Book Reviews: Christianity, Christians, Beliefs, History
Every year there are hundreds of books published dealing with Christianity, Christian beliefs and Christian history. A few are worth taking a closer look at, and some of them are reviewed here. They can help you lean more about Christianity and the role it places in society.
Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation
Quiet mediation or contemplation seems to have been an important aspect of most religions around the world throughout human history. Christianity of course has such a history, but in recent years many Christians have begun importing meditative practices from Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. This may make some sense, given how much more those religions have emphasized such practices, but some Christians object to a perceived dilution of their faith. What can they do?
Quiet mediation or contemplation seems to have been an important aspect of most religions around the world throughout human history. Christianity of course has such a history, but in recent years many Christians have begun importing meditative practices from Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. This may make some sense, given how much more those religions have emphasized such practices, but some Christians object to a perceived dilution of their faith. What can they do?
The Holy Reich: Nazi Conceptions of Christianity
A popular belief is that Nazism was the polar opposite of Christianity: in Germany, the Nazis planned to eliminate Christian churches while devout Christians opposed the Nazi agenda. Is this perception accurate? No. Some Nazis were anti-Christian and some Christians were anti-Nazi, but the majority were equally at home in both camps.
A popular belief is that Nazism was the polar opposite of Christianity: in Germany, the Nazis planned to eliminate Christian churches while devout Christians opposed the Nazi agenda. Is this perception accurate? No. Some Nazis were anti-Christian and some Christians were anti-Nazi, but the majority were equally at home in both camps.
Anger: The Seven Deadly Sins
Everyone gets angry from time to time - arguments, heated words, and hateful thoughts that we wish we could take back. Anger has been the cause of much suffering, sorrow, and tragedy. Some argue that anger is an inevitable part of being human, something that must be endured and channeled; some even argue that it has its uses if properly directed.
Everyone gets angry from time to time - arguments, heated words, and hateful thoughts that we wish we could take back. Anger has been the cause of much suffering, sorrow, and tragedy. Some argue that anger is an inevitable part of being human, something that must be endured and channeled; some even argue that it has its uses if properly directed.
Truth and Fiction in the Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code' is one of the most popular fiction books of recent memory, but it’s just that: a work of fiction. How many readers who are supposed to know this also fully appreciate what this means? Just how much of the purportedly 'true' documents and history in the book are really fiction? Most readers don’t know, but they should.
Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code' is one of the most popular fiction books of recent memory, but it’s just that: a work of fiction. How many readers who are supposed to know this also fully appreciate what this means? Just how much of the purportedly 'true' documents and history in the book are really fiction? Most readers don’t know, but they should.
The Reformation: A History, by Diarmaid MacCulloch
The Reformation is one of the most important things to happen in the history of Christianity. More than an event, it is better understood as perhaps an era that lasted from 1400 through 1700, causing Christianity to change in unpredictable ways that continue to resonate in modern religion, culture, and politics. No one can honestly claim to understand modern Christianity or even the modern West without also some understanding of the Protestant Reformation.
The Reformation is one of the most important things to happen in the history of Christianity. More than an event, it is better understood as perhaps an era that lasted from 1400 through 1700, causing Christianity to change in unpredictable ways that continue to resonate in modern religion, culture, and politics. No one can honestly claim to understand modern Christianity or even the modern West without also some understanding of the Protestant Reformation.
The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why it Matters
Every week, millions of Christians recite one creed or another, signaling their acceptance of it - but just how many of them really understand what they are saying and what the creed implies?
Every week, millions of Christians recite one creed or another, signaling their acceptance of it - but just how many of them really understand what they are saying and what the creed implies?
Sloth: The Seven Deadly Sins
Is your life as busy and filled with activities a everyone else’s seems to be? Mine certainly is - I never seem to have a free moment. I’m up early to work and spend the entire day involved in one task or another. If hectic schedules rule your life, then perhaps you could benefit from a self-help book - or an anti-self-help book, to be more accurate.
Is your life as busy and filled with activities a everyone else’s seems to be? Mine certainly is - I never seem to have a free moment. I’m up early to work and spend the entire day involved in one task or another. If hectic schedules rule your life, then perhaps you could benefit from a self-help book - or an anti-self-help book, to be more accurate.
