An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation by David A. DeSilva, 975 pages

  Yes, I read reference and text books when I can make it happen. Do you? If so, you'll probably be happy as I am to explore the library reference shelves.

  This text was written as a resource for Christian pastoral preparation and was used heavily in a seminary class I took. It took me five years or so, but I finally finished reading it in full, hand in hand with simultaneously rereading each book of the New Testament as needed to best understand the content. 

  As with other similar handbooks, this resource examines each New Testament book separately. DeSilva uses the socio-rhetorical interpretation model of exegesis aiming to explore how the words and texts spoke within and to their original contexts. Four chapters precede the examination of each New Testament writing: the New Testament as Pastoral Response; The Environment of Early Christianity-Essential Landmarks; The Cultural and Social World of the Early Church-Purity, Honor, Patronage, and Kinship; and The Four Gospels and the One Jesus-Critical Issues in the Study of the Gospels. Each chapter focusing on a book of the New Testament ends with a section relating the New Testament book to ministry formation. Photos, maps, footnotes, and four indices all add value to this learning resource.

  This textbook has already been and will likely continue to be one solid resource from which I draw as I continue to learn, teach, and serve in various aspects of ministry.

The Power Of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle, 195 pages

“The Power Of Now” is a spiritual enlightenment book. The writer has studied many religions, and has built his philosophy on finding happiness from what he has learned. I found many sections that really spoke to me, and many times his thoughts made me reflect on my current views about happiness. I do agree with the author that many of us become so caught up in just getting through life that we really are not living life.  

Although I do not believe there is one philosophy that can be true for all of us, I do believe that by listening to the ideas of others I can only grow. I enjoyed the book immensely, and look forward to reading more of this author’s work. 

Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace by Anne Lamott, 304 pages

I listened to this book, read by the author, Anne Lamott.  It is a collection of essays on life, faith, friends, family and community.

Anne Lamott is self-deprecating, a christian and a liberal.  Her interpretation of this crazy world makes perfect sense to me.  It was a lovely little book to listen to as the holiday and Christmas season ramp up to their normal frenzy of activity.

Zealot: The Life and Times of of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan, 336 pages

"Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth" is a biography of Jesus.  Yep, him.

I found this book fascinating.  The author, Reza Aslan, who is a scholar of religion, did not rely on the bible as his source material.  He studied historical writings about first century Palestine and Roman documents.

Jesus is such a black and white figure for so many of us, I enjoyed this more historical look at his background and the early church after his death.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, 192 pages

I might be the last person in the U.S. to read the hit book "Heaven is for Real - A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back."  And actually, I listened to it.

It was an easy to listen to story by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent.  Todd Burpo is a minister in a small Nebraska town and his son barely 4-year old Colton had a missed burst appendix that required touch and go, major surgery to try and correct.  While Colton never died according to the doctors, he did spent the next couple years giving his parents tidbits about his visit to heaven and what he told them convinced them that Heaven is real and Colton was truly there.

Zealot: Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan 296 Pages

Want an eye opener? Pick up this book. Biblical scholar, Aslan, has done a deep dig about in the past in an effort to separate the Jesus of Nazareth from the Christ of Christian teaching. He takes us back to Judea around 100 BCE to a Jerusalem occupied by the Romans and ruled by corrupt Jewish high priests - talk about conditions ripe for a messiah! And there were many messiahs around at the time,  all zealots trying to get their land back from occupation and their priests out of the emporer's back pocket.

According to Aslan, Jesus was one of these. Aslan, who speaks Greek, says he translated the gospels (which were written in Greek) himself so he could see what had actually been written. At this point, he makes it clear that the gospels were not written by anyone who had actually witnessed any of Jesus' teaching - the first gospel according to Mark was written at least 20 years after the death of Jesus and not by Mark the disciple. He also consults other historians of the time, Josephus, a Jewish/Roman historian writing at about 50- 75 BCE is an important one.
If you are interested in early Christianity, ancient history,  messianic mystery, and a clear-eyed view of who Jesus of Nazareth very probably was, this book is for you. Great read.