Science and Religion v Spirituality and Health v Character Development v Business and Spirituality
January/February 2004
Issue 17
Coming this spring are three new books that emphasize the expanding inquiry into the relationship between spirituality/religion and health. Faith in the Future: Healthcare, Aging and the Role of Religion, written by Harold G. Koenig and Douglas M. Lawson with Malcolm McConnell, not only defines the foreseeable problem of providing adequate healthcare to an aging population, but it also provides positive solutions. This book is accompanied by Spiritual Caregiving: Healthcare as a Ministry, and The Healing Connection: The Story of a Physician’s Search for the Link between Faith and Health.
Spiritual Caregiving is co-written by Verna Benner Carson and Harold G. Koenig. Together these two authors examine the state of the healthcare system and offer both inspiration and practical tools for healthcare workers to re-claim their sense of purpose. The Healing Connection shares Dr. Koenig’s remarkable personal story and shows how his personal trials became the catalyst for his pioneering research in the role of spirituality and healing.
In the areas of science and religion, two classics will soon become available. The Fire in the Equations: Science, Religion, and the Search for God is by the distinguished author, Kitty Ferguson. Out for the first time in a paperback edition is The Cosmic Blueprint: New Discoveries in Nature’s Creative Ability to Order the Universe by renowned author, Paul Davies. These authors clarify theories by connecting quantum physics, cosmology, origin of life, and the origin of the universe with deep theological questions.
Visit our website for more information about these books: http://www.templetonpress.org/
For a comprehensive listing of books published in the fields of science and religion, visit the Online Science and Religion Bookstore. Here you will find over 1,000 books published by more than 250 publishers. All books are offered at a 20 percent savings off of the retail price. While you are there you will be able to access the Online Research Library and Calendar of Events. You will also be able to read editorial reviews on featured books. Visit today at: http://www.scienceandreligionbooks.org/
Faith in the Future
By Harold G. Koenig, M.D., Douglas M. Lawson, Ph.D., with Malcolm McConnell
“Combining demographic predictions with current examples, Koenig et al. make a convincing case that religion will be an important resource for coping with the coming elder care crisis, which will begin in earnest in 2011 when the first Baby Boomers turn 65. Koenig, a geriatric psychiatrist at Duke University and author of The Healing Power of Faith, has already attracted attention by publishing studies on the health benefits of religious participation—including some findings that are stronger than even most religious believers might have expected. Both membership in a faith community and individual spiritual practice are significantly correlated with longer life spans, shorter hospital stays and reduced incidence of depression. In light of these results, which the authors acknowledge are open to interpretation and further study, they suggest that religious organizations, volunteer networks and especially local congregations will be indispensable in caring for older adults and helping them care for each other. Can these resources actually meet the challenges of demographic shifts, uncontrolled inflation of health care costs and expectations and the tendency of Boomers (and later generations) to have weaker connections to religion and family than today's seniors? That is another question; and as the authors concede, health care and political institutions will be slow to change. But at a minimum, congregational leaders and volunteers will find encouragement for their efforts, and more than likely, a few new reasons and strategies for getting involved.”
—Publishers Weekly, January 2004
NOTE: A recent Newsweek cover story on faith and healing featured Dr. Koenig (Nov 10, 2003). To review this story, please visit the following link: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3339654/
Edited by Audrey R. Chapman and Bernard Spong
“At a time when there is so much conflict and division among social, political and religious groups, this book would serve as a valuable resource. In sharing the experience of one nation and its progress through reconciliation and renewal, it has aided other nations, and therefore, the world. For any course in the area of justice and peace, this book would be very appropriate. . . . Strongly recommend that this book be in the library of every college university and school of theology.”
—Catholic Studies, January 2004
Faithful Finances 101
By Gary Moore
“Faithful Finances 101 is a fine entry into the ongoing fray over financial attitudes of Christian people in an affluent country, and offers a balanced, well-reasoned and scriptural worldview as one possible solution. If you are trying to sort out your perception about money in this land of opportunity, in the light of the scripture, this book is a ‘must read.’”
—The Advisor, 2003
Noble Purpose
The Joy of Living a Meaningful Life
By William Damon
“In this brief volume, William Damon, professor of education and director of the Center on Adolescence at Stanford University, explores the meaning of the quest for a purpose that is really worthwhile. There are chapters on discovering your calling, humility, the psychological and spiritual significance of purpose, and cultivating noble purpose. He concludes with an outline of nine principles that can engender this process. ‘Finding noble purpose,’ he writes, ‘means devoting ourselves to something worth doing and doing it with an honorable manner.’ It is the last half of the equation that requires character, dedication, and imagination.”
—Spirituality & Health, December 2003
The Hand of God
Thoughts and Images Reflecting the Spirit of the Universe
Edited by Michael Reagan
Introduction by Sharon Begley
“This special book is a collection of images from the Hubble telescope. These awe-inspiring images truly reflect the ‘hand of God’ at work within the universe through the vastness and splendor of their beauty. These images bring home to us the infinitesimal nature of both our Earth and of ourselves. This sense of divine proportion at once humbles and astounds us. The images are accompanied by beautiful aphorisms from scientists, artists, and thinkers. All in all, this book could not help but inspire awe in all who view it.”
—The Beacon, January/February 2004
Full reviews may be found on our website at www.templetonpress.org.
The current best sellers for Templeton Foundation Press are listed below. The statistics are an accumulation of both domestic and foreign sales and are updated monthly.
1. The Hand of God
http://www.templetonpress.org/book.asp?book_id=1
2. Noble Purpose
http://www.templetonpress.org/book.asp?book_id=61
3. Spirituality in Patient Care
http://www.templetonpress.org/book.asp?book_id=47
4. Worldwide Laws of Life
http://www.templetonpress.org/book.asp?book_id=21
5. Inside the Mind of God
http://www.templetonpress.org/book.asp?book_id=49
6. Forgiveness and Reconciliation
http://www.templetonpress.org/book.asp?book_id=39
Books from Templeton Foundation Press are available at better bookstores and through our website at www.templetonpress.org. You may also order by calling our distribution center at 800-621-2736. Please Note: In order to take advantage of our monthly specials orders must be placed via our website or by calling the distribution center with the applicable code number. Orders placed through our website receive a 20 percent discount.
Templeton Foundation Press
5 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 120
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Email: tfp@templetonpress.org
TFP Newsletter is a periodic update from Templeton Foundation Press.
Do you know someone who would like to become a friend of the Press? Please forward this email to their attention or have them visit our website for easy registration.
To subscribe: http://www.templetonpress.org/friendsofthepress.asp
To unsubscribe or to change your email address, send an email to: pvergilio@templetonpress.org
©2004 Templeton Foundation Press. All rights reserved.