A Book review of Nadia Bolz-Weber's Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint

Are you looking for an autumn read that will be challenging and thought provoking but not too technical or complicated? Then perhaps Nadia Bolz-Weber’s book, Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint is for you. Pastrix is Nadia’s story from childhood to rebellion, from addiction to new life in Christ and from disciple to pastor. She is a Lutheran Pastor in Colorado who tells it like it is. While I can almost guarantee Bolz-Weber will offend or provoke you; she will also touch your heart. Her story is one in which most people will find something to connect to whether it’s growing up in fundamentalism, dealing with addiction, being uncomfortable with people who aren't like you or learning to have discourse with those you disagree with.

"No one is climbing the spiritual improvement ladder" is a one quote from Pastrix that hit me right between the eyes. It made me think about a conversation that occurred recently when I expressed an opinion in a way that others saw as judgmental and self-righteous. However, when I thought about it, I realized that what I said was really about my own loneliness and frustration not even about the issue at hand. However, at the bottom of my own loneliness and frustration is my trying to do stuff in my own strength. I have become too focused on the "spiritual improvement ladder”; rather than focusing on being made anew in Jesus Christ.
Like I mentioned Nadia’s book is not for faint-hearted; I even wondered as I started Pastrix whether God could use this 44 year old tattooed 6 feet 1 inch tall unconventional Lutheran Pastor’s story to speak to me. I invite you to take plunge and join the conversation that made Pastrix a New York Times bestseller. Even those who disagree with her theology the strongest respect her. Here is what Rod Dreher of the American Conservative has to say about Nadia: “She is a foul-mouthed hot mess, for sure, but there’s something so authentic and broken and great about her.”

So read with an open-mind and enjoying this unique pastor from Denver, Colorado who is causing many to examine Christianity in a new way. Nadia Bolz-Weber is married with two children. Her husband is also a Lutheran pastor. Published in September 2013; Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint is available in e-book, audio book and hardback editions.

Visit http://www.nadiabolzweber.com/ to learn more about Nadia and her ministry. 

Photography As A Christian Contemplative Practice: Eyes of the Heart by Christine Valters Painter

This time of the year as Epiphany ends and we begin to think about Lent; we often think about what we are going to give up. Yet I would invite you to think about trying something to enrich your relationship with God. Many of us are familiar with Lectio Divina; the practice of sacred reading; but perhaps have not heard the term; Visio Divina. Visio Divina refers to sacred seeing. As technology has made photography accessible to anyone with a phone, Visio Divina has come to mean more than at a looking or observing a picture. It involves learning to receive images as gifts from God. Therefore, whether you are a seasoned photographer or just enjoy taking pictures for fun; I invite you to engage in Visio Divina through the book, Photography As A Christian Contemplative Practice: Eyes of the Heart. This eight-chapter book features meditations, photographic explorations and reflections designed to help the reader experience God in a deeper way.

Written by Christine Valters Paintner in 2013; Dr. Painter in her introduction gives the reader not only a complete overview of the book but discusses her journey and describes how to use the book. Painter; calls the book, “process-oriented” ; it is not a book to be devoured in one sitting but rather to be implemented in one’s life over time and what is important is not the end product but the process. Using the various aspects of photography as a metaphor for the spiritual journey Eyes of the Heart invites us through the first six chapters to consider light and the shadows, contrast, composition, perspective, patterns, color, and reflection.

 Paintner leads us down a path of re-framing and learning to receive images as a contemplative practice rather than taking them to get them done.The book concludes with two chapters on the Holy. Chapter 7 deals with seeing the holy within ourselves. Then chapter 8 focuses on seeing the holy everywhere. Thus, we are taken on a journey from looking to seeing; from disgust to holiness and from self-loathing to love. Following chapter 8, there is a conclusion, acknowledgments, notes and additional resources notes and additional resources all of which give the reader many of choices of places to continue their journey.
Using a mixture of photographs, scripture, poetry and variety of writings from mystics such as Richard Rohr, Hildegard of Bingen and Thomas Merton; there is plenty of creativity and insight to be gained. This book can be used for small group study or for individual study during anytime of the year but especially for those times when we are trying to give God more of our focus.
A little over a 140 pages, Eyes of the Heart while not technical in nature, is a book for those who seek to experience the Holy in a new way. However, it is written with no expectation of experience with contemplation or photography.

