Books & Movies

Janis is an avid reader of novels and William reads nonfiction books on religion, politics, design, bicycles and science. We hope that you find something of interest in our list of recommended books.

William's 2010 Book Recommendations

All My Bones Shake: Seeking a Progressive Path to the Prophetic Voice: Author: Robert Jensen
This book rescued my memory of the caring religious community that has been stolen by fundamentalists over the last twenty years. The author describes the community that I remember as being by my side instead of being in the way.

"Humans created religion; religion did not create humans."

"Inanimate matter created life; life did not create inanimate matter."

"You can be a man, or you can be a human being.
You can be white, or you can be a human being.
You can be an American, or you can be a human being.
You can be affluent, or you can be a human being."

"Which practices, systems, and fundamental conceptions of what it means to be human are consistent with a sustainable human presence on earth, respect of other life, in societies that provide the necessary resources for all people to live a decent life, within a culture that fosters individual flourishing alongside a meaningful sense of collective identify. helping us to take seriously our obligations to ourselves, each other, and to the nonhuman world?"

William's 2009 Book Recommendations

The Evolution of God: Author: Robert Wright
One of the book's main premises is that "scriptural interpretation is obedient to facts on the ground." What I found interesting is the author's description of how religion has evolved relative to its cultural context. Religion that in the past was a key factor in the keeping cultural webs intact now often contributes to cultural divisions. This raises a key question for religion today: "Can religions in the modern world reconcile themselves to one another, and can they reconcile themselves to science?"
Jesus, Interrupted: Author: Bart D. Ehrman
Ehrman presents the research and theories of biblical scholars that shows "Christianity as a very human religion and the bible as a very human book." It presents a "Christianity that has long been recognized by critical historians as the religion about Jesus, not the religion of Jesus." I learned a great deal from this very accessible book.
What's so Wrong with being Absolutely Right: Author: Judy J. Johnson
The book presents current research and theories about dogmatism and its negative effects on people and society. The author takes the position that "dogmatism–not religious fundamentalism, terrorism, or fanaticism in general–is the greatest threat to social, political, and scientific progress. Not an easy read.
Living Without God: New Directions for Atheists, Agnostics, Secularists, and the Undecided: Author: Ronald Aronson
"Given our contemporary understanding of the universe, what is our place in the world and our sense of life's meaning? What happens to our sense of individual responsibility for our world and our own lives as we become increasingly aware of the immensity of the social, natural, and psychological forces imposing themselves on us, and the complexity of the systems to which we belong? How do we face dying today, and what does death mean for a life without god?" These are some of the questions that the author addresses while providing several very thoughtful observations and ideas.
The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus: Author: Peter J. Gomes
In the book, Peter addresses two bits of conventional wisdom. "The first view is that religion is part of the problem and not part of the solution to the human problem, and the second view is that for Christians in particular, the bible is too tempting a diversion from the hard work of attempting to live a religious life worthy of the times in which we find ourselves." He describes a Christianity that I can respect as a positive cultural force.
Would Jesus Discriminate?: Author: Rev, Dr. Cindi Love
A small book that "helps us stand our ground in the midst of the rhetoric that attempts to distort the inclusive love of Jesus Christ." A simple argument for inclusion.
50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God: Author: Guy P. Harrison
A respectful critique of the reasons believers in many countries over several years have given the author for believing in a god. Includes a bibliography of recommended readings at the end of each chapter.

Janis' 2009 Book Recommendations

The Denniston Rose: Author: Jenny Pattrick
Life in a coal mining settlement on New Zealand's west coast.
Gentlemen and Players: Author: Joanne Harris
Murder mystery set in an English boarding school with a wonderful comic touch.
The Spanish Bow: Author: Andromeda Romano-Lax
Set in Spain, it follows the life of a cellists during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
Train to Trieste: Author: Domnica Radulescu
A young woman tells her story of life in Romania under Ceausescu, her escape and her experiences as a refugee in the US. Wonderfully told.
The Angel's Game: Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Mystery and intrigue sent in Barcelona.

2009 Movies

Sunshine Cleaning

Grand Torino

Crossing Over

Sugar

Sin Nombre

Doubt

The Reader

Eden

Last Chance Harvey

Frozen River

I Loved You So Long

Rachel Getting Married

Milk

Henry Poole Is Here

August Evening

Ghost Town

The Visitor

Slumdog Millonaire