Best books for religion & spirituality

Sam Harris

For the millions of Americans who want spirituality without religion, Sam Harris’s latest New York Times bestseller is a guide to meditation as a rational practice informed by neuroscience and psychology. From Sam Harris, neuroscientist and author of numerous New York Times bestselling books, Waking Up is for the twenty percent of Americans who follow no religion but who suspect that important truths can be found in the experiences of such figures as Jesus, the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Rumi, and the other saints and sages of history. Throughout this book, Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow, and that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. Waking Up is part memoir and part exploration of the scientific underpinnings of spirituality. No other book marries contemplative wisdom and modern science in this way, and no author other than Sam Harris—a scientist, philosopher, and famous skeptic—could write it.

D. G. Reagle

In writing this book, I set out with two main goals: to create an accessible resource for anyone curious about life’s big questions, and to satisfy my own quest for answers. While I often find the answers I seek, they frequently lead to more questions—especially on the nature of good and evil. This concept has long intrigued me, and for many, it’s a central question about God. Over the past forty years, I’ve explored these questions across the globe and contemplating the universe’s mysteries. While my conclusions may not resonate with everyone, I hope to guide readers in finding answers that bring them peace. Understanding good and evil can be deeply personal, and I believe there’s no single “right” answer—what matters is discovering a perspective that aligns with your beliefs. Various perspectives on good and evil emerge from religion, philosophy, and influential thinkers, each offering unique insights. Some overlap, while others diverge significantly. I invite you to consider questions like: What defines good and evil for you? Are they universal or culturally specific? Is there a moral foundation, and, if so, whose morals are they? These reflections can encourage deeper exploration and build empathy.

Marc S. Micozzi

**Selected for Doody's Core Titles® 2024 in Complementary & Integrative Health** Get a solid, global foundation of the therapies and evidence-based clinical applications of CAI. Fundamentals of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine, 6th Edition is filled with the most up-to-date information on scientific theory and research of holistic medicine from experts around the world. The 6th edition of this acclaimed text includes all new content on quantum biology and biofields in health and nursing, integrative mental health care, and homeopathic medicine. Its wide range of topics explores therapies most commonly seen in the U.S., such as energy medicine, mind-body therapies, and reflexology along with traditional medicine and practices from around the world. With detailed coverage of historic and contemporary applications, this text is a solid resource for all practitioners in the medical, health, and science fields! - Coverage of CAI therapies and systems includes those most commonly encountered or growing in popularity, so you can carefully evaluate each treatment. - An evidence-based approach focuses on treatments best supported by clinical trials and scientific evidence. - Observations from mechanisms of action to evidence of clinical efficacy answers questions of how, why, and when CAM therapies work. - A unique synthesis of information, including historical usage, cultural and social analysis, current basic science theory and research, and a wide range of clinical investigations and observations, makes this text a focused, authoritative resource. - Global coverage includes discussions of traditional healing arts from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. - Clinical guides for selecting therapies, and new advances for matching the appropriate therapy to the individual patient, enables you to offer and/or recommend individualized patient care. - Expert contributors include well-known writers such as Kevin Ergil, Patch Adams, Joseph Pizzorno, and Marc Micozzi. - A unique history of CAI traces CAM therapies from their beginnings to present day practices. - Suggested readings and references on the companion website list the best resources for further research and study.

Charles M. Mueller, Peter Richardson

Investigations of mysticism often focus on the past while largely ignoring current developments. This book contributes to a reversal of that trend with a rigorous examination of a wide selection of contemporary Buddhist and Christian authors. The focus is on the intriguing intersections and subtle divergences now emerging in areas such as ineffability, nonconceptuality, paradox, inverted agency, unity, and self-dissolution. The analysis combines the theoretical framework of Cognitive Linguistics with a range of methodological approaches, from discourse and thematic analysis to corpus linguistics. Wide-ranging, systematic, and informative, the book is invaluable to all of those interested in the phenomenon of mysticism within the modern world.

