#57 – The Cloud of Unknowing (My 100 Favorite Books)

This is a classic work of Christian mysticism and contemplative prayer from the 1300s.  The author is unknown.  I read it once on a kindle but it was incredibly difficult, then I picked up a translation which made it easier.  Though technically written in English, it is that old and confusing Middle English which still …

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#78 – The Life of Moses by Gregory of Nyssa (My 100 Favorite Books)

Yes, this is early church week on my list!  Today we meet Gregory of Nyssa', Basil's brother, who also wrote extensively on the Trinity.  But I love his book The Life of Moses because it is so different than what most think Christian biblical interpretation and life is.  First, this is a fantastic example of …

#100 – The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr (My 100 Favorite Books)

A few weeks ago I was invited to share pictures of seven books on Facebook, with no comment.  I love reading and had trouble picking just seven favorite books.  So I decided to spend the summer sharing my 100 favorite books.  I tried to roughly put them in some order, so my all-time favorites will …

Devotional Recommendations?

Students and friends often ask me what books I would recommend for devotional reading.  I admit I am not entirely sure what sort of book they are looking for.  If by devotional they mean a book they can read a few pages each morning that will provide spiritual reflection throughout the day, then nearly anything …

The Grand Paradox by Ken Wytsma (Review)

Honestly, I did not expect much from The Grand Paradox by Ken Wytsma. I had never heard of the author but I picked it up when I saw a few people recommend it on Twitter...and it was free for a few days. After reading some challenging books this summer, from philosophers who hurt my brain …

The Life of Moses by Gregory of Nyssa (Review)

Gregory of Nyssa was one of the Cappadocian Fathers, three Christian thinkers whose work was tremendous in the solidification of orthodoxy int he late 300s.  But they did not just write heady theological tomes, they also wrote profound works on spiritual life.  One of the best is the Life of Moses by Gregory. If you …

Question and Answer Night (Weekly Word)

Last night we had a question and answer night at our CSF meeting.  Full disclosure - I am writing this at 5 PM, two hours prior to the event beginning, though this post will not go up till Friday.  So I do not know for sure what questions will be discussed.  But I do know …

Beliefs and Desires – Thoughts on Pascal’s Pensees (Listening to the Saints)

I used to write a "Weekly Word" every Friday, devotional thoughts geared towards the CSF students at PSU Berks.  This summer I am bringing the Weekly Word back in hopes of providing spiritual support to the students while they are home. Blaise Pascal lived in France in the mid-1600s and by all accounts was a …

A Review of Just a Few of Eugene Peterson’s Many Great Books

Sometimes when I begin a new book, I am gripped from page one and tear through the book rather quickly.  Other books are slower to grab me, it takes a few chapters, but eventually I get sucked in.  Then there are Eugene Peterson books.  Eugene Peterson is best known for his translation of the Bible, …

What A Student Who Loves Doctor Who Taught me About Faith

This article was written for my December newsletter, sent out to all supporters of my ministry at PSU Berks.  I thought it was worth posting here too. On Monday, November 23 I found myself in a theater surrounded by "Whovians."  For those of you who don't know - a "Whovian" is a fan of the …