Library Update - New Old Books!

Post by Karlissa J.

When ordering books for the church library, it’s tempting to keep a constant eye out for the '“hottest new releases.” Finding the “latest and greatest” things is a bit of a preoccupation in our time and place. But I’m realizing how often we forget the past, and those who have gone before us.

As a remedy to that, I’ve been expanding the Theology section by adding classical works. From Augustine, Athanasius, and Gregory of Nyssa (who all lived in the 300s), to Martin Luther and John Wesley, to Catherine of Sienna and Teresa of Avila, I’ve added a diverse selection of voices from the past. And, as part of my own spiritual growth, I’ve been reading some of these books myself.

Those aren’t the only books I’ve added this year! My goal for next year is to expand the Fantasy collection - let me know if you have any recommendations on great Christian fantasy and sci-fi!

Good Books

The little church library I’ve been running is stuffed to the brim with books! I’m realizing I’ll have to cut down on how many new ones I bring in each year… a difficult task, since there are so many tempting titles being released all the time! I suppose I’ll just have to learn which books to add to the library, and which ones to save for my personal collection!

I’ve wanted to write many book reviews over the years, but found it takes dedication to write more than a few sentences. So I’ve come up with two lists instead: the first is books I’ve enjoyed that are in the church library; and the second is books I’ve considered getting for the church library.

In the Library…

In Awe of God: Memoirs of Missionary Life in Guatemala (Rita Peters Langemann)…

This one holds a special place for me, because I’ve worked with the author during short-term missions trips. My family started being involved with Impact Ministries back when they were newly formed, and it’s been amazing to see how God has grown and used the ministry over the years. You can read a more thorough review of it here.

“The Hole in Our Gospel” (Richard Stearns)…

Author Richard Stearns, CEO of World Vision, explores the issues of poverty and justice, and our role as the body of Christ in showing love to ‘the least of these.’

“Be the Bridge” (Latasha Morrison)…

I’ve browsed multiple books from Christians about racism and healing the racial divide. What I appreciate about Latasha’s approach is how well she connects racial reconciliation back to the gospel; and how she approaches the topic though spiritual disciplines such as truth-seeking, forgiveness, repentance, confession, and lament. The book includes prayers and discussion questions.

“Troubled Minds” (Amy Simpson)…

I read this one some time ago, but I recall the journey being eye-opening. The author is honest about her experience with having a mother suffering psychotic illness, and the pain of the stigma surrounding psychosis. She emphasizes the need for the church to learn how to better discuss mental illness, and to help those who are struggling.

“One Church, Many Tribes” (Richard Twiss)…

I wrote a longer review, or reflection, for this one, which you can read here.

“Where the Pavement Ends” (Marie Wadden)…

The problems faced by indigenous communities in Canada – high suicide and substance abuse rates – are epidemics among indigenous people in colonized countries worldwide. There’s something clearly traumatic about having one’s lands taken and culture belittled or exterminated. This book confronts these problems, and celebrates the indigenous leaders who are working to see their communities uplifted. I’m not sure if the author is Christian, but she interviews many Christians over the course of the book.

Could Be in the Library…

“Art & Faith” and “Culture Care” (Makoto Fujimura)…

I’ve bought both of these for myself, and have been enjoying them. Japanese-American artist Makoto Fujimura explores the role that creators have in pointing people to God, the only ‘true’ Artist. He calls “Art & Faith” his masterpiece; though I personally love “Culture Care,” where he explains his belief that we spend too much time fighting ‘culture wars,’ and not enough time finding ways to nurture beauty and truth in culture.

“God and the Pandemic” (N.T. Wright)…

When the coronavirus hit, I felt we were living in history-altering times; and to mark the occasion, I bought a collection of pandemic-related books. This one gave me a lot to think on, which I very much appreciated.

“Cherish” (Gary Thomas)…

Gary Thomas believes we are called to do more than love our spouse in a general sense: we are to learn how to cherish them, going above and beyond to value who they are.

“Confronting Christianity” (Rebecca McLaugin)…

I’ve read a few chapters of this book, and personally found it to be one of the more helpful apologetics books out there. The author speaks through personal experience about the topic of homosexuality, and knows enough scientists to challenge the notion that serious scientists are almost unanimously atheists.

“The Truth About Us” (Brant Hansen)…

A very funny way to explore the truth that we are all sinful, and to break apart any delusions that we hold otherwise. Did you know that the majority of people think they are better-than-average morally… and better-than-average drivers?? (An impossibility, statistically speaking.)

“Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity” (Chandra Crane)…

I read much of the first few chapters and loved it! Multiethnic people have a unique perspective on racial relations, one that could be vital to helping North Americans achieve racial reconciliation. I am not multiethnic myself; but the author aknowledges that she’s also writing for those who want to understand the challenges faced by individuals who are multiethnic.

A Resting Librarian

It’s been a while since I posted a librarian update!

As a reminder: years ago, I offered to take over the running of our church’s library. Since I love books, it seemed the perfect fit!

Well, as of late, due to the pandemic restrictions, our little church library has sat unused. (The books at least are unused: our pastors have been using the room itself as a place to record their online sermons.) And due to the continued restrictions on gatherings, the books will likely sit unused for a while yet.

When I first realized this, I was hit with a feeling of loss.

I’ve done so much in that library.

One thing I changed early on was the fiction section: dividing it into separate genres, and sorting the books by author. It took a lot of work - and some dear helpers - to get that done. And since it’s been finished, I’ve noticed readers picking out their favourite genre, or taking out books from a particular author.

Since then, I’ve done so much re-organizing, moving, buying, and removing of books in the non-fiction genres, I don’t even remember what it was like before I became the librarian.

I’ve spent many hours caring for the library’s hundreds of books, driven by a vision to “connect people with books that are meaningful to them.” I feel I’ve succeeded in this vision: answering people’s questions, directing them to various titles, and making the organization easier to follow.

I’ve missed that, and the purpose I felt there.

However, I’m also convinced God knew I would need the break, and the chance to step back and take joy in what has been done - instead of only seeing what still needs doing.