New Books for the CGS Library

June 2010

Please note: Dewey Decimal call number follows the entry in bold (e.g. 362.292 Bl). However, many of the books will initially be located on the New Book Shelves located behind the desk in the Library.

Black, Claudia. It will never happen to me: growing up with addiction as youngsters, adolescents, adults. 2^nd ed. Hazelden, 2001. 362.292 Bl

This is Claudia Black’s best-selling classic on the experience and legacy of being raised in an addictive household. Using poignant personal stories, revealing explanations, and helpful exercises, Black helps readers gain personal insights and develop new skills that lead to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life. In addition to alcohol, the second edition is broadened to include disorders involving other drugs, money, food, sex and work.

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Psalms: the prayer book of the Bible, c1970. 267.55 Ps

In this book, Dietrich Bonhoeffer gives one of his secrets behind the powerful witness of his own life. He had learned to pray the Psalms and from them drew on the power of God in his years of imprisonment by the Nazis. In his introduction, Bonhoeffer discusses the various types of Psalms and how they can be used to enrich our prayer life. In a brief biographical sketch, Eberhard Bethage, friend and biographer of the author, helps us understand the man who used the Psalms as his prayer book.

“This book would be a delight for the bedside table, not least for the Christian having ‘trouble’ with prayer”— Sidney Rand, President Emeritus, St. Olaf College.

“To use this book as a guide for private devotion or for the devotion of a group of kindred souls will surely bring those who use it closer to God” – St. Luke’s Journal.

Buber, Martin. A land of two peoples: Martin Buber on Jews and Arabs. Edited with commentary and a new preface by Paul Mendes-Flohr. University of Chicago, 2005. 956.9 Bu

“A new edition of Buber’s writing could not be more opportune. His insights are essential for political leaders and intellectuals on both sides of the national divide…” Sari Nusseibeh, President, Al Quds University.

“One of the most important books to document the early Zionist support for bi-national governance of the lands now called Israel and Palestine…. This should be read by everyone who seeks a vision of peaceful and just coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians” – Judith Butler.

Caldwell, Taylor. Dear and glorious physician: a novel about Saint Luke. Ignatius, 2008, c1959. [Fic] Cald

“Alive with the bustle of ancient times and places and illuminated by flashes of genuine lyrical intensity… Movingly reconstructs St. Luke’s search for God”— NY Times.

Carter, Jimmy. Palestine: peace not apartheid. Simon and Schuster, 2006. 956.04 Ca

It will be seen that [in this book] there is a formula for peace with justice in this small and unique portion of the world.

"This book offers a historical overview in the form of a personal memoir....Carter may thus be said to be both a source for the historian and himself a historian of the Israeli-Palestinian confrontation. This little book merits a reading on both counts." -- L. Carl Brown, Foreign Affairs

"A provocative and all too accurate diagnosis of why the Israeli-Palestinian impasse still festers twenty-five years after [Carter] left the White House....Timely and refreshing for its candor." -- Philip C. Wilcox, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

"This is a must-read for anyone desiring to understand the Middle East problems." -- Dennis Lythgoe, The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)

Chittister, Joan D. The story of Ruth: twelve moments in every woman’s life. Eerdmans, 2000. 222.4 Ch

“An easy, wise, and instructive lens through which to view one of the gems of the Hebrew Bible. Creative and engaging, Chittister’s Story of Ruth is in the highest Jewish tradition of reading ‘between the lines’ of scripture. Should be required reading for Christians and Jews, women and – above all –men” – Rabbii Lawrence Kushner.

“Joan Chittister’s reflections about loss and change, about isolation and empowerment, are both realistic and liberating. And …Swanson’s artworks are contemplative experiences in themselves – quiet yet flowing and vivid”— Rosemary Haughton.

Cole, Jim; foreword by Desmond Tutu. Filtering people: understanding and confronting our prejudices. New Society Publishers, 1990. 303.385 Co

An excellent tool for workshops, courses and personal reflection. This book gently and sympathetically helps us identify our prejudices, explore how and why we become prejudiced – and learn how we can begin to overcome our prejudices. It enriches our lives by helping us see each other as we are, in all our fascinating diversity.

“Filtering People vividly shows the ways insecurities breed stereotypes that dehumanize people and drive the racism that distorts so many lives today. It can be a useful tool to educate Americans – young and old – to the causes and dangers of prejudice” – John Jacobs, President, National Urban League.

Fox, Matthew. A new Reformation: creation spirituality and the transformation of Christianity. Inner Traditions, 2006. 230 Fo

The author, a member of the Dominican Order for thirty-four years, was expelled by the former cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI). Fox is the foremost proponent of creation spirituality, based on the mystical teachings of early Christian visionaries such as Hildegard von Bingen and Saint Thomas Aquinas. Fox says “At this critical time in human and planetary history, when the earth is being ravaged by the violence of war, poverty, sexism, homophobia and eco-destruction, we need to gather those who offer a future that is one of compassion, creativity and justice…. “ His 95 theses call for a new Reformation, a radical transformation that will allow us to move once again from mere organized religion to genuine spirituality.

