Hope in Hard Times: Why ‘A More Perfect Union’ Matters Now More Than Ever

Sojourners’ President Rev. Adam Russell Taylor has unifying vision for America in these divided times. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚 “A More Perfect Union” by Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Reissued in Paperback

Broadleaf Books has reissued Rev. Adam Russell Taylor’s timely and compelling work, “A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community,” now available in paperback. (Mixte Communications, 2025)

First published in 2021, this powerful public narrative speaks directly to the fractures and threats facing American democracy today. As the nation confronts deep divisions and looming dangers like Project 2025, Taylor calls for a moral realignment grounded in shared values, inclusive ideals, and a bold vision for unity.

Reimagining the Beloved Community

In “A More Perfect Union,” Taylor draws from the moral vision of the Beloved Community — a concept rooted in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. His approach bridges generational, geographic, class, racial, gender, and ideological divides, aiming to inspire collective action and hope in a time of uncertainty.

A Moral Call at a Crossroads

With a foreword by the late Rep. John Lewis, the 249-page book challenges readers to recognize the pivotal moment we face and to embrace the work of national healing. Taylor’s message is clear: the journey toward a more just and inclusive America must begin now.

“A More Perfect Union” is available in both hardcover and paperback wherever books are sold.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor is president of Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian organization that works to advance justice and peace. He previously led the Faith Initiative at the World Bank Group, served as Vice President of Advocacy at World Vision U.S., was co-founder and executive director of Global Justice, and was selected as a White House Fellow under the Obama administration.


Praise for “A More Perfect Union”:

“America stands on a knife’s edge. If we are to survive this moment, with its pitfalls and perils, we have to figure out how to be together differently.” –  Eddie S. Glaude Jr., author of “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.”

“This essential book reframes and renews the vision from our earliest history, in the civil rights movement, to some of the most hopeful and powerful new examples of it today.” – Jim Wallis, Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, founder of Sojourners, and New York Times bestselling author.

“An urgent and eloquent volume. Adam Russell Taylor invokes history, theology, and organizing experience to make clear that the idea guiding the witness of Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis should be our North Star in leading toward redemption, renewal, and social reconstruction.” – E. J. Dionne Jr., author of “Our Divided Political Heart” and “Code Red.”


Mysticism for the Modern Seeker: A Review of ‘Embodied Kabbalah’ by Matthew Ponak

‘Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All People’ by Matthew Ponak. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Matthew Ponak is a rabbi, a teacher of Jewish Mysticism, and a spiritual counselor. His book “Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All” is a collection of 42 mystical texts with commentary that presents the essential teachings from Kabbalah and places them side-by-side with profound inspirations from our era and the world’s great wisdom traditions.

The never before translated texts shed light on unknown traditions of mystical enlightenment. Fascinating descriptions of the paradoxical nature of reality are placed next to cautionary guidance against travelling too quickly on the road to expanded consciousness. Spiritual practices for dealing with depression and sadness come along with illuminated poetry of what our world could look like if we all tried to be truly loving. Using the stunning visual layouts of traditional Torah commentary, Ponak opens the gateway for Judaism to add its much needed voice to the universal quest for meaning, inner knowing, and rooted transcendence. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Review:

This is a refreshing and accessible exploration of Jewish mysticism, blending ancient wisdom with modern sensibilities. The author’s goal is to give perspectives which emphasize the harmony between the physical and the spiritual.” Unlike many scholarly works on Kabbalah that focus on esoteric theory, Ponak brings a grounded, practical approach, emphasizing how these mystical teachings can be integrated into daily life.

The book is presented as a journey through key Kabbalistic concepts, combined with insights from meditation, embodied spirituality, and psychological well-being. Ponak’s background as a rabbi and spiritual teacher enriches the text, making it deeply rooted in tradition and adaptable for contemporary seekers, regardless of religious background. His writing is clear and inviting, avoiding overly complex jargon while still preserving the depth of the teachings.

By focusing on embodiment—rather than treating Kabbalah as an abstract intellectual pursuit, Ponak encourages readers to experience it through mindfulness, movement, and personal reflection. He does this by including sections on reflection and ways to put into practice the material in our personal lives. This makes it an excellent resource for those seeking a more holistic spiritual practice.

Overall, “Embodied Kabbalah” is a thoughtful and inspiring read, bridging the gap between mysticism and everyday life. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish spirituality, personal growth, or embodied wisdom traditions.

“The practice of connecting with nature can be as simple as spending time outdoors, but preferably in a place that feels less urban. Try taking time each day, for one week, to be in nature: by trees, a body of water, a field, mountains, etc.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Exploring the Intersection of Science and Spirituality in ‘The Miraculous from the Material’

Alan Lightman’s new book ‘The Miraculous from the Material: Understanding the Wonders of Nature’ will be out November 19, 2024. Photo: Amazon.

Books about science and the wonders of the natural world captivate readers with the marvels of the cosmos and the awe-inspiring phenomena of nature. They unravel the mysteries of celestial bodies and open our eyes to the intricate beauty of the world around us. Through engaging narratives and stunning illustrations, these books inspire wonder and curiosity, encouraging us to explore the science behind the beauty that surrounds us, both above and below.