Patricia A. Williams

- NEW! Coverage of the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model introduces students to the testing model used on the Next Generation NCLEX® Exam. - NEW case studies and Next Generation NCLEX Exam-style questions give students practice and prepare them for the Next Generation NCLEX Examination. - NEW photos and illustrations show critical skills and procedures. - NEW! Updated guidelines include those from the American Heart Association, The Joint Commission, National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, Dietary Guidelines, and more. - NEW! Expanded Evidence-Based Practice boxes and best practices are highlighted throughout the book.

William M. Johnston

The two-volume Encyclopedia of Monasticism describes the monastic traditions of both Christianity and Buddhism with more than 600 entries on important monastic figures of all periods and places, surveys of countries and localities, and topical essays covering a wide range of issues (e.g., art, behavior, economics, liturgy, politics, theology, and scholarship). Coverage encompasses not only geography and history worldwide but also the contemporary dilemmas of monastic life. Recent upheavals in certain countries are highlighted (Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, etc.). Topical essays subtitled Christian Perspectives and Buddhist Perspectives explore in imaginative fashion comparisons and contrasts between Christian and Buddhist monasticism. Encyclopedia of Monasticism also includes more than 500 color and black and white illustrations covering all aspects of monastic life, art, and architecture.

Thomas Zanzig

The older teens in your parish want a youth ministry program that exposes them to relevant, real-world topics in an active, engaging way. Horizons is an innovative, comprehensive approach to religious education. Its foundation is teacher-led, creative learning strategies that give students ample opportunities for discussion, reflection--and fun! Designed for grades 9-12, Horizons utilizes a module system so that you can combine courses and topics to meet the specific needs of your parish. Seven core courses set the stage for discussing central and foundational themes. Then choose from a wide selection of age-appropriate minicourses to round out your curriculum and craft summer courses, retreats, and youth-group activities. The Youth Ministry Strategies component features more than 65 creative youth activities to complement the Horizons curriculum. And on top of all that, Horizons includes outstanding training resources. You'll be able to create the most engaging and relevant youth ministry program for senior high that is available anywhere.

Navneet Singh

Introduction Religion and spirituality shape our beliefs, values, and understanding of the world. The best books in this genre offer wisdom, guidance, and inspiration, covering sacred texts, philosophical reflections, and modern spiritual explorations. This guide highlights 100 must-read religion and spirituality books, covering various faiths, personal growth, mindfulness, and deep theological insights. Whether you’re a believer, seeker, or scholar, these books will provide valuable knowledge and reflection.

Nhất Hạnh (Thích.)

They see where the Buddhist understanding of the nature of reality and the concept of God come together. Their conversation shows the deep connection between Jesus and Buddha."--BOOK JACKET.

Edward R, Canda, Leola Dyrud Furman, Hwi-Ja Canda

Social workers and helping professionals serve many people who draw upon religion and spirituality to find meaning, thrive, and overcome oppression and obstacles in their lives. The third edition of Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice provides a comprehensive framework of values, knowledge, and skills for spiritually sensitive and culturally appropriate practice with diverse religious and non-religious clients. This classic text contains forty different case examples and stories that vividly illustrate the professional values and ethical principles that guide spiritually sensitive practice. Learning activities at the end of each chapter encourage readers' personal and professional development through self-reflection, dialogue, creative expression, outreach to the community, and skill application. The book also draws connections between spiritual and cultural diversity, gender, and LGBTQI issues. It introduces beliefs, values, and social welfare applications of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Indigenous spiritual perspectives, Islam, Judaism, Existentialism, and Transpersonal and Deep Ecological Theories. Skills for spiritual assessment and spiritually sensitive practices include mindfulness, meditation, ritual and ceremony, forgiveness, spiritually sensitive administration, and engagement with community-based spiritual support systems. For social workers and other professional helpers committed to supporting the spiritual care of individuals, families, and communities, this definitive guide offers state-of-the-art interdisciplinary and international insights as well as practical tools that students and practitioners alike can put to immediate use.