A Feast for the Soul

Recently, I had the opportunity to read the book A Feast for Hungry Souls: Spiritual Lessons from the Church's Greatest Masters and Mystics. After introducing the importance of learning from those who have gone before u s, Susan Muto takes on the gargantuan task of introducing readers to 30 different spiritual giants who have impacted Christian spirituality. She divides the books into several parts focusing on Ancient Masters, Medieval Masters, and Modern Masters. Most, but not all, of those included are Catholic and are frequently saints. However, John Wesley and Dietrich Bonhoeffer are also included.

In each chapter Muto skillfully provides brief biographical and historical information regarding the master being discussed. Drawing from their own writing, she emphasizes what they contributed to Christian spirituality. Each chapter concludes with several reflection questions focused on how the reader plans to engage further with the content as well as additional suggested readings. A Feast for Hungry Souls can be used in numerous settings. For individuals who are not very familiar with the saints listed or who are looking for an introduction to them, this book is perfect. In fact, I would encourage readers to consider using this book as a springboard to then read the writings of each master profiled. Because Muto makes sure to include historical information in addition to spiritual, this work would serve marvelously as a companion text in a church history class or in course focusing on the history of  Christian spirituality.  This book truly is a feast for those who will take the time to thoughtfully work through the contents. I anticipate pulling this book off the shelf frequently.

I received a complementary copy from Ave Maria Press via Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Mission 3:16

When I spotted Mission 3:16: God's One-Verse invitation to Love the World, I knew I had to read it for several reasons. First, it combines world missions , a subject I'm passionate about, and John 3:16 a verse everyone knows. Second, Mission 3:16 is the newest book by Paul Borthwick. I have read many of his other books such as A Mind for Missions, Six Dangerous Questions to Transform Your Worldview, and How to Be a World-Class Christian. Being familiar with these books, I knew this title would be wonderful and I was not disappointed.

Since nearly everyone is familiar with the verse John 3:16 and in some ways it is referenced so often that it feels overdone, you may wonder what more could be said or written about it. Borthwick shows that a great deal can be written about it! He breaks John 3:16 down phrase by phrase and in so doing explodes your common understanding of this verse. The central theme of this exposition of John 3:16 as you can tell from the title is missions. However, even more than missions Borthwick unpacks that God's love should inspire and encourage us go out to love the world and share God's love with others. By the end of the book, you will add John 3:15 to your list of favorite mission verses and realize that you didn't know quite as much as you thought.

While Mission 3:16 is thoroughly researched and footnoted, Borthwick has a conversational tone which makes this book very readable and enjoyable. He shares many stories, often from his own experiences, demonstrating how the principles he shares can be lived out. As such, this book is appropriate for a wide audience ranging from college students to adults. I can see it being a great resource for a Sunday School class or Bible study or as background reading for a sermon series. As it is published by Intervarsity Press, I especially can see this book being featured at the upcoming Urbana 21 conference as a Book of the Day.

I received a complementary copy from IVP via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

Replace Digital Distraction with Spiritual Formation

Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction by Ed Cyzewski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I was reading this book at a time when social media was going bonkers, Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction was an excellent, thought-provoking book. Cyzewski begins the book by emphasizing the many ways in which social media and technology is addicting and how much it has come to control our lives by digital formation. This section is very well-researched and even includes some excellent insights on the importance of media literacy. Reading this section was quite convicting.

Cyzewski does not leave the reader here to dwell on these issues but emphasizes the need to curtail our digital obsessions so that we can spend time in spiritual formation and relationship building. Throughout Reconnect, Cyzewski frequently reference Thomas Merton's writings. Each chapter includes several questions to help readers consider the material and make practical applications of the information.

During and since reading this book, while I have not cut off my social media use, I have been more conscious of it. I'm making a conscious effort to spend time in silence or prayer instead of glued to my feed. I look forward to spending more time disconnected from technology and reconnecting with others.

I received a complementary copy from Herald Press via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

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More than Social Media Posts

Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age is a very comprehensive and well-researched book, yet is also very readable and practical. Author, Mae Elise Cannon, is no stranger to social justice topics, having written numerous books since publishing The Social Justice Handbook in 2009 and serves as Executive Director of the Churches for Middle East Peace. Cannon begins by outlining why social justice should be important to Christians and that salvation and justice are both necessary components of the Gospel of Christ. Reading this section brought to mind James 2:16 and reminds readers that you can't preach the Gospel if people are cold, hungry, impoverished, or oppressed. Specifically Christians needs to be involved in "prophetic advocacy" and set aside the "need to be right" in order to build bridges with others. After setting this foundation, Cannon goes on to provide details about specific justice issues include poverty, race, gender, and twenty-first century divides. Within each chapter, a multitude of references are provided as well as numerous stories of first hand experiences with these topics. However, Cannon does not simply inform the reader but goes on to provide information on specific opportunities to get involved fighting against these issues and suggested readings to learn more. Each chapter also ends with discussion questions which make this a perfect book for a small group study.

