Religion
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through WolfPAC. All books listed are linked to Braille and Audio Reading Download site (BARD) for downloading. Happy Reading!
August 2019
This recommended reading list contains books concerning religious beliefs across the world including, but not limited to, books on Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism.
Absolute Power: How the Pope Became the Most Influential Man in the World by Paul Collins
DB 90748
Read by J.P. Linton. Reading time: 18 hours, 24 minutes.
Historian examines the history of the papacy from 1799 with the death of Pope Pius VI to the early twenty-first century and the installation of Pope Francis. Analyzes turning points which allowed the institution to move from being nearly subsumed by other political powers to a power of its own once again. 2018
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott
DB 92757
Read by Anne Lamott. Reading time: 3 hours, 42 minutes.
Author of Bird by Bird (DB 40554) and Hallelujah Anyway (DB 87574) presents a guide to finding moments of hope and joy even when the world and relationships around you are depressing and exhausting. Chapter titles include "Puzzles," "Humans 101," "Unplugged," and "Hands of Time." Some strong language. 2018.
The Art of Bible Translation by Robert Alter
DB 94585
Read by Peter Holdway. Reading time: 4 hours, 15 minutes.
Literary critic and translator presents his views on the literary styles of the Bible and the importance of adhering to them as much as possible. Discusses his specific experiences in translating the Bible over a twenty-year span, the history of Bible translation, quirks of language, and making choices. 2019.
Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump by John Fea
DB 91762
Read by Bill Wallace. Reading time: 6 hours, 59 minutes.
Historian and evangelical Christian examines the causes for the overwhelming support of white evangelical Christians for Donald Trump. Posits that the white evangelical movement is based on politics of fear, acquisition of worldly power, and nostalgia for a likely non-existent national past. 2018.
Faith: A Journey for All by Jimmy Carter
DB 93256
Read by Jimmy Carter. Reading time: 4 hours, 20 minutes.
LP033272; 225 pages.
Thirty-ninth president reflects on the way his Christian faith has shaped his life and sustained him through both happy and disappointing times. Discusses the meanings of faith, acquiring it, marrying it to religious expression, demonstrating it, and facing challenges to it. Unrated. 2018.
Godsong: A Verse Translation of the Bhagavad-Gita, with Commentary by Amit Majmudar
DB 91157
Read by Mark Ashby. Reading time: 4 hours, 57 minutes.
Presentation of the Bhagavad-Gita, one of the foundational Hindu texts, in verse. Relates the story of Arjuna, a prince, as he learns from Lord Krishna. Includes commentary on the lessons presented. 2018.
Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the Afterlife, Immortality, and Utopia by Michael Shermer
DB 90756
Read by Doug Ramsdell. Reading time: 11 hours, 57 minutes.
Founder of The Skeptics Society explores the intersection of science and religion through the lens of an examination of humans' fascination with the afterlife. Topics covered include mortal experiences and immortal quests, the scientific search for immortality, yesterdays and tomorrows, and mortality and meaning. 2018
High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row by Damien Echols
DB 93665
Read by Ryan Dalusung. Reading time: 6 hours, 6 minutes.
Man convicted and sentenced to death at age eighteen for a murder he did not commit presents a guide to the practice of high magick, which he relied on to survive death row. Describes the history and methods of the belief system. 2018.
Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor
DB 94520
Read by Hillary Huber. Reading time: 7 hours, 28 minutes.
Comparative religion teacher and author of Learning to Walk in the Dark (DB 79081) contemplates through scholarship and field trips the ways other people and traditions encounter what she calls the Transcendent. Shares stories from the classroom to illustrate her spiritual journey. Unrated. 2019.
How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community by Judith Valente
DB 90967
Read by Jill Ferris. Reading time: 7 hours, 37 minutes.
Journalist presents a set of precepts taken from the guiding document for sixth-century Benedictine religious communities and adapted for use in the twenty-first century. Topics covered include paying attention, living fully, living peacefully, humility, prayer, trust, community, finding balance, forgiving, hospitality, building a consensus, leadership, and more. 2018.
