Thoughts on Reading
I always grew up reading before anything - at Christmas, when I would get some toys and some books, I would go up to my room and read a book before I even looked at my toys. I have always been a bit geeky in that way.
I am a consumer of knowledge. I love to learn, I love to become informed. There are few better ways to learn than to read. I believe strongly that reading broadens our minds, it expands our world views, it allows us to become informed.
Here you will find a list of some books that I have generally enjoyed. Some are great books that I believe everyone should read. Some are books that really made me think. Some may not meet the standards of "great", but I may have thoroughly enjoyed them.
I plan on adding to this list as I go, continuing my education as an academic, as a follower of Jesus, and as a person.
So...take it for what is worth. I hope you find this valuable.
If you have any questions about any of these or if you have recommendations for me, e-mail me and let me know.
Books on Theology
The Politics of Jesus by John Howard Yoder
This is an essential book on Christian ethics and politics. Yoder makes the radical assertion that as followers of Christ we are called to non-violence. Not only that, but Yoder makes a convincing case that Jesus was very political, and that we are called to be political. But this is not played out in Washington, but in our every day lives. We are called to be counter-culture, we are called to be church - one that embraces non-violence.
This book is one of the most influential books on the way that I think. And I would assert that it is even more important today, as Christians across the country are grabbing for the flag in support of country over God and church.
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity by Ronald J. Sider
This is another essential book in Christian ethics. Sider takes a look at what it means to be quite wealthy (in relation to the rest of the world) and to be a Christian. Sider transcends conservative and liberal ideological lines and explains poverty as a complex problem involving both individual and structural problems. But he does not stop there. He follows that up with realistic suggestions to create change - both structurally/socially and individually. Sider's call to follow a Biblical mandate of doing something about poverty is clear.
We have the choice to make a difference, but we have to be willing.
Title: Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation
Author: Miroslav Volf
This is by far the best theological work on reconciliation that I have seen. Volf writes at a high academic level, yet manages to still be approachable for the average lay person (though it would be a difficult read).
This book is a personal theology, one that was formed living in a state of violence between Croatia and Serbia. Volf discusses the many different ways that we exclude people, and how this cannot be solved by revenge, but only by the concept of embrace. Volf addresses whether we can truly take seriously the command to love our enemies.
This book is full of depth - too much to sum up in two short paragraphs, but it is one of the best books that I have read - ever.
Title: Is It Okay to Call God Mother?
Author: Paul R. Smith
This is a fascinating book that discusses Biblical reasons to use feminine language to refer to God.
But this is not a book written by a radical feminist that does not take the Bible seriously. Instead it is the exact opposite (well...maybe not exact opposite, but close). Paul Smith is a southern Baptist minister who takes the Bible very seriously, and sees clear Biblical reasoning to refer to God as "mother." But what is important is that Smith does no reject masculine language of God, because he asserts that rejecting this language would be un-Biblical. Instead he states that the church must ue both masculine and feminine language to refer to God.
This book is a challenge to all of us in the Christian church. We need to understand that the use of only masculine language in the church is difficult for many. If God is "male", what does that mean for females? What does that mean for the hierarchy of males and females? What does that mean for how women relate to God? Smith lays out a very well researched, reasoned argument that God has traits of both males and females, and in order to be a place where there is "no male or female," we need to begin understanding that the language that we use to refer to God must be inclusive.
Books on Sociology
Title: Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life
Author: Robert N. Bellah
This is one of the "classic" texts on American community and individualism. The individualism that Bellah explains in this book is one that has taken over American society. Bellah asserts that this individualism is taking away from America's religious and moral values. It focused on the American middle-class, and shows that the middle-class has become one of alienation and isolation from one's neighbors and fellow community members.
This individualism creates a society of autonomous individuals that leads to a society that no longer sees the necessity to engage with one another, and in turn no longer has a sense of community.
This is a must read on American individualism.
Title: Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Author: Robert D. Putnam
This is one of the best books on American community that I have read. Putnam takes on the changing landscape of society, which has moved to an emphasis on the individual over the community. This society has created a culture of individuals that are increasingly isolated and have little interest in others.
The book draws on a vast amount of data - covering everything from how often people picnic to how often one participates in city government. The presentation of the data can create some dry reading, but for geeks like me it is fascinating. And for those who are at all interested in American individualism, this is the place to start.
Title: Divided by Faith : Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America
Author: Christian Smith
This book takes a look at race and religion. While some like to pretend that race does not matter, it is clear from looking at almost any study on the matter that one's race and ethnicity directly impacts many areas in one's life. Smith and Emerson first take a look at the history of race issues in the Christian church, and then look at what it means today. Their thesis is tough: "[E]vangelicals desire to end racial division and inequality, and attempt to think and act accordingly. But, in the process, they likely do more to perpetuate the racial divide than they do to tear it down."
But one would have significant difficulty proving it wrong. A large part of this dichotomy comes from the fact that Evangelicals typically have a world view (i.e. Weber's Protestant Ethic) that makes it difficult to acknowledge structural injustices in society. This book is another must read for anyone interested in issues related to race and religion.
