The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Meetings with Paul
Philip H. Kraph
Origin Press
1010 B Street, Suite 323, San Rafael, CA 94901
9781579830212, $15.95, www (dot) originpress (dot) com/kraph
Are angels, creatures usually viewed as part of Christian belief,
really linked to the religion? "Meetings with Paul: An Atheist
Discovers His Guardian Angel" is author Philip H. Kraph's explanation
of his encounters with a spiritual force whom he calls his Guardian
Angel Paul. Paul grants Phillip, a vocal atheist, sage advice about
the world around him - advice that is surprisingly free of religious
bent. "Meetings with Paul" is an enlightening account that reveals how
spirituality does not absolutely necessitate belief in God.
Noah's Ark
Tim Lovett
Master Books
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
9780890515075, $15.99, www (dot) masterbooks (dot) net
The story of Noah's Ark tells of a ship massive and durable enough to
survive forty days of heavy rain, which contained hundreds of
creatures who surely wouldn't have been perfectly behaved. It's just a
piece of faith one has to put in the Bible, right? "Noah's Ark:
Thinking Outside the Box" is a look at the science behind the Ark and
tries to deduce whether it was practically possible for a man in
Biblical times to construct such a ship. The story of Noah's Ark just
might be true, claims Naval expert, engineer, and author Tim Lovett. A
deft examination of the science behind one of the Bible's most well
known tales, "Noah's Ark" is a must for church library collections.
Sowing Atheism
Robert Bowie Johnson Jr.
Solving Lights Books
727 Mount Alban Drive, Annapolis, MD 21409
9780970543851, $12.95, www (dot) solvinglight (dot) com
Could pushing a curriculum of evolution on schools be going too far?
"Sowing Atheism: The National Academy of Sciences Sinister Scheme to
Teach Our Children They're Descended from Reptiles" is an attack on
evolutionary theory, claiming that the ideas behind it are as just as
much a religion as Christianity is. Calling for a revision of school
curriculums to exclude evolutionary theory, out of fear that it will
encourage children to embrace atheism, "Sowing Atheism" is a severe
look at the National Academy of Science from a Christian Scientist's
perspective.
How to Hear the Voice of God
Susan Shumsky, DD
New Page
Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
1601630100, $16.99 www (dot) newpagebooks (dot) com
An accompanying meditation cd reinforces the message in HOW TO HEAR
THE VOICE OF GOD, a guide to developing inner guidance and making wise
decisions using devotion and guidance. From the basics of meditation
and releasing blockages that prevent hearing the divine voice inside
to learning to tell the difference between divine and other voices,
this is a key acquisition for any spiritual library.
Science, Evolution, and Creationism
National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine
The National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, NW, Box 285, Washington, DC, 20055
9780309105866, $12.95, www (dot) national-academies (dot) org
How did life come to be on this planet? This question is discussed at
length by "Science, Evolution, and Creationism". Looking to explain
the fundamentals of evolution as well as the arguments of creationism,
"Science, Evolution and Creationism" is a wide reaching look at all
perspectives on the subject. Highly recommended for community library
religion and science collections.
Orbis Books
Box 308, Maryknoll, NY 10545
www (dot) orbisbooks (dot) com
Terrence Rynne's GANDHI & JESUS: THE SAVING POWER OF NONVIOLENCE
(9781570757662, $20.00) provides a thought-provoking exploration of
the life of Jesus and the teachings of Gandhi, contrasting the two in
a survey which considers how nonviolent concepts are the foundation
points for ideas of Christian salvation. It's an intriguing, involving
exploration for any collection strong in Christian analysis. Gerald
O'Collins, SJ's JESUS: A PORTRAIT (9781570757839, $25.00) provides the
results of a lifetime of research into the life of Jesus, offering up
a solid piece of Biblical research recommended for any Christian
library. Twelve chapters provide plenty of Biblical interpretations
and fine analysis for a wide audience interested in a scholarly
interpretation of Jesus' life and sentiments.
Timeless Wisdom
Eknath Easwaran
Nilgiri Press
PO Box 256, Tomales, CA 94971
9781586380274, $14.95, www (dot) easwaran (dot) org
The majority of religions have a positive message for their followers.
"Timeless Wisdom: Passages for Meditation form the World's Saints and
Sages" is an extensive anthology of inspirational religious passages
and writings from the world's leading spiritual leaders throughout
history. A compilation meant to be enjoyed by readers of all religious
and spiritual backgrounds, "Timeless Wisdom" is a must for anyone
literally in search of sage advice.
An Introduction to Islam for Jews
Reuven Firestone
Jewish Publication Society
PO Box 960 Herndon, VA 20172-0960
9780827608641, $18.00, www (dot) jewishpub (dot) org
The relationship of Islam and Judaism has long been a turbulent one.
"An Introduction to Islam for Jews" is a scholarly examination of the
Islamic faith and how it relates to the Jewish people. Examining Islam
and Muslims as a whole, "An Introduction to Islam for Jews" spans the
history of Islam from its origins to recent calls for Jihad from
extremists. Despite its title, "An Introduction to Islam for Jews" is
not exclusively for Jews, but rather a recommended pick for readers of
all faiths who seek to better understand Islam.
The Dark Side of the Supernatural
Bill Myers & Dave Wimbish
Zondervan
5300 Patterson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530
B&B Media Group
109 South Main Street, Corsicana, TX 75110
9780310279242, $12.99, www (dot) zondervan (dot) com
All myths and legends have some basis in a true story. "The Dark Side
of the Supernatural: What Is of God and What Isn't" is a look at
common stories and mythology to research what is real in the world and
what is not. Topic by topic, the book tackles subjects such as
Witchcraft, Vampirism, Satanic Possession, Reincarnation, and much
more in this eye opening look at what most deem as simply fodder for
science fiction and fantasy. "The Dark Side of the Supernatural" is
highly recommended for anyone with an interest in these types of
phenomena and wants to know their place in reality.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to
promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We
accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given
to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites,
newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational
newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest
Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines
"California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch",
"MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch".
All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www
(dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them
to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to
Frugalm...@aol.com (Be sure to include the book title, author,
publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit
ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review