I recently had the privilege of speaking to a group of international students about the beliefs and convictions of Martin Luther King Jr.
Jared Diamond: GUNS, GERMS AND STEEL A SHORT HISTORY OF EVERYBODY FOR THE LAST 13,000 YEARS
Very interesting look at why some cultures came to have while others have not. Dispels many of the myths about why things are the way they are with hard scientific thinking.
: The Peoples' Bible
For those who want to be exposed to different cultural views on the Christian faith, a great new tool. The Peoples’ Bible highlights the role of cultures in shaping the Bible and the way people read the Bible today. Relying on the best insights of historical-critical, liberationist, postmodern, and postcolonial interpretation. This Bible is unique in its aim to engage culture then and now and includes the following unique features:
• Introductory essays highlighting profound issues of culture, ethnicity, and identity
• Feature boxes that reveal insights from African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American perspectives
(*****)
Edward Gilbreath: Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity
Good stuff from a new friend (****)
Miroslav Volf: The End of Memory: Remembering Rightly in a Violent World
Challenging thinking about how we hold on to past injustice, and how we let go. (*****)
Miroslav Volf: Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation
Absolutely essential book on reconciliation. It's deep, so brace yourself. (*****)
James Jr Reston: Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors
Fascinating look at what was going on when Columbus sailed the ocean blue. If you want to understand why generational repentance is necessary, read how Christians were thinking in the 15th century and then consider how much and how little has changed. (****)
Adam Hochschild: King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
A must for understanding the effect of colonial past on today's world. (****)
Wynton Marsalis: Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life
Some excellent parallels to what the church should be like in this. (*****)
Sarah Vowell: The Wordy Shipmates
Interesting angle on some of the first Europeans to settle in America. (****)
Benazir Bhutto: Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West
A look at reconciliation from a Muslim's perspective. Interesting again to see many of our themes come back. Makes a strong case that current strategies for curbing terrorism will only make it worse. Should we be surprised that Western policies -- in direct opposition to the Kingdom principles we have discussed -- don't work?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship
Good discipleship stuff. But not easy. For those who want to follow only. Buckle up. (*****)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Life Together
More good stuff on living together in the Body. (*****)
Joseph R. Myers: The Search to Belong: Rethinking Intimacy, Community, and Small Groups
Good thinking about small groups and what people are looking for today. (****)
Margaret George: Mary, Called Magdalene
Very interesting look at the life of a disciple. Includes some gems on walking with God and what being a follower of Christ is all about. (*****)
Pete Ward: Liquid Church
Interesting look at expanding our idea of church.
Leslie Newbigin: Gospel in a Pluralist Society
Another Dave Witt recommendation. If you don't like it, blame him. I'll give you his e-mail. (****)
Dallas Willard: Renovation of the Heart
Most complete and clear book on spiritual formation I have read. Sometimes Willard can be a bit heady though for some folks. (*****)
Michael O. Emerson: Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America
Important book for anyone who wants to understand why the White and Black church worlds remain so divided. (****)
John Eldredge: Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive
Really hits the heart of where we are in our journey right now. One of the best books of bringing together the different aspects of what is needed to be and make disciples. (*****)
Taylor Branch: Parting the Waters
Excellent book on the Civil Rights movement that should be required reading for EVERY American. (*****)
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Thanks for this, Todd. So well said.
Posted by: jude | June 05, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Thank you for taking time to write on this topic! Such a timely conversation - especially for those of us in reconciliation type ministries.
Posted by: Ashley | June 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Blogs are so interactive where we get lots of informative on any topics nice job keep it up !!
Posted by: dissertation writing help | June 26, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Todd, I understand what you are trying to say, but why must you look for examples of people who don't really speak for the prolife movement. They're either kooks or extremists who have nothing to do with valuing life. Why not , instead, praise those who are sincerely trying to inform others (many of whom do not know)- what exactly is in the womb-one of us- another human. What we do to 'the Least of these', we do to Christ. How can you find fault with efforts to help women with unwanted pregnancies and to save innocent life?
Posted by: Laura Blair | January 12, 2010 at 08:55 PM
Laura, thanks for reading and writing. I appreaciate the chance to clarify my points and the challenge from the points of others.
This blog is about forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation. I point out the principles I am learning through all sorts of topics. The point of this post was not to demonize or praise anyone, but rather to point out what happens, even to victims, when they do not guard their hearts from unrepentance.
In the end,they can become just as unjust as those they are opposing. I found the news surrounding the killing of this abortion doctor to be a perfect example of this important point.
I think it is important for abortion opponents not to dismiss people who go to extremes as kooks, because that keeps us from realizing that if we don't constantly work on our own humility and repentance, we too can become the extremists and kooks.
Look at every resistance movement against injustice. There are always people who end up doing the same wrong for which they have judged others.
This doesn't get us anywhere and doesn't move us toward the ultimate goal of justice. And, for Christians, this is certainly not the way of Christ.
So, I have no problem with people pointing out what they believe about the death of babies. But they must guard against the belief that they are morally or otherwise superior, more deserving of God's love, grace and patience, etc., than those they see as the enemy.
If I were doing a different type of blog, I might write to praise those who stand for unborn children. But that is not what I do. That is for another blog and for another blogger.
I think there are lots of anti-abortion blogs and sites heaping plenty of praise and approbation on those who stand for this cause. My role in this case, I think, is to call people back to humility.
Posted by: Todd B | January 13, 2010 at 11:17 AM