“Insightful and profound. History will name Fox one of the great Christian spirits of our age” – John Shelby Spong.

Funk, Robert W., Roy Hoover and the Jesus Seminar. The Five Gospels: the search for the authentic words of Jesus. HarperOne, 1997. c1993. 226.066 Fu

This is also a noteworthy new translation (Scholars Version) of the Gospels into a modern English meant to evoke an experience comparable to that of the first readers of the Gospels.

“This book is a probing, penetrating and deeply spiritual journey into the heart of the gospels. It brings to the reading public many of the issues that are commonplace among Catholic, Protestant and Jewish scholars, and might well become the means whereby the secularized post-Christian world discovers its own deepest roots”— John Shelby Spong.

Funk, Robert W., Bernard Scott and James Butts. The parables of Jesus ; red letter edition, the Jesus Seminar. Polebridge, 1988. 226.8 Fu

The introduction to this book presents the accepted views of the gospels and succinctly explains the criteria scholars of the Jesus Seminar used in evaluating the parable attributed to Jesus. This edition covers all thirty-three parables attributed to Jesus in canonical and non-canonical sources from the first three centuries. A color scale is used to indicate to what degree the scholars feel Jesus really said these parables.

“[This book] is an incredible tool for adult Sunday school classes or courses in college, seminary, or even high school. At last, any person who can read the Bible can also see, through vivid color coding, which parables exhibit the conditions and situation of Jesus’ ministry. This book is utterly without parallel” – Vernon Robbins, Emory University.

The Hebrew prophets: visionaries of the ancient world. Foreword by Desmond Tutu; introdroduction by Lawrence Boadt. Lion, 1998. 221.15 He

Arranged here in probable order of composition, the judicious selection of key passages from the Hebrew prophets is accompanied by an introduction to their historical setting and essays on their influence on later literature.

Hedrick, Charles W., ed. When faith meets reason: religion scholars reflect on their spiritual journeys. Polebridge, 2008. 277.3 He

In this book, thirteen scholars take up the challenge to speak candidly about how they negotiate the conflicting claims of faith and reason, in hopes that their journeys will inspire others to engage in their own search for meaning.

“I love this book! It offers a unique window into the thoughts, the doubts, struggles and conclusions of highly educated people as they ‘wrestle with their angel of faith.’ … Wonderful for study groups, personal retreats or family discussions” – Fred Plummer, President, Center for Progressive Christianity.

Lewis, C. S. A grief observed. HarperOne, 2000, c1961. 240.4 Le

Written after his wife’s tragic death as a way of surviving the “mad midnight moments,” Grief Observed is C.S. Lewis’ honest reflection on the fundamental issues of life, death and faith in the midst of loss.

“C.S. Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way” – N.Y. Times.

McLeod-Harrison, Susan. Saving women from the Church: how Jesus mends a divide. Barclay, 2008. 270.08 Mc

Straightforward, unapologetic, and engaging, [this book] shows how Jesus offers hope and healing to women who have been alienated, wounded, controlled or troubled by the Church. Get a better view of the full image of God in women.

“Saving Women from the Church directs us to Jesus. Not a hackneyed, familiar Jesus, but a person so fresh I never would have imagined him this way”— Miriam Ademey.

Meyers, Robin R. Saving Jesus from the Church: how to stop worshipping Christ and start following Jesus. HarperOne, 2009. 262 Me

The marriage of bad theology and hypocritical behavior by the church has eroded our spiritual lives. Taking the best of current, progressive biblical scholarship, Meyers recasts core Christian concepts in an effort to save Christianity from its obsession with personal salvation. Not a plea to try something brand new, but rather the recovery of something very old, Saving Jesus from the Church shows us what it means to follow Jesus' teachings today.

“Every once in a while, a book comes along that changes everything. This is the book. It is scholarly, pastoral, prophetic, and eloquent--all in equal measure. Robin Meyers has spoken truth to power, and the church he loves will never be the same.” -- Desmond Tutu.

“With crisply prophetic joy, Meyers calls seekers and believers alike to leave belief about God behind in favor of becoming imitators of Jesus. We can save Jesus from the church, and in doing so, recreate faith communities freed from hypocrisy and filled with hope.” -- Diana Butler Bass, author of Christianity for the Rest of Us .

McNeil, John J. Taking a chance on God: liberating theology for Gays, Lesbians and their lovers, families and friends. Beacon Press, 1996, c1988. 265.7 Mc

McNeil, an ordained priest and practicing psychotherapist, was expelled from the Society of Jesus in 1987 for refusing to cease his ministry to gay men and lesbians. His doctorate is from Louvain University in Belgium.

