Category Archives: Books on Faith and Spirituality

Reviews of books on faith and spirituality, including interfaith topics and interspirituality, as well as Jewish-Interfaith, by Lauren Zinn at ZinnHouse.

Global Citizenship

I am a world citizen logoA BBC 2016 poll found that more people identify as “global” rather than “national” citizens. I believe this phenomena is  evolutionarily appropriate for our times.

What does it mean to identify with 7.4 billion people on the planet? World citizenship is growing, although it is less common in industrialized nations. I could speculate as to why, but I want to focus on the meaning of identifying as a global citizen.

Who is a global citizen?

Continue reading Global Citizenship

“Caravan of No Despair” by Mirabai Starr

book cover for Caravan of No DespairWhen I met Mirabai Starr at an Interspiritual Conference in Arizona, I got the cliff-note version of her now latest book, Caravan of No Despair. This 275 page edition of her spiritual transformation fueled by her daughter’s death invites readers through her darkest despair as she holds our hands through the process.
Continue reading “Caravan of No Despair” by Mirabai Starr

“The Year the Trees Didn’t Die” by Mary Koral

Though not an interfaith book, this story has inter-ness all over it. Interracial, intercultural, international. Such inter-connectedness is a hallmark of the interfaith movement. This mom deserves gratitude for paving an inter-way. Continue reading “The Year the Trees Didn’t Die” by Mary Koral

“How’s Your Faith?” by David Gregory

imgresI don’t watch television journalism, so I didn’t recognize David Gregory’s name from  Meet the Press when his memoir came to my desk. But the title got my attention. How’s Your Faith? is a courageous testimony by an adult child of intermarriage whose own interfaith marriage sparks his spiritual journey. Raised as a Jew, he marries a devout Christian only to realize  his relationship with religion, and ultimately, with himself, needs attention.  Continue reading “How’s Your Faith?” by David Gregory

Light on Wonder’s Shadow (2 of 2)

UnknownWhile reading Wonder, I wondered: Why did the author, R.J. Palacio, exclude the perspective of Julian, the boy who “bullies” the main character Auggie Pullman? Auggie narrates his story of starting school for the first time, as a fifth grader, with a severe craniofacial abnormality. We also hear his story from the perspective of other young characters (friends, sibling, sibling’s friends) who care about him. Told in chapters of their own, their perspectives add sensitivity and movement. Why don’t we hear from the bully? Is there a backstory that explains his behavior without condoning it?  Continue reading Light on Wonder’s Shadow (2 of 2)

“Minefields & Miracles” Reviewed

“You don’t really know someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”

MMFnlcoversmallTo read Minefields and Miracles: Why God and Allah Need to Talk by Ruth Broyde Sharone is to walk in the shoes of a serious and accomplished interfaith activist. Readers will see the difference that one person can and is making in this world. I happen to know Ruth and I can tell you that conversations with her are as inspiring as her memoir, if not more. Continue reading “Minefields & Miracles” Reviewed