Recommended book

For 2009-November

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Previous months' recommendations.

Tentatively scheduled selections for future months.

2009-November's selection:

"Jesus was a liberal: Reclaiming Christianity for All"
by Rev. Scotty McLennan

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Amazon product Description:

"For the millions of people who identify as liberal Christians. In McLennan's bold call to reclaim ownership of Christianity, he advocates a sense of religion based not on doctrinal readings of scripture but on the humanity behind Christ's teachings. He addresses such topics as intelligent design, abortion, same sex marriage, war. torture and much, much more. As he says in the Preface, 'We liberal Christians know in our hearts that there is much more to life than seems to meet the rational eye of atheists; yet we find it hard to support supernatural claims about religion that fly in the face of scientific evidence'."

Publishers Weekly review:

"At a time when political and religious liberals are taking refuge in the word progressive, McLennan (Finding Your Religion) presents an unapologetic case for liberal Christianity. Reporting that about 20% of Americans are liberal Christians, he states, Too many of them choose silence, afraid to use the word 'liberal' to describe where they stand. He immediately tackles hot-button topics -- abortion, science and same-sex marriage -- then moves on to liberal perspectives on God, Jesus, the Trinity, the church and the Bible as well as feminist theology and living faithfully as a liberal Christian. Personal anecdotes from McLennan's own faith journey and advice for practitioners vary in effectiveness, but few liberal concerns about traditional Christianity go unaddressed. Dean for religious life at Stanford University, an inspiration for Doonesbury's Rev. Scott Sloan of comic strip fame and a Unitarian Universalist minister, McLennan and his theology may not always draw agreement from other Christians who consider themselves liberals, nor does the book engage postmodern emergent theology. But McLennan's presentation is remarkably thoughtful, respectful and balanced as he argues that liberal Christianity is a vital expression of faith."

Excerpt from the review in The Progressive Christian magazine...

by Jim Burklo, Associate Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California, and author of "Birdlike and Barnless: Meditations, Prayers, and Songs for Progressive Christians:"

" 'Jesus was a liberal' is the best introduction to theologically and socially progressive Christianity that I've read in the past several years. McLennan offers a concise definition of 'liberal' Christianity, and applies it concretely to hot-button social issues and common confusions about biblical interpretation. He describes what is right about the long, venerable liberal religious tradition more than he argues against what is wrong with atheism or biblical literalism. He makes his cases unequivocally but without being shrill. He offers a defense of abortion rights grounded on the Christmas story in Matthew: 'Precisely because Mary's situation is utterly unique, it places in bold relief other girls and women who have not voluntarily chosen to become pregnant.' (p 16) He shares the bases of his public opposition to the war in Iraq in Christian 'just war theory'. His analysis of the impending conflict, and his predictions of the outcome of the war expressed in his sermons and a newspaper editorial, turned out to be uncannily accurate."

Reviews:

	"McLennan's writing is that of a thoughtful scholar. . .This book will reward any reader with an open mind and a curiosity about the breadth of the Christian faith." -- Library Journal
	"McLennan's presentation is remarkably thoughtful, respectful, and balanced as he argues that liberal Christianity is a vital expression of faith." -- Publishers Weekly
	"His book is a manifesto of sorts for those who are both unapologetically Christian and liberal. He takes readers through the major concerns of liberal Christianity, both theological and social, and draws conclusions that are sure to both enrage and amuse those who don't share them."--Chicago Sun-Times
	"Rev. Scotty McLennan is reasonable and humane. . . he makes religion sound like a valuable tool for humanity, the kind of social movement that could bring us peace, understanding, tolerance and love."--The National Post (Canada)
	"An immensely readable book that reclaims the honorable word 'liberal' for a vision of Christianity that is persuasive, compelling, and faithful." Marcus J. Borg, author of The Heart of Christianity and Jesus: The Life, Teaching and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary
	"A wonderfully readable and very timely book. It makes Jesus available again, as he has been at many times in history, to a much wider spectrum of people, and not just 'liberals.' Will be appreciated by those who want to 'conserve' what he stood for, taught and died for." Harvey Cox, author of When Jesus Came to Harvard and The Future of Faith
	"A clear-eyed, hopeful manifesto of belief, written with style and integrity. At last - the progressive case for faith, powerfully made."--James Carroll, author of Practicing Catholic

Title: "Jesus Was a Liberal: Reclaiming Christianity for All"
Author: RScotty McLennan
Format: Hardcover.
Publisher:
ISBN-10: 0230614299
ISBN-13: 978-0230614291
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
Release date: 2009-MAY-12
Pages: 272
Cost: List: U.S. $26.95. Amazon.com sells it at 34% off for $17.79 in hardcover, $14,23 in Kindle format. Review / order it

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