Interdisciplinary Book and Film Reviews

    Stuck: Why We Can’t (or Won’t) Move On     by Anneli Rufus   Reviewed by   Geoffrey W. Sutton In Stuck ,  Anneli Rufus explores the intriguing problem of our tendency to get stuck in many areas of our life. Whether it’s being trapped in the wrong relationship, career, or town, or simply struggling with stubborn habits, many of us find ourselves immobilized. Rufus combines interviews, personal anecdotes, and cultural criticism to explore the dreams we hold dear and the road to achieving them. When faced with the possibility of change, our minds play tricks on us. We convince ourselves that we “can’t make it” or that it’s “not worth the effort.” In a time of unprecedented freedom and opportunity, why do so many feel powerless and unsure? Rufus uncovers a complex web of potential causes, from fear and denial to societal messages that reinforce our helplessness. The book also shares stories of those who have broken free and those who ...

  The Bible Now By Richard Elliott Friedman & Shawna Dolansky   2011 Reviewed by    Geoffrey W. Sutton In their thought-provoking book, The Bible Now , Friedman and Dolansky delve into the Hebrew Bible, exploring its relevance to contemporary social and political issues. The authors meticulously examine what the Bible actually says—or doesn’t say—about a wide range of topics, including homosexuality, abortion, women’s status, capital punishment, and environmental concerns . The Bible has long been a touchstone for moral and ethical debates, but it is often misused or misunderstood. Friedman and Dolansky aim to rectify this by shedding light on the biblical texts, revealing their true intent and context. Here are some key insights from their work: Homosexuality :  Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not clearly condemn homosexuality. While the story of Sodom is often cited, it does not specifically address same-sex relationships. Addi...

  Thriving with Stone Age Minds: Evolutionary Psychology, Christian Faith, and the Quest for Human Flourishing (BioLogos Books on Science and Christianity) By Justin L. Barrett   and Pamela Ebstyne King On AMAZON Reviewed by   Geoffrey W. Sutton I’m in the process of writing about irreconcilable differences between Christianity and psychology. Thriving with Stone Age Minds surprised me. Not only does Barrett affirm evolution but he explains evolutionary psychology and how it may relate to Christian theology. *** Thriving with Stone Age Minds: Evolutionary Psychology, Christian Faith, and the Quest for Human Flourishing by Justin L. Barrett delves into the intersection of evolutionary psychology, Christian theology, and human flourishing. In this thought-provoking work, Barrett and co-author Pamela Ebstyne King explore how our evolutionary past shapes our present minds, relationships, and behaviors. The book begins by acknowledging the controversy sur...