Title: Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools
Author: Jonathan Kozol
This is a phenomenal book...if you want to be completely depressed and angry by the time you are finished.
The title Savage Inequalities refers to the unbelievable inequality that exists in the educational system. Kozol takes a look at school systems around the country, focusing on some of the worst discrepancies that exist - in Chicago, New York, San Antonio, Camden, Washington, D.C., and East St. Louis. In each of these areas, Kozol visits schools in both poor and wealthy areas, and found "savage" differences between the types of education that the poor and the wealthy receive. Wealthy students have access to better teachers, better facilities, better textbooks (or even having enough text books), etc. Yet few people really want to do anything. Any time where a city/state began to talk about leveling the playing field, the wealthy would protest that it would hurt the education of their own children (as if there is not enough money to provide a quality education to all, not just the wealthy).
We are living in a society that is separate and unequal. The very poor schools are predominantly consisting of minorities, and the wealth schools are consisting almost completely of white students. We have a segregated society, where the rich white kids go to nice schools and the poor black kids go to schools that are barely functional.
Education is the foundation of society. Without a decent education, one has great difficulty advancing anywhere in society. Yet our society has created a structure that perpetuates a cycle of poverty, it perpetuates a cycle of inequality, and it perpetuates a cycle of segregation. Many in this country like to pretend that this is a land of equal opportunity; the dream that each and every person can "pull themselves up by their bootstraps." But unfortunately, as this book shows, this dream is far from reality.
It is more than savage that we have billions of dollars to spend on bombs yet we do not have enough money for a student in Camden to have the text books that they need. Does anyone else see something wrong with that this picture?
Books on Politics
Title: Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Author: Paulo Freire
This is a brilliant book. This is a classic introduction to critical theory and how it relates to the oppressed. The book has been banned in several nations, mainly for its "controversial" theory of truly educating the oppressed. The books takes a Marxist perspective that the there are two groups - the oppressors and the oppressed. Freire argues that education is the key freeing the oppressed, but not the traditional "banking" education that we know of. Freire asserts that "banking" form of education is a tool to control the oppressed. Freire argues instead that the oppressed are not only capable of true dialog, but require it in order to be freed.
Title: God's Politics
Author: Jim Wallis
Jim Wallis takes on the political landscape in America. In the current state of partisan politics, there are few politicians that truly stand for the Christian values that Wallis advocates. The tag-line of the book says it all: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It. Both sides of the aisle are missing the point. Wallis advocates for something more, something new. As Christians we are called to respond to social problems. We are called to be non-violent. We are called to care about life. We are called to care about the poor.
Wallis asserts that we need prophetic politics - we need to seek the same justice that the prophet Micah sought after. I do not think that the book is perfect, but I do think it is a must read.
Title: A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide
Author: Samantha Power
This is a book that I hate that I picked up. And I blame Blair, but he probably isn't reading this anymore, as he lives without electricity. Power takes a look at the history of genocide around the world and how America has (or more accurately - has not) responded. It covers all of the major instances of genocide against the Armenians, Jews, Cambodians, Iraqi Kurds, Rwandan Tutsis, and Bosnians during the past century. Power lays out a clear case stating that it was simply a lack of political will. A large part of the reason why America was unwilling to respond was for similar reasons as we have seen lately with Sudan. Conservatives did not want two things - to interfere with a sovereign state and to be held to the same standard (i.e. some form of international court). Much of the genocide over the last century could have been prevented, or at least minimized, if the world would have responded to the information they had. Instead, they stayed silent.
Title: Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism
Author: Cornel West
This is another brilliant book, especially his chapter on the role of religion in America. West is a well respected academic and social critic, especially in the areas of race and religion. In this book West uses his vast knowledge of history, literature, and current events in order to analyze the current state of American democracy.
West asserts that there are three major problems with current structure of America: - Free market fundamentalism
- Aggressive militarism
- Escalating authoritarianism
Each of these issues contribute to a pervading sense of nihilism in society.
West takes an especially critical look at the conservative wing of the American political spectrum, asserting that they are a significant force in the three major problems that were mentioned above.
But while West appears to be critical at times, he also offers hope for something better. He offers hope positive and powerful role that religion can have on society. He offers hope that youths will have a impact on society. He offers hope to the positive benefits of hip-hop. Most importantly he offers hope to the Christian values of peace, love, and justice.
This is an intelligent and critical book of the current state of society, yet also a book that offers hope. This is a book that is a must read, especially for those that see the positive role that religion can have on society in opposition to the imperialism and authoritarianism that are plaguing society.
Books on Crime/Death Penalty
From The Innocent Man's cover flap:
If you believe that in America you are innocent until prove guilty, this book will shock you. If you believe in the death penalty, this book will disturb you. If you believe the criminal justice system is fair, this book will infuriate you.
