On the one hand, this is a very helpful and thorough introduction to the Christian new testament, and it includes a helpful bibliography of additionalOn the one hand, this is a very helpful and thorough introduction to the Christian new testament, and it includes a helpful bibliography of additional reading for those who want to go more in-depth. On the other hand, this is about high-school-level academia (and I'm not in high school). It's just a little bit too basic and simplistic given the complexity of the material. I would recommend Dennis Duling's book on the NT instead....more
Obviously any attempt to discuss the history of "world religions" in approximately 600 pages means that the result is going to feel compressed and hurObviously any attempt to discuss the history of "world religions" in approximately 600 pages means that the result is going to feel compressed and hurried. This is an overview book, a glimpse of the tip of an iceberg. In many ways, reading this book is a good start to giving the reader a sense of how much MORE there is to learn and know. One can spend lifetimes studying the world's religions; one short book can't begin to convey all there is to know.
But within the very limited confines of what this book aims to do--discuss the history and globalization of the world's major religions with particular attention to the pressures of modernity and the challenges of postmodernity--this is an excellent, excellent book. For example, the history of Christianity is covered in 70 pages and includes boxed highlights on Pope John XXIII, the Nicene Creed, Orthodox Christianity, the seven sacraments and the lifecycle, holy week, women in premodern Christianity, the contrasting religious visions of MLK, Jr. and Michael Bray, and women in the modern church. Also included are maps of Palestine at the time of Jesus and Europe after the Peace of Westphalia. The chapter ends with discussion questions, key terms, and a list of suggested reading to go further in-depth. There is also a glossary and timeline specific to Christianity at the back of the book.
Similar attention is given in chapters devoted to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, East Asian Religions (Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto), and a short final chapter on "new" and "new age" religions.
If reading this kind of overview is just going to make you angry about what is left out, then don't do it. This isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for a timely and sophisticated look at the pressures and challenges facing the world's major religions today, then this book is an excellent starting point....more
This book is exactly what the title says it is: Leo Perdue's argument that the wisdom literature of the Hebrew and Christian bibles can be read as theThis book is exactly what the title says it is: Leo Perdue's argument that the wisdom literature of the Hebrew and Christian bibles can be read as theological history. It doesn't work well as an introduction to wisdom literature; Perdue's argument hinges on the reader having a solid grounding in more conventional ways of understanding wisdom literature. I would suggest John Collins' "Introduction to the Hebrew Bible" for a better introduction.
That having been said, Perdue's book does provide excellent and in-depth historical information, and he goes far enough into the text for some of his writing to work as biblical commentary. For readers wanting an advanced examination of wisdom literature, Perdue is well worth the read....more
On the one hand, this book is indeed "complete," a very thorough explanation and exploration of Buddhist philosophy and history. On the other hand, itOn the one hand, this book is indeed "complete," a very thorough explanation and exploration of Buddhist philosophy and history. On the other hand, it feels like a lot more than an "introduction." Sentences are dense with sanskrit words and complex philosophical ideas. It's a little too much to take in....more
This is a great book, providing not only convincing arguments for how and why spirituality should be incorporated into pastoral care, but also very spThis is a great book, providing not only convincing arguments for how and why spirituality should be incorporated into pastoral care, but also very specific exercises, questions, and ideas on how to do so. This book was a pleasure to read, and I'm sure I will refer to it again and again as I enter into pastoral care work....more
If you are a provider of pastoral care, interested in becoming a spiritual director, or would just like to be a better listener, this book is an enjoyIf you are a provider of pastoral care, interested in becoming a spiritual director, or would just like to be a better listener, this book is an enjoyable, practical, and extremely informative guide. Margaret Guenther gives generously of herself through the text, and her extensive experience and expertise--which includes work as a teacher, hospital chaplain, and Episcopal priest, in addition to spiritual director--informs every aspect of her writing and sharing. She calls herself an "amateur," but don't be fooled. This is expert advice and observation from someone who knows what they're writing about....more
This is a translation, which makes it not the easiest book in the world to read, and Vorgrimler's sacramental theology isn't as compelling to me as, fThis is a translation, which makes it not the easiest book in the world to read, and Vorgrimler's sacramental theology isn't as compelling to me as, for example, Louis-Marie Chauvet's or even Edward Schillebeeckx's. Unlike those two, however, Vorgrimler discusses each sacrament individually (and includes a chapter on the sacramentals), rather than providing a lump-sum theology for all the sacraments together....more
This book is a poetic read, meant to be evocative and beautiful rather than presenting tightly crafted theological arguments. (I, of course, was wantiThis book is a poetic read, meant to be evocative and beautiful rather than presenting tightly crafted theological arguments. (I, of course, was wanting a tightly crafted theological argument.) But I could imagine trinitarians finding this book really moving and spiritual....more
This is a classic of sacramental theology, and though much of it was over my Unitarian head, even I could appreciate the thoroughness and detail with This is a classic of sacramental theology, and though much of it was over my Unitarian head, even I could appreciate the thoroughness and detail with which Schillebeeckx lays out his arguments. This was written pre-Vatican II and was intended to persuade the Church to think of sacraments in a new way. He succeeded....more
This is one of those strange books where, since I read it from a non-Catholic perspective, I couldn't really get what was the big deal about what ObsoThis is one of those strange books where, since I read it from a non-Catholic perspective, I couldn't really get what was the big deal about what Obsorne was saying. Nevertheless, many of his assertions and perspectives skate toward heresy, I am told, and that makes this book necessary reading for anyone studying sacramental theology. This is not an "intro to postmodernism" book either; readers should come with a good understanding of postmodernity and its concerns....more
This is a very thorough look at the seven sacraments and includes how the sacraments relate to other religious rituals, their historical development, This is a very thorough look at the seven sacraments and includes how the sacraments relate to other religious rituals, their historical development, and the current issues or challenges to theological understanding and/or religious practice. Martos doesn't hesitate to state his own opinions either, which I appreciate....more
Chauvet writes from a postmodern perspective and delves particularly deeply into the role of language as a mediating influence between an external worChauvet writes from a postmodern perspective and delves particularly deeply into the role of language as a mediating influence between an external world and the internal perception of that world. He writes compellingly about the effect of language on and in sacramental ritual, and posits that the sacraments are a gift from God in which the reception of the gift requires a response, mainly action to live a life embodying love and justice (rather than the sacraments being events in which one simply receives, with no response required).
