Recommended books
Here you’ll find some of our favorites—old and new!
Memories of God by Roberta C. Bondi, $21.00
Reminiscent of the writings of Augustine, Teresa of Avila, and Thomas Merton, this volume is “a book of honest pain and honest joy in the presence of God.” Bondi tells stories which reflect on life’s turning points and how these are made both more difficult and more open to grace by the Christian understandings of naming God as father and mother; the significance of rationality; and the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.
Read David Davies’ reflections of this title:
http://soul-desires.com/category/reflections/
To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings by John O’Donohue, regularly $22.95—our price $16.07
With his compelling blend of elegant, poetic language and spiritual insight, Irish teacher and poet O’Donohue offers readers comfort and encouragement on their journeys through life, awakening them to timeless truths and showing them the power they have to answer contemporary dilemmas.
50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Church Can Make a Difference by Rebecca J. Barnes-Davies, $14.95
This guide outlines fifty ways in which you, your congregation, and your local community can help fight global warming and enjoy participation in a vital part of Christian discipleship. 50 Ways to Help Save the Earth makes a clear connection, in a practical and unintimidating way, between stewardship of the earth and living one’s faith.
Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel by Thomas Keating, $16.95
First published in 1986, Open Mind, Open Heart remains one of the best introductions to a specifically Christian form of meditation. Keating gives the reader an overview of what contemplative prayer both is and isn’t; he discusses the history of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition and then explores step by step the process of Centering Prayer, briefly exploring its origins in the ancient church and then demonstrating its use as “a sign of one’s intention” to surrender to God. Each chapter concludes with questions and answers that provide useful information in an informal context.
For the Time Being by Annie Dillard, $13.95
Why do we exist? Where did we come from? How can one person matter? Annie Dillard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and one of the most compelling writers of our time, searches for answers in her most profound narrative to date. With her keen eye, penchant for paradox, and yearning for truth, Dillard renews our ability to discover wonder in even the darkest and most remote of life’s corners: sand, clouds, birth defects, a Hasidic master, Chinese terra-cotta figures, paleontologist and theologian Teilhard de Chardin. Vivid, eloquent, and haunting, For the Time Being evokes no less than the terrifying grandeur of all that remains tantalizingly, troublingly beyond our understanding.
The Case for God by Karen Armstrong, $16.95
Focusing especially on Christianity but including other religions, Armstrong examines the diminished impulse toward religion during a time when a significant number of people either want nothing to do with God or question the efficacy of faith.
God with Skin on: Finding God’s Love in Human Relationships by Anne Robertson, $18.00
You may be the only Jesus some people ever meet! Suppose that the 2: 00 am feeding of your infant daughter was not just meeting a physical need but also was teaching her that God’s provision could be trusted? And suppose her cries for succor were also teaching you to respond to the cries of Jesus when he presents himself as the least of these?
Jesus Wept: When Faith and Depression Meet by Barbara Crafton, $19.95
Drawing from her personal experiences and those of hundreds of others, Episcopal priest Barbara Cawthorne Crafton explores what it means for a person of faith to suffer from depression. Jesus Wept explains that faith can be enormously helpful and comforting or can seriously hinder the healing process. Offering hope to those who suffer, Crafton shows how a life of faith can bring together unique resources for dealing with the dark night of the soul. Jesus Wept is a valuable resource for those who are finding their way through the darkness of soul and spirit–or for those who care for them.
Home Tonight: Further Reflections on the Parable of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen, $15.95
“Home Tonight” follows the path of Catholic priest Nouwen’s spiritual homecoming. Prior to writing his great classic, “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” Nouwen suffered a personal breakdown followed by a time of healing solitude, when he experienced profound and inspiring life lessons.
A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton, $18.95
For the first time, some of Merton’s most lyrical and prayerful writings have been arranged into this rich resource for daily prayer and contemplation that imitates the increasingly popular ancient monastic practice of “praying the hours.”
Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary by Marcus Borg, $14.99
Borg gives us a completely updated and revised version of his vision of Jesus–as charismatic healer, sage, and prophet, a man living in the power of the spirit and dedicated to radical social change. He shows how the Gospel portraits of Jesus, historically seen, make sense. He takes into account all the recent developments in historical Jesus scholarship, as well as new theories on who Jesus was and how the Gospels reflect that. The original version of this book was published well before popular fascination with the historical Jesus. Now this new version takes advantage of all the research that has gone on since the 80s.
Eternal Life: A New Vision: Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell by John Shelby Spong, $24.99
Always compelling and controversial, Spong, the leading Christian liberal and pioneer for human rights, wrestles with the question that all of us will ultimately face. In his final book, Spong takes us beyond religion and even beyond Christianity until he arrives at the affirmation that the fully realized human life empties into and participates in the eternity of God. The pathway into God turns out to be both a pathway into ourselves and a doorway into eternal life.
