The Book of the Vedas

Only about 125 pages, but packed with interesting and well organized information on Hinduism. Highly recommended for someone who wants a quick overview. Lots of pictures too!

I found the book hard to put down. It has inspired me to look into Hindu philosophy in more depth and maybe even visiting India soon. I never realized how interesting Hinduism is.

Amazingly, I learned that Hindus are really monotheists - well in a way at least. Bhakti yoga is much like Christianity in basic philosophy.

I have lots more to learn. Will keep you updated.

Out of the Silent Planet

This is the first in the Space Trilogy by CS Lewis.

I found the book to be entertaining, but in some ways unsatisfying. Perhaps, Lewis was a little too subtle for me.

The book has many Christian undertones/messages, and I found in it an interesting parable on racism. It concerns a trip to what seems to be a Mars that is inhabited by three intelligent species. The Silent Planet is Earth. I'll leave you to read it for the details.

It is worth a look, but I have decided not to continue with the trilogy. If you go beyond the first book, and find it is worth it, let me know.

The Jesus I Never Knew

I just finished this book by Philip Yancey and the study guide that goes with it. I was looking for a good introduction to who Jesus was. This worked out pretty well I think.

There is much to recommend here. If the study guide is more than you want to do, then at least read the book. But, they are both very worthwhile. The study guide does have an interesting writeup on movies about Jesus.

These five things I got out of the book should give you a good idea of what it is like:

(1) The worship of success is the form of idol worship; an example given is Hitler in the 1930's.

(2) Don't be like Satan in the desert tempting Jesus; that is, don't expect God to do miracles for you all the time. He respects your freedom so that you can grow.

(3) The Kingdom is partly NOW and partly NOT YET.

(4) The Christian right should be careful about going too far; that is, it has always been bad when the church and the government move too close together.

(5) Just let God love you. I especially liked this one.

I am sure others will find things of interest in addition to some or all of these. Give it a try.