 Available as a paperback or as an e-book for under $15; this book is well worth its purchase price.
Has your God grown too small? Consider reading, Photography As A Christian Contemplative Practice: Eyes of the Heart as a part of journeying through Lent, to the Cross and to the Resurrection. Engage all of your senses and experience Jesus more deeply.

For more information about the self-study course entitled Eyes of the Heart: visit http://abbeyofthearts.com/classes/self-study-online-classes/

To purchase the book and learn more about the publisher visit https://www.avemariapress.com/

First published in Jackson FUMC newsletter Jackson, TN, visit http://www.jacksonfumc.org/

http://abbeyofthearts.com/about/holy-disorder-of-dancing-monks/

Find Your Way Home by Becca Stevens and the Women at Magdalene-A Review: A Modern Way of Thinking about the Benedict Rule

One of the Christian disciplines that is often misunderstood is the rule of life. For us in the 21st century developing a rule of life seems foreign and overwhelming; yet when St. Benedict began developing his rule of life in the 6th century; its purpose was not to be legalistic but to provide balance and discipline for living in harmony with each other and God. I invite you to move from the 6th century monastery to the streets of the 21st century. Magdalene is a residential community for women who have survived lives of prostitution, violence and abuse. As part of their recovery and healing, these women together with those who work and volunteer alongside of them have developed a rule for life. Their rule consists of 24 principles expanded upon in the book; Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart. Published by Abingdon Press and written by the Women of Magdalene together with their director, Becca Stevens, Find Your Way Home consists of 24 chapters featuring reflections and thoughts from the women on each rule. The acknowledgement and introduction at the beginning of the book provide you with a history of how it came to be and the communal nature of it. The book ends with a chapter about Magdalene; its ministry and how you can help.
So why read Find Your Way Home? Read it to be inspired, comforted and challenged. Read it to learn, to gain courage and develop your own rule for living. Only 120 pages; written in the women’s own words each chapter is simply a series of short reflections meant to be savored and pondered. They do not have to be read in order or all at once but can be returned to repeatedly. This book written in straightforward language reflects the love of God and the grace of Jesus honestly and truthfully. Wherever you are on the journey of faith, Find Your Way Home will be a helpful companion.
Available as an e-book and in paperback; this book is affordable and accessible to all. It can be read for personal or community reflection. My favorite chapters are #8 Let God Sort it out, #13 laugh at yourself and #20 Love without Judgment. As you can observe by the titles, the rules in this book are tools to help us all live in harmony with God, each other and ourselves. Read Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart, share in the healing power of love and learn more about this ministry at http://www.thistlefarms.org/

First published in Jackson FUMC newsletter - http://www.jacksonfumc.org/

Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals - Shane Claiborne, Jonathan WIlson-Hartgrove and Enuma Okoro

Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals is a multi-faceted book of study and prayer. It can be used both individually and corporately for prayer, worship and study. Compiled by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and Enuma Okoro; the book incorporates the liturgies, prayers and traditions of Christians across many centuries and denominations. The book is divided into six main parts: Introduction, Evening Prayer, Morning Prayer, Mid-day Prayer, Occasional Prayers and Songbook. Published by Zondervan in 2010; this book will remain a rich resource for years to come.
In the introduction, the authors discuss how and why this book was created. It talks about God’s desire for Christians to be united as one body and for them to pray as a community not just individually. Further, the introduction provides instructions and ideas for how to use the book. The authors also acknowledge the various people who were involved in the creation of Common Prayer.
The first section, evening prayer is comprised of a prayer for each night of the week. Both individuals and groups can use these prayers. Throughout the book, the liturgies are divided into bold and regular print indicating the sections for a leader to read and for the community to respond.
The Morning Prayer section of the book is the expansive. Separated into months; then each individual day has its own liturgy. Within the liturgy, there are psalms and prayers written along with suggested songs and scripture readings. At the beginning of each month; there is a theme, which is discussed, and books are suggested for further study. Each of the themes is one of the twelve marks of the New Monasticism: Locating our lives in the abandoned places of the empire, Shared economics, Reconciliation, Celebrating Singleness and Marriage, Submission to Christ’s Body: the Church, Hospitality, Care for Creation, Geographical Proximity, Peacemaking, Contemplative Prayer, Formation in the Way of Christ, and Nurturing a Common Life. Many days begin with a discussion of a particular person or event that day that has influenced the life of the Church. Each month ends with a few practical ideas of how to be community. Incorporated throughout the book are sidebars; a list of these is at the beginning; that contains on various subjects regarding liturgy, spiritual disciplines and seasons within the church calendar. Since Holy Week and Easter move each year, they have their own section of liturgy for Morning Prayer.
The midday prayer section simply contains a short liturgy for the middle of the day. The next section, occasional prayers, contains prayers for different kinds of circumstances and celebrations including house blessings, commissioning and adoption. Then the last section, the songbook, contains a variety of traditional hymns and songs sung by the Church.
Common Prayer is accessible to all as it is available in hardback, paperback, audio and e-book formats. A phone app is also available. I would also recommend the pocket edition, which is a paperback condensed version for individual use that is easy to carry anywhere. The pocket edition also contains some additional prayers for individual circumstances. To learn more about Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals; visit their website at commonprayer.net

 Make this excellent book apart of your devotional life; it will greatly enrich your life. I recently used the Litany to Honor Women found on page 562 at a women's retreat.  A number of women commented on how meaningful it was.  It is one of my liturgical resources to use. 

Resurrection City: A Theology of Improvisation by Peter Goodwin Heltzel

Part of the Prophetic Christianity Series created by the William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Peter Heltzel’s latest book, Resurrection City:   A Theology of Improvisation is a book written for those looking to go beyond the current solutions for injustice.  Borrowing from both civil rights and jazz music, the title reflects Heltzel’s thesis that it is time for Christians to find a new way of creating Resurrection.  We can take lessons from history, philosophy, religion and music but like jazz; the best will only come when we as Christians improvise.  Heltzel calls racism, “America’s original sin”.   He lays his premise out in his first chapter by discussing the Resurrection City of the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968 and then moves into the connection between this movement, heaven and music.  Hetzel calls us to imagine a future full of love, justice and shalom, a resurrection city.  He then takes us back in time taking us through the prophets and the preaching of justice throughout the Old Testament. The book then moves into an entire chapter describing Jesus as an improviser.  Heltzel lays out scripture demonstrating how Jesus introduced a new song; a new world order based on love. We are called not to just wait passively but to act continuing the struggle for Resurrection until Christ comes again.   From there Heltzel sharply reminds us of how slavery became embedded as an American Institution how even Thomas Jefferson could not bring himself to free his slaves.  However, since the doctrine of equality by creation was written into our Bill of Rights; it would become the battle of cry of abolitionists and those part of the shadow side of the American Empire.   Heltzel’s discussion quickly turns to the prophetic ministries of Sojourner Truth, Howard Thurman and Martin Luther King, Jr.  Yet as Heltzel points we can learn from these great prophets and their work but the time has come for something new.   The last two chapters provide us with inspiration and challenge for our imaginations with Heltzel sharing of his own Occupy experiences and connecting love with jazz.   Heltzel’s genius is his challenge to improvise and go outside of the box.  We need to listen and to love; it is not about creating new institutions but liberating old ones and forming new relationships.  Like jazz, sharing the Resurrection story is not meant to be said in the same fashion repeatedly.  Resurrection City: A Theology of Improvisation confronts the issues of injustice at the deepest level.   This book is not for the fainted-hearted or the shallow thinker but for those who desire to hear something new spoken loud and clear.   Heltzel knows his history, his scripture, his politics and theology; Resurrection City: A Theology of Improvisation speaks to the hear t of the matter both imaginatively and intellectually.  It is a must read for the those working for Resurrection City to not just be a future dream but a present here and now. 

