The Shack
William P. Young’s novel takes us on a journey of discovery through a family’s experience of tragedy. The destination is quite surprising… the Trinity! Although this is a novel the theology is pretty sound. There is a bit of a negative view of organized religion, but not enough to put me off from the book’s key messages. Young captures a lot of my own images of God and how God works in our lives. I finished the book feeling very blessed.
All the Pope’s Men
John Allen’s report on how the Holy See works and especially the diversity of it’s members and the relationship between Rome and North American faithful. It’s a must read!
Secularity and the Gospel: Being Missionaries to Our Children
Ron Rolheiser has authored and edited this book which reflects the proceedings of symposia organized by the Oblates (OMI) to look at how we can enter into dialogue with contemporary, secular society. It’s a must read.
Priesthood Imperiled
This book by Bernard Haring, cssr, is not for the faint-of-heart. It is the presentation of a vision of priesthood as “one-of-us” and tough critique of the way priesthood is envisioned by many in the Church today. The criticism is often directed at John Paul II. Although many might not be comfortable with with the auther has to say… Bernard Haring cannot be dismissed. As one of the leading theologians of Vatican II and the author of the Law of Christ he deserves consideration. Perhaps his disappointments have made his writing a little shrill. Still, anyone serious in the discussion of contemporary priesthood would want to read this book.
The Ethical Imagination
A challenging book by Margaret Somerville of McGill who invites us to find a language for ethics that works in society today. She calls for the “Rights of Children” in a society that is so focused on the “rights” of adults… including the so-called “right” to HAVE children… as if they were a mere commodity.
Confessions of a Pastor: Dropping the pose and getting real with God
By Craig Groeschel. A very funny, over the top, “say-it-like-it-is kind of book from the pastor of a online church. Simple is some ways and also quite challenging. It’s required reading for my Pastoral Counselling students at the Toronto School of Theology.
