Religious – Page 2 – Ryan's Book Blog

How the Talmud Can Change Your Life

December 29, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in October of 2023, “How the Talmud Can Change Your Life” Liel Leibovitz illustrates how the ancient teachings of the Talmud provide practical insights and guidance for modern living, addressing a wide array of challenges and moral questions. Leibovitz encourages readers to engage with the Talmud’s rich narratives and debates, revealing its relevance to contemporary issues and personal growth.

My Thoughts

The book was very informative and gave me a much better hold on Jewish thought and Rabbinical teaching, in particular. I enjoy the idea of debate going on throughout time and circumstance to make the scriptures relevant in our day. However, Leibovitz makes the claim that if God Himself made a statement, it would be debated and wouldn’t carry any weight. I can’t get on board with that.

Recommendation

This was a good book as a primer into Jewish writing and theology. Particularly, their cannon of scriptures.

100 Places to See After You Die

October 3, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in June of 2023, Ken Jenning’s “100 Places to See After You Die” is a meta-analysis of the afterlife from every corner of history and popular fiction. From the circles of Dante’s Inferno to the ancient Egyptian underworld to NBC’s The Good Place, this book will help you navigate through all possibilities whether they be sublime or ridiculous.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the start of this book as it was a good summation of ancient to modern beliefs in the afterlife. One of my favorite classes in college was comparative religion and I always found it interesting to see what people believe. However, as the book started to delve away from truth to fiction, I found my eyes glazing over and it was struggle to complete the book. Ken Jennings is a proven master of trivia and while I respect his knowledge and the depths of his research, I didn’t care about much of the material covered.

Recommendation

A good book but the first part was much better than the second.

My First Bible

September 30, 2023 by Ryan

Background

My wife’s parents found a book they gave her when she was 4 years old. It is called, “My First Bible” and there are apparently a million of books with the same title. This version was a very quick read with only about 80 pages or so. Between the old and new testaments is a place for your family genealogy and there is a picture of my then 4 year old wife getting the book.

My Thoughts

First, it is amazing this book survived wherever it had been hiding. It was with her parents and they moved a few years ago. Second, it was fantastic to head the stories and have some connection with the book. I found the stories to be generalized and appropriate for an elementary school child. The author(s) did a great job with the stories and taking the appropriate lessons from them.

Recommendation

A great piece of my personal family’s history.

The Four Loves

June 14, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1960, “The Four Loves” is a non-fiction book written by C.S. Lewis on the nature of love. In this insightful work, Lewis explores love from a philosophical and Christian perspective. Expounding on four distinct categories of love:

Storge: This refers to familial or natural affection, the love between family members, or the love that arises naturally, such as the love between parents and children.
Philia: This represents friendship and the love between friends. It encompasses loyalty, camaraderie, and mutual respect.
Eros: Eros refers to romantic or passionate love. It is associated with desire, attraction, and physical intimacy.
Agape: Agape is unconditional love, often seen as divine or selfless love. It is characterized by compassion, generosity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Lewis delves into the complexities and nuances of each type of love. He examines their strengths, potential pitfalls, and how they relate to one another. Drawing from literature, theology, and personal experiences, Lewis offers profound reflections on the meaning and significance of love in our lives. “The Four Loves” is a timeless exploration of human relationships and emotions that continues to resonate with readers, offering wisdom and understanding on the nature of love.

My Thoughts

I can’t heap enough praise on this book. C.S. Lewis does not tell a story here, rather he is explaining, as plain as he can, the nature of love. I went through it a number of times and still think I’m just scratching the surface.

Recommendation

Read this book!

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget

January 13, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in November of 2020, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget is a book about moving on from trauma.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book and even referred someone in my church to it. It is so hard to let the Savior in and allow that change of heart to happen. (Particularly when there has been injury.)

Recommendation

It’s worth the read

The Book of Mormon

January 5, 2023 by Ryan

Background

First published in March of 1830, The Book of Mormon is the cornerstone book of scripture for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is meant to go hand in hand with the Bible to bring all people to Christ.

My Thoughts

I like to put this in here every now and then when I finish the book. I read a little bit out of it every day so I finish it about once every 8 months or so. Love it or not, it has done me a world of good.

Recommendation

Read it! You won’t regret it.

A Peculiar People: Anti-Mormonism and The Making of Religion in Nineteenth-Century America

December 19, 2022 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2012, A Peculiar People is the narrative of the emergence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the state of the world at the time. J. Spencer Fluhman makes the arguement that “Mormonism” was so persecuted at least partly due to the social and economic issues in mid 17th century America.

My Thoughts

The book tries to keep as neutral as possible. In fact, I’m still not sure if Fluhman is on one side or the other on the debate against my religion. However, it did bring up a number of fairly interesting points about the state of our nation at that time.

Recommendation

I’m on the fence with this one. It was good background knowledge but I didn’t enjoy it. I appreciate the author trying not to pick a side.

The Book of Joy

June 2, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in September of 2016, The Book of Joy is a record of discussions had between Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.

My Thoughts

This was a very interesting book given the context of different spiritual leaders from very different systems of beliefs. However, I felt they did a great job of keeping things positive and working to better humanity.

Recommendation

The book is an engaging read and was a great reminder of all the reasons to remain positive.

The Book of Mormon

April 19, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Book of Mormon is a compilation of books from the ancient Americas. It is another testament of Jesus Christ and works hand in hand with the bible with the goal to teach the gospel.

My Thoughts

I re-read the Book of Mormon every 10 months or so as I read around a chapter a day. When I was 17, I prayed if this book was true and received a witness that it was. Ever since then, I have done my best to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and do what I can to teach others about him. (Even if through my example.)

Recommendation

I hope everyone can read this book.

The Leadership Style of Jesus

February 28, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 1986, “The Leadership Style of Jesus” is a non-fiction book written by historian and theologian Dr. Michael Youssef that explores the leadership principles demonstrated by Jesus Christ during his time on earth. The book draws on the teachings of the Bible and the example of Jesus to provide practical insights into effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership, humility, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. Through a combination of biblical analysis and real-world examples, the book offers valuable guidance for anyone seeking to become a more effective leader, whether in business, politics, or any other area of life.

My Thoughts

Honestly, I didn’t like this book. The concepts are fine but I feel like the author goes well beyond the mark to make points. There were a few places where it was obvious he hadn’t done his research and was just speaking out of religious prejudice.

Recommendation

There were a few gems but I was disappointed in the read.