#SpeakeasyRezCity

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.

A Road to DayBreak

Henri Nouwen’s book, The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey is a book I return to repeatedly.  I return to this book not because it is an easy read but because I find comfort in the reminders these pages offer. This spiritual journal helps me to remember that the Christian journey is not for the faint-hearted.  It challenges me to try new disciplines. 

In this book, Henri Nouwen describes how he moved from being a Harvard professor to being a priest for the L’Arche Daybreak Community.  The journal entries are in chronological order but do not stand-alone.  Nouwen emphasizes the stages of his journey by placing the entries in chapters giving each one a title.  The titles of each chapter provide the reader with insight of how the entries are connected. 

Published in 1988 by Doubleday; The Road to Daybreak speaks universally to the loneliness of the human condition.  Nouwen explores the intersection of community; deep individual friendships and personal relationship with Jesus.  The Road to Daybreak emphasizes how the maintenance of each of these is important as we navigate change. 

The book is not just the physical journey to Daybreak community but also the inner journey of beginning a new life. The Road to Daybreak offers readers the opportunity to encounter Jesus in their hearts, minds and souls.  Nouwen suggests that Jesus cares about the big things in life like vocation but also about the details of how our time is spent. He discovers in this year; the importance of saying no and of just being.  Our days do not have to be filled to the brim with activity.  Jesus honors our seeking.  

Yet seeking is not always easy; throughout the book, we observe Nouwen struggling in his prayer life.  Carving out the time and staying focused are his main issues.  Nouwen wrestled too with keeping his focus on Jesus.  He was often caught up in trying to follow others’ expectations and seeking their affirmations.  This is what makes the book so meaningful to me.  Each time I return to read it; The Road to Daybreak is like a breath of fresh air.  Nouwen’s honesty and struggles comfort me.  If someone who spent 30 years in the priesthood lived often in the place of mystery; then I too can live in the place of mystery. 

The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey provides a great start to thinking about the New Year and a fresh start.  Its 227 pages; share Nouwen’s observations and encounters.  The book takes its readers across two continents and many different countries.  Its rich descriptions of people and places connect Nouwen’s experiences with people of all ages; nationalities and stages of faith.  Available in both paperback and e-reader editions; The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey is a great place to start the new year and a great start to the writings of Henri Nouwen if he is new for you.       

Let Us Keep the Feast: Living the Church Year at Home; Epiphany & Lent

Epiphany & Lent; is the second volume in the Let Us Keep the Feast: Living the Church Year at Home series. In the Introduction; the editor of the series; Jessica Snell provides a great introduction to the Let Us Keep the Feast Series correlating the church year with scripture and sharing her desire to help people in their homes develop their own traditions related to the church year.  She particularly focuses on young families.

The book then moves into Epiphany in the second section.  I love the fact that Epiphany is included since it is an often overlooked church season.  In this section; I did learn some things as I had not read about Twelfth night parties or doing house blessings during the Epiphany season before. However, since Epiphany is an overlooked season of the church year; I believe that this section could have contained much more content; especially in the areas of traditions throughout the world; recipes and ideas for young families.  The Epiphany section provided a great introduction but left me wanting more.

For me the Lent section did not offer any new ideas.  I did not gain anything from it.  Again; this section could have included recipes and more discussion on various traditions and practices throughout the church universal.  The Lent section; however, did provide the novice with a great introduction to Lent and in simple language explained the season well.

The most unique facet of this book is the inclusion of scriptures to memorize along with the prayers for each season.  This a very valuable tool and great bonus for young families who want to use scripture and prayers with their children but do not have time to do their own studying.

