In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul writes, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Here are a few of the things that members of the Grace community have been reading, watching, and listening to that have helped them follow Paul’s exhortation.
Books
Sue Monk Kidd, The Book of Longings: I have never before experienced what life would have been like during Jesus’ time in such a personal and detailed manner. While the story (that Jesus may have had a wife) is just that, a story, I think that there are insights in this book which are well worth delving into. It is a book that is rich in its development of characters and feelings, and appeared to me to have historical accuracy for much of the story. Sue Monk Kidd is an exceptional writer. I recommend this book to anyone who has an open mind! I plan to reread it in the near future! Lisa Cuffari
Dietrick Bonhoeffer, God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas: I have been reading this wonderful Advent and Christmas devotional. I found my copy on Amazon a number of years ago. I hope that you will take the same Advent journey that I take each year renewing, refreshing, and reviving our faith. Joan DeJong
Nigel Slater, The Christmas Chronicles: If you’re looking to add more coziness and thoughtfulness into the approach to Christmas, this book provides a lovely way to do just that. Slater, a British cookbook author and columnist for The Guardian, writes an entry for each day of November and December, with activities and recipes that encourage you to pause and savor every day during this often-hectic time. Emily Rishel
Matthew Scully, Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy: Reading this was one of the influences that led to a major change in my life: I stopped eating animals. The author, a speechwriter for George W. Bush and John McCain among others, sidesteps the arguments of animal rights proponents. Instead, he makes a moral appeal based on a fresh and compelling interpretation of Genesis 1: “…in our Western tradition, dominion is first entrusted to mankind. Many people seem to remember only the ‘go forth and subdue’ part, but, whether read as literal truth or enchanting allegory, no other passage has ever quite captured the drama of it all, the mystery we share with these other creatures, all of us called forth from the same darkness by the same Voice. ‘Into your hands are they delivered,’ says Genesis. Delivered alive.” Christian Rishel
Katharine Hayhoe, Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World: Katharine Hayhoe is a climate scientist and an evangelical Christian. Saving Us reminds us that climate change is real, it’s bad, it’s caused by humans, and it’s going to get worse. The book’s central purpose, though, is not to cite evidence of that or prescribe solutions to the crisis. Rather, it is to enable and encourage those who are alarmed or concerned about climate change to have conversations with those who aren’t alarmed, concerned, or even convinced that it’s real so that together we will take action. Pat Walsh
Jennifer Ackerman, The Genius of Birds: If you find yourself looking at creatures or phenomena in the natural world and giving praise to God for the wonders of creation, this book is for you. Even if you just enjoy hearing the robins, cardinals, and mockingbirds singing in your neighborhood on a spring morning, you will find The Genius of Birds a fascinating book and well worth a few hours of your time. Pat Walsh
The Grace upon Grace team encourages you to patronize local independent bookstores when you buy books. Watchung Booksellers in Watchung Plaza and Montclair Book Center on Glenridge Avenue are Montclair’s local independent booksellers. You can find other local independent bookstores at indiebound.org.
Periodical and Online Articles
Tyler J. Vanderweele and Brendan Case, “Empty Pews Are an American Public Health Crisis” (Christianity Today feature article): As our son reminded me when he read this article, correlation is not causation. Also, one needs to be careful not to drift into a prosperity-gospel mindset when reading such articles, but Vanderweele and Case argue fairly convincingly that “Religious service attendance powerfully enhances health and well-being.” Pat Walsh
Podcasts
10x the Terror: Pastor Emeritus Paul Leggett and Rev. Ralph Acerno discuss classic and contemporary sci-fi, suspense, and horror movies with a spiritual perspective. Many episodes feature guests including Joyce Randolph, Kelly Stewart (daughter of Jimmy Stewart), Bert Metcalf, Shuler Hensley, Alister McGrath, Ed Asner (giving what may have been his last interview), Gwen Blackman Leggett, and James Leggett.
Quick to Listen, “Should Christians Be Disturbed by Facebook’s Mess?” Chris Martin, content marketing editor at Moody Publishers, discusses the release in October 2021 of documents that describe Facebook’s callous disregard for its subscribers’ well-being with hosts Morgan Lee and Ted Olsen. Martin urges Christians to be aware of the social media “water they are swimming in” and circumspect in their approach to this environment.
Quick to Listen, “Why the Climate Change Movement Needs the Church” Philip Summerton is a full time missionary worker with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) in Scotland and a marine and terrestrial conservationist who has done work on the restoration of coral reefs in the Seychelles. Summerton joins global media manager Morgan Lee and news editor Daniel Silliman to discuss the goals of COP26, what’s impeding us from reaching them, and why the climate movement needs Christians.