Insight Dialogue: The Interpersonal Path to Freedom
Gregory Kramer. Shambhala, $17.95 paper (272p) ISBN 978-1-59030-485-3
Lots of Buddhist books are using meditation to inspect the mind and watch its workings. The process works exceptionally well for monks and nuns, but the rest of the human race is busy householding, spends less time on the meditation cushion, and could use a little help in applying Buddhist teachings to the messy world of relationships. This book by Buddhist meditation teacher Kramer fills that need somewhat unevenly. Kramer is a longtime student and teacher in the insight meditation tradition, and has also studied Buddhist psychology. He has developed, and teaches, a practice that engages partners in a structured dialogue based on Buddhist practices and principles. Such dialogue, like meditation, yields insight. The book is at its best when the author explains and teaches this unique practice, offering examples from experience to illustrate. Less successful, and far less novel, is a section that relates Buddhism's four noble truths to "interpersonal truths." This section is larded with sweeping psychological generalizations conveyed in fuzzy language ("All of these hungers rest on self-concept; they are the core around which the self constellates"). This book has potential as a text for advanced Buddhist practitioners interested in extending their practice into everyday life to illuminate and improve their relationships. (Sept. 11)
The Best Catholic Writing 2007
Edited by Jim Manney. Loyola, $14.95 paper (246p) ISBN 978-0-8294-2611-3
The latest version of an anthology of Catholic writing is packed with writing chosen for its "sacramental, incarnational perspective" and "sensitivity to the historic Christian tradition that is properly called 'Catholic.'" The collection includes some works from outside specifically Catholic circles, giving it greater depth. For example, Reformed pastor Peter Leithart's essay, "Why Protestants Can't Write," discusses how sacramental theology informs fiction by such Catholic writers as Flannery O'Connor, making it markedly different from anything produced by contemporary Protestants. His view is fascinating, and all the more credible and compelling because it comes from a Protestant perspective. Other highlights include John Romanowsky's excellent interview with Vatican correspondent John L. Allen Jr.; Gregory Orr's moving poem from Concerning the Book That Is the Body of the Beloved, and Joseph Bottom's insightful piece on American Catholic culture from the journal First Things. Most of the more than two dozen essays, articles, poems and public addresses that make up this volume were published in 2006 in magazines and newspapers, although the growing influence of the Internet is reflected in the selection of four pieces that originally appeared on Web sites or blogs. A wide-ranging mix of topics, writers and sources should give this book broad appeal among Catholics and Protestants alike. (Aug.)
Justice in the Burbs: Being the Hands of Jesus Wherever You Live
Will and Lisa Samson. Baker Books, $14.99 paper (208p) ISBN 978-0-8010-6809-6
Award-winning Christian novelist Lisa Samson (Songbird; Quaker Summer) and her husband, sociology doctoral student Will Samson, intertwine fiction and nonfiction in this challenging and inspiring book about justice. Lisa Samson's novella features the Marshalls, a suburban family with all the accouterments: Matt climbs the corporate ladder, Christine cares for their three children, and both are busy with numerous church leadership positions. One day, however, Matt and Christine visit an inner-city mission, and their ideas about how they should be living gradually, but dramatically, change. The nonfiction portion of the book examines the issues these characters (and most of the book's readership) face. The Samsons talk about why God cares what we eat, where we live, how much electricity we use, and to whom we minister. Astonishingly, the authors manage to do this without hitting a sanctimonious note. On the contrary, they repeatedly highlight the heartbreak and complexity of what they refer to as "thinking and living in keeping with God's heartbeat of justice," and frequently acknowledge their own struggles and failures. The Samsons include short meditations at the end of each chapter written by a variety of Christian authors, as well as a series of helpful discussion questions at the end. (Aug.)