I have long been a fan of John Grisham. Growing up, I would also make sure that I had his newest book read as soon as possible after its release. And then I would read it again. And again. I am pretty sure that I have read The Firm more than any other book. And A Time to Kill would probably be second. But soon after I began college I somewhat abandoned pop-fiction. I would still read the occasional novel, but it would always be classic. Needless to say, that meant that I stopped reading John Grisham. My interests had led me elsewhere.
But everything always seems to come back around.
John Grisham recently released The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town. This is Grisham's first non-fiction book, and it is a great one.
Read more! »
Title: Dead Man Walking (Vintage)
Author: Helen Prejean
A classic book on the death penalty later made in to a movie, Sister Helen Prejean tells her story of visiting a man on death row. The book touches on every issue related to the death penalty - forgiveness, revenge, guilt, family members of the first murder victims, family members of the second murder victims (the man on death row, and everything in between.
It tells of the positive and negative interactions Prejean had with the victims' families. It tells of the emotional relationship between Poncelet and his mother. It tells of the wall that came down between Poncelet and Sister Helen. And most of all it tells the story of an execution. It tells the story of a man being killed.
Title: The Death of Innocents
Author: Helen Prejean
Sister Helen takes a look at two different men who were convicted of murder and executed. Sister Helen was the spiritual advisor in each case, and walked along side them as they were killed by their state governments. The case is laid out for each person that points to their innocence. It is a difficult read in that you get angrier and angrier as the book goes along.
You wonder how the state can kill someone under these circumstances. You wonder why judges and governors refuse to hear evidence that may prove innocence. You wonder why someone is killed because an appeal was denied based on a technicality. You wonder why defense attorneys were so incompetent. You wonder why the prosecutors do not really want to know the truth, but only want a death sentence.
Title: Actual Innocence: When Justice Goes Wrong and How to Make It Right
Author: Barry Scheck, Jim Dwyer, Peter Neufeld
Actual Innocence is a book about the problems with the "justice" system. The book takes a look at many of the different cases that the Innocence Project has taken on post-conviction. The book looks at several different issues that have led to false convictions: false/forced confessions, jailhouse snitches, junk science, bad lawyers, race, faulty witnesses, etc. Each of these issues has led to many wrongful convictions that have led to many years spent in prison by innocent people, or of more intense sentencing due to alleged confessions. This is a must read for anyone interested in the justice system or for anyone who truly believes in the justice system.
Title: The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison: Ideology, Class, and Criminal Justice, Seventh Edition
Author: Jeffrey Reiman
This is a great book on how economic issues impact the criminal justice system.
Reiman asserts that the system is biased against the poor from the start, ranging from the structure of society, to how crime is defines, to how it is prosecuted. The street crime (crimes of the poor) are treated much differently (and worse) than white collar crime (crimes of the rich), even though the crimes of the rich tend to have a much greater impact on society.
This is a must read for those even remotely interested in the criminal justice sytem.
Title: The Color of Justice : Race, Ethnicity, and Crime in America
Authors: Samuel Walker, Cassia Spohn, and Miriam DeLone
Another criminology book that looks at inequality within the criminal justice system, this book takes a look at the racial inequalities within the system.
The data cleary points to racial disparities within the criminal justice system. Minority groups (primarily African Americans) are arrested, tried, convicted, and setenced at significantly higher rates than their white majority counterparts (even when factoring in other variables, such as education and income). Unfortunately this disparity is not due to them committing more crimes. The data shows that the rates are disproportionate to actual crimes committed by these minoirty groups. The criminal justice system is anything by just for those who do not have the correct skin color.
Title: The Invisible Woman : Gender, Crime, and Justice
Author: Joanne Belknap
In this book, the author takes a look at an issue often ignored in the criminal justice system - women. Belknap looks at three categories - women offenders, women victims, and women working within the criminal justice system.
This was a book that opened my ees to some new issues that I had not really thought about.
Books on Christianity
Title: Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith
Author: Anne Lamott
This is probably my favorite book, at least currently. Lamott uses her life stories as a way to talk about faith and God, but in a very untraditional way.
Lamott is not your typical Christian - she is a single mother and a recovering drug/alcohol addict. She uses very colorful language. She bashed Republicans. She supports abortion.
But most of all, she loves Jesus. And that is what this book is about. Her quest to do a better job at loving and following Jesus.
If you read just one book off of this list, read this one.
Title: The Irresistible Revolution : Living as an Ordinary Radical
Author: Shane Claiborne
This book is a memoir of Claiborne’s life in becoming an "ordinary radical." Claiborne is a founding member of the simple way, an intentional community in Philadelphia that is part of New Monasticism, the topic of my master's thesis. Claiborne tells his personal journey of learning to live like Jesus - with the homeless of Philly to the wisdom of Mother Teresa, from the war-zone of Iraq to the campus of Eastern University. Claiborne uses the narrative of his life to talk about what it means to really follow Jesus. This book was not groundbreaking for me, but it was comforting, convicting, and encouraging. This is a highly recommend.
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