It's Not Supposed to be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa TerKeurst
DB 93319
Read by Jolene Barto. Reading time: 6 hours, 10 minutes.
Author of Unglued (DB 75485) reflects on challenges she has faced and the ways she has used her faith to carry her through them. Discusses feelings of disappointment and disillusionment, being steadfast in the face of adversity, and recognizing toxic relationships. Unrated. 2018.
I've Been Thinking..: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life by Maria Shriver
DB 90580
Read by Maria Shriver. Reading time: 4 hours, 14 minutes.
LP033309; 302 pages.
Author of Ten Things I Wish I'd Known (DB 50263) reflects on her life and the many roles she has inhabited. Shares inspiring quotations, prayers, and meditations to help readers find what she calls the Open Field--a place of acceptance, purpose, and passion. Bestseller. 2018.
Judgment Detox: Release the Beliefs That Hold You Back From Living a Better Life by Gabrielle Bernstein
DB 90317
Read by Theresa Conkin. Reading time: 5 hours, 37 minutes.
Strategies for being more forgiving. Provides a six-step process intended for daily living and incorporates methods from spiritual texts, yoga, tapping, meditation, prayer, and other metaphysical teachings. 2018.
The King and the Catholics: England, Ireland, and the Fight for Religious Freedom, 1780-1829 by Antonia Fraser
DB 93752
Read by Steven Crossley. Reading time: 11 hours, 32 minutes.
An account of the decades-long battle in the British Isles over systemic religious discrimination against Catholics, beginning with the Gordon Riots in London. Discusses the eventual passing of the Roman Catholic Relief Act in 1829. 2018.
The Lost Gutenberg: The Astounding Story of One Book's Five-Hundred-Year Odyssey by Margaret Leslie Davis
DB 94346
Read by Coleen Marlo. Reading time: 6 hours, 27 minutes.
Chronicle of the life of a copy of the Bible printed by Johann Gutenberg, designated Number 45, from its creation around 1456 to the twenty-first century. Discusses the production of the Bible, profiles its owners over the years, and explores the obsession surrounding books as objects. Unrated. 2019.
Muhammad: Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires by Juan Ricardo Cole
DB 93720
Read by Mark Ashby. Reading time: 8 hours, 33 minutes.
Historian presents an analysis of the Middle East in the seventh century, when the prophet Muhammad developed the religion of Islam. Discusses the region's warring empires and the emphasis of peace in Muhammad's teachings. 2018.
Paul: A Biography by N. T. Wright
DB 90460
Read by Lou Harpenau. Reading time: 15 hours, 41 minutes.
Author of After You Believe (DB 78635) and The Case for Psalms (DB 78347) presents a biography of Paul, one of early Christianity's most revered teachers. Examines his life beyond his theology and letters to congregations of early Christians to show influences, including pre-Christian Jewish faith and more. 2018.
The Pope Who Would be King: The Exile of Pius IX and the Emergence of Modern Europe by David I. Kertzer
DB 90879
Read by Will Damron. Reading time: 13 hours, 48 minutes.
Historian chronicles the tenure of Pope Pius IX (1792-1878), who came to power in 1846. Details the turbulent times as the revolutions that had rocked European powers threatened the Papal States. Discusses the transition of power as the Republic of Italy formed. Some strong language. 2018.
A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story by William C. Martin
DB 91702
Read by Maurice England. Reading time: 36 hours, 25 minutes.
Updated biography of American evangelist Billy Graham (1918-2018). Examines his character, contributions, and influence on the world religious scene. Discusses the role of faith in his life and the ways it led him to interact with world leaders in addition to ministering to his followers. 2018.
Redeemed: Devotions for the Longing Soul by Will Graham
DB 94508
Read by Carter French. Reading time: 3 hours, 37 minutes.
Devotional on understanding God's message of love and redemption from the grandson of the Rev. Billy Graham (1918-2018). Each entry includes a scripture selection, personal story, quote from his grandfather, the author's interpretation of the message, a prayer, and a question to reflect on. Unrated. 2018.
The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi: My Journey into the Heart of Scriptural Faith and the Land Where It All Began by Kathie Lee Gifford
DB 91696
Read by Jason Sobel. Reading time: 5 hours, 31 minutes.
