In this series, we highlight books we think our readers may enjoy, written by authors affiliated with the Collegeville Institute.
Beyond Awkward Side Hugs: Living as Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World
Thomas Nelson, 2020
By Bronwyn Lea, former short-term Resident Scholar
When it comes to relationships between men and women in the church, things can seem awkward and confusing. We have more questions than answers. But it doesn’t have to be this weird. Jesus’ pattern for church living was one of family—of brothers and sisters living in intimate, life-giving community with each other. With story, sensitivity, and hope, Beyond Awkward Side Hugs invites us to leave behind eroticized, fear-based patterns and move toward gendered, generous relationships between men and women of character as we love one another as Jesus did.
Warriors Between Worlds: Moral Injury and Identities in Crisis
Lexington Books, 2019
By Zachary Moon, former writing workshop participant
In an endorsement for Warriors Between Worlds, Nancy J. Ramsay from Brite Divinity School wrote: “Zachary Moon draws on his expertise as military chaplain and practical theologian to offer a valuable new contribution to the literature shaping care for combat veterans affected by moral injury. Drawing on the lived experience of six veterans, Dr. Moon develops strategies for supporting veterans’ re-entry into civilian life and the work of reconstructing their moral orienting systems following the life changing experiences of military service. He offers specific resources for religious leaders and faith communities who seek to participate in veterans’ reentries, recognize the strengths they offer, and walk beside them as support is needed.”
Common Spaces Between Us: Nurturing the Good in the Midst of Difference
Wipf and Stock, 2020
By Melynne Rust, former writing workshop participant
Common Spaces Between Us invites readers into the diverse college campus community where Melynne Rust served as chaplain and where, much to her surprise and chagrin, she found herself struggling at times to connect with students amid differences. She had presumed she inherently would live out her values to honor the dignity and equality of all, yet in her interactions with others she kept bumping into her own shadows, stifling connection. Ultimately, she discovered that true connection happens when we embody practices that recognize, honor, and nurture the good—in both ourselves and others—in the common spaces between us.
Speaking of God: An Essential Guide to Christian Thought
Herald Press, 2019
By Anthony Siegrist, former Resident Scholar
Theology is nothing more—and nothing less—than speaking together about God. Still, a lot of us don’t know where to start. In Speaking of God, pastor and theologian Anthony Siegrist helps readers recover a basic language around Christian theology. In vivid and even humorous writing, Siegrist introduces us to concepts like creation, sin, redemption, the church, and discipleship. Referencing theologians such as Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Antonia Gonzalez, and Kazoh Kitamori, Siegrist offers readers an introduction to Christian theology throughout the ages, emphasizing common threads of thought and practice across traditions.
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