books
Here’s the faith in the ‘American Sniper’ you won’t see in the film
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — January 14, 2015
(RNS) "In that backroom or whatever it is when God confronts me with my sins, I do not believe any of the kills I had during the war will be among them," legendary sniper Chris Kyle wrote in his 2012 autobiography. "Everyone I shot was evil. I had good cause on every shot."
Welcome to ‘aweism,’ the nonreligious impulse you can’t explain
By Kimberly Winston — January 2, 2015
(RNS) "Secular people don’t believe in anything supernatural, but that doesn’t render us sterile souls," Phil Zuckerman said. "But because religion has constructed the language with which we describe existential wonder, it is almost like that is not our territory. But it most certainly is."
The 10 most read ‘Faitheist’ stories of 2014
By Chris Stedman — January 1, 2015
As we begin 2015, here's a look back at the most read 'Faitheist' posts from last year—from whether or not atheists can be fundamentalists to why atheists shouldn't call religion a mental illness.
How (not) to respond to grieving friends: An interview with Sara Hagerty
By Jonathan Merritt — December 12, 2014
The popular author shares valuable lessons she learned from years of wrestling with marital difficulties, financial pressure, and a brutal battle with infertility.
10 Commandments for atheists: a guide for nonbelievers who want to explore their values
By Kimberly Winston — November 20, 2014
(RNS) The goal of the book is to encourage atheists and humanists to define what they believe so they can articulate it better, both to themselves and to a broader society that often regards atheists as immoral and untrustworthy.
Anne Lamott offers sneak peek into forthcoming book
By Jonathan Merritt — October 22, 2014
The contents of the bestselling author's next book have been kept under wraps, but she says half of it is about forgiveness and some of it may make "fundamentalists apoplectic."
Quiet time: It’s not just for conservative Christians anymore
By Jonathan Merritt — October 21, 2014
A new anti-devotional devotional features voices from across the religious spectrum and offers something to challenge, encourage, and royally piss off just about everyone.
Interview: Marilynne Robinson on the language of faith in writing
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — October 8, 2014
(RNS) The Pulitzer Prize-winning author explains how church, faith and theology influence her books.
Fall Book Roundup: Marilynne Robinson, Roxane Gay, and more
By Laura Turner — September 25, 2014
Fall is upon us, and with it the release of some great books. Here's a roundup of what should be on your list.
Sam Harris wants atheists – and everyone else – to get spirituality
By Kimberly Winston — September 10, 2014
(RNS) In his new book, "Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion," super-atheist Sam Harris describes how spirituality can and must be divorced from religion if the human mind is to reach its full potential.
The two words that can forever shape your life
By Jonathan Merritt — September 5, 2014
A Christian social entrepreneur says that our choices--when we say "yes" or "no"--has the power to change the course of our lives.
Sweeping away the clutter: A Q&A with Bill Hybels on ‘Simplify’
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 14, 2014
(RNS) Bill Hybels has written a new book, “Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul,” focused on helping people take a hard look at their life choices.
Mark Driscoll’s books pulled from the Southern Baptist Convention’s LifeWay stores
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 11, 2014
(RNS) The action follows Driscoll’s expulsion from a network of churches he helped found.
New book tells story of forgotten black Mormons
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — July 22, 2014
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) A new book by Mormon scholar Russell Stevenson will spread awareness of black pioneers more widely and provide historical support for their contributions to LDS history.
So, you wanna be a writer? Here’s how.
By Jonathan Merritt — July 22, 2014
Do you have a story to tell? I'll help you tell it.