The Cave of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is one of the most enigmatic figures of the New Testament. He seems to play an important role early on and his work is even mentioned in other contemporary records. Then, however, he disappears rather quickly and Jesus takes over. Who was John, what did he do, and what sort of role did he play in the society around him?
John the Baptist is one of the most enigmatic figures of the New Testament. He seems to play an important role early on and his work is even mentioned in other contemporary records. Then, however, he disappears rather quickly and Jesus takes over. Who was John, what did he do, and what sort of role did he play in the society around him?
Rabbi Paul: An Intellectual Biography
Paul is one of the most important figures in Christianity and some argue that he is the most important, surpassing even Jesus. Why? Jesus’ ideas are recorded second-hand and don’t offer much in the way of theology - nothing very useful to a church. Paul did much more: he established churches, kept in touch with them, and created a theological system that survives to this day.
Paul is one of the most important figures in Christianity and some argue that he is the most important, surpassing even Jesus. Why? Jesus’ ideas are recorded second-hand and don’t offer much in the way of theology - nothing very useful to a church. Paul did much more: he established churches, kept in touch with them, and created a theological system that survives to this day.
Twisted Cross: The German Christian Movement in the Third Reich
The relationship between Christianity and Nazism has long been a subject of debate. On the one hand, the principles of Christianity would seem to be opposed to Nazism and should cause Christians to fight it; on the other hand, millions of German Christians went along with Nazism and some even cooperated eagerly. What happened?
The relationship between Christianity and Nazism has long been a subject of debate. On the one hand, the principles of Christianity would seem to be opposed to Nazism and should cause Christians to fight it; on the other hand, millions of German Christians went along with Nazism and some even cooperated eagerly. What happened?
Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart & Saladin
Of the nine official Crusades to the Holy Land, only the first was a real military success; yet in many ways, the third was perhaps the most interesting. The reason for this was, as in so many cases, the personalities involved: Richard the Lionheart from England and Saladin the Kurdish sultan. They were among the most fascinating and heroic figures of their time...
Of the nine official Crusades to the Holy Land, only the first was a real military success; yet in many ways, the third was perhaps the most interesting. The reason for this was, as in so many cases, the personalities involved: Richard the Lionheart from England and Saladin the Kurdish sultan. They were among the most fascinating and heroic figures of their time...
Theology in America: Christian Thought from Puritans to Civil War
It can be argued that understanding American history and politics requires understanding Christianity as well, but the connection between America and Christianity goes farther than that. For a long time theological language, imagery, and ideas were pervasive in American political and cultural discourse - Christian theology was the common language of Americans in all walks of life.
It can be argued that understanding American history and politics requires understanding Christianity as well, but the connection between America and Christianity goes farther than that. For a long time theological language, imagery, and ideas were pervasive in American political and cultural discourse - Christian theology was the common language of Americans in all walks of life.
Lost Christianities: The Battle for Scripture
The diversity of Christian beliefs today is extraordinary - but it is matched, if not exceeded, by the diversity of beliefs among the earliest Christians. As much as Christians today may not be aware of how much diversity there is among their contemporaries, they are quite ignorant of what it was like in the earliest days of Christianity....
The diversity of Christian beliefs today is extraordinary - but it is matched, if not exceeded, by the diversity of beliefs among the earliest Christians. As much as Christians today may not be aware of how much diversity there is among their contemporaries, they are quite ignorant of what it was like in the earliest days of Christianity....
Christianity: A Short Introduction
Christianity is the largest and, perhaps, the most diverse religion on the planet. You can study it your whole life and still not know everything there is to know about it, which is probably why there are so many books every year on the subject. You could go broke buying them all and still not learn anything.
Christianity is the largest and, perhaps, the most diverse religion on the planet. You can study it your whole life and still not know everything there is to know about it, which is probably why there are so many books every year on the subject. You could go broke buying them all and still not learn anything.
The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology
The concept of sodomy has played a role in Christian theology for centuries, but it has achieved an especially important status among American Christians today. Sodomy is treated as though it were emblematic of all sinfulness and among the lowest sorts of things that a human being might want to do. Where does this concept come from and how has it developed in Christian doctrine?