“McNeil draws on the insights of the gay and lesbian liberation movement, his counseling experience with lesbian and gay people, and a variety of faith traditions -- Catholic, mainstream Protestant, Evangelical and other world religions – to produce a unique, comprehensive, life-giving ethic” – Equal Time.

Oswald, Roy M. Discerning your congregation’s future: a strategic and spiritual approach. Alban Institute, 2008. 254 Os

[This book combines] “practical tools for parish planning with equally practical help for the spiritual dimension of what parishes are all about. It can be a revolutionary book for congregational leaders who are serious about wanting to become an effective religious force in the future of their communities. … This book includes big thinking and opens significant doors” – Loren Mead

Oswald, Roy M. Managing polarities in congregations: eight keys for thriving faith communities. Alban Institute, 2009. 253 Os

“Finally – an insightful and practical guide for applying polarity management to some very common congregational dilemmas! This book unties knots that keep congregations stuck and provides ways to shift conversations to new places.” – Lawrence Peer.

The Qur’an.: a modern English version. Translated by Majid Fakhry. Garnet, 1997. 297.1225 Qu

This comprehensive and accurate rendering of the Qur’an into modern English will introduce this supremely important book to a wide audience. The clear, rigorous translation makes it accessible to students, teachers of religious studies, non-Arab Muslims and all who are interested in Islam.

Ritger, Kate and Michael Kwatera, eds. Prayer in all things: a Saint Benedict’s Saint John’s prayer book. Liturgical Press, 2004. 242.802 Pr

Witness and participate in the Benedictine tradition of central Minnesota through prayers by those who share the land of Saint Benedict’s (Monastery and College) in Saint Joseph and Saint John’s (Abbey, University, Preparatory School, and the Liturgical Press in Collegeville – from monastics, students, and professors to oblates and Benedictine friends.

Romero, Archbishop Oscar. Voice of the voiceless: the four pastoral letters and other statements. Orbis, 1985. 252.02 Ro

“In the complex, tragic and violent struggle for justice in El Salvador, the Archbishop exemplified what the Latin American bishops at Puebla called ‘a preferential option for the poor.’ As a pastor he spoke the truth to all in his society, but he spoke with and for the poor …. The assassin’s bullet will not silence the power of his words, or his witness” – Bishop Thomas Kelly, O.P., at a memorial mass for Romero.

Scharper, Philip and Sally, ed. The Gospel in art by the peasants of Solentiname. Orbis, 1984. 226.667 Sc

The text facing each painting reproduced in this volume has been excerpted from the four volume “The Gospel of Solentiname: the collected commentaries of the peasants on the Gospel passage read at Mass each Sunday” The Gospel in Solentiname is a dramatic, and to some a shocking, rejection of the patterns of the past. They set forth not what the Gospel should mean, but what the words and works of Jesus actually did mean to them in their daily lives.

“Whoever has not become convinced that it is little ones who capture the spirit of the Gospel should find in this book a certain discomfort. It is not a book which permits us to remain comfortable with whatever lukewarmness we bear within us. The simplicity and directness of interpretation with which the community of Solentiname illumines the Gospel teaching cuts deep into our complacency. There were more than a few challenges issued me in reading this book” – G. Paul Gunther, in the Catholic Weekly.

Soelle, Dorothee. The mystery of death. Fortress Press, 2007. 248.86 So

In this meditative “fragment,” completed only days before her own death, internationally noted theologian Dorothee Soelle turns her attention to the personal, religious and even cultural meaning of death. She faces the old and new anxieties we have of death in the midst of our own cultural danse macabre. In conversation the writings of C.S. Lewis, Erich Fromm , the Apostle Paul, and others, she takes the theological measure of death and explores also how it has figured especially in the experience of women.

Wee, Paul A. American destiny and the calling of the Church. (Lutheran Voices) Augsburg, 2006. 261.7 We

“Dr. Wee seeks to reconcile the ethical and religious imperatives of the gospel with the responsibility of our nation to play a major role in establishing a new world order. His portrayal of the gap between national ideals and the realities of American life is candid if not brutal. This is not a reading for the faint-hearted. Wee demands critical questioning and dialog among people of the church and between the church and government leaders”— Ervin Rokke, President of Moravian College and Seminary

Yoder, John Howard. The politics of Jesus. 2^nd ed. Eerdmans, 1994. 232 Yo

This work in New Testament ethics leads us to a savior who was deeply concerned with the agenda of politics and the related issues of power, status and right relations.

“Although most Catholics, Calvinists and Christian realists will remain skeptical of Yoder’s view of Jesus and of politics, we are always challenged by him. This new edition includes acute responses to many critics. It will keep the discussion vibrant as Christians today decide how to engage our emerging cosmopolitan., global civilization” – Max Stackhouse, Princeton Theological Seminary.

“I am convinced that when Christians look back on this century of theology in America, The Politics of Jesus will be seen as a new beginning” – Stanley Hauerhas in The Christian Century.