Moral tribes : emotion, reason, and the gap between us and them

by Joshua David Greene    (Get the Book)
The human brain processes morality automatically, influenced by evolution, culture, and experience but with a capacity for deliberate reasoning that allows for nuance, much needed in our increasingly complex world. Greene, a philosopher and scientist, draws on research in psychology and neuroscience to explore the roots of morality, particularly the tragedy of commonsense morality, when people of different races, religions, ethnic groups, and nationalities share the same sense of morality but apply it from different perspectives in whose differences lie the roots of conflict. Us-versus-them conflicts date back to tribal life. Greene analyzes the structure of modern moral conflicts on a wide spectrum of issues, from global warming to Obamacare to economic policy, and also the structure of our moral brains. Conflicts stem from a lack of moral philosophy, a problem pondered by philosophers since the Enlightenment. Greene ends with a vision of universal moral philosophy, a metamorality that crosses, racial, religious, ethnic, and national boundaries. Greene's strategies for examining moral reasoning are as applicable to day-to-day decisions as they are to public policy. This is a highly accessible look at the complexities of morality. --Booklist

The reason for my hope : salvation

by Billy Graham    (Get the Book)
Graham (Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well), in his mid-90s, is known the world over for his evangelical Bible crusades, which have attracted millions over the 70 years of his preaching career. His latest book coincides with an extensive campaign by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that will cover North America in the fall of 2013. Here Graham comes full circle, writing about the core beliefs underlying his life's work. The gospel, simple and plain, is presented along with discussions on the themes of rescue, redemption, and hope. As is typical, Graham includes relevant stories and anecdotes (along with Bible verses sprinkled throughout) that help to convey the contrast between what he believes the Bible says with what modern society says about the Christian faith and hope. In the afterword, Graham offers an altar call of sorts and explains how to come to Christ. VERDICT Fans of Graham will welcome another chance to hear from him. Although simplistic for seasoned Christians and a little old-fashioned for young people, this straightforward book will benefit those seeking a deeper understanding of the evangelical Christian faith. Recommended for public libraries and those with a Christian faith collection. --Library journal

How to train a wild elephant : and other adventures in mindfulness

by Jan Chozen BaLeave no trace. The value of accomplishing this axiom when using just one room of our home. work space or just about any place, may be far more than we can imagine.This is just one of 53 lessons that can foster mindfulness offered by author Bays, a pediatrician, meditation teacher, and abbess of Great Vow Zen Monastery in Oregon. These exercises resonate with our deepest desire to leave the world no worse than we found it and include eliminating unnecessary words from speech, offering true compliments, abstaining from cell-phone use, eating without distraction, praying while waiting, walking backward, and using a nondominant hand. The exercises vary dramatically, but all manage to bring consciousness to actions we often take for granted. The book also contains inspirational quotes from Zen masters. An uplifting read for the solitary practitioner and a great workbook for meditation groups and friends wanting to get the most out of life. --Booklist    (Get the Book)

You'll get through this : hope and help for your turbulent times

Mark Lukado    (Get the Book)
New York Times best-selling author Lucado uses the Old Testament's Joseph to illustrate that, no matter what happens, we fare better facing challenges with God's help. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but he made the best of his circumstances by looking out for others, avoiding seduction, remaining honest, and staying true to his heart and intuition. After two decades, he progressed from prisoner to prince of Egypt. For those facing difficult times job loss, illness, loss of a loved one, accident, divorce maintaining integrity may seem out of reach, but Lucado offers countless examples of those who have done just that and reaped untold rewards. He insists that what kept these individuals rock solid was the understanding that God was with them. Lucado also touches upon several universals: understanding your specific calling and destiny, absorbing God's grace, doing what's morally right, the benefits of gratitude, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of making a life plan. With this book, and maybe the intercession of the divine, those facing tough times can make it through. --Booklist