What three books have influenced your faith the most?
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BetteTheRed
Resident Heretic
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
If I must reduce to three:
1. I guess the Bible is inevitable. Even if you're not a regular reader, all of our stories come from it. We all associate betrayal with Judas, suffering with Job, just to name two. My personal preferences are the Oxford NSRV with Apocypha, and the Inclusive Bible. I have probably 10 other versions around, including the Jefferson.
Then I could name another hundred theology books that have influenced me in some way, particularly C.S. Lewis' A Grief Observed and all of the work of Marcus Borg. But the question is not "what educated you", but "influenced your faith".
2. A Prayer for Owen Meany. There's something unique about the way Irving combines the themes of divinity and destiny that has always haunted me. Always have a copy or two around, because I give them away.
3. The Mists of Avalon. This gave me some early clues that divinity and the feminine were a possibility to explore. I loathe the Mary worship of my mother's catholicism (because it sets up the madonna/whore dichotomy and celebrates two things I don't think celebratory at all - perpetual virginity, perpetual asexuality), but I think the Protestant movement threw out the baby with the bathwater by replacing her with nothing.
1. I guess the Bible is inevitable. Even if you're not a regular reader, all of our stories come from it. We all associate betrayal with Judas, suffering with Job, just to name two. My personal preferences are the Oxford NSRV with Apocypha, and the Inclusive Bible. I have probably 10 other versions around, including the Jefferson.
Then I could name another hundred theology books that have influenced me in some way, particularly C.S. Lewis' A Grief Observed and all of the work of Marcus Borg. But the question is not "what educated you", but "influenced your faith".
2. A Prayer for Owen Meany. There's something unique about the way Irving combines the themes of divinity and destiny that has always haunted me. Always have a copy or two around, because I give them away.
3. The Mists of Avalon. This gave me some early clues that divinity and the feminine were a possibility to explore. I loathe the Mary worship of my mother's catholicism (because it sets up the madonna/whore dichotomy and celebrates two things I don't think celebratory at all - perpetual virginity, perpetual asexuality), but I think the Protestant movement threw out the baby with the bathwater by replacing her with nothing.
Pinga
Room for All
Do I have to include the bible? it seems like such an obvious one....but...given I am Christian, I will place it on the list.
Next:
A book that I touched on early in my reengagement with church/faith was Walter Wink's Jesus and NonViolence: A Third Way
It was easy to read, introduced the importance of scholarship and historical references...
Still pondering which book to put as my 3rd.
Next:
A book that I touched on early in my reengagement with church/faith was Walter Wink's Jesus and NonViolence: A Third Way
It was easy to read, introduced the importance of scholarship and historical references...
Still pondering which book to put as my 3rd.
Seeler
Well-Known Member
Beette - it's decades since I read 'The Mists of Avalon' but as soon as you mentioned it, I remembered it. (and I have a hard time remembering what books my book club read and discussed last fall). It wouldn't be on my list of three top books, but it would be up there. Thanks for the reminder.
BetteTheRed
Resident Heretic
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
It's not there because it's a great book, or spectacularly well-written, or anything; it's there because the connection between femininity and spirituality were completely lacking in my life and I honour finding a glimpse of it.
Pinga
Room for All
Here is the 3rd book for my shelf on my deserted island.
Voices United - hymnary of the UCCan - joining voices with the congregation, being member of the choir learning the alto part, planning services exploring the concepts of the writers and how they complement scripture. It has influenced in many ways.
Why would it get the precious 3rd spot on my shelf?
For one thing, there are years of study to be had with it. The harmonies, the comparison of writing of the periods, the reflection of the writing to the scripture.
For another, there is something for every mood and season
Lastly, it will provide a way to community and beauty
Voices United - hymnary of the UCCan - joining voices with the congregation, being member of the choir learning the alto part, planning services exploring the concepts of the writers and how they complement scripture. It has influenced in many ways.
Why would it get the precious 3rd spot on my shelf?
For one thing, there are years of study to be had with it. The harmonies, the comparison of writing of the periods, the reflection of the writing to the scripture.
For another, there is something for every mood and season
Lastly, it will provide a way to community and beauty