BOOKSIf you have a book that has impacted your life, we would love for you to share it with the rest of us. Send a short review of how that book has inspired you to and we will post it here.
Seldom has a book reoriented my thinking and my behavior as John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart. Given to me by my daughter three years ago, it started me on a new journey in my walk with God. Although this book and all of his other writing have been a powerful “read” for me, the retreats in Colorado were the catalyst for creating the commitment to become involved in the spiritual battles that accompany claiming territot. His other books, Sacred Romance, Waking the Dead, The Journey of Desire, Captivating and Epic all provide a foundation for an exciting and dangerous spiritual life. The audio CD’s are particularly useful to some one like me with an ADHA approach to life. Check out their website at www.ransomedheart.com.
Jonathan Knaupp, President
Aslan Society
Modern Physics And Ancient Faith
by Stephen M. Barr
The start of the 21st century has seen the greatest rapprochement between science and religion since the 17th century. Much of this renewed conversation has found impetus from discoveries in physics and astronomy increasing our understanding of the smallest and largest structures in our universe. Barr does a fantastic job of showing what some of these discoveries have been, and why thoughtful scientists have entered into conversations exploring the ramifications of those discoveries for people of faith. Though not necessarily an easy going text for some, it will provide a thought-provoking experience for the careful reader.
Barry G. Ritchie, Chair
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Faith of A Physicist
by John Polkinghorne
Perhaps the most important book (of many) by an accomplished theoretical physicist who became an Anglican priest. A very remarkable approach to understanding and grounding the beliefs of the Christian faith (articulated through the Apostles’ Creed) with a realistic view of science. While some (including me) might disagree with several of his conclusions, his approach nonetheless is beautifully expressed, coherent and well-argued. You might have to be a scientist (or perhaps even a physicist!) to like this book, but you might try it just to see.
Barry G. Ritchie, Chair
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Resurrection of the Son of God
by N. T. Wright
This is the third in a series of scholarly books entitled “Christian Origins and the Question of God” by N.T. Wright, the Bishop of Durham in the Church of England. This well-written series provides an exceptionally thorough review of scholarship associated with the origins of Christianity in an attempt to firmly ground what we can learn of the life and work of Jesus in a historical context. This particular volume intricately explores all the prevailing 1st century Mediterranean area views about death, the afterlife, and resurrection, and ends with the conclusion (spoiler alert!) that belief in a resurrected Messiah shattered those pictures. At 740 pages, with full references, you’ll spend some time with this one, but you’ll come away with a greater understanding of the historical and theological background of the Easter event.Barry G. Ritchie, Chair
Department of Physics and Astronomy
