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Books on the Emergent Church (for 2012 Lenten Study consideration)- Paradoxy, by Ken Howard (Paraclete Press, 2010).
- The Great Emergence, by Phyllis Tickle (Baker Books, 2008).
- Awakening Grassroots Spirituality, by Edwin Leidel (iUniverse, 2004)
- The Heart of Christianity, by Marcus Borg (harper, 2003).
- The Emerging Christian Way, fourteen contributors (CopperHouse, 2006)
- Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches, edited by Robert Webber (Zondervan, 2007)
- Open Source Church, by Landon Whitsitt (Alban Institute, 2011)
- A Hidden Wholeness, by Parker Palmer (Jossey-Bass, 2004)
September 1
During my four monrth "sabbatical" time away from the Diocese I had the rich opportunity of reading many books. Beyond all of the mysteries and historcal books of fiction, two books stand out as worthy passing on to those who care deeply about the future of the Church. - Ed Leidel
1. Paradoxy: Creating Christian Community Beyond Us and Them, by Ken Howard.
Paradigms that have guided the Church for centuries are crumnling The old dichotomy between "conservatives" and "liberals" - that have defined us for centuries - is becoming almost irrelevant. Where and how will we come together as a Christian people for the future? Paradoxy is a book for those who would lead churches inchallenging times.
2. Putting Away Childish Things, by Marcus Borg.
Of this book, Karen Armstrong say, "A suberb way of involving theb reader emotionally and imaginatively.... Borg is able to lead his readers to the crucial insightthat religious commitment is more than belief." This is Borg's first attempt at writting a novel. Unlike Borg's many other books on New Testament theology, this books reads easily and draws you into a conversation that is keenly relevant to the Church's movement to a new place in the 21st century.
Christmas/Epiphany Study Suggestions from Bishop Ed - in preperation for the Regional Confirmations/Receptions/Reaffirmation Gatherings in April and May:
1. Jesus Was an Episcopalian (and you can be one too!), by Chris Yaw (2008, Leader Resources). This is a very readable and fun book about all of the wonderments and peculiarities of the Episcopal Church. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Shori says, "Open this book and your mind at the same time. Learn more about who the Episcopal Church really is, and what we stand for, like caring for the poor (and the earth), and changing the world. A motivating introduction for inquirers and anyone who wants a refresher."
2. Bishop Ed's one page summary on the Uniqueness of Anglicanism (Click here)
3. Bishop Ed's article on Anglican Ethos (Click here)
4. Bibliography on books about Anglicanism (Click here)
Book suggestion form Bob Rodgers: Just finished "Uncommon Gratitude: Allelluia For All That Is by Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams. A wonderful book that comes in little sections that explore the meanings of allelluia in all of lifes experiences. Even without the table of contents informing you on who wrote what it is fairly easy to determine. It is a nice devotional or renewal book on the allelluias of life.
Book suggestion from Dale Klizke: Richard Leider suggests that there are three times we should "claim our place at the fire". These occasions are when we discern a vocational call, select a spouse and when we enter our later years. In "CLAIMING YOUR PLACE AT THE FIRE" Leider encourages those entering the last half of life to take time to sit at the fire and discern how it is we want to spend this time with purpose. Retirement is not a time to sit back but rather a time to become a "new elder" and use our gifts for the benefit of others. He adds: "As we age, most of us, in some way, get more in touch with the spiritual nature of our existence." This book aids us in that journey!
Book suggestion from Larry Edson: Just read another of the "CONVERSATIONS WITH SCRIPTURE" series published by Morehouse, written by Fr. Frederick W. Schmidt and it is excellent! It is a short, easy read and is really great for those of us who have always wondered what John was smoking when he penned Revelation. Another good book for a parish study group!
Just finished reading Conversations With Scripture, 2 Isaiah by Stephen L. Cook. It is a wonderful examination of the Reverence School found in 2 Isaiah as well as a glimpse of their writings in the Pentateuch as a whole. The book includes a worthwhile examination of the "Suffering Servant" poems. Should be great for a Lenten study.
Advent Study Suggestion: View the Video: "What's Right with the World" and engage in a conversation with fellow parishioners over the five vision questions for the Future of our Diocese (Click here).
Book suggestion from Ira Leidel: Ubuntu, I in You and You in Me, by Michael Battle with forward by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 2009. As defined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper selfassurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed. The African spiritual principle of Ubuntu offers believers a new and radical way of reading the Gospel and understanding the heart of the Christian faith, and this new book explores the meaning and utility of Ubuntu as applied to Western philosophies, faith, and lifestyles. Ubuntu is an African way of seeing self-identity formed -through community. This is a difficult worldview for many Western people, who understand self as over, against, or in competition with others. In the Western viewpoint, Ubuntu becomes something to avoid—a kind of codependency. As a Christian leader who understands the need, intricacies, and delicate workings of global interdependency, Battle offers here both a refreshing worldview and a new perspective of self-identity for people across cultures, and of all faiths.
Book Suggestion from Larry Edson: Godly and Righteous,Peevish and Perverse, compiled by Raymond Chapman is an anthology of clergy and religious in literature and letters. It is a thought provoking, often humorous always engrossing look at how we have been perceived by others. A great many of the clergy are Anglican and we may well find ourselves or some we know in its' pages.
Book Suggestions from Dale Klitzke: We are all very familiar with the story of the prodigal son but Timothy Keller presents this story in a very unique fashion in his book The Prodigal God You will never see this story through the same set of eyes after this quick and easy read. Keller has also written The Reason for God and Generous Justice. His video about the story of the Prodigal God is an excellent resource for small groups.
Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest who has trained with Thomas Keating. Cynthia has also authored Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening. Be prepared for some new insights in how we approach study and the meaning of the teachings of our Lord when you pick up this book. "The Wisdom Jesus" will open your mind and transform your heart--what more can you ask for in one book?
THE HOLY LONGING by Ronald Rolheiser--The Search for Christian Spirituality. Don't let the first two chapters of this book fool you. Rolheiser may start out slow and difficult but this is an incredible read. Our Wed. morning men's bible study has read this book and studied it chapter by chapter on two occasions and it continues to feed us in our walk.