The concept of sodomy has played a role in Christian theology for centuries, but it has achieved an especially important status among American Christians today. Sodomy is treated as though it were emblematic of all sinfulness and among the lowest sorts of things that a human being might want to do. Where does this concept come from and how has it developed in Christian doctrine?
A New Christianity for a New World
Can Christianity survive through this next millennium? If it is to survive, what must it do so that it can continue to be meaningful to people? Is the ultimate fate of Christianity in the hand of fundamentalists, or instead in liberal, progressive theologians?
Can Christianity survive through this next millennium? If it is to survive, what must it do so that it can continue to be meaningful to people? Is the ultimate fate of Christianity in the hand of fundamentalists, or instead in liberal, progressive theologians?
The Holy War Idea in Western and Islamic Traditions
Holy wars are a source of both terror and fascination for many people in the West. At one time an important aspect of Christian doctrine, the concept has been relegated to the sphere of fanaticism and primitive barbarism - but not everyone shares this dismissive attitude. In Islam, holy wars remain a key ingredient of both doctrine and practice. Why does this difference exist?
Holy wars are a source of both terror and fascination for many people in the West. At one time an important aspect of Christian doctrine, the concept has been relegated to the sphere of fanaticism and primitive barbarism - but not everyone shares this dismissive attitude. In Islam, holy wars remain a key ingredient of both doctrine and practice. Why does this difference exist?
A History of the Devil from the Middle Ages to the Present
Who, or what, is the Devil? This is an interesting question but not one that can be answered easily. Whether as a literal figure or as a metaphor for evil and the diabolical generally, the Devil has played an important role in the religion, culture, art, and politics of the West for more than a thousand years.
Who, or what, is the Devil? This is an interesting question but not one that can be answered easily. Whether as a literal figure or as a metaphor for evil and the diabolical generally, the Devil has played an important role in the religion, culture, art, and politics of the West for more than a thousand years.
The Trouble With Christmas
Why do non-Christians make a fuss about Christmas in America? How could anyone have problems with Christmas? There are parties, gifts, days off - this should be a fun time for all concerned. Anyone who would challenge and/or reject Christmas sounds like a Scrooge, right?
Why do non-Christians make a fuss about Christmas in America? How could anyone have problems with Christmas? There are parties, gifts, days off - this should be a fun time for all concerned. Anyone who would challenge and/or reject Christmas sounds like a Scrooge, right?
Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis
Novelist Valerie Martin describes the life of St. Francis of Assisi by using short, vivid scenes rather than traditional narration. Martin, who is not Catholic, not particularly religious, and not a believer in miracles tells an interesting story with real ramifications for Christianity - just as did the life of St. Francis himself.
Novelist Valerie Martin describes the life of St. Francis of Assisi by using short, vivid scenes rather than traditional narration. Martin, who is not Catholic, not particularly religious, and not a believer in miracles tells an interesting story with real ramifications for Christianity - just as did the life of St. Francis himself.
Sexual Shame: An Urgent Call to Healing
Questions about sexuality are fundamental to the health and welfare of Christian communities - the problem is, few Christians seem to realize this. Sexuality has become the proverbial elephant sitting in the room: no one can help but see it, but no one wants to acknowledge it, either. This, however, is part of what leads to scandals, abuse and worse. How should Christians deal with this?
Questions about sexuality are fundamental to the health and welfare of Christian communities - the problem is, few Christians seem to realize this. Sexuality has become the proverbial elephant sitting in the room: no one can help but see it, but no one wants to acknowledge it, either. This, however, is part of what leads to scandals, abuse and worse. How should Christians deal with this?
The Religion of Paul the Apostle
Was Paul a shaman? This is a very interesting and unusual question, and the issues it raises lie at the center of John Ashton's penetrating new look at the origins of Christianity and religious experiences of Paul the Apostle.
Was Paul a shaman? This is a very interesting and unusual question, and the issues it raises lie at the center of John Ashton's penetrating new look at the origins of Christianity and religious experiences of Paul the Apostle.