I would  recommend this book for anyone who is not familiar with Epiphany or Lent at all as well as anyone with children who is looking for a very basic resource for their family.  The book is written in simple to understand language so that even older children could read from it. If you have grown up with the seasons of the church year and/or have studied them as I have them; this book is not worth your time.

 I am a member of the  Doulos Resources/Kalos Press Book Bloggers Program.  VIsit www.doulosresources.org. to learn more this book and other church resources. 

In compliance with the new rules issued by The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that become effective on December 1, 2009; I, Jennifer Trently hereby acknowledge that I received Advance Review Copies(ARC) of this book; a common practice in the Industry; from the publisher and did not accept any monetary payment in exchange for a review or mention nor am I obligated in any way to review the book favorably. 

Startled by God:Wisdom in Unexpected Places; a book review

“We need to make regular appointments with God to have the eyes of heart examined, and when necessary change the prescription of our glasses. Allowing our injured eyes to be healed in the loving graze of Jesus keeps God and grace as part our lived experience not just polite ideas.” writes Joe McHugh in his newly published book, Startled By God: Wisdom From Unexpected Places. Throughout the 122 pages of Startled by God, McHugh’s stories describe his experiences of recognizing God in the ordinary and mundane. He challenges his readers to do the same and almost in every chapter; suggests practices to deepen our connection with God in our everyday life.
McHugh divides Startled by God into three parts, “What? So What? and Now What?” with each part bringing a different challenge. What? focuses on what McHugh, calls, “Dilemmas of Perspective” or rather, with how we see God in our lives. So What? , or “Dilemmas of Discipleship” confronts the reader with examining the meaning of God in their lives. Now What? or “ Dilemmas of Discernment” engages the reader in thinking about what their response to God is going to be. However, McHugh’s book focuses not on a program that one must follow but rather on developing one’s own unique relationship with God. McHugh desires his readers to claim Jesus’ healing for themselves and begin to discover the living God where they live.
While it would be possible since it is so short for one to simply to read the entire book in one or two sittings; Startled by God is designed more to be savored. Each chapter can stand on its own. One can feel free to choose the order of reading. McHugh encourages readers to read the chapter and ponder it before reading another. Experiencing God is McHugh’s desire for his readers.
In keeping with his focus of finding God in a meaningful way, McHugh writes in simple, everyday language. He approaches sharing his wisdom in a humble, graceful manner that illuminates timeless truths for the reader. His stories make the book relational and accessible for all.
Having had Joe McHugh as an instructor for a class through Perkins School of Theology, I can tell you that Joe conveys the same humility and desire for others to meet God; in person as he does in his writing. Joe is not interested in getting more people to study theology but rather in having more people be “startled by God” in those everyday places like coffee shops and hair salons.
He writes, “Prayer is a way in which God can deal with us directly, giving the stories of our lives a chance to mix with God’s great, silent story of gracious, forgiving love.” Startled by God: Wisdom from Unexpected Places, refreshed and challenged my heart, mind and soul. It exudes God’s love and draws you into to wanting more.
Available in paperback and e-reader editions, I would recommend this book for people from 16 to 106; and for seekers to seasoned disciples regardless of lifestyle or occupation. If savored, Startled by God offers new possibilities and fresh insights for all.

This review was published in the newsletter of FUMC Jackson, TN.

For more info about Joe McHugh: visit http://www.spiritualdirectiontwincities.com/

25 Books Every Christian Should Read

During his lifetime; John Wesley compiled a list of 100 books that he believed all Christians should read.  Borrowing from this idea, Renovaré, a ministry dedicated to helping people live a life with God through the process of Spiritual Formation, published the book, 25 Books Every Christian Should Read.  These books were selected by Renovaré and a specially created editorial board that includes such writers and teachers as Richard Rohr, Richard Foster, Phyllis Tickle and Dallas Willard. 

