A familiar list I’m sure. : ROD’S RECOMMENDED READING (Updated on my 75th Birthday) Selected books which have impacted my life and remained “friends” for all these years. C. S. Lewis, MERE CHRISTIANITY An old friend since high school days. Basic stuff that started my journey. Lord Dunsanay, THE KING OF ELFLAND’S DAUGHTER Fantasy. The Other World (in the midst of this world). Paul Tillich, THE SHAKING OF THE FOUNDATIONS Great sermons of one of the twentieth century’s greatest theologians. Includes “You Are Accepted,” a moving description of the experience of grace. Isaac Asimov, FOUNDATION Classic SF. H. Richard Niebuhr, THE MEANING OF REVELATION The ‘story of our lives’ from the inside of the faith community. John L. Epps, Editor, BENDING HISTORY, TALKS OF JOSEPH WESLEY MATHEWS A founder of the Order: Ecumenical lays out the practical applications of 20th century theology for living and renewing the local church and society. D. H. Lawrence, SELECTED POEMS DHL, a Christian poet or just saying it the way it is? The Modern Reader’s Bible, THE BOOK OF JOB Job ponders suffering, the advice of ‘friends,’ and the limits of his existence. David Darlington, ANGELS’ VISITS, AN INQUIRY INTO THE MYSTERY OF ZINFANDEL The pleasure and joys of a good Zin. Charles Hedrick, Editor, WHEN FAITH MEETS REASON, RELIGION SCHOLARS REFLECT ON THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS Such diversity! Herman Hesse, THE JOURNEY TO THE EAST If you are on a spirit journey don’t lose your violin or snub your canine friends. Friedrich Heer, THE MEDIEVAL WORLD A passionate portrait of the so-called ‘dark ages.’ A lot of ferment and innovation was happening! Nikos Kazantzakis, REPORT TO GRECO A bubbling vat of sensual experience, intellectual ideas and spirit wisdom is captured in this autobiography. Nikos Kazantzakis, THE SAVIORS OF GOD, SPIRITUAL EXERCISES The distillation of a life’s spiritual odyssey. Moving, powerful and poetic, very inspirational. May be out of print. Ocatavio Paz, THE LABYRINTH OF SOLITUDE, LIFE AND THOUGHT IN MEXICO Somewhat dated, but a ‘must read’ if you are planning a trip to Mexico. T. Harry Williams, HUEY LONG The best biography of Huey. Saint or demagogue? The chapter on how the first woman Senator in the US was elected on her own right is a marvelous description. William Dale Jennings, THE RONIN Based on a zen myth, you won’t be able to put it down. Are you looking for results in life? This will give you pause. A must read! May be very hard to find. Robert Bly, THE LITTLE BOOK ON THE HUMAN SHADOW Jungian psychology 101. Robert W. Funk, HONEST TO JESUS ‘The Book’ summarizing NT criticism by the leading scholar behind the Jesus Seminar. Frank Herbert, DUNE Missional discipline, the Order and environmental stewardship in one SF potboiler! Robert W. Funk and Roy W. Hoover, THE FIVE GOSPELS, THE SEARCH FOR THE AUTHENTIC WORDS OF JESUS The summary of the work of the Jesus Seminar. What did Jesus really say? Herman Hesse, SIDDARTHA The Buddha’s life story.