Philosophy & Religion
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by Huston Smith (Get the Book)
Huston Smith's masterpiece explores the essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the native traditions of Australia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Emphasizing the inner--rather than the institutional--dimension of these religions, Smith devotes special attention to Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, and the teachings of Jesus.He convincingly conveys the unique appeal and gifts of each of the traditions and reveals their hold on the human heart and imagination. (Summary)
by Joan Chittister (Get the Book)
Well-known in Catholic circles for her willingness to take on anybody--even the pope--in defense of women's rights, Chittister, now in her 70s, examines how it feels "to be facing that time of life for which there is no career plan." Clearly, getting older has not diminished the controversial nun, activist, lecturer and author of nearly 40 books on feminism, nonviolence and Benedictine wisdom. This collection of inspirational reflections, "not meant to be read in one sitting, or even in order, [but] one topic at a time," abounds in gentle insights and arresting aphorisms: "'Act your age' can be useful advice when you're seventeen; it's a mistake when you're seventy-seven." Beginning each short chapter with a trenchant quotation ("'It takes a long time,' Pablo Picasso wrote, 'to become young'"), she ponders topics such as fear, mystery, forgiveness and legacy. Old age is rich for those who choose to thrive, not wither: "We can recreate ourselves in order to be creative in the world in a different way than the boundaries of our previous life allowed." --Publishers Weekly
by Robert D. Lupton (Get the Book)
Americans are a generous people. Individually and as a nation, we contribute money, goods, and countless volunteer hours in order to address needs both here and abroad. Yet poverty, hunger, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunity continue to plague individuals and communities the world over. Lupton, with many years of experience in urban renewal, argues that the lack of better results lies not in our good intentions but in our charitable activities themselves. We hurt those whom we seek to help. When relief does not transition to development in a timely way, compassion becomes toxic. Immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter should surely be met. Subsequent efforts must empower those less fortunate to do for themselves, lest we create a culture of dependence that is dehumanizing. Lupton chronicles examples of good intentions gone awry and examines charitable activities that are resulting in transformative outcomes. Compassion must be both long-term and results oriented if it is to be successful. A must-read book for those who give to help others. --Booklist
by Mark Rowlands (Get the Book)
The dancing thoughts that appear to philosophy-professor Rowlands during his runs, and the rhythm and value of those runs themselves, make for a meditative read. Rowlands incorporates work by philosophers from Aristotle to Wittgenstein with his own musings, leading to ruminations on topics as diverse as midlife crises, evolution, and the meaning of life, love, and mortality. He recalls his runs on both sides of the Atlantic with various canine companions, including Brenin, featured in his previous book The Philosopher and the Wolf (2009). You don't need to be a runner to enter the philosophical investigations in this book, although you do have to be willing to follow the author on his rambling, sometimes repetitive, musings. The runs are recalled with clarity, capturing both the agony and exhilaration of the experience, and connect to his thoughts through, for instance, relating the phases of a marathon to certain philosophers. Rowlands, more critical than starry-eyed, still brings deep feeling to his work. Cerebral and heartfelt, this memoir uses one man's history on the road as a foundation to investigate universal experiences. --Booklist
by Anne Lamott (Get the Book)
Lamott's (Help, Thanks, Wow) latest inspirational title explores how we can find significance in the face of pain or disaster. Readers are guided by an older, wiser Lamott than we met 20 years ago, when Operating Instructions was published. This narrator is not afraid to say that she has learned a few things, and that there are not "shortcuts to wisdom and self-knowledge. . I so resent this." This is also vintage Lamott: funny, brilliantly self-deprecating, and insightful. Characteristically, she ruminates about needing help to get through life, and about finding your family in a group of people who love you and who are not necessarily your blood kin. Indeed, faithful readers may be disappointed by the extent to which Lamott reprises earlier themes-as in Traveling Mercies, Lamott here quotes C. S. Lewis on forgiveness and says it is best to start with something small; she rehearses a vignette she previously told in a novel. Still, Lamott succeeds at using "some of Christianity's language and symbols" to offer spiritual truths that will reach beyond a church audience, and the delights of this new offering outweigh the frustrating repetitions. --Publishers Weekly
