who invites readers (and leaders) to open their eyes, ears, and lives to love. They’re urged to allow the Word of God to be planted like a seed deep within them. This book is perfect for both groups and individuals.
This book parses letters and documents such as the Greek translation of Esther, 3 Maccabees, and Baruch and interacts with the current scholarly conversation on these ancient texts. A useful study for students of ancient Judaism.
Filled with vignettes and details revealing Higgins’s insider view of life at the Vatican, this highly recommended book often has the friendly and joyous feel of someone talking about a dear friend. Pair with Elisabetta Piqué’s Pope Francis: Life and Revolution or Francis: A Pope for Our Time by Luis Rosales and Daniel Olivera.
A compelling view of parables. Readers seeking a scripture-based path to spirituality will enjoy it.
PREMIUM
Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic: Ancient Christianity and the Recovery of Human Dignity
This book about the image of women and their perceived societal value is sure to spark much conversation and debate.
A handy guide for tired Christians, but some of its arguments and beliefs may be off-putting to many readers.
An informative, helpful book that will attract readers curious about beatific vision. It’s also a good pick for readers who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Christian theology and religious experiences.
Though there is much to consider with Lundgren’s approach and angle, the book’s potential value seems to dissipate. It reads like an unchallenged premise due to its lack of counterpoints and lack of evidence that adequately supports its argument about safety as a false idol.
Most of the recommendations offered in this book are not new to readers concerned about their weight and health. But this title packages wellness culture as a virtue, which could be dangerous if readers do not also seek help from medical professionals.
PREMIUM
Why I Am Roman Catholic
Levering uses numerous quotes from saints, theologians, and obscure sources to support his arguments about Catholicism, ecumenism, and theological interpretations. Best for traditionalist Catholics and like-minded readers.
This title presents simple explanations of how to examine an ancient text for authenticity and veracity. A valuable work for not only religion collections but also seminaries.
An important work of great value for liturgists, preachers, and prayer groups. Even if used only as a tool to reencounter God’s word, it will provoke thought and new considerations that can enrich preaching. A recommended addition to seminary and parish libraries and large theology collections.
This well-researched, well-written reference is packed with information on one of the world’s foremost intellectual, moral, philosophical, and social systems. It’s an indispensable resource for high school and undergraduate students doing term papers, reports, and projects.
PREMIUM
Feh: A Memoir
A page-turning memoir that shouldn’t be missed. Auslander’s nonfiction writing style is often compared to David Sedaris, and readers will see why with this title. It could motivate readers to keep trudging onward, even when life seems overwhelming.
An approachable set of lectures, especially helpful for readers studying Watts and Buddhism in the U.S. from the 1960s to 1973.
Kim has many laudable criticisms and analyses and offers readers insights into the workings of Christianity. The book would benefit, however, from more time spent on its heaviest topics.
Informative, challenging and ultimately quite engrossing, this highly recommended title carefully unpacks selected New Testament passages. It reveals new facets and offers insights into profound and depthless truths about Paul and his understanding of who and what Jesus was.
This recommended scholarly volume offers a fresh, feminist view of the Catholic Church’s history and teachings.
PREMIUM
Walking the Theological Life: Discovering Method for Theology in the Lives of Biblical Characters
Gaines’s approach is a novel one, and readers will gain much insight into theology. This book will be especially useful in academic settings.
This illuminating book aptly examines who really wrote the Bible and is accessible for both scholars and general readers.
A solid case for why the Catholic Church’s position against war is realistic. Cochran provides a much-needed reassessment and refinement of “just war” theory, which is an ethical and moral framework for determining when war is justified.
This fascinating book expertly weaves together a formidable mass of scholarship into an accessible, inviting summary that contextualizes an extensive history of religious encounters within a relatively brief work. It also sheds light on the long and global interconnections of religious ideas and highlights the often ridiculous ways that people have misunderstood and misrepresented one another throughout time.
Rosetti is to be commended for writing the first scholarly book about Musser. This accessible volume puts him in his rightful place among Mormon thinkers; recommended for readers interested in American religious and sectarian history.
While much of the book is aimed at the Catholic Church, the points are applicable to Christianity as a whole. Will appeal to readers interested in a scholarly analysis of the current state of Christianity in the modern world.
The essays feel as raw and as powerful as Pavlovitz’s blog. His confrontational style lends itself more to prodding and validating his fellow progressives than persuading conservative evangelicals. Still, his hopefulness about the fight for social justice is refreshing.
A much-needed look at evangelicalism from a perspective that’s both investigative and personal. It offers intriguing, compelling insight with expert reporting.
A compelling, thematically rich, and deeply personal book, for readers exploring spirituality, personal growth, and the intricate relationship between faith and the natural world.
An excellent memoir with a sense of humor. It’s full of insight and context regarding a distinctive slice of American Buddhist history.
A helpful title that frames religions as a business. Graduate students, scholars, and readers with a solid religious education will value this title the most.
General readers will enjoy this book’s many stories about spiritual experiences and the accessibility of its arguments. Academics, too, can appreciate how the author situates the specifics of the Mormon experience in the larger theoretical discourse of spirit manifestations in other cultures.
Written from the perspective of progressive British Judaism, this will appeal to readers looking for a modern take on the Torah. While this type of book could be read weekly in conjunction with the Torah passage for that week, there is enough ongoing narrative to sustain a straight-through reading.