If you have ever felt intimidated when looking at a copy of Augustine’s Confessions or when someone talked about the discipline of spiritual reading and study; then 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics; is a great place for you to start.  This book not only contains excerpts from each of these 25 classic books but also notes and study questions for each excerpt. 

25 Books Every Christian Should Read opens with a foreword by Chris Webb President of Renovaré which leads into an introduction that provides a reader with a description of the process of how and why the 25 books were chosen.  As a bonus; at the end of the book there is a contemporary authors section in which they have selected living authors whom they recommend.  A description of each author and his/her recommended works is given.

Each of the 25 chapters follow the same format; there is  an introduction about the book, some explanation about why reading this work is essential and how to read it followed by the excerpt of the work and then study question perfect for individual or group study.  Also throughout the book the various members of the editorial board share their top 5 personal favorites that they would recommend for spiritual reading. 

Since the 25 chapters are each excerpts of different works; they did not have to be read  in any order making it more enjoyable.  For example if you found Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton particularly taxing; you could then jump to read the excerpt of The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen.  Then perhaps you might go back and read an excerpt from The Rule of St. Benedict followed by C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity.

This book is available in paperback, kindle and epub formats.  In 416 pages; the reader will gain a vast knowledge of some of the best literature representing the various streams and traditions with Christianity.  I personally purchased the book in order to study some of the famous works that I found intimidating but I love it also for its excerpts of some of my favorite Christian Classics that I have read in their entirety including A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly and The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. 

The book is a very worthwhile investment not only to provide you with a challenge in your reading but access to a range of spiritual classics without having to buy all of the books.  Julian of Norwich, Augustine, Gerald Manley Hopkins, John Calvin and Teresa Avila are among those whose works are included along with those previously mentioned and the rest well you will just have to read the book to discover them.

First appeared  as an article written by me in the  October newsletter of Jackson First United Methodist Church

A Review: Picturing the Face of Jesus

Picturing the Face of Jesus: Encountering Christ Through Art by Beth Booram is an excellent book for group or individual study.  Published by Abingdon Press, it is arranged into six chapters each covering a different face of Jesus.  The study can be extended for eight weeks if one uses the introduction and epilogue as separate chapters.

What makes this study unique is the eight pictures of Jesus located in the middle of the book.  Each picture is a painting or drawing of Jesus from a different museum collection.  Some are famous and others are not so famous.  Booram in each chapter connects the pictures with a story of Jesus from scripture. 

For me I like the connections Booram makes between the pictures, scriptures and our own lives.  Each chapter invites one to experience Jesus through reading, visualizing, praying, reflecting and discussing.  She reinforces the idea that building a relationship with Jesus is not something to be rushed.  Her challenges push readers to go deeper with their minds, hearts and souls.  The book caused me to further examine how I apply scripture to my own life. I also thought about how much I let Jesus into my heart and mind. 

The pictures are an excellent guide to viewing Jesus as having emotions. Looking at the faces of Jesus in each picture allowed me to experience in new way Jesus’ humanness.  I considered how often I ignore the human side of Him paying attention only to the Divine.

Booram invites readers to confess their own feelings and longings to God.  The book stresses that only when we are honest with God can we experience healing and reach out to others.  It caused me to examine how I follow Jesus’ example in my interactions with others. 

Many of the questions asked throughout the book are questions that many of us will wrestle with throughout our lives.  Therefore, this study is one that can be returned to again and again.  The material is inexhaustible.  There are endless possibilities; one could go through the book using it only for contemplation or for discussion or for journaling or for scripture study. 

 Even though Picturing the Face of Jesus is only 112 pages in length; its riches are immeasurable. The short chapters and simple concepts are what make it accessible for all regardless of life experience. 

Considering its wealth of material and richness of art; Picturing the Face of Jesus is very affordable.  It is available in paperback for $6.00 and through the Kindle store for $9.99. For any individual or group looking for a non-traditional study, I highly recommend this book.  Its affordability and accessibility make it well worth your time and money.  Visit http://www.bethbooram.org/ to learn more.