This book is for Christian readers of fiction who might experience difficulty trying to make an informed choice beyond what is being published by evangelical presses. Marketed to a specific target audience, evangelical fiction oftentimes leaves a reader with a strong emotional response but lacks the literary depth or the breadth of subject that could inspire life-changing spiritual growth. With this premise at the heart of her book, Connie Wineland includes her own story of conversion to Christianity by way of reading fiction. During her late twenties and early thirties, particularly while in graduate school, Wineland became immersed in literary and rhetorical studies while also practicing an Eastern form of religion as well as Native American spirituality. However, despite all her training in literary theory, her readings in Romantic, Victorian, modern, and postmodern literature (which she explains), as well as her personal interest in mythology and world religions, kept her questioning the existence of God and the possible nature of God. Then, as a relatively new convert to Christianity, she faced several challenges at a small Christian college where she taught literature and writing courses. Eventually wanting to reach beyond the academic community, Wineland began a local Christian readers' group, which she ran for four years. She includes in this book resources and materials such as sample syllabi and study-guide questions, useful Web addresses, and plenty of how-to information for starting and running your own book club. Also included is an extensive list of annotated titles of recommended reading to get anyone started!

Open Hearts & Open Minds Open Doors—Volume I & II, intends to stimulate creative thought. John K. Fox, Ph.D., explains the source of his opinions and his approach to creativity and life by referencing his experiences. The Open Hearts & Open Minds Open Doors series is best understood if we consider that the North and South Poles of our Earth, and the flow of Electrical Current, share the same essence as described in the Oriental concept of the Yin and the Yang. That theme-central is that the Female and the Male are not Opposite Sexes—they are Essential-Inseparable-Compatibles. Dr. Fox asserts that the essential difference between the Oriental and the Occidental is well illustrated in the depiction of the fat-bellied Buddha. The Buddha was in truth, a thin man. According to Oriental perception, the belly (the umbilical) represents the center of each person. In moments of personal sadness, the Occidental might say, “my heart is breaking.” The Oriental might be more inclined to feel that the human longing for comfort originates in the abdomen. Yet, we Occidentals share the Oriental abdominal perspective when we reference the inner strength found within a person, colloquially, as, “having guts!”

How do religious educators meaningfully engage adult learners? How do they invite adults to begin a learning journey and inspire them to stay on it? In an era of "spiritual but not religious," how can religious educators, and clergy in particular, respond to the yearnings of adults for connection, wholeness, and purpose? Open Minds, Devoted Hearts offers the examples of three outstanding congregational rabbis whose teaching answers that call to action. Through innovatively incorporating biographical portraits and educational scholarship the book provides a comprehensive exploration of how the themes of narrative, transformation, and spirituality bring adult religious educators and learners into a powerful interactive educational process. The portraits and accompanying analysis reveal how constructing personal meaning and building sacred community through study situates adult learning as a dynamic centerpiece of an energized congregational life.