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Renew your spirit, reform your life
Examining the meaning of Christian living today REVIEWS BY KATIE BROADDUS As Easter approaches, a new crop of religious books is available for those seeking a fresh perspective on their faith. Today's Christian authors encourage readers to reform, rethink and recommit to God. A doctrine of social justice
A staunch Democrat and member of one of the country's most prominent Catholic families, Townsend admonishes the Catholic Church for losing sight of its commitment to social justice for our nation's children and its poor. Townsend contends that the Catholic and evangelical leadership have chosen instead to focus their efforts—and their preaching—on highly divisive issues such as abortion and gay marriage. She asserts that fault for the deterioration of America's religious landscape also lies with governmental leaders who espouse those same topics as the basis for their political platforms, while neglecting the primary needs of their constituents and their communities. Townsend's stirring call to action is juxtaposed with recollections of her experiences as a young girl, witnessing the work of such figures as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as her father, Robert Kennedy, and her uncle John F. Kennedy. Though she takes a tough stance on many issues, Townsend's unwavering love for her country and for her church permeates every page of this book, as she encourages readers to thoroughly examine where our nation has been and consider carefully where we are headed.
By Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Warner, $24.99 224 pages ISBN 9780446577151
'Buzz' on faith
By Rev. Oliver "Buzz" Thomas St. Martin's, $19.95 128 pages ISBN 9780312363796
Conversational journey
Loosely organized, much like a conversation itself, the book immerses readers in Tippett's musings regarding the state of modern religion, with compelling insights from philosophers, theologians, activists and scientists ranging from Karen Armstrong to Thich Nhat Hanh. In an effort to transform the way in which people talk about religion—and thereby the way they think about religion—Tippett encourages readers to reevaluate religious truths and explore the many facets of spirituality and essential human questions.
By Krista Tippett Viking, $23.95 208 pages ISBN 9780670038350
Finding her religion
Though Crittenden's views about the nature of prayer are powerful, it is her sentiment—so genuine and real that the reader feels like a voyeur peeking into a window of her soul—that makes this book such a treasure. The Water Will Hold You is not necessarily for those who already understand the importance and power of prayer, but instead perhaps for the world's cynics—those who are not sure if they want to believe and those who do not yet know what they believe.
By Lindsey Crittenden Harmony, $22 240 pages ISBN 9780307347350
Learning to pray
Steering clear of vague generalizations and obscurities, Meyer details numerous characteristics of prayer, including what constitutes prayer (it's easier than you think!), Biblical examples of simple prayer, different types of prayer and hindrances to effective prayer. Meyer even address the physical aspects of prayer, encouraging readers not to feel they must conform to the accepted "prayer posture"—kneeling, head bowed, hands clasped—but instead to find their personal prayer comfort zone. Testimonials about answered prayer from Meyer as well as others infuse this prayer instruction book with a personal and inspirational feel.
By Joyce Meyer FaithWords, $22.99 304 pages ISBN 9780446531962
Katie Broaddus writes from Huntsville, Alabama.
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Kathleen Kennedy Townsend came of age during an incredible era of social change—one that saw the birth of the civil rights movement and the untimely deaths of three of the cause's most prominent leaders. Now Townsend, a two-time Maryland lieutenant governor, offers readers a combination of touching memoir and powerful commentary about the state of American politics and religion in her new book, Failing America's Faithful: How Today's Churches Are Mixing God with Politics and Losing Their Way.
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An ordained Baptist minister as well as a constitutional lawyer, the Rev. Oliver "Buzz" Thomas presents 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You (But Can't, Because He Needs the Job) and offers proof positive that the moniker "liberal Christian" is not, in fact, an oxymoron. Though the title of the book is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, within its pages Thomas gets right to the point as he expounds on 10 specific topics which may be difficult for some Christians to accept as they struggle to reconcile their faith with their intellect. Creationism, the origin of the Bible, homosexuality, miracles and eternity are a few of the issues that Thomas tackles, backing his claims with scripture and debunking conservative interpretations of commonly referenced passages by explaining them within their historical context. Though the author occasionally makes lofty assumptions regarding his readers' familiarity with the Bible, 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You is a fascinating read, regardless of religious or political affiliation.
Krista Tippett is the creator and host of NPR's "Speaking of Faith," a weekly program devoted to discussions about religion, ethics, meaning and ideas. Tippett's program strives to offer perspective on a national religious conversation dominated by the likes of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. Tippett now shares with readers some of the most poignant, provocative and thoughtful revelations derived from her "conversational journey" in Speaking of Faith.
In her poignant memoir The Water Will Hold You: A Skeptic Learns to Pray, Lindsey Crittenden explores the evolution of her prayer life as a relationship with God. Depicting a lifetime of love, discovery and pain, Crittenden writes in an organic stream of vignettes in which the details are far less important than the sentiment associated with the events described. Crittenden's language aches with an authenticity that is beautiful and raw as she paints a portrait of her journey with God—"from infatuation, to passion, to commitment, to crisis, to comfortable."
With our troops mired in a difficult war overseas, natural disasters a seemingly more common occurrence, and violent crime an ongoing concern, many Americans are seeking an emotional respite. Joyce Meyer, who was named one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America by Time Magazine, offers a beacon of hope in her latest book The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk with God About Everything, coming next month. Using a straightforward teaching style, Meyer clearly depicts the ease with which a consistent, daily prayer life can bring comfort to our lives.