“The Green Chapel” Substack by Gideon Heugh
I have frequently thought of Shalem when reading posts here — Gideon writes with beauty, nuance, and deep sensitivity. (Available to subscribe and free to read.)
-Laura Lee Ernst, Board of Directors
Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow
…a 1959 novel about a wealthy, middle-aged American who feels unfulfilled and embarks on a spiritual journey to Africa in search of meaning.
-Phillip Stephens, Program Director of Nurturing the Call: Spiritual Guidance Program
How Can I Help? by Paul Gorman & Ram Dass
How Can I Help? by Paul Gorman and Ram Dass is a work we’ve been reading at my Interfaith/Interspirit Seminary One Spirit. I have a bias because Ram Dass has long been my beloved teacher, but I can safely say that anyone in a helping profession, activism, ministry or any desire to be in the world and contribute—and who deals with burnout and fatigue—may find this work a balm of a resource.
-Anna Franklin, Social Media and Registrar
The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
I encountered the poem of the same name through my clinical pastoral education over the past year. In the book, the author expounds upon and explores the themes of the poem, namely, how to live an authentic and spiritually mature life amid inevitable betrayals, losses, and temptations. In days that have often left me feeling down and out, this book has reminded me that resilience comes from cultivating an inner life, grounded in Spirit.
-Jackson Droney, Director of Operations and Online Learning
Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler
Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler was a good read. I was intrigued by the title because it is often hard to keep joy in our lives in the midst of hard times. The author writes of her hard times and how she found joy, which can live alongside grief and loss. Both hardship and joy can coexist.
-Chris Jeffrey, Registrar
Remarkably Bright Creatures directed by Olivia Newman
I enjoyed the new Netflix movie, “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” It is a beautiful story about embracing life through divine human connections and relationships. The story is told from the eyes of a philosophical octopus but don’t be fooled, it’s a deeply human story.
-Tom Sasinowski, Communication Coordinator
Train Dreams by Denis Johnson
I would recommend the novel/movie “Train Dreams” by Denis Johnson. This is a deep meditation on the meaning of life and the challenges of loss and grief.
-Jeff Ross, President of the Board of Directors