LP033338; 305 pages.
Television personality and co-author of Listen to My Heart (DB 41034) presents her journey to studying Bible scripture in the original Hebrew and Greek and experiencing historical and religious landmarks in Israel. Includes further context from messianic rabbi Jason Sobel. 2018.
Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change by Sherri L. Mitchell
DB 91000
Read by Mare Trevathan. Reading time: 7 hours, 5 minutes.
An attorney, activist, and member of the Penobscot Nation presents a guide for using indigenous wisdom to effect change at home and in the wider world. Topics include building a foundation, understanding the wayward path, imagining the path forward, and reaching back and moving forward. 2018.
Seven Types of Atheism by John Gray
DB 93351
Read by Stephen Van Doren. Reading time: 6 hours, 35 minutes.
BR 22520; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
English economist and social philosopher describes seven types of atheism present through history. Types include God-Haters, exemplified by the Marquis de Sade; Secular Humanism, which draws on Christian traditions; and Atheism without Progress, epitomized by George Santayana and Joseph Conrad. 2018.
Shameless: A Sexual Reformation by Nadia Bolz-Weber
DB 93995
Read by Pádraig Ó Tuama. Reading time: 5 hours, 31 minutes.
Pastor and author of Accidental Saints (DB 82444) examines the messages about sex delivered by Christian churches. Discusses the harm church teachings can impose, presents scriptural guidance regarding sexual relationships, and shares personal experiences to explore ways to adjust our understanding of sex and religion. Unrated. 2019.
A Stranger and You Welcomed Me: A Call to Mercy and Solidarity with Migrants and Refugees by Pope Francis
DB 93520
Read by Joe Peck. Reading time: 4 hours, 25 minutes.
BR 22561; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
Leader of the Roman Catholic Church and author of The Name of God Is Mercy (DB 83513) presents a collection of writings on welcoming and caring for refugees of conflicts. Includes addresses, homilies, prayers, and annual messages given between 2014 and 2018 for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. 2018.
The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World by Bart D. Ehrman
DB 90455
Read by Jon Huffman. Reading time: 14 hours, 18 minutes.
Theologian chronicles the rise of Christianity, from an obscure sect of Judaism to the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. Discusses the mission of Paul, Roman paganism, the reasons for Christianity's success, incentives for conversion, the growth of the Church, persecution, and Constantine's championing of the faith. Some violence. 2018.
Unbelievable: Why Neither Ancient Creeds Nor the Reformation Can Produce a Living Faith Today by John Shelby Spong
DB 90505
Read by Jeff Allin. Reading time: 10 hours, 4 minutes.
A retired Episcopalian bishop argues for a new interpretation of Christianity. He presents his argument in a series of twelve theses regarding God, Jesus, original sin, the virgin birth, miracles, atonement theology, Easter, the ascension, ethics, prayer, life after death, and universalism. 2018.
Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God by Max Lucado
DB 92739
Read by Ben Holland. Reading time: 5 hours, 2 minutes.
Author of Anxious for Nothing (DB 89684) examines twelve promises made by God in the Bible to assist readers in equipping them to overcome difficulties in their lives. Topics include being stamped with God's image, the power of prayer, and the promise of God's return. 2018.
Why Religion? by Elaine H. Pagels
DB 93441
Read by Eunice Wong. Reading time: 7 hours, 9 minutes.
Author of Revelations (DB 74537) and The Gnostic Gospels (DB 60458) explores why religion is still practiced in the twenty-first century. Reflects on her own experience of religion in the wake of losing her young son and husband within a year of each other. Unrated. 2018.
The Wisdom of the Tao: Ancient Stories That Delight, Inform, and Inspire by Ming-Dao Deng
DB 91026
Read by Michael Scherer. Reading time: 3 hours, 51 minutes.
BR 22272; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
Collection of 144 ancient Chinese stories highlighting wisdom espoused by Taoism, combining spirituality, philosophy, cosmology, governance, the human condition, life, death, and continuity. Presents lessons in contentment, kindness, independence, understanding, and gratitude. 2018.