READING LIST
Recommended readings
We happily recommend the following books which others have enjoyed:
- Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope, by Timothy Joyce, OSB.
This is one of the best small treatises on Celtic Christianity I’ve read. A Benedictine monk, Br. Joyce gives an overview of what Celtic Christianity really means, what are its hallmarks, and why he believes Celtic Christianity offers a hope for Christian relating to the world of the future. - Pontius Pilate by Ann Wroe
I liked this book for its thought-provoking study of this historical figure, much maligned in Christianity and perhaps justly so, but motivated by a zeal to support the government he served. Interestingly written and a balance to what we usually think about this controversial Roman governor. - Wherever You Go, There You Are, by John Kabat-Zinn
Kabat-Zinn engages the Buddhist practice of Mindfulness (being conscious and awake to the present moment) and writes a series of meditations intended to guide and inform all. While Buddhist in orientation, this book translates easily to Christian meditation and spiritual practice. - The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions, by N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg
Here is a wonderful debate between the traditional school of Christology and the so-called liberal school. Both forcefully argue their positions: who was Jesus, did Jesus choose to be redeemer of humankind, did Jesus know he was the messiah? If for no other reason, this book commends itself as a visit with two excellent thinkers who help show the breadth of our Christian system of belief. And yes, both are Christian.
Happy reading! I hope any of the above might interest you and help inform your Christian life.
Other favorite reads to consider:
Favorite books recently read (in no particular order):
God After Darwin by John Haught
A great book on God the Creator who is still creating, and who emptied himself to be servant of God’s own creation
101 Reasons to be Episcopalian, compiled by Louis Crew
Sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious reasons why we love the Episcopal Church
The Banqueter’s Guide to the All-Night Soup Kitchen of the Kingdom of God, by Pat McCormick
Makes the connections between our food, our relationships with those who have no food, and the Kingdom of God
Daring to Speak in God’s Name, by
A call to prophetic ministry by the church, in the tradition of the biblical ethical prophets such as Amos and Micah
Peculiar Treasures by Frederick Buechner
Unusual perspectives on biblical characters, from A to Z
Telling the Truth: Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale by Frederick Buechner
Why the Gospel is such an amazing and profound truth for us
Give Us Grace: An Anthology of Anglican Prayers by Christopher L. Webber
Anglican prayers from the traditional to the contemporary, taken from a wide variety of sources. All beautiful prayers, in typical Anglican fashion. Makes me happy to be Anglican.
White Soul: by Tex Sample
An intriguing book by a professor whose specialization is working class ministry. It raises the question: when is it important for the church to be responsive to and reflective of the culture around it, and when does the church need to be a refuge from common culture? Does country music belong in the church? Is the church a dominant middle class institution that denies the needs and spirituality of the working class?
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Just a good, fast-paced read, which touches on issues of science and religion, church in contemporary culture