Philosophy & Religion
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by Charles J. Chaput (Get the Book)
Verdict: Although focusing on American Catholics, Chaput's text is applicable to all Christian men and women concerned about the directions being taken in the dominate political arena. This passionate and articulate work is really a theological analysis of the necessity of political activism in contemporary society. Recommended for larger public libraries. Background: This superbly written essay by the archbishop of Denver reflects on the value and duty of participating in the political process. Writing in modern times, Chaput incorporates historical scenarios from many different periods of world history and illustrates the consequences of involvement or noninvolvement in politics. The 12 chapters can be read as individual units or taken as a unified whole. The book does not promote any political party or even propose a singular political theory but encourages, cajoles, and motivates the morally informed reader to act responsibly in a complex society. --Library Journal
by Thich Nhat Hanh (Get the Book)
Acclaimed Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh continues his exploration of what he has called engaged Buddhism, now considering the experience of everyday living. The author has been an active advocate for peace since the Vietnam War and is perhaps best known to readers for his book Peace Is Every Step. Now, he tells us that living is a joy and emphasizes how the awareness that Buddhist meditation and practice can promote contributes to that sensation of joy in living. Verdict Recommended as a thought-provoking contribution to the literature of modern Buddhism. --Library Journal
by Lysa Terkeurst (Get the Book)
If auditions were held for a replacement for Oprah Winfrey.1-the early Oprah, who was vulnerable, open, girlfriendly, and not a billionaire-TerKeurst would make a short list. This mom of five had a breakout hit with Made to Crave, and her newest should also resonate. TerKeurst is open about her moments of losing it-especially at home, saying nasty things in the heat of the moment to her best-loved ones. But after those confessions come tips and tricks for being less emotionally reactive. There's a bit of scientific and psychological discussion of these states, but mostly she presents psychologically acute insights that will be familiar to those with some self-awareness through therapy, 12 steps, journaling, or other self-help methods. She does it in a distinctive voice and with Bible in hand. While there's no groundbreaking psychology, her voice is fresh and friendly. It will be most welcome to Oprah's large audience of suburban mothers who are currently in need of a guiding light, as long as they're open to advice with a distinctly Christian inflection. --Publishers Weekly
by Carlin Romano (Get the Book)
Romano, currently a critic at large for the Chronicle of Higher Education, jabs provocatively at the notion that philosophy is largely irrelevant to American culture by arguing that American culture is actually the planet's most vibrant and important marketplace for ideas. America the Philosophical, he argues, deserves its name precisely because it is a place where anyone can be a philosopher, but all philosophers must prove the relevance and utility of their ideas lest they be shredded, ridiculed, or simply ignored by the pluralistic, cosmopolitan, and unfailingly skeptical American public. To illustrate this, Romano presents a vast and diverse panorama of influential American thinkers everyone from John Dewey and Susan Sontag to Robert Fulghum and Hugh Hefner and reminds readers that the academy has considerable but far from complete influence over American thought, and this is probably a good thing. Like the ancient Greek thinker Isocrates, America the Philosophical rejects esoteric and systematic thinking in favor of truths that emerge through consensus, however elusive or messy it may be in our diverse and opinionated land. Part love letter, part hand grenade, Romano's commentary is sure to delight and infuriate in a way that will underscore its thesis. --Booklist
by Claire Coleman (Get the Book)
Advance praise for Special Intentions "Special Intentionsreminds us of the importance of not simply praying for what we need, but for whatothersneed. Jesus taught us to ask God for our daily bread, but he also asked us to love one another. Commending our friends and families (and co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances and even those who bother us) to the care of God is a key aspect of that love, and an important element of the Christian tradition. "Claire Coleman's sensitive new work will help readers to more fully enter into this rich stream of the spiritual life."-James Martin, author ofMy Life with the Saints "If you've ever offered up a simple 'God help him' at the sight of someone less fortunate, then this book will resonate with your innate sense that prayers have power. Claire Coleman offers a graceful, easy way to benefit others with her beautifully written portraits of those in need. Take her advice, say a prayer for a stranger and make the world a better place." -Patricia Sheridan, Assistant Editor/Features Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "WhileSpecial Intentionsis a beautiful meditative book for the person alone in prayer before God, it likely also will be will be an inspiration for those in prayer groups, and friends who come together to talk about their life's journeys." -Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., Associate Dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University "Prayer is a personal experience, but sometimes we need a little reminder. --Publisher
