Books Category

Chaim Bentorah’s book Does the Bible Really Say That? examines “20 Seeming Biblical Contradictions.” Contradictions such as the following:

• “If God is filled with wrath and rage, then that is contradictory to His perfect love.”
• “If Jesus is God incarnate, that is God in human form, then how can He forsake Himself?”
• Does the phrase ‘Render Unto Caesar’ really mean to pay your taxes?
• “In Genesis God ‘repented’ that he made man and then in Numbers God does not ‘repent.’ Does God repent?”
• “If Jesus Christ makes no distinction between men and women (Galatians 3:28),” then why does it seem the Apostle Paul forbids “women to speak in churches and teach men?”

Because of his extensive study of Semitic languages, Chaim Bentorah’s Biblical word studies have opened the Bible for me in deeper and more meaningful ways enhancing my walk with God. I am truly thankful for his Spirit-filled insights which often reach past patriarchal and ideological conditioning.

What is “life after life after death” and what does it look like? What is the real meaning of salvation? How “is God going to redeem and renew his creation through human beings and how is He going to rescue those humans themselves as part of the process but not as the point of it all?”  What really happened on Easter and how does it affect the mission of the church? If any of these questions intrigue you, then Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, The Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright is the book for you.

“The Divine Dance” by Richard Rohr with Mike Morrell was a challenging book to read. Not because it was difficult to understand, quite the opposite; it is easily read. But because I could not decide whether to read it slowly, taking my time to savor the many, many insights and revelations. Or to read it quickly so I could read it again and again for the very same reason. I decided on the first and, quite possibly, will read it at least once more because I enjoyed the dance so much.

About this book, Irish lyricist and philanthropist, Bono says, “A beautiful choreography for a life well lived.” I couldn’t agree more.

Enthralled with The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, my 9-year-old granddaughter recommended—no, insisted—that I read it and I am glad I did! I read mostly non-fiction these days, but historical fiction has always been a favorite and this one did not disappoint. In fact, I found myself wishing I was still an educator so that I could create and teach a unit based on this moving novel. What captivated me most in the story was the healing power of redemptive love. I cannot wait to read the sequel, The War I Finally Won, which my granddaughter is currently reading, and then together share our experience.

One of my favorite places to visit, close to my home, is the local Catholic church, St. James.  I go there to get away from the noise and cacophony of life.  The silence in the sanctuary envelopes my soul like a warm blanket on a snowy day.  The whole world seems to pause in absolute quiet.  I enter into the stillness overwhelmed by the cultural clamoring clatter and leave feeling completely calm and peaceful.

This is how I felt while reading Chaim Bentorah’s book, Journey Into Silence:  Transformation Through Contemplation, Wonder and Worship.  With heart-bearing insights, he demonstrates the value and necessity of reflective solitude.  Walk with Chaim Bentorah on his three silent retreats and come to know just how very much you are loved.

“You believe that your lives are supported by a monetary economy, that economy is only an illusion. The world itself is but an economy of prayer. This is what you must learn. This must become your devotion. The world is nothing but prayer.”

Clark Strand and Perdita Finn took me on a journey of their discovery of “The Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary” and by the end, the peace I felt within was nothing short of knowing “the world is nothing but prayer.” The Way of the Rose is an inspirational, enlightening, and beautiful read.