After an August break, the Sightings column from the Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School is back.
This week's focus is how Muslim immigrants are remaking western Europe -- a review of Christopher Caldwell's book, "Reflections on the Revolution in Europe: Immigration, Islam and the West." Read the column at the jump.
I meant to post this a while ago: The interview that "Fresh Air's" Terry Gross did with author Patrick Radden Keefe, who recently published "Snakehead," the story of the Golden Venture that takes place in part in York.
If you missed it, here's the YDR story about Keefe's visit to York earlier this month.
Podcast alert:
Christy Tennant of the International Arts Movement interviewed Byron Borger, co-proprieter of Hearts & Minds bookstore in Dallastown, about the vision behind his store, why it carries a wide selection on "culture-making" books (and other merchandise not stocked by "typical" Christian bookstores) and more.
Check out Borger's Booknotes blog here.
The women's blog Her.meneutics over at CT has a Q&A with blogger Anne Jackson from Nashville, Tenn., who I've heard a lot of buzz about (FYI, she gave up blogging for Lent, so check back April 13). Her book is "Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic."
Burnout among ministry workers is a silent disease, she says.
I've found three kinds of people. The first is open to discussing burnout and is actively creating environments that are healthy. The second group is hesitant, but curious. They may not want to admit they are burned out, but something inside compels them to listen. The third group consists of the people who are in denial about burnout. They don't think it's possible for them or for their staff. It seems like everyone loves their jobs and everyone is passionately committed and running 110 percent.
In religion scholar Martin Marty's latest Sightings column, he notes that, with few exceptions, denominations are closing their bookstores around the country, including even some on seminary campuses. A time for lamentations? Read on.
Judging by the cover, it looks like the Goth Bible.
A Swedish advertising executive has published "Bible Illuminated: The Book," which is the New Testament packaged like a glossy magazine -- chock full of professional photographs that are anything but what you'd expect to find in an illustrated Bible:
Scenes from post-Katrina New Orleans. Headshots of Angelina Jolie, Bono, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. A veil-covered African mother holding a child (illustrating the story of Mary and Jesus). A four-page spread of an animal slaughterhouse in Nigeria. A man pumping gas. An anti-globalization protester in a clown nose. And an Indian woman giving birth to her first child.
It's edgy, to say the least. And thought-provoking. And, I admit, really hard to put down.
Pastor and theologian Bruce Epperly will speak and sign copies of his newest book, "Holy Adventure: Forty-one Days of Audacious Living," 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at Lancaster Theological Seminary's Dietz Refectory.
Epperly has described his book as a "progressive and mainstream Christian alternative" to Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life," which has sold 70 million copies.
Like "Purpose Driven," Epperly's book offers readers a 40-day personal, spiritual journey (actually, Epperly adds a day to make it 41), incorporating theological reflection, spiritual affirmations, imaginative prayers and social concern.
