BEACON: Ex Libris

MAY 2012

May Recommendations

Thank you, thank you for supporting the used book sale several weeks ago.  We received many wonderful books which we were able to sell at excellent prices.  The unsold books are given to the Oak Park Public Library.  It seems to be a
win-win-win for everyone.

Here are some books we are recommending to you this month:

F. Jay Deacon served at Unity Temple for a number of years.  He returned to New England to continue his ministry. We are carrying his book, MAGNIFICENT JOURNEY: RELIGION AS LOCK ON THE PAST OR ENGINE OF EVOLUTION.  Jay writes about the catastrophic environmental dangers  that are facing the planet, well-documented by current  science.  The church must not ignore the fragility of life.  He sees the need for humanity to separate from religion which binds human-kind to a primitive, naive and barbaric past and move to religion leading to spiritual evolution in human culture. Jay's ideas continue to be challenging and demanding as he observes and moves in contemporary life.  Currently he is pastor at the Unitarian Church in Andover, New Hampshire.

It's Spring, and we are focused on the richness of the world.  In THE WAY OF THE BUTTERFLY  by Jim Rigas we look at the whole of life in a "scientific speculation on God and the hereafter.  This retired engineer with advanced
degrees in business and computer science turns to heady questions of souls surviving death, existence of God, evil, free will and life's purpose.  These 182 pages are obviously jam-packed and certainly a stimulating source of interest and perhaps, discussion.

Have you wondered "what is beautiful"?  Chrispin Sartwell, a syndicated columnist and teacher  writes in SIX NAMES OF BEAUTY about experiencing beauty in  the world and human life in a tone which does not use jargon or weighty rhetoric. Antjony Dartes  writes that this book is "an antidote to those that believe aesthetics is marginal or minor, and a treat for those who realize that beauty is what gives value to life at its best."

Ex Libris is open second and fourth Sundays.  Please step in.  We value your recommendations and ideas.