January Picks — Reading Resolutions Continued

Ed Resolves to Read: Fabricating Jesus by Craig Evans

Ed asks: “Why do people make things up about Jesus, just like the staff at Crux make up my remarks about my monthly picks? I plan to read this book by Craig Evans to find out the answer to at least one of these questions.”

Dr. Heather Resolves to Read: A Fine-Tuned Universe by Alister McGrath (ooo, a science + theology book — crazy)

Dr. Heather ponders: “This book is based on McGrath’s Gifford lectures. I’ve been meaning to read it for a few years. As this is the year I also resolve to read more non-fiction, it makes sense to read it now!”

Carolyn Resolves to Read: Noli Me Tangere by Jean-Luc Nancy (ooo, philosophy AND a Latin title, even crazier!!)

Carolyn thinks: “This little volume promises to be a gem. It contains three essays by one of the foremost philosophers of our day, Jean-Luc Nancy. The first addresses the resurrection, the second addresses Mary Magdalene, and the third, “In Heaven and On Earth,” is a transcription of a talk Nancy gave to a group of children between 6 and 12 years old (I can’t wait to see how he does this!!). This is a slim book (albeit dense, at times), so there is no reason why I shouldn’t be able to fulfill my resolution to read this book in 2015. And it certainly looks like it will be a rewarding enterprise.”

Connor Resolves to Read: The Way of Humility by Pope Francis
(Humility! Let’s see how this goes then.)

Connor promises: “Really! I’m going to read this book.”

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January Picks — Reading Resolutions

Happy 2015 from the staff at Crux.

Well a new year means a new start, right? For January our staff pick theme is “Reading Resolutions.” We share with you books we’ve been meaning to read, and have resolved that 2015 is the year we are finally going to get THESE books off our reading lists.

Cindy Resolves to Read: C.S. Lewis – A Life by Alister McGrath

Cindy says: “I have resolved to read C.S. Lewis: A Life by Alister McGrath. I have picked up the book several times, begun reading, then gotten distracted by other books that “needed” reading. This meant I put down the book I really wanted to read. I plan to start the new year off right by reading this book from cover to cover. The few pages that I have already read were an engaging and insightful look into the life and background of C.S. Lewis. I look forward to actually finishing the book!”

Ryan Resolves to Read: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky (ooo, a big Russian novel, go Ryan!)

Ryan modestly says: “The Brothers Karamozov is the final novel by  Fyodor Dostoyevsky.  This year I plan to read this book because it is a great work of literature that treats philosophical and religious issues in great detail.”

Rev. Heather Resolves to Read: Leviticus by Ephraim Radner (ooo, a book by a professor, nice move Rev. Heather.)

Rev. Heather gushes: “In this New Year with all of its infinite potential and shiny new possibilities I – The Reverent Miss Heather Kathleen May Liddell – resolve to read the infamous Radner commentary on Leviticus! Wish me luck! Keep me in your prayers! Consider joining me on this adventure? Can Ephraim Radner really make Leviticus intersting? I’ve heard good things but I’m skeptical. Are you? Let’s find out!”

Sheila Resolves to Read: Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is by Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams. (ooo, Sheila how very ecumenical with that pair of authors!)

Sheila notes: “This year, I am starting off my reading with Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is by Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams.  This is a book that has been on my “intend to read” shelf for longer that I would like to admit.  Now seems the optimal time (o chairos) to begin again the practice of gratitude.  Chittister and Williams seek to guide the reader in the offering of praise regardless of one’s particular circumstance: ‘To define life by its pastoral moments only — the goal of a feel-good society — is to understand vey little about life at all.  Life calls for stronger stuff than that.  Life is dirge as well as symphony, lament as well as hymn.’ [p.94] Amen.”