Paul writes – Canadian blogging friend, Len Hjalmarson reflects on 2008 and includes his selection of books he most enjoyed. He includes three essays. I’d include all three too – interestingly Len sent me two of the three essays, and I sent him one of them.
I’d add three by Rowan Williams (‘The Deflection of Desire: Negative Theology in Trinitarian Disclosure’, ‘Richard Hooker: Contemplative Pragmatism’, and ‘Richard Hooker: Philosopher, Anglican, Contemporary’), one by Elisabeth K. J. Koenig, ‘Julian of Norwich and the Drama of Christian Discernment’), and one by Stanley Hauerwas (‘A Story-Formed Community: Reflections of Watership Down’). There were lots and lots of others, but these are the ones that have journeyed with me over the year. There were also a few very good novels read, though not as many as I would have liked... to much interesting non-fiction to explore.
Books (for me) would include:
· Oliver O’Donovan, Church in Crisis: The Gay Controversy and the Anglican Communion.
· Rupertt Shortt, Rowan’s Rule: The Biography of the Archbishop.
· Colin Greene & Martin Robinson, Metavista: Bible, Church and Mission in an Age of Information.
· Mary Margaret Funk, Thought’s Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life.
· Parker J. Palmer, The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life.
· John Drane, After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty.
· John Drane, Do Christians Know How to Be Spiritual? The Rise of New Spirituality and the Missionof the Church.
· Joseph Ratzinger, New Outpourings of the Spirit.
· Kathleen Fischer, Transforming Fire: Women Using Anger Creatively.
· Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening.
· Kathleen Norris, Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life.
· Kenneth Leech, Subversive Orthodoxy: Traditional Faith & Radical Commitment.
Movies
· Lars and the Real Girl.
· The Visitor.
· Juno.
· The Darjeeling Limited.
· There will be Blood.
· Atonement.
Documentaries
· The Big Picture: A History of New Zealand Art.
· The Abbey.
· Control Room.
· Journey of the Heart: The Life of Henri Nouwen.
· Making Sense of the Sixties: An Examination of the Decade that Forever Changed America…
I still haven't seen the Visitor.. hoping soon..
Posted by: len | Saturday, 03 January 2009 at 12:56 PM
Lars and the Real Girl definitely deserves to be on the list. I've seen it twice. Love the performances, love the warmth and gentleness, and the way in which a Christian message is put across without hitting you over the head. Great movie!
Posted by: Mike Crowl | Monday, 05 January 2009 at 09:47 AM
Hi Paul
Happy New Year. Just wondering if you read Mark Vernon's blog: www.markvernon.com/friendshiponline/dotclear/
Seems like your sort of guy. Recently read his book After Atheism which was full of solace and he's editing a series of books mostly being published next year on Art of Living.
Have a good year. Becky
Posted by: Becky | Tuesday, 06 January 2009 at 06:35 PM