Original RBL Reviews
Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough
Kay Warren. Revell, $21.99 (256p) ISBN 978-0-8007-2172-5
Warren (Dangerous Surrender), who co-founded the well-known Saddleback Church with her even more well-known husband, Rick Warren, offers in her latest book likeable, no-nonsense urging to the oft-beleaguered (and hiding it well) Christian woman to “choose joy” as an act of will. Her advice feels doable; she’s a straight shooter and there is something you like about her frankness: “The ability we have to deceive ourselves is epic!” The book also offers helpful tools at the end of each chapter, including a prayer and questions for reflection. Even so, there is nothing new that she brings to the saturated can-do, self-help Christian market--except perhaps the aim she takes at people who eat too much. Otherwise, the reader may well have read all this before. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be written about again, the flesh being weak. (Apr.)
Anything: The Prayer that Unlocked My God and My Soul
Jennie Allen. Thomas Nelson, $15.99 trade paper (206p) ISBN 978-0-8499-4828-2
Bible teacher Allen (creator of the new Stuck DVD Bible study) comes out of the gate strong, displaying accessibility and purposefulness in her first book. With an eye to the fears and doubts teeming beneath the surface for many female churchgoers, she compels her audience to figure out what’s stopping them from using their God-given talents, and to be willing to do anything that God asks of them. By giving readers a glimpse of her own introspection and the interior life she’s revealed on her personal blog, she employs heartfelt honesty to connect with readers. Tales of loved ones who have taken the “journey to total abandonment” show how giving one’s life over to a higher purpose can “wreck” comfortable lives—and allow people to seize more important opportunities. Though the book is aimed at women who must balance their calling against more practical tasks like finishing the laundry and shopping at Target, Allen’s friendly yet urgent messages will have the wheels spinning in the minds of all audiences and may be the tough medicine that propels them to action. (Apr.)
The New Religious Intolerance: Overcoming the Politics of Fear in an Anxious Age
Martha C. Nussbaum. Harvard Univ., $26.95 (284p) ISBN 978-0-674-06590-1
Can political philosophy provide us with an ethical understanding and solution to why religious fear is on the rise in the U.S. and Europe, particularly the animosity directed at Islam? Using case studies from Europe’s burqa and minaret bans to Oklahoma’s anti-Sharia amendment, Nussbaum (Creating Capabilities), a professor of law and ethics, argues that the application of ethical principles of respect for equality and of consistency in treatment of majority and minority cultures are solutions to the fear that underlies religious intolerance. Cultivating “the inner eyes” by which people sympathetically and curiously enter another’s imagination through civic friendships, she argues, will overcome ignorance and fear. Her overview of the Park51 one word is correctcontroversy about a Muslim community center near ground zero in Manhattan is the most thorough and provocative application of these philosophical principles. Certain to generate controversy is the claim that the constitutional right to build the center must be respected, even if the decision should be questioned based on public sensitivities. Despite her hopeful conclusion that America is “capacious enough and imaginative enough to contain differences,” the book lacks a clear sense of how we enact this in practice. (Apr.)
Godforsaken: Bad Things Happen. Is there a God who cares? Yes. Here’s proof.
Dinesh D’Souza. Tyndale House, $24.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-4143-2485-2
Conservative Christian champion and perpetual thorn-in-the-side for liberals and atheists D’Souza (What’s So Great About Christianity?), attempts to defend God in light of the existence of evil. To refute atheist arguments, assuage the suffering of Christians, and persuade the public that “there is reason and purpose for evil and suffering,” D’Souza engages in an organized and easy to read apologetic. Compared to previous efforts at theodicy, D’Souza’s approach is novel in some respects as he endeavors to explain the existence of suffering by using scientific arguments based on evolutionary concepts and the hotly debated Anthropic Principle--“the principle of a fine-tuned universe.” Nonetheless, some of his justifications, which he asserts are original, are stock apologia.To his credit, D’Souza covers a lot of ground and is able at the very least to address the majority of disbelieving challenges to his more tendentious claims. In the end, he will no doubt provoke potshots from his intended skeptical audience while finding welcome reception among the thoughtful Christians who are far more likely to pick this book from the shelf. (Mar.)
The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus
John Dominic Crossan. HarperOne, $25.99 (272p) ISBN 978-0-06-187569-4
Professor emeritus and expert on the historical Jesus, the prolific Crossan (The Historical Jesus) presents the four gospels as parabolic history. Although grounded in historical events, each gospel reorganizes and frames those events in the style of parables. In the first half, Crossan focuses on the parables Jesus taught and their connections to earlier biblical models. Parables can be riddles to unpack, examples to guide ethical decisions, or challenges to prompt new outlooks on life. Crossan argues that Jesus told almost exclusively challenge parables but that interpreters, including the gospel writers, shifted some into other types. In the latter half of the book, Crossan breaks down each gospel thematically, highlighting the challenge each presents, and he argues that the parabolic mode increasingly becomes hostile attack rather than mere challenge. The book’s earlier sections are marred by extensive introductions and conclusions that excessively restate points. The final section, however, offers valuable and accessible insights into the intentions of the evangelists and the revolutionary content of the gospels. The power of parable is in its challenge to see the world anew. Crossan gently offers a new way of navigating the impact of the New Testament that does not demand complete historical accuracy from it. (Mar.)
