fc – Spiritual Book Study Group
Spiritual Book Study Group is a small group which meets weekly to discuss the book they are reading and to catch up with each other. We generally choose books that have some form of spiritual or emotional growth component and very rarely choose any book that has been published as "curriculum." We have chosen books that are based on Christianity, Islam, Sufism, Buddhism, Toltec wisdom, and other topics. Typically we are looking for something that inspires us in our daily lives or enriches our spiritual journey. We are something other than a Bible study group.
Our group currently meets on Wednesdays, from 5:15 to about 6:15, in the church library. However, we sometimes cancel our group to attend a larger adult education class since we can't manage to meet two nights a week!
Our group is informally led by Tara Macy. For more information contact the Church Office: (530) 243-2403 or email Tara at: friendmakers@reddingumc.org
Current study: The World's Religions by Huston Smith. This masterpiece explores
the essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the native traditions of Australia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. He convincingly conveys the unique appeal and gifts of each of the traditions and reveals their hold on the human heart and imagination.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions by Brandon Toropov & Father Luke Buckles. In this revised and updated edition of the popular guide to the many faiths followed around the world, modern and ancient religions are extensively covered as well as New Thought religions. This edition also now features a chapter on Sikhism, more coverage of religious extremism in the 21st century, a new chapter on the afterlife, and additional online resources making it the most up-to-date volume available. We will also read a companion book written from one of the traditions. We will select from various books and share what we learn.
Companion books include: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen. The beloved spiritual writer meditates on the parable of the prodigal son's return — a powerful drama of fatherhood, filial duty, rivalry, and anger between brothers — and its enduring lessons for Christianity.
God is a Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism by David A. Cooper. Embraced by celebrities from Madonna to Jeff Goldblum to Elizabeth Taylor, covered extensively in the pages of Time and Entertainment Weekly, Kabbalah–a Jewish mystical tradition dating back centuries–has taken its place alongside Buddhism as a spiritual practice for modern Western seekers. This book–written by the rabbi who authored the bestselling audiotape series. The Mystical Kabbalah–is the first to bring Kabbalah to a wide audience. Earning great praise from critics, God Is a Verb promises to do for Judaism what The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying did for Buddhism, infusing an ancient tradition with new life and popularizing its ideas among an entirely new generation.
