An enjoyable, very short book of Lamott's thoughts on prayer. This book is probably best for people just beginning to think about prayer and who have An enjoyable, very short book of Lamott's thoughts on prayer. This book is probably best for people just beginning to think about prayer and who have not read Lamott's earlier, longer, and - in my opinion - deeper and more profound books. Nothing really new here for someone who, like me, has been reading her books, columns, and Facebook posts for many years....more
OK, I know that Borg, one of my favorite theologians, says from the beginning that this is a didactic novel, but this is just barely a novel. The charOK, I know that Borg, one of my favorite theologians, says from the beginning that this is a didactic novel, but this is just barely a novel. The characters pretty much exist for the sole purpose of explaining Borg's theological viewpoints. For the most part, I agree with Borg's analysis, but I enjoy reading it a lot more when it's not stuffed into the thin plot line of this book. For someone who has never read Borg or who is unfamiliar with and curious about liberal theology, this could be a painless introduction. ...more
I have lived with chronic illness for the past 27 years and I have read lots of books about how to life a healthy life with an unhealthy body. This boI have lived with chronic illness for the past 27 years and I have read lots of books about how to life a healthy life with an unhealthy body. This book would now be my top recommendation for anyone who has a chronic illness or who cares for someone who does. Author Toni Bernhard has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (as do I) and she doesn't sugarcoat how severe an illness this is. Her life was turned upside down, but she shares in this book the spiritual practices she uses to live her life as fully as possible. The techniques she explains come from Buddhism, but they can be used by anyone. I am a mainstream Protestant - no problem! These techniques do not cure illness, but they can change the way that one thinks about illness, eliminating the thought-patterns and attitudes that stand in the way of living a spiritually healthy life even with physical limitations. There is even a guide at the end of the book that reviews and summarizes the practices she presents in the text.
Changing the way that one thinks about illness is not easy. But by emphasizing such practices as compassion, loving-kindness toward oneself and others, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, Bernhard shows us that it is possible to have a sick body but a healthy spirit. I know that I will turn to this book often and I hope that many others will also. ...more
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