Simple Ways: Towards the Sacred by Gunilla Norris, $18.95
While the demands and pace of modern living often prevent many from seeing the transcendent and extraordinary elements in the simple activities and events in life, this beautifully written, lucid, and practical primer for prayer, meditation, and mindful living focuses on seeking and appreciating the sacred in everyday life. Divided into four sections concentrating on our bodies, our dwellings, everyday things, and gratitude, Norris illuminates ways to see and embrace the sacred each day.
Saving Jesus from the Church: How to Stop Worshiping Christ and Start Following Jesus by Robin Meyers, $14.99
Countless thoughtful people are now so disgusted with the marriage of bad theology and hypocritical behavior by the church that a new Reformation is required in which the purpose of religion itself is re-imagined. Meyers takes the best of biblical scholarship and recasts core Christian concepts to exhort the church to pursue an alternative vision of the Christian life: Jesus as “Teacher,” not Savior; Christianity as “Compassion,” not Condemnation; Prosperity as “Dangerous,” not Divine; Discipleship as “Obedience,” not Control; Religion as “Relationship,” not Righteousness.
40-Day Journey with Maya Angelou edited by Henry French, $12.99
Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. In this slim volume the legendary wisdom of this American poet, educator, historian, actress, director, and civil-rights activist is clearly evident in her own words. Editor Henry French here selects forty inspiring passages for readers to ponder while taking a spiritual journey with Maya Angelou. Such a journey may be made at any time but, as with other titles in the 40-Day Journey series, is especially inspiring to take in the seasons of Advent and Lent.
Soul Desires also carries other titles from this series, including: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Howard Thurman, Joan Chittister, Julian of Norwich, Kathleen Norris, Madeleine L’Engle, Martin Luther,and Parker Palmer.
Simply in Season, World Community Cookbook (Expanded) by Mary Beth Lind, $24.99
This new, expanded edition of Simply in Season features new recipes that use locally grown and fairly traded seasonal foods. Its stories and simple whole foods recipes explore how the food we buy and eat also affects our local and global neighbors.
JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters by James Douglass, $30.00
James W. Douglass is a longtime peace activist and writer. He and his wife Shelley are co-founders of the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent action in Poulsbo, Washington, and Mary’s House, a Catholic Worker house of hospiltality in Birmingham, Alabama. Drawing on a vast field of investigation, including many sources available only in recent years, Douglass lays out a sequence of steps by JFK that transformed him, over the course of three years, from traditional Cold Warrior to someone determined to pull the world back from the edge of apocalypse.
The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach about Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, $13.99
Jesus scholars Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan join together to reveal a radical and little-known Jesus. Using the gospel of Mark as their guide, Borg and Crossan present a day-by-day account of Jesus’s final week of life. They depict Jesus giving up his life to protest power without justice and to condemn the rich who lack concern for the poor, offering himself as a model for others to do the same when they are confronted by similar issues. Informed, challenged, and inspired, we not only meet the historical Jesus, but meet a new Jesus who engages us and invites us to follow him.
The Tabloid Bible by Nick Page, $19.95
A fictional newspaper, The Tabloid Bible records major biblical events from Genesis to Revelation in this fresh and funny take on biblical literacy. Humorist Nick Page, who happens to take the Bible seriously, captures perfectly the deadpan style of popular, sensational tabloids found in supermarket checkout lanes everywhere.This engaging and truly modern Bible translation offers a new angle on the meaning of scripture — while treating the historical faith traditions it is based upon with utter respect. Designed for pastors, youth groups, and anyone who likes to laugh, The Tabloid Bible is the greatest story every sold.
Seeking Peace: Chronicles of the Worst Buddhist in the World by Mary Pipher, $25.95
There are three kinds of secrets, Mary Pipher says in “Seeking Peace: Chronicles of the Worst Buddhist in the World.” Those we keep from everyone, those we keep from certain people, and those we keep from ourselves. Writing this book forced me to deal with all three. After decades of exploring the lives of others through her writing and therapy, Mary Pipher turns her attention to herself culling insights from her own life to highlight the importance of the journey, not just the destination.
Large Print Bible-NRSV, $34.99
This is a hip format with a larger print size—perfect for all ages. No one will feel that they have been relegated to ugly and bulky larger print editions by purchasing this XL. The New Revised Standard Version is the translation used by mainline Protestant churches, Orthodox churches, and by many Catholics. It also includes a concordance index to help people find key passages.
