2000 Years of Amazing Grace by Paul F. M. Zahl

Announcing a new arrival: 2000 Years of Amazing Grace: The Story and Meaning of the Christian Faith by Paul F. M. Zahl.

The following review was written by Myka Kennedy Stephens for Congregational Libraries Today, the bimonthly publication of the Church & Synagogue Library Association. Used with permission. Copyright 2007 by the Church and Synagogue Library Association (www.cslainfo.org).

This lengthy yet compact volume claims to be “The Christianity Primer.” It is written with the new Christian in mind and very easy to read. It is organized chronologically, beginning with the birth of Christ and ending with a brief account of twenty-first century Christianity. Each page includes notes in the margin that summarize the author’s arguments. The book also includes a lengthy appendix of Christian writings throughout history, including Luther’s Preface to the Book of Romans, selected Negro spirituals, and the Barmen Declaration. It also includes two comprehensive indices of subjects and historical figures.

While Zahl’s Anglican evangelical background influences his telling of Christian history, he has attempted to make Christian history accessible to anyone. The result is a book that lacks citations, references and bibliographies. There are many areas of Christian thought that Zahl simplifies for easy reading to the detriment of providing resources for further reading and exploration. Congregational librarians are advised to preview this book before adding it to their collections.
***
Call number: TBA
Request this book now!

The Creation by E. O. Wilson

Announcing a new arrival: The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth by E. O. Wilson.

The following review was written by Myka Kennedy Stephens for Congregational Libraries Today, the bimonthly publication of the Church & Synagogue Library Association. Used with permission. Copyright 2007 by the Church and Synagogue Library Association (www.cslainfo.org).

The latest work from renowned entomologist E. O. Wilson is an attempt to educate people of faith about the need to protect the environment. As a letter addressed to a Southern Baptist pastor, The Creation seeks to explore the science behind our biosphere and relate it to a philosophy of stewardship that all humans might embrace. The text is written on the scientific layperson’s level and peppered with grayscale illustrations to enhance the reading experience. It is a primer for those interested in learning more about environmental and biological studies.

The more discerning reader may be slightly disappointed in Wilson’s lack of engagement with religion and faith. Aside from being addressed to a pastor, there is nothing about the book that implies a Christian audience. The cooperative solution he offers in the last pages, forgetting about the differences between science and religion in order to work together, is unimaginative and lacks supporting examples of how this might be carried out. Nevertheless, in the wake of renewed concern about our environment, this book provides good discussion material for any small study group within a congregation.
***
Call number: QH303 .W55 2006
Request this book now!

Church Library 2nd Annual Book Sale

The William D. Thomson Library is having its Second Annual Used Book Sale after worship every Sunday in July! Stop by the book cart parked in the narthex and see if there's something for you. All books are $1 each and the proceeds will be put toward a book drop slot to be installed in the library's door.

Religious books removed from prison library

Dear friends,
This story from ALA caught my eye and I thought you might appreciate seeing it as well. Please feel free to share thoughts via the comment function on this blog.
Thanks!
Myka
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2007/june2007/prisons.cfm

Calendar of Events now launched

The church library now has a public calendar powered by Google Calendar. Links to upcoming events appear on the right side of this blog page. All open hours, meetings, and special events will be published there. Just another great way to stay informed about the ministry of the William D. Thomson Library!

Librarian Out 6/10 and 6/17

The church librarian (Myka) will be on vacation and not in the library during open hours on 6/10 and 6/17. If you have a specific question or request, please contact her by e-mail: library@druidhillsumc.org. The library will be open on those days for circulation and browsing.

The Internet Comes to the Library!

I am pleased to announce that your humble church library now has high-speed Internet! We are deeply indebted to Andy Brown, IT guru and member of Druid Hills Baptist Church, who wired the library's computer into the existing church network. This included drilling a hole in a 9-inch thick brick wall to run the cable into the library! The work is not complete--some finishing tack work will be done on Monday. I hope you will join me in expressing our deep appreciation to Mr. Brown for his generous gift of labor.