Read a book!
"Books ... are the written words that guide us, walk alongside us, encourage, and challenge us to think compassionately, to think bigger, to think in a way that includes the 'other.'" — Nadine Ellsworth-Moran
Our summer book issue highlights material for everyone — pastors and lay leaders, memoir and mystery lovers, fiction devotees, lifelong learners of bible and theology, those who have wee ones in need of bedtime reading. As you work your way through this issue of the Outlook, you will rediscover reading as a transformative practice, celebrate the public library as sacred space, and add great titles to your summer “books to read” list.
"Books ... are the written words that guide us, walk alongside us, encourage, and challenge us to think compassionately, to think bigger, to think in a way that includes the 'other.'" — Nadine Ellsworth-Moran
"Dancing in the Darkness is a must-read for seminarians and those working to mediate social injustice." — Sterling Morse
"Those interested in tackling Revelation from the pulpit would do well to read Revelation for the Rest of Us, while Bible study groups may find this to be an excellent resource to read together." — Darin Nettleton
"Whether preaching or writing, Eville believes the goal of storytelling is 'trying to tell it and live it the best I can.' Could not the same be said of faith?" — Andrew Taylor-Troutman
Pastors should keep some books in their offices “for such a time as this.” Books to help parents support their kids through life’s milestones top that list. Pastor/parents review their recent favorites below.
Some recent pieces of fiction that you should add to your "to read" list.
Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella highlights several religious non-fiction books to add to your list.
What can we learn from cats?
Sober Spirituality is well-written, easy to follow and clearly organized, but it isn't for everyone, writes Susan Graceson.
Looking for a new non-fiction read? Amy Pagliarella has you covered.
"Put this book in the hands of Black America via churches, classrooms, Black environmentalist affinity groups and green teams! It is a gift to our community that will ignite a passion to address climate change." — Veronica M. Johnson
"Moving stories are accompanied by actionable steps, for inside and outside our congregations, with suggestions to work toward personal and systemic change without losing hope." — William Morris
"This is a timely book for folks navigating their own faith deconstruction or walking alongside someone who has been wounded by Christians," writes Maddie Gold.
Jo Wiersema and Amy Pagliarella share the top three children's Bibles, as ranked by Outlook readers. They also review the new children's Bible: The Peace Table.
Doug Basler answered a call in 2020 to help revitalize a church. His true mission became a litany to leading – lovingly and faithfully – the letting go.
From nonfiction to YA to poetry, the Outlook staff shares the books they are loving right now.
TikTok influencer José Salguero and PC(USA) pastor Don Griggs find God is present at the public library. (We think #thatsfresh.)
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
What does it look like to gather people with intention? Teri McDowell Ott explores this question in her editorial for the July/August issue of the Outlook.
What theological rationale do you believe there is for reading books? Chris Currie, Bridgett Green and Lori Raible discuss.
"There isn't an age requirement to care about humanity," writes Young Adult Volunteer Naomi McQuiller.
"The right to write, the right to read, and the right to share your story is being threatened," write Andee Zetterbaum and Tammy Wiens. Let us pray.
© Copyright 2023 The Presbyterian Outlook. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Statement. Website by Web Publisher PRO