Sacramental theology is not my favorite subject, but Chauvet is my favorite writer about it....more
Although this collection was published in 1989, there are only two essays that feel dated (one on technology and one on cross-cultural religious work)Although this collection was published in 1989, there are only two essays that feel dated (one on technology and one on cross-cultural religious work). The majority of the book, however, is surprisingly relevant in 2009. As Browning writes in the introduction, "this book is the result of the recognition of a genuine need for a major stimulus to and guide for pastoral leadership in the religious education of the people of God for their unique ministries in the world."
The writers are predominantly Methodist, and readers from non-Christian faith traditions may need to do their own "translating" for some of the ideas presented here. But this is a useful book with many concrete and actionable ideas, and I would recommend it to anyone in a religious leadership role....more
An excellent and compelling handbook on how and why to take steps to protect your congregation from sexual abuse and unhealthy behavior in general. KaAn excellent and compelling handbook on how and why to take steps to protect your congregation from sexual abuse and unhealthy behavior in general. Karen McClintock is a clinical psychologist, a member of the clergy, and a lecturer/consultant on sexuality issues in the church. You won't find better advice from a more experienced professional anywhere....more
It is easy to know Dr. King as simply an icon, a hero, a figure from the past, but reading his essays, speeches, sermons, and memoirs is a powerful reIt is easy to know Dr. King as simply an icon, a hero, a figure from the past, but reading his essays, speeches, sermons, and memoirs is a powerful reminder that he was a truly great and extraordinary man, a spiritual leader, a visionary, an unrelenting proponent of nonviolent social transformation, and an advocate for love and justice in all forms. His writing has moved me to tears on more than one occasion. If you are unfamiliar with either his deeds or his writings, stop what you are doing and read this collection....more
This book suffers from a lot of repitition in information from chapter to chapter but otherwise provides good insight into the religious and moral basThis book suffers from a lot of repitition in information from chapter to chapter but otherwise provides good insight into the religious and moral basis of Chavez's work, with particular attention paid to his emphasis on nonviolence....more
Avalos posits that the Christian approach to health care, as outlined primarily in the Bible, was one of the primary and contributing factors to the rAvalos posits that the Christian approach to health care, as outlined primarily in the Bible, was one of the primary and contributing factors to the rise of Christianity. Compared to other health care systems, Christianity--with its focus on healing through faith--was affordable, egalitarian, simple, and workable compared to other religions/health care systems.
I was intrigued by the notion that religions can and do serve as "health care systems," and Avalos does a good job making his points in this area. He fails, however, to make a convincing case that health care was a primary factor. In fact, during the time period that Avalos addresses, Christianity spread fairly slowly, and by the time it was more established, conventional health care had become more prevalent.
Still, this book was interesting, and would simply work better if it were entitled "Understanding Early Christianity as a Health Care System."...more
Dorothy Day (1897-1980) was one of the founders of the Catholic Worker movement, a social justice movement founded in Catholic theology with a primaryDorothy Day (1897-1980) was one of the founders of the Catholic Worker movement, a social justice movement founded in Catholic theology with a primary emphasis on nonviolence, hospitality for the poor, and communal living. Run by volunteers, "hospitality houses," which provide shelter, food, and clothing to the needy, are still in existence around the country.
Whether or not you are interested in any of these topics, agree with the theology, or make charity one of your life priorities, Day's story is nevertheless compelling. How many of us can say we are living our ideals? Day's plain-speaking, matter-of-fact depiction of how the movement started and what kept it going is an inspiring story of how a handful of people actually can make a difference in the world.
And her commentaries about the connection between credit, debt, and poverty reads as though it were written yesterday, not 45 years ago. This book may have fresh relevance given our current economic situation....more
Gandhi's voluminous writings have been organized and condensed to read like an autobiography, and the numerous bracketed summaries and ellipses never Gandhi's voluminous writings have been organized and condensed to read like an autobiography, and the numerous bracketed summaries and ellipses never let the reader forget that this book has been heavily edited.
Nevertheless, Gandhi in Gandhi's own words is a fascinating subject. He is fearless in his self reflection and is surprisingly candid about such personal topics as his sex life with his wife, his failures as a father, and his disappointments in leading India's nonviolence movement. As thrilling as it is to read about Gandhi the spiritual leader, it is even more inspiring to read about Gandhi the man....more
This is a really useful companion to the Hebrew Bible. In addition to providing handy overviews of narrative information, Collins provides archaeologiThis is a really useful companion to the Hebrew Bible. In addition to providing handy overviews of narrative information, Collins provides archaeological and historical analyses of what is likely accurate and inaccurate in the Hebrew Bible.
If you want to understand the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament) as documents embedded in a cultural and historical time and place, this is the book for you....more
Loading...