While reading Beyond Hashtag Activism, I frequently found myself sitting in prayer and lament over the gross injustices and tragedies described. Then to see these issue being played out on a national stage and to be reminded of the privileged position I have in society was sobering. To think how unknowingly my purchasing habits may contribute to global poverty and then be reminded that so much of "the good we do" such as providing food to the poor is only a temporary fix rather than a sustainable long-term solution. I was also reminded that even though many individuals say people are made in the image of God, too often we sure don't act like it. Page after page provided food for thought and steps to take. As such this is a book that readers will want to own and refer to often. Readers may not agree with all of Cannon's suggestions, but each chapter is a springboard to learning more about a topic.

Beyond Hashtag Activism is highly recommended for anyone whose heart is torn regarding the current events of our country and our world and wonders what they can possibly do to help. I highly encourage individuals to find a group of people to read and discuss this important book together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Beyond Hashtag Activism from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Prisoner's Wife

Recent reading has returned to World War II but with a definite twist! Typical World War II novels, generally focus on the horrors of concentration camps and more recently the resistance movement. The new book The Prisoner's Wife by Maggie Brookes briefly mentions the resistance but focuses instead of a different type of camp experience--German POW camp. However, this is not the only twist in this intriguing title. As you note this book is not titled The Prisoner, it's The Prisoner's Wife!

When reading this book, it is important to keep in mind that it is based on a true story! This truly is one of those cases where the story is so wild, it must be true. I don't want to go into too many details here as it would give away the plot, but know that Brookes writes an absorbing book that peeks first into the lives of civilians left at home and then peels back the curtain on life in POW camps and particularly the Long March in 1945. Along the way there are many times where you wonder if the characters will survive.A highly recommended, wonderful book that provides a new look at the travesties of World War II. My only wish is that we knew more about what happens to this couple after the war ended.

A complementary copy of this book was provided via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

Of Literature and Lattes

The title of Katherine Reay's newest book screamed "Read me!" since a good chunk of my life is comprised Of Literature and Lattes. After reading the description and noting that the book was also set in Illinois where I live, I was sold.

Of Literature and Lattes is a light and enjoyable read. One of the interesting aspects of the book it that there are three main story lines that occur simultaneously. You have the new coffee shop owner and his relationship with his ex-wife and the bankrupt adult woman who moves back to her childhood home, but is dealing with the fairly recent divorce of her parents and a rocky relationship with her mom. And of course,the story line between coffee shop owner and the adult woman. While it does have a happy ending and all three story lines are resolved by the end as well as several minor stories as well, the characters are flawed and real which adds to the books enjoyment factor. These characters are not perfect but are trying to do better.

Since the book was published by Thomas Nelson there are some Christian references. For example, some of the characters attend a men's accountability group that involves the ministers and men of different churches meeting together. There are also some veiled references to prayer, but the book isn't preachy. It's more along the lines of small town America where going to church is embedded into the community structure. Overall, Of Literature and Lattes was just the fun, lighthearted read needed for an enjoyable evening.

I received a complementary copy from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Finding Jesus at the Border

Finding Jesus at the Border: Opening Our Hearts to the Stories of Our Immigrant Neighbors is an intriguing juxtaposition of story and Bible study. Author Dr. Julia Lambert Fogg is not only a professor of Religion at California Lutheran University with specializations in New Testament and Early Christianity, but also serves as a minister at a Lutheran church. The specific church where she serves offer two distinct services. One is comprised of mostly older English speaking individuals of Scandinavian descent whose grandparents had started the church. The second service is comprised of predominantly Spanish speaking immigrant families. Fogg combines these two perspectives into a marvelous and very readable book.

In each chapter Fogg shares stories from her ministry experiences and frequently shares the story of a specific immigrant. After setting the stage with this current day story, a biblical story is examined through this perspective. Fogg expertly addresses a wide variety of issues that relate to immigration including economics, working conditions, sexual assault, power struggles, and many more. To re-read and consider familiar Bible stories using these same lenses is quite eye-opening. While a reader may not agree with Fogg on every issue, her perspective is important to read and consider due to her first hand experience and academic expertise.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Finding Jesus at the Border from Baker-Brazos Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.