More book reviews and lists coming soon!

I have only posted here a couple of times due to the crazy-busy schedule I have had in recent months, however, I am hoping to begin to post more reviews, notes and reflections on books that I am reading, including the topics of:

-history
-theology
-psychology
-philosophy
-comparative religion
-mind-body-spirit
-linguistics

Reading regularly and consistently on a wide variety of topics is very important to me. One vital lesson I have learned from the mentors whom I most deeply respect is to be a lifelong learner. Reading is essential in this regard.

Stay tuned and check back again soon for more reviews and reflections!

Peace,

John

Spirituality Theme of the Month: Islam in Contemporary Culture

This month, I am reading about Islam in contemporary culture. I am a protestant Christian, however I serve as an interfaith chaplain, so I try to be as inclusive, diverse and educated about as many prominent spiritual traditions as I can. During this time, which from September 13- October 12th this year is the holy month of Ramadan, I hope to read and learn as much as I can about Islam and its place in contemporary culture in the western world today.

Here are some of the books I have read recently or will be reading about Islam:

Islam- by Karen Armstrong

No God But God- by Reza Aslan

The Shia Revival- Seyyed Vali Nasr

American Islam: The Struggle for the Soul of a Religion- Paul M. Barrett

Western Muslims and the Future of Islam- Tariq Ramadan

Mecca and Main Street- Geneive Abdo

A Season in Mecca: Narrative of a Pilgrimmage- Abdellah Hammoudi

In the Footsteps of the Prophet- Tariq Ramadan

The Place of Tolerance in Islam- Khaled Abou El Fadl

Infidel- Hirsi Ali Ayaan


I have read all or part of five of these books so far... I will chime in again with some reflections and reviews as I get a bit further along with my reading on this topic.

Peace,

John

Welcome to my book corner!

Thanks for stopping by my book corner! I am hoping to occasionally post here what I am reading, as well as what I think about it... It is a way of both sharing books that have impacted my life and changed my thinking, as well as a place to openly process and reflect upon what I have read.

I am a largely visual learner, so, in order to more fully synthesize and assimilate what I have read, I need to write about it in some way shape or form>>> thus the thinking behind this blog.

By the way, my philosophy of blogging is probably a bit more deliberative than most. I don't intend to record every last brain dropping that comes into my head, but when something impacts my thinking I like to reflect on it and here is one place I hope to do just that about once a week or so.

Peace on the journey,

John