Dog Psalms by Herbert Brokering, $8.99
Herbert Brokering explores the similarities in the relationship between dogs and owners with the relationship between humans and God. His on-the-mark descriptions of attributes in dogs–trusting, pleading, loving, guarding–are followed with prayers that explore these traits in our relationship with God. Whimsical and insightful, “Dog Psalms” is for readers seeking creative expressions of their faith.
Cat Psalms by Herbert Brokering, $8.99
Cat Psalms, a collection of whimsical, insightful psalm-prayers based on Brokering’s observations of cats he has known, offers fresh ways to see ourselves and new ways to pray.
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor, $14.99
This is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed “Leaving Church.”
From simple practices such as walking, working, and getting lost to deep meditations on topics like prayer and pronouncing blessings, Taylor reveals concrete ways to discover the sacred in the small things we do and see. Under Taylor’s expert guidance, we come to question conventional distinctions between the sacred and the secular, learning that no physical act is too earthbound or too humble to become a path to the divine. As we incorporate these practices into our daily lives, we begin to discover altars everywhere we go, in nearly everything we do.
The Christian Future and the Fate of Earth by Thomas M. Berry, $22.00
Reflections on Chrsitianity, the sacred community of life, and the New Universe story by one of the truest prophets of our age.
The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier by Tony Jones, $14.95
What the “Emergent Church Movement” is all about-and why it matters to the future of Christianity Following on the questions raised by Brian McLaren in A New Kind of Christian, Tony Jones has written an engaging exploration of what this new kind of Christianity looks like.
Twelve Months of Monastery Soups by Victor-Antoine D’Avila-La Tourette, $16.95
Now in paperback, the first and only monastery cookbook on soups showcases 175 simple, soul-satisfying recipes for a year-round celebration of the art of soup making. Presented in order of growing seasons, Brother Victor-Antoine’s recipes offer a succulent range of flavors. 131 woodcuts.
What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality by Daniel Helminiak, $14.00
Helminiak, a respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest, draws on contemporary scholarship to show how the Bible has been used to justify slavery, inquisitions, apartheid and the subjugation of women. Now read what the Bible really says about homosexuality.
A Spirituality for Brokenness: Discovering Your Deepest Self in Difficult Times by Terry Taylor, $16.99
We each have broken areas of our lives. Taylor provides a compassionate yet highly practical process of facing, accepting and finally integrating brokenness into your experience of life. He offers concrete methods based on teachings and practices from many religious traditions. Readers of any faith tradition will find kindness and wise counsel in this useful, step-by-step process to recovering the wholeness we seek.
Toolbox for Sustainable City Living: A Do-It-Ourselves Guide by Scott Kellogg and Stacy Pettigrew, $16.00
In 2000 the dynamic Rhizome Collective transformed an abandoned warehouse in Austin, Texas, into a sustainability training center. The group’s first book provides city dwellers with step-by-step instructions for producing food, collecting water, managing waste, reclaiming land, and generating energy.
Follow Me to Freedom: Leading as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne, $14.99
Shane Claiborne and John Perkins know the hopes and longings of this age. One is young; the other is decades older. One is a self-proclaimed reformed redneck who now lives in the inner city and has become a voice for compassionate change; the other is an evangelical African-American voice for civil rights who once was almost beaten to death by police inMississippi, and went on to counsel three presidents and launch a reconciliation movement. As prophetic voices, Claiborne and Perkins lead the way in a move to change the world as the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus. The authors craft a timely message for ordinary people willing to take radical steps to see real change happen.
Radical Amazement: Contemplative Lessons from Black Holes, Supernovas, and Other Wonders of the Universe by Judy Cannato, $12.95
Explore the connectedness of all creation and the harmony of science and spirituality. Thoughtful, practical reflections enhanced by prayers and meditations.
People’s Companion Breviary: 2 Volumes by Carmelites of Indianapolis, $32.00
This book is an inclusive language liturgy of the hours.
It is a revised and expanded edition of the new companion to the breviary with seasonal supplement.
Includes readings from: Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila, Elizabeth Johnson, Leonardo Boff, Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Sandra Schneiders, Edith Stein, Teilhard de Chardin, Augustine, Karl Rahner, Hildegard of Bingen, Threse of Lisieux, Dorothy Day, Ignatius of Loyola, and many others.
The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Eric Elnes, $12.95
The Phoenix Affirmations, named for the town in which they were created and the mythological bird adopted by ancient Christians as a symbol of resurrection, offers disillusioned and spiritually homeless Christians and others a sense of hope and a tolerant, joyful, and compassionate message. Built on the three great loves that the Bible reveals, love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self, these twelve affirmations reflect commitments to environmental stewardship, social justice, and artistic expression as well as openness to other faiths. Transcending theological and culture wars, inclusive and generous in spirit and practice, these principles allow believers and seekers alike to affirm their Christian faith in a fresh way.