The Message and the Book
John Bowker. Yale Univ., $30 (416p) ISBN 978-0-300-17929-3
Bowker, a professor of religious studies and former fellow at Cambridge University, surveys the most sacred texts of most major world religions, from Judaism to Shinto. Bowker’s expertise is both broad and deep, and the book covers not only the foundational scriptures of each religion (such as the Torah or the New Testament), but also associated works of devotion, poetry, and theology (such as the piyyutim no [Jewish liturgical hymns] or Augustine’s Confessions). The book achieves its stated purpose by offering a concise introduction to many major sacred texts, but in its exclusion of any analysis or comparison it often feels overly dry and encyclopedic, like a mere collection of facts. Additionally, though the wide scope through the texts of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others is admirably ambitious, it leads to many summaries being rushed: for example, with only two or three pages dedicated to such major texts as the Bhagavad Gita or the Confucian classics. This would be an excellent textbook for a student with access to a professor’s insights and analysis, but for the casual reader this work is likely to disappoint, as it offers only a brief taste of this fascinating topic. With 37 color illustrations. (Mar.)
Children’s Religion/Spirituality
Original RBL Reviews
Will I See My Pet in Heaven?
Friar Jack Wintz. Paraclete, $14.99 (64p) ISBN 978-1-61261-098-6
In this children’s edition of his bestselling series (I Will See You in Heaven), Wintz answers young animal lovers’ title question with a yes. In straightforward, direct address, the author pulls examples from scripture to reassure children that their beloved pets are not forgotten when they die. Drawing on the book of Genesis and the story of St. Francis of Assisi, he explains that God included the animals in the creation and “saw that it was good.” He also placed them in the Garden of Eden, and in Noah’s ark, proof that he loves animals equally as part of his creation. And surely since God included them in the first paradise, he would include them in “the paradise that is yet to come.” The author also tells the story of St. Francis to demonstrate the importance of animals to God. The book is text-heavy, with minimal, albeit charming, realistic black-and-white- illustrations and may not appeal visually to children, but its friendly tone will catch their interest and its diminutive dimensions will please small hands. Ages 5-up. (Mar.)
Faith: Five Religions and What They Share
Richard Steckel and Michele Steckel. Kids Can Press (www.kidscanpress.com), $17.95 (36p) ISBN 978-1-55453-750-1
The Steckels (Wise at Heart) compile a friendly, photo-heavy book that introduces the world’s major religions to middle-grade readers. The authors briefly acknowledge the core ideas, leaders, texts, clothing, symbols, and worship particular to each of the faiths. As the title indicates, the authors stress commonalities: the golden rule, religious injunctions to give charitably, care for children. The book’s visual appeal is especially strong: text has color background, and many of the photos feature smiling (or sometimes solemn) children. The photos were taken in a number of countries around the world, from Belize to Vietnam, offering a mini-tour. Suggestions for activities are included in this colorful, child-friendly introduction to the spectrum of world religious belief. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)
Eye of the Sword
Karyn Henley. WaterBrook, $9.99 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-0-307-73014-5
Henley (Breath of Angel) centers the second book of her young adult series, Angelaeon Circle, on Trevin, a reformed spy who now serves King Laetham of Camrithia. Trevin and the king’s daughter, Princess Melaia, love each other, but obstacles block their union. Trevin believes himself a commoner unworthy of a princess, and she has a mission that may preclude love: to reunite the three magical harps that will restore the Stairway to Heaven and free the trapped souls of the dead from the evil kingdom of Dregmoor. Trevin sets out to find the King’s missing comains, or riders, hoping to also discover the harps for Melaia, who cannot leave her kingdom. He travels an elaborate fantasy world populated by three distinct spheres of angels; humans; immortals; Nephili (half-angel, half-human); Sylvans (elflike earth-angels); and winged horses. Written in solid prose, with excellent physical descriptions and believable dialogue, the story zips along. At times the author sacrifices nuance and development for declarative revelation (“that must mean he was Nephili, half-angel as she was”). Nevertheless, the love between Melaia and Trevin is compelling, as is Trevin’s quest and all he discovers about himself. The ending will leave readers in suspense. Agent, Cheryl Pientka. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)
Sneak Peeks: Religion Book Reviews Coming in PW March 12
Love Has Wings: Free Yourself from Limiting Beliefs and Fall in Love with Life
Isha Judd. New World Library, $19.95 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-60868-121-1
In a world of increasing uncertainty, each person has the opportunity to make a difference by becoming “love-consciousness” and emanating peace, Isha writes. Love-consciousness is not the same as the love humans feel for one another; it’s “the presence of love in everything, the energy that is our very being.” When the mind is filled like an overflowing teacup there is no space for this new vision of love-consciousness. To empty the mind an individual begins by unlearning old opinions and ideas, and releasing resistance to change. Isha elegantly guides readers in this process by exposing some of the most commonly upheld fear-based illusions about reality, such as “I am a small, separate being,” and by examining the problems these illusions can create in interpersonal relationships. A globally revered spiritual teacher, Isha offers insightful advice and practices for cultivating love-consciousness, and shows how filling one’s personal life with peace, honesty, and transparency is the most profound and effective way to the creation of a peaceful planet. (May)
