My semester filled with far more to do than I have ever before experienced continues. In this spirit, I offer ratings rather than reviews for the last four books I read (listed by rating, on a scale of 5.0).
- (5+) Belief Without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious by Linda Mercadante (2014).
- (5) A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power by Jimmy Carter (2014).
- (4.5) Jesus: A Pilgrimage by James Martin (2014).
- (1.5) Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches by Peter Greer and Christ Horst (2014).
So What?
I don’t offer 5 star ratings all that often, and have never typed a “5+” before this post. Mercadante’s book is one that should be read by every person serious about understanding more about the SBNRs (Spiritual But Not Religious) than previously published quantitative data offers. Her book is the first of its kind: a qualitative inquiry based on semi-structured one to two hour interviews with about 100 people who self-identify as SBNR. In an America in which the SBNRs now outnumber mainline Protestants, understanding what this group has in common and where it may be heading (Mercadante thinks we “may simply be seeing the pervasive influence of contact between religions” – p. 249).
Carter’s book is one that invites conversation. At the moment, I am considering who may be the best facilitator to lead a multi-session group study in the congregation where I have an ongoing ministry. I am certain that anyone who reads it and then discusses it will be led to do as he hopes by getting involved or deepening involvement to end discrimination against women and to ensure all people worldwide are afforded the same human rights.
If you have read either of these texts, I am interested in your reactions to my comments above. If you have not, please share the best book you have read so far in 2014.