Click to read our Cover Story.
What a 6th Century Text Can Teach Us About Our Communities Today
WELCOME JUDITH VALENTE—You’ve probably read her, heard her or seen her over the years—most likely on public television or radio reporting on an intriguing religious practice. We have occasionally welcomed her to the pages of our online magazine over the past decade. Now, Judith is back with a fascinating book that connects ancient wisdom with the turbulent problems we face today.
In fact, her book is so timely that we invited Judith to write our Cover Story, this week, focusing in particular on wisdom from the 6th Century Rule of St. Benedict about leadership—drawing on just one of the nearly two dozen reflections in her new book. This is a terrific choice for holiday gift giving. You—or someone you love—may want to read a chapter a day for several weeks.
How are monastic values relevant today?
Judith answers: “Immigration, health care, care of the environment—there are echoes of each of these issues in the Rule. Long before church leaders and progressive politicians began touting health care as a right, St. Benedict identified “care of the sick” as a sacred trust. The Rule also offers a counter-balance to the debate on immigrants and refugees. Throughout history, monasteries have been obliged to open their doors to whomever knocks, and to ‘treat all guests as Christ.’ Benedict was also one of the earliest environmentalists. Finally, in a time of so much political division, it is important to remember what Benedict says about creating a civil society: ‘Be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior.’ ”
Relevant? Certainly. Spiritually challenging? Definitely. As 2019 looms just four weeks away, you may want to start the New Year with a month-long pilgrimage through Judith Valente’s new book.
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Click the photo to read the PW article.
ANOTHER INSIGHTFUL BOOK FOR 2019
CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Anni Reinking, who is publishing a thought-provoking book about the racial challenges faced by a growing number of American families. Anni’s upcoming book was just selected by Publishers Weekly (PW) magazine in its roundup of Notable African-American Titles. As PW describes the upcoming book: “Reinking, an academic researcher and mother of a biracial son, recounts her experiences as the white mother of a black child who is striving to understand and prepare him for the world of racial bias and discrimination he will have to navigate.” Stay tuned to ReadTheSpirit magazine for news about the release of Anni’s book.
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HOLIDAYS: Seasons of Light
HANUKKAH—Although Hanukkah is a relatively minor Jewish festival, it is one of the most easily recognizable Jewish observances each year to non-Jews. This year, in particular, this celebration of religious freedom is timely in the face of a rising tide of anti-Semitism in the U.S.
ADVENT—This year, in an unusual convergence, Hanukkah coincides with the Western Christian season of Advent, which also is marked by the lighting of candles. Eastern Christians began their reflective period of preparation for Christmas, the Nativity Fast, weeks earlier.
ST. NICHOLAS DAY—All Christians unite in celebrating St. Nicholas on December 6—the religious figure behind the tales of Santa Claus. Stephanie Fenton has this story, too, including helpful links to the world’s biggest St. Nicholas website!
HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING—As you plan for the holidays, consider giving great books to the readers you love. To help, we’ve published an overview of some terrific gift-giving ideas, whatever your year-end occasion might be. And, please, consider sharing this column with friends. Speaking for our entire family of authors: We all hope you’ll join us in encouraging Peace on Earth!
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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‘SHOULD I MENTION MY DOG?’
HOW TO WRITE YOUR BIO—This week’s Front Edge Publishing column explores a subject relevant to many of our readers—whether you’re an author, or not. David Crumm’s column explores The Art of the Author Bio. Even if you’re not a writer, these principles may inspire you to rethink your own style of introducing yourself. These days, millions of Americans create “bios” for everything from work-related websites to social media.
Our guest star this week in David’s column is humorist Bob Alper—and his dog Barney. Bob’s a master at introducing himself—and Barney, too. And, wait! There’s more! We’ve got a wonderful video of Barney in action.
Want to learn more about publishing today? Please, share this home address with friends: www.FrontEdgePublishing.com
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FAITH & FILM: Ed McNulty
Click the movie still to read Ed’s review.
ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:
- THE GRINCH—Looking for a great holiday movie? Ed raves about this new version of the classic, writing: “My fears that this expansion of the original 26-minute Dr. Seuss’s classic would be as bad as the 2000 bloated version were quickly laid to rest as this zany animated film unfolded on screen. And, you really do need to see on a big screen the gorgeous scenes of Whoville and the mountains to fully appreciate their intricate detail!” (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- LOSS PREVENTION—Looking for a suspenseful thriller? This film’s got lots of violence and chases. But there’s not much substance to the tale. (3 stars)
- THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER WEB—Another kind of violent thriller is this fourth volume in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. The novel wasn’t written by the original author and the material is more predictable. (3 stars)
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD—And, now, for some more encouraging news: Ed enjoyed the latest movie in the Harry Potter franchise and recommends it. (4.5 stars)- BOY ERASED—This gripping film about an evangelical family sending their son to a so-called gay “conversion” camp is sure to promote good discussions, Ed writes in recommending the movie. (4.5 stars)
- VIPER CLUB—Susan Sarandon is terrific as the fierce mother of an American journalist who is captured by terrorists in Syria and held for ransom. (4 stars)
- THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS—Ed writes, “For those seeking family fare Disney’s fantasy film is a visual treat, but story-wise rather bland.” (3 stars)
- CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME—Ed gives 4 stars to this biographical film about real-life biographer-turned-forger Lee Israel. Melissa McCarthy plays the main character in a way that’s both true to the quirky life of the real writer—yet compelling for viewers.
- THE HATE U GIVE—Ed says this is the one film all Americans should be sure to see this year. (5 out of 5 stars)
- FIRST MAN—This film tells us as much about Neil Armstrong the family man as it does Armstrong the astronaut. (5 stars)
- GENERATION WEALTH—Another can’t-miss-it documentary is Lauren Greenfield’s thought-provoking project, both in book and cinematic forms. (4 stars)
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