The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity
What does the future hold for Christianity? Many books have been written which argue that secular forces will cause Christianity to become more liberal and less literal. Such claims may be provocative and appealing, but they don't seem very credible in light of the actual demographic and geographic facts.
What does the future hold for Christianity? Many books have been written which argue that secular forces will cause Christianity to become more liberal and less literal. Such claims may be provocative and appealing, but they don't seem very credible in light of the actual demographic and geographic facts.
Lying Awake
If you thought that you were receiving visions from God, but learned that they may be caused by an easily repairable brain problem, what would you do? This is the dilemma facing Sister John of the Cross, a middle-aged nun living a cloistered life in a Carmelite monastery. She has endured many years of "spiritual drought" during which she prayed, but heard nothing back.
If you thought that you were receiving visions from God, but learned that they may be caused by an easily repairable brain problem, what would you do? This is the dilemma facing Sister John of the Cross, a middle-aged nun living a cloistered life in a Carmelite monastery. She has endured many years of "spiritual drought" during which she prayed, but heard nothing back.
Healing Violent Men: A Model for Christian Communities
Is Christianity more of a help or a hinderance when it comes to addressing male violence against women? Traditionally, it seems, Christianity has often done more to support and abet violence against women - because of that, Christian leaders need to be more proactive in the effort to improve matters.
Is Christianity more of a help or a hinderance when it comes to addressing male violence against women? Traditionally, it seems, Christianity has often done more to support and abet violence against women - because of that, Christian leaders need to be more proactive in the effort to improve matters.
Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life
Another biography of Francis of Assisi? Unlike most who write biographies of St. Francis, Adrian House deliberately writes both for religious and irreligious people. St. Francis was among the least dogmatic of Saints, and did more to try and live by Christian ideals than anyone else; his life thus serves as a counterpoint to what Christians today actually do.
Another biography of Francis of Assisi? Unlike most who write biographies of St. Francis, Adrian House deliberately writes both for religious and irreligious people. St. Francis was among the least dogmatic of Saints, and did more to try and live by Christian ideals than anyone else; his life thus serves as a counterpoint to what Christians today actually do.
Encyclopedia of Christmas
Just how much do you know about Christmas? Do you know why holly is traditionally used? Do you know what "first footing" is? Do you know what the ancient Roman festival of Kalends has to do with Christmas and what influence it had on what we still do today?
Just how much do you know about Christmas? Do you know why holly is traditionally used? Do you know what "first footing" is? Do you know what the ancient Roman festival of Kalends has to do with Christmas and what influence it had on what we still do today?
The Yellow Cross: Last Cathars' Rebellion
During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church worked vigorously to suppress any challenges to its authority, both inside and outside Europe. One of the victims of those efforts was Catharism, an offshoot of Christianity which preached a doctrine of peace and love. Differing from orthodox Christianity on a number of important points, they were targeted by the Inquisition.
During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church worked vigorously to suppress any challenges to its authority, both inside and outside Europe. One of the victims of those efforts was Catharism, an offshoot of Christianity which preached a doctrine of peace and love. Differing from orthodox Christianity on a number of important points, they were targeted by the Inquisition.
Paul: The Founder of Christianity
Where does Christianity come from? Conventional wisdom ascribes the responsibility for Christianity as a religion to Jesus Christ - after all, it is named after him. But what if conventional wisdom is wrong? More than one scholar over the years has suggested that perhaps Paul should be regarded as the true founder of Christianity.
Where does Christianity come from? Conventional wisdom ascribes the responsibility for Christianity as a religion to Jesus Christ - after all, it is named after him. But what if conventional wisdom is wrong? More than one scholar over the years has suggested that perhaps Paul should be regarded as the true founder of Christianity.
The Christian World of the Middle Ages
Christianity has a long and complex history, but really understanding the religion requires having a decent understanding of that history. How, then, is someone to develop such an understanding, especially if they don't want to make an academic career out of it? There are certainly many resources on Christian history, but not all are created equal.
Christianity has a long and complex history, but really understanding the religion requires having a decent understanding of that history. How, then, is someone to develop such an understanding, especially if they don't want to make an academic career out of it? There are certainly many resources on Christian history, but not all are created equal.