34 Comments

You can get all of these books (and more) at Hearts & Minds Books in Dallastown, PA, online at https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/.

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Excellent idea!

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So many great books!! Christian nationalism is growing here in Canada, too.

Not sure if this is the place to share something off FB, but one post caught my eye yesterday, from The Episcopal Church - Community's Ed Jansen: "I totally get how someone self-identifying as something that doesn't match their outer appearance can be confusing. Some of yall been identifying as Christians all this time and it's got the rest of us stumped."

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Thank you for this list Kristin. Particularly for the Bonhoeffer recommendation. I read Metaxis' years ago and was looking for a recommendation for a more historically faithful account of Bonhoeffer's life. I've ordered Marsh's biography.

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Laugh out loud moment: looking for Disarming ... on Amazon and get this paired recommendation for Ken Ham 's The Lie (about evolution). Must be both are recent paperback on "religious" themes, but seem unlikely to appeal equally to targeted reader.

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Thank you so much for the kind words, Dr. Du Mez! 🥹🥹🥹

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My pleasure, but didn’t we discuss how you’re supposed to call me Kristin?

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We did! But I didn’t know if everyone else was supposed to know I was your favorite. My bad!

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😂

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Your tree looks gorgeous just the way it is. Even more decorative than the wonderful German Christmas trees we see all over the villages and countryside. White lights (simulating candles) all that is needed. Only things which would make it more lovely would be all those books under the tree.

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Thank you, Kristin, for your book list. Another good one by a pastor on these topics is, The Myth of a Christian Nation, by Greg Boyd. It came out post-9/11 but seems even more relevant now.

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Yes, a classic!

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I appreciate your book list as well as your books and letters. I'm grateful God has given you platforms and a voice to teach and lead. I'd like to recommend David Swanson's book, Plundered, the tangled roots of racial and environmental injustice. https://dwswanson.com/plundered/ He also wrote Rediscipling the White Church. May this Advent Season fill you with the gift of "God with us" as we wait. Thank you for all you do!

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Thanks for the recommendation!

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Great list Kristen. Thanks for these. I think your tree looks just dandy. Make some red bows and keep it simple this year. I had a friend who did that after a really rough year and she liked it so well, she's kept with that for the last 15 years.

I should note I don't even have a tree yet.

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Thanks so much, Dr. Du Mez. In South Bend I recommend Brain Lair Books and in Goshen, Fables Books

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Many people put up their tree from December 1 or the start of Advent but my wife follows the Catholic tradition.

When should Catholics put up their Christmas tree?

One option would be to wait until Gaudete Sunday — the “pink” Sunday of the third week of Advent — when the church's prayers specifically tell us to rejoice at the closeness of Jesus' upcoming birthday. Another liturgically fitting day to set up a Christmas tree would be Dec. 17, one week before Christmas Eve.

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Thanks for the recommended books and resources. On Bonhoeffer, you are missing his most profound, best book, Ethics. Its very helpful for finding our way through today's chaotic and ideologically loaded times. Peace, John

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Ex-evangelical here. I'm very intrigued by this list of books. Saving this for future reference!! Thanks for compiling what seems to be a great list!

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Thanks for these recommendations!

I agree with previous commenters Carol and Linda that your tree 🎶 right this very minute 🎶 doesn't look sad, it looks sweet, merry, beautiful. If your usual look for it, that you're planning to get to, is much heavier and fuller, that's fine. All blessings for your 🎶 carols on the spinet 🎶 .

Really like your subtle placement of yourself the photographer in this photo. It's downright Dutch Old Masters...

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Thank you for noticing! I agree.

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Thank you so much! Lots of great stuff here to share with my people. 💜

Recommending my local bookstore:

https://www.aseatatthetablebooks.org/

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I don't know Kristin, I think the simple green with just the lights is absolutely lovely. Advent and Christmas blessings to you and your family!

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