Library

This is a list of books that were (or are) important in shaping my religious thought. If I were building my library from scratch, I would choose the books marked with an (*) first.

The Eternal Message of Muhammad by Abd-al-Rahman Azzam, translated by Caesar E. Farah

(*) Stealing Jesus: How Fundamentalism Betrays Christianity by Bruce Bower

One person's view of liberal Christianity, which looks rather different than fundamentalist Christianity. Interesting and thought-provoking, it challenges Christian fundamentalism, not by finding picky problems in the Bible, but by moving to a deeper, less literal and more symbolic religion. While about Christianity, the themes here on liberal religion are useful for any religion, and the demolition of the stereotypical Christian image is worth the read alone.

(*) From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives by Robert Fulghum

A wonderful book that talks about how rituals throughout our lives connect us with the sacred. The stories are sometimes slow, but the discussion about what ritual is and why people do it is excellent.

Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations by Alexander Carmichael

Full of beautiful poems and prayers. Although there is some dispute about how historical the writings are (some believe that Carmichael embellished the poems; others believe that he fabricated many of them), there is little dispute about the beauty of the writing. The poetry is an interesting blend of Pagan and Christian beliefs.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

Even non-Wiccan Pagans should read this, given the large percentage of Wiccans (or Wiccanesque religions) within Neopaganism. This book, to many older trad-based Wiccans, represents a slide into "eclectic mish-mash Wicca" -- even so, it has a good overview of Wiccan theology and has some useful tips for non-Wiccan solitaries.

The Celtic Consciousness edited by Robert Driscoll

The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy by Ronald Hutton

While this is commonly considered a classic within Pagan circles, I've heard some criticism of it from other Celtic historians. In general, this book is interesting and easy to read - and talks a great deal about the limitations and problems of reconstructing historical worship, but shouldn't be consider the "end all" of Celtic history that many Neopagans seem to believe that it is.

(*) The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James

One of the best works on religion and psychology, and although old, still applicable and interesting.

Call to Connection: Bringing Sacred Tribal Values in Modern Life by Carole Kammen & Jodi Gold

The Three Pillars of Zen by Roshi Philip Kapleau

The Apple Branch: A path to Celtic Ritual by Alexei Kondratiev

After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path by Jack Kornfield

This is useful to read about 6-10 months after conversion. Although it is written by a Buddhist (and hence, uses mostly Buddhist or the occasional Christian example), it has a number of important things to say about the benefits of maintaining a regular religious practice. When the initial enthusiasm and newness of a particular religious path fades, this describes how to transform into a more mature and older follower of religion.

On Death and Dying: What the dying have to teach doctors, nurses, clergy, and their own families by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

A wonderful book and valuable read, even though it is not strictly related to spirituality. This is the book that introduced the five stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The five stages have since been shown to apply to a number of other areas of life. The Unitarian Universalist church here had a series of sermons on how these five stages applied to the death of a world view.

(*) A Circle of Stones: Journeys and Meditations for Modern Celts by Erynn Rowan Laurie

Gives instructions for creating a Circle of Stones, a ritual device akin to a rosary. Highly recommended; this, along with A Book of Pagan Prayer and The Pagan Family would make an excellent beginner's triology.

How to Meditate: A Guide to Self-Discovery by Lawrence Leshan

One of the clearest and most concise guides to meditation.

Till we have Faces by C.S. Lewis

A wonderful retelling of the myth of Psyche and Cupid. While there are clear theological overtones, many of them are applicable to a wide variety of religions.

(*) Celtic Devotional: Daily Prayers and Blessings by Caitlin Matthews

Sadly, this book is out of print, although it is still pretty easy to find. It is a book of days -- that is, it has a small devotion that is to be done each morning and evening, and has changes for each of the seasons of Samhain, Beltane, Lughnassah, and Imbolc. A review of it can be found here.

(*) Anything by Miss Manners

Yes, seriously. Many Pagan religions elevate courtesy and hospitality to the level of a sacred obligation. Looking at ancient social practices is useful to see what religious beliefs were behind them. Ultimately, though, modern etiquette is the living tradition of such practices.

(*) The Archaeology of Ritual and Magic by Ralph Merrifield

An excellent book; you can see a summary of it here.

Her Words: An anthology of poetry about the Great Goddess edited by Burleigh Muten

Although clearly a book that follows the "all Goddesses are one Goddess" theology, there is still a good deal of beautiful and relevant poetry in this book, from both ancient and modern times.

(*) A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine by John K. Nelson

An amazing book, describing a living pagan religion.

(*?*) Spirits of the Sacred Grove by Emma Reinstall Orr

I have a review of this book here. This particular review is somewhat lukewarm; I think that, for me, the book would have been more useful if it had been one of the first books I read, instead of one of the last Neopagan books I read. As such, I can't decide if it should have a (*) or not.

(*) The Pagan Book of Prayer by Ceisiwr Serith

An excellent book; I'd probably buy it shortly after The Pagan Family if I were restarting my library. There is a review of it here.

(*) The Pagan Family: Handing the Old Ways Down by Ceisiwr Serith

An excellent book for beginners, although sadly, it is out of print. It can be found with out of print searches, although some patience is required. If only choosing one Neopagan book, I would recommend this one, even with the out of print caveat. There is a review of this book posted here.

The Religions of Man by Huston Smith

A good overview of a variety of different religions. Nothing deep, but will at least give a passing familiarity with what else is out there.

The Pagan Book of Living and Dying: Practical Rituals, Prayers, Blessings, and Meditations on Crossing Over by Starhawk, M. Macha Nightmare & the Reclaiming collective

An excellent book, particularly for those who are close to elderly relatives. I have a review of it here.

The Content of Our Character : A New Vision of Race in America by Shelby Stele

While this might seem an odd selection for a religious library, it has a refreshing look at victimization that I think is directly applicable to Neopaganism. In essence, he argues that claiming victim status, while immediately rewarding and productive, produces long term conditions that ultimately worsens the original problem. We would do well to avoid repeating, in the name of religion, some of the mistakes that have been made in the name of race. This book inspired the essay I wrote about victimization.

Zen Buddhism: Selected Writings of P.T. Suzuki edited by William Barrett

An excellent guide to Zen, well-written and illuminating.

Religions of Japan in Practice edited by George J. Tanabe, Jr.

Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

A wonderful quarterly magazine. Their home page, along with sample articles, can be found here.

I also highly recommend the sermons by Davidson Loehr, a Unitarian Universalist pastor in Austin, Texas. In particular, the piece The ABCs of Religion had a profound effect on me.

Finally, these links might be of interest.