Readers interested in military and Korean War history and faith-based stories will enjoy this book about a man whose simple yet profound piety influenced all who came in contact with him, regardless of their faith or background.
An intriguing, illustrated volume that showcases the link between Jewish artifacts and U.S. history.
A relevant and useful title that’s perfect for readers interested in Judaism, theology, religious ethics, or social justice.
A stunning debut volume in which the photography reigns and the clear and brief descriptions add to the enjoyment of the viewed item. No need to be a practitioner of Buddhism to appreciate and understand the beauty of these art works. Best suited for anyone who enjoys art, Buddhism, and the history of Asia.
An extensively researched look at the text of the Qur’an. It is sure to appeal to Muslims, religious scholars, and any readers interested in learning more about the sacred scripture of Islam.
An expertly written, compelling read about prophets as humans, which is distinctive since that topic often goes unaddressed in scripture scholarship. Ideal for religious studies readers and for Bible study groups.
Readers looking for a quick fix might want to skip the history and preamble and jump right to the five resets; this book allows them to pick up and start anywhere.
Readers interested in biblical theology or in the New Testament more generally will find this book to be helpful.
Gentle Christian wisdom that offers a fresh take on the link between suffering, faith, spirituality.
A fascinating look at how leading contemporary theologians see the priesthood and what the implications may mean for the office of priestly ordination. Best suited for those interested in religion and pastoral ministry.
A book about Mormonism that will stand the test of time. General readers should be riveted by a story well told; scholars will be engaged by arguments worth debating.
Best for readers interested in the historical context of biblical scripture and evangelical beliefs.
Some readers may view this as a covert attack on the authority of scripture, but many others will find the questions posed in this title to be incidental to gaining a deeper and more nuanced appreciation of biblical prophecy.
Fans of most sports and readers of varied interests and levels of spirituality will find humor, insight, and wisdom in Chopra and Levin’s book. It’s very readable and highly recommended.
A biblically dense read and a valuable resource that encourages people to confront and understand what evil is and how to fight it.
An interesting tribute to a man that shared the essence of Buddhist practice with others for more than five decades. Readers interested in Buddhist practice will find his writings and teachings approachable and inspiring.
With Turner’s recent death, this tome is a thoughtful tribute. Its scholarly approach may appeal more to students of religion and pop culture than the average Turner fan.
A powerful example of faith in action. Readers seeking more knowledge about this type of spiritual approach will come away wondering why there aren’t more people like Bennion. Highly recommended for its clear prose.
A personal history of opportunities won and lost. Cohen makes an entertaining, searching argument that atheists should actively engage societal assumptions.
Skeptics of religious belief and fans of science fiction are likely to love this book. People of faith may be somewhat uncomfortable with the topics discussed, but Wilson handles these subjects in a respectful and considerate manner.
Despite the book’s unabashedly Christian folksiness, Todd is intent upon addressing hard subjects, such as generational trauma, the venomous yearning for public validation, and the crippling effects of abuse, shame, and denial. Vibrant Christian collections will want this.
A careful and modest addition to the scholarly conversation around the life and works of C.S. Lewis.
An excellent book for college or seminary courses. General readers with interest in Luke and Acts will like it too, as it is academic in approach but also accessible.
Readers who don’t mind some irreverence can imaginary-armchair-travel to Valhalla (Norse mythology), the Heaviside Layer (Cats), the Djalia (Black Panther’s Wakanda), and the Outer Planes (Dungeons & Dragons).
A thorough, well-researched, and nonjudgmental book. An excellent resource for readers exploring the true final frontier of death and beyond.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a reflective blend of religion and pop culture. Recommended for fans of hopeful, humorous takes on heavy topics, as in Kristin Chenoweth’s I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts.
This title is better at assuring Christians of their own position than challenging their interlocutors. Readers are left with little understanding of other religions’ appeal.
An excellent, impressive addition to the conversation around theology and disability that shines on many levels.
International-film enthusiasts will applaud the author for providing such in-depth consideration of Israeli films; others might simply be grateful for a list of new movies. Best for only the most comprehensive film studies collections.
PREMIUM
Centering Jesus: How the Lamb of God Transforms Our Communities, Ethics, and Spiritual Lives
Christians who consider themselves evangelical will especially be drawn to this title that focuses on Christian discipleship and spiritual growth for troubled times.
This deeply moving book is a personal challenge to doctrinaire notions of justice verses the Christian conviction that each person is redeemable.
What initially looks like a reworking of Buddhism becomes a recovery of it from the dominant culture. A great and intriguing source for readers to work through, featuring stories, analyses, and proposed exercises.
An intriguing attempt at a process theology that’s apologetic but in need of more precision and heft.
This groundbreaking work will be appreciated particularly by scholars, but those with an interest in history or Christian history will likely find it engaging as well.
This title offers a window into the formation of the American Jewish community. A very well-researched book of interest to anyone who ever attended or sent their child to a Jewish Sunday school.
Although all of the subjects March commends to the reader are Christians, the suggested practices are not bound by any religious faith and open to anyone who strives to live deliberately.
A wonderful conflation of all that is theological and spiritual with the art of bread making. Best for ministers, parish leaders, and bread makers.
Often insightful and rewarding in its commentary on the Victorian roots of evangelical Christian ideas, this book could confront current issues a bit more strongly.
Watson challenges his evangelical audience to look beyond legal restrictions on abortion and consider more compassionate responses.
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