Losers, Loners, and Rebels: The Spiritual Struggles of Boys
Robert C. Dykstra, Allan Hugh Cole Jr., and Donald Capps. Westminster John Knox, $19.95 paper (216p) ISBN 978-0-664-22961-0
Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails are not the only things of which little boys are made, according to seminary professors Dykstra, Cole and Capps. Each author draws upon his own autobiographical story in this important examination of the spirituality of boys. Boys' spiritual lives, according to the authors, are influenced much more by their negative experiences than by positive ones. These negative experiences are gathered under three archetypes: the loser, the rebel and the loner. Each of these experiences can give rise to spiritual virtues, in this case, self-awareness, self-transcendence and self-sufficiency. While the authors are not psychologists, they have done exhaustive research in this field, and their backgrounds in pastoral care and theology help convey an authentic and holistic approach to an under-researched topic. The practical application of this work, the authors posit, is "…to demonstrate that by connecting with one's boyhood one is better able to connect with one's own and other men's sons." Many men will find the book's insights and frank honesty enlightening. The authors use the word "spirituality" ambiguously at times, but this is a minor nuisance in an otherwise important work. (Aug.)
Two Starred Reviews Coming in PW on Monday, June 11:
Welcome to the Wisdom of the World and its Meaning for You
Joan Chittister. Eerdmans, $20 (208p) ISBN 978-0-8028-2894-1
Chittister, a Benedictine abbess, popular lecturer, and prolific spirituality writer (Called to Question; Transformed by Hope, etc.), returns with a probingly helpful guide to life's most pressing questions. Spurred by letters from fans who often pour out their hearts and seek advice from her, each chapter tackles a separate existential question such as "Where is God?" or "What does it mean to be a spiritual person?" She begins each of the 25 chapters with a description of a particular person's struggle to find meaning amidst hardship, moving the narrative toward a wisdom story or parable from one of five religious traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. A concluding meditation rounds out each section. Ecumenical readers will find that the God that lies behind these stories is acutely aware of human misery and helps us in surprising and meaningful ways. Chittister writes, "If the question is, Where is God? The answer is distressingly uncomplicated: God is wherever we know God to be, wherever we bring God to be, no more and no less at any time, anywhere, or in anyone." This refreshing book will be welcomed by Chittister's many admirers and is sure to win new ones as well. (Aug.)
When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box
John Ortberg. Zondervan, $19.99 (256p) ISBN 978-0-310-25350-1
Pastor and bestselling author Ortberg (God is Closer Than You Think; Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them), offers a thoughtfully written instruction manual for Christian "game players" of all ages. Using games as a metaphor, Ortberg presents carefully considered tactics for succeeding in life from God's vantage point. Each chapter weaves the rules of gaming with the Christian journey: understanding the object of the game (being spiritually "rich" toward God); the set-up (keeping score, taking turns, preventing regret); how to play (with rules, gratitude, and a mission; hazards (competition, greed, losing); and winning (choosing the right trophies). Christians will especially appreciate Ortberg's wise counsel on being the kind of player other people want to sit next to, as he exhorts readers to learn to lose with grace, win with grace, and forgive with grace. Perspective is key; after all, "when the game is over, it all goes back in the box." Ortberg demonstrates some finesse in bringing together the extended game imagery with various real-life stories that are by turns comical and poignant. With excellent tools for personal and group study alike, this book's strategy offers a win-win solution. (Sept.)
An Original RBL Review
Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story
Brian "Head" Welch. HarperOne, $25.95 (240p) ISBN 978-0-06-125184-9
Welch starts his memoir with a bang: sex, drugs, rock 'n roll, and hitting bottom are all packed into his short prologue, launching the story of the rock star's rise, fall, and subsequent conversion to Christianity. Unfortunately, Welch, the former lead guitarist of the hardcore metal band Korn, never quite gets back to the punchy, dramatic style that so vividly sets in motion what could be a fascinating read, but at times is more like a casual chronology of events—despite his willingness to curse and his rocker tone. The book's first section is a catalogue of teenage rebellion (tormenting his brother, watching horror flicks, smoking pot), yet somehow lacks drama, and Welch can't resist listing every single band he formed, played with, and left before finally making it with Korn. It's not until Welch tells of a visionary experience—one that eventually leads him to Jesus—that this story gains momentum as a spiritual memoir. Fans of Noah Levine (Dharma Punx) may enjoy Welch's hardcore tone, though be warned: Welch is now hardcore on Jesus, and he hopes this story "might save a lot of people from going down the roads of destruction that [he] traveled on." (July)