Redemption: A Rebellious Spirit, a Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold
Bryan Clay with Joel Kilpatrick. Thomas Nelson, $24.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-8499-4827-5
St. Paul used athletics, specifically a running race, as a metaphor for the spiritual life. Clay, winner of the 2008 Olympic gold medal in the decathlon, would feel very comfortable with Paul’s comparison. A mixed-race (African-American and Japanese) kid growing up in Hawaii whose dysfunctional parents split up when he was young, Clay explains how he grew from an angry troublemaker into a staunch religious believer whose Christian faith guided him across the finish line. Before he was able to channel his rage and aggression into a positive direction, the author was constantly getting into trouble. His mother, who had become a Christian, prayed, like Augustine’s mother Monica, for her son to open his heart to God. Finding religion did not mean an end to life’s obstacles, however, and Clay faces more than his share on the way to becoming the “world’s greatest athlete.” The author’s testimony about being “chosen” by God to achieve may be, at best, naïve theology, and often comes across as egotistical. That said, Clay is undoubtedly a contender in the 2012 Olympics, and his inspiring story is likely to win him some fans. (May)
A First Look at the Stars: Starred Reviews Coming in PW March 12
My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith
Lucimarian Roberts as told to Missy Buchanan, with reflections by Robin Roberts. Upper Room, $18 (144p) 978-0-8358-1107-1
Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts and her mother, Lucimarian Roberts, encapsulate resilience, faith and generations of joy in this slim and inspirational volume. Eighty-seven-year-old Lucimarian reflects concisely on a life buoyed by her deep love of music, as well as her commitment to her faith and civic service. The same musicality that steadied her as a young woman growing up in the segregated South, then marrying her husband of 53 years (who was a Tuskegee Airman), informs her descriptions of life traveling all over the world before making a home that was eventually imperiled by Hurricane Katrina. Excerpts of biblical passages and lyrics from her favorite spirituals add a devotional quality to the main narrative that is both endearing and uplifting. That the health challenges of both Roberts women are not addressed until late in the book underscores the main theme of the book: that victories surmount despair. The stories from journalist Robin about her mother add a sweet and conversational tone to the book. (Apr.)
God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Mirabai Starr. Monkfish, $15.95 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-0-9833589-2-3
Maybe if Starr (Dark Night of the Soul) were less of a storyteller, her style would be less invitational, but she writes about the three Abrahamic religions as a woman in love, not as a tenure-hungry prof. The result, bearing the brilliance of her surname, plaits a strong braid from the essences of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: God is love. Starr’s inter-spiritual quest (a birthright, she asserts) follows the same formula in each chapter, covering topics such as suffering, silence, and the feminine. Each begins with quotations from the three religions’ holy books and seekers; then come scenarios that define the theme in a warm second-person voice; for example, in the chapter “Welcoming the Stranger,” Starr, who teaches world religions, describes doors you open--or do not. After knowledgeable and humbling descriptions, she lays out the religions’ teachings and profiles practitioners, for example, Christianity’s Dorothy Day, Judaism’s Baal Shem Tov, and the Sufi ecstatic Rabia Al-Adawiyya. In the non-fluffy afterword, Starr nudges travelers on the three paths to follow her sure-footed approach. (Apr. 24)
Heaven is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy
Stephanie Nielson. Hyperion/Voice, $23.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-4013-4179-4
Mormon homemaker Nielson was leading an old-fashioned happy life with a handsome husband (she called him “Mr. Nielson,” a la Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy), four kids, and a successful blog about her perfect life. Then she and her husband were in a small-plane crash. Both survived but were badly injured; Stephanie was burned over 80 percent of her body and was in a coma for four months. After she awakens, she isn’t sure she wants to live, but she is sure she doesn’t want to see her children, and most of all she doesn’t want them to see her, disfigured by burns. Nielson heals, as the subtitle immediately telegraphs. But the road to recovery is deeply cratered with difficulties: pain, depression, the inability to look in a mirror and behold her scarred features. What saves her almost in spite of herself is her large family: parents, brothers and sisters, and her husband, himself recovering from injuries. Nielson’s journey from a simple life taken for granted to complex and challenging daily joy is moving and authentic. (Apr.)
On the Virtual Shelves: Web Exclusive Religion Book Reviews
The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith
Matthew Bowman (Random, Jan.)
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-679-64490-3
7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess
Jen Hatmaker (B&H, Jan.)
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4336-7296-5
Martin Buber's Spirituality: Hasidic Wisdom for Everyday Life
Kenneth Paul Kramer (Rowman & Littlefield, Jan.)