For readers who enjoy books about nature, photography, and science, there’s a new book coming out next month by Alan Lightman that is worth noting.

Alan Lightman earned his PhD in physics from the California Institute of Technology and is the author of seven novels, including the international best seller “Einstein’s Dreams” and “The Diagnosis,” a finalist for the National Book Award. His nonfiction includes “The Transcendental Brain,” “The Accidental Universe,” “Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine,” and “Probable Impossibilities.” He has taught at Harvard and at MIT, where he was the first person to receive a dual faculty appointment in science and the humanities. He is currently a professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. He is the host of the public television series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.

His new book “The Miraculous From the Material: Understanding the Wonders of Nature” is an illustrated exploration of the science behind the universe’s most stunning natural phenomena—from atoms and parameciums to rainbows, snowflakes, spider webs, the rings of Saturn, galaxies, and more. It will be released on November 19, 2024 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Penguin Random House, 2024)

“The Miraculous From the Material: Understanding the Wonders of Nature” – Nature is capable of extraordinary phenomena. Standing in awe of those phenomena, we experience a feeling of connection to the cosmos. For acclaimed physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, just as remarkable is that all of what we see around us—soap bubbles, scarlet ibises, shooting stars—are made out of the same material stuff and obey the same rules and laws. This is what Lightman calls “spiritual materialism,” the belief that we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview.

Pairing 36 beautiful, full-color photos evoking some of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena with accessible and lyrical personal essays, “The Miraculous from the Material” explores the fascinating science underlying the natural world. Why do rainbows make an arc? Why does a particular waterfall at Yosemite National Park sometimes glow like it’s on fire? How does a hummingbird fly? The world has so many things to marvel at—and the science is just as fascinating.

Lightman’s imagination travels from the world of atoms and molecules to the animal kingdom, from places like Ha Long Bay, Vietnam and the Grand Canyon out to the solar system and beyond, illuminating the majesty of the cosmos and the remarkable science behind it. “The Miraculous from the Material” is a stunning, soaring ode to the beauty and wonder around us, and the perfect holiday gift for photography aficionados, life-long learners, and admirers of the natural world.

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Sweet Surprises: A Review of ‘The Bospel of Peppermint’

‘The Bospel of Peppermint’ is the holy book for the Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers. Photo: The Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers.

“The Bobspel of Peppermint” by The Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers is a whimsical journey into a world where peppermint isn’t just a flavor, but a divine essence. It invites readers into a realm where peppermint becomes a sacred symbol, revered by a mysterious group known as the Bobists.

Note: “This book contains content some may consider disturbing, including murder, violence, gore, bigotry, alcohol, language, references to sexual things, and mentions of heterosexuality. Despite no graphic sexual content, this book is very much intended for older audiences. Ultimately, it is up to the reader to decide if it is right for them.”

The print copy has high-quality printing of full-page color artwork. It’s for people who like the ebook enough to want a physical copy of their own. You can purchase it here, but if you just want to read it, you can request a free PDF on their website.

The narrative unfolds with poetic descriptions and mystical rituals, drawing readers into a universe where the ordinary is elevated to the spiritual. “Nora’s simple slip dress had transformed into a sparkling blue one with flowing, off the shoulder sleeves with navy peppermint striped trim.” Through vivid imagery and complex storytelling, the author paints a portrait of a community bound by their shared devotion to peppermint, exploring themes of belief, ritual, and the power of the senses.

Table of contents:
1. The Book of the Mintauloids
2. The Book of the Stars
3. The Book of Magic
4. The Book of the Mintidote
5. The Book of Performance
6. Bobist Glossary
7. Bobist Art Gallery

The prose is rich with sensory detail, evoking the aroma and taste of peppermint in every chapter. Readers are treated to a variety of cultural practices, social commentaries, and philosophical musings, all centered around this humble herb-turned-idol. The author’s ability to blend spiritual insights with a playful, almost tongue-in-cheek reverence for peppermint is one of its highlights. The other is the bright and colorful illustrations that make the characters come alive. The Bobist Glossary contains an explanation of all the terms used throughout the book.

Overall, “The Bobspel of Peppermint” is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys fantasy mixed with spirituality and a touch of whimsy. It challenges readers to reconsider the ordinary and find magic in unexpected places, making it a unique addition to the genre of speculative fiction. Enjoy the trip!

“When a creative soul writes a story, or paints a picture, or creates anything, really, a new universe is made.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New movie release: Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret

Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret will be showing in limited theaters on March 24, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The highly anticipated film Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret is the follow up from What the Health, (which sat at #1 on Netflix for weeks and even came back at #1 again recently and is executive produced by Joaquin Phoenix) Cowspiracy, (executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Seaspiracy. This new movie explores religion and the farming and animal products industry and is in theaters across the United States on March 20 and 24 only, with encores possible, from Trafalgar Releasing as part of the film’s worldwide release. (Christspiracy, 2024)

Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret – their new film is a dive into Christ’s genuine compassion for ALL living beings including animals and how they uncovered His passion for helping animals – an act of animal activism and kindness that dates all the way back to the days Jesus walked the earth. As Christians across the globe are currently celebrating Lent and draw closer to Palm Sunday and Easter, this is perfect topic to continue to the conversation of how Christ showed his love while here on earth.

Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters show how religious leaders of all faiths have overlooked or even promoted animal exploitation, some thinking they’re teaching what Jesus wanted. Christspiracy asks the question: “Is there an ethical or spiritual way to kill an animal?”

The film features interviews with Oxford University doctors, American priests, and religious leaders from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It shows holocaust survivors and community leaders changing what they teach after witnessing the harrowing truth hidden from the public. The film explores humanity’s relationship with animals and how they ended up on the plates of the human species and how we are living on a planet where over 90 billion animals are enslaved and killed, plus nearly 3 trillion fish killed every year as humans empty the oceans.

“Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret, the latest documentary from Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters, takes us on a philosophical journey to find out the truth in relation to Jesus and the animals. The film explores the answer from many of the world’s religions and exposes unforgiving truths about animal cruelty in the name of religion.” – Oscar-winning actor and animal rights advocate, Joaquin Phoenix.

“Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret has an exclusive discovery about Jesus Christ that has never been shown in theaters before. We believe what we have unearthed will transform history and the future.” – Kip Andersen, president and founder of AUM Films

In Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret, the world-exclusive has been at least double-sourced as they have Oxford University doctors plus senior theologians confirming it. Christspiracy includes teachings from Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism too. It reveals what the world’s religions have hidden from people. Was it deliberate or the gravest mistake and atrocity of all time?”

Tickets are available now online for the March 24 showing.

New book release: ‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ by Jane Kim Yu

‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ is the inspiring new book by Jane Kim Yu. Photo: Amazon

Motivational books can be inspiring and helpful on your spiritual journey of self discovery. This is especially true when the author includes his or her life experiences. Today’s new book release is all about spiritual awakening and discovering yourself. “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” by Jane Kim Yu is an encouraging guide that will help you discover your true self and is filled with advice, tips, and motivational wisdom. If self improvement is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider this amazing new book on self-discovery, self-awareness, and living your best life yet. It is available on Amazon in English and Spanish versions. Don’t wait! Pick up your copy today begin your own journey of awakening.

Dr. Jane Kim Yu holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the renowned St. John’s University. From a young age, she aspired to become an author and share her vision through artistic creation. This dream became reality with the publication of her debut book, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness.” Jane’s work is a testament to her three driving passions: eloquent writing, intricate creative expression, and a deep-seated spirituality. These are demonstrated in her life and through her newsletter Soul Secrets, where she discusses hope, love, life, and the beauty of it all from our humanity to our divinity to the grace that guides our life. Her works bridge the gap between the empirical and the ethereal, resonating with readers and art aficionados alike. (Jane Kim Yu, 2024)

“Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” – Discover the journey of awakening in a new light never seen before. Read about our universal journey of discovery, of awakening to the greatest truth of the land, the truth that reverberates in our very hands, the hands of heart, the very heart of our being, that – you are love.

Through a profoundly rare experience that left the author’s mind silent for nearly half a year, it awakened her own desire to find her fire. The very fire that lit the night sky. The very fire that lives in all our hearts nigh. The very fire, to come alive. These combine into an unforgettable experience that will awaken your inner fire and bring passion and purpose back into your life.

“True spirituality is a true coming alive, for it’s not what you do; it’s who you are. Which means living the life of your dreams on your terms and, most of all, in your heart as the you that you are. Love unleashed.”

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Book review: ‘Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe’ by Ansh Verma

‘Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe’ is the new book by Ansh Verma. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe” is a captivating exploration of the intricate harmony and balance that permeates the cosmos.

“Cosmic Equilibrium: Exploring Balance in the Universe” – This thought-provoking book takes readers on a journey through the fundamental principles governing the universe, from celestial harmony to the laws of nature that underpin the cosmos. It delves into the timeless concept of yin and yang, revealing how opposing forces complement and balance each other on both cosmic and human scales.

From the birth and death of stars to the cyclical rhythms of life on Earth, the book examines the interconnectedness of all existence and the profound role of balance in shaping our universe. It bridges the realms of science, philosophy, and culture, offering insights into the diverse ways different societies have revered and integrated the idea of cosmic balance into their beliefs, ethics, and rituals.

This book also tackles the pressing issue of ecological balance on our planet and its broader implications for the cosmic equilibrium. It invites readers to contemplate their place in the vast cosmic tapestry and to reflect on the significance of balance in their own lives. With a holistic approach that combines scientific discoveries, philosophical reflections, and practical applications, this book serves as an enlightening guide to understanding the delicate equilibrium that sustains our universe and inspires us to find balance within ourselves and the world around us.

Balance is the central theme of this book, primarily yin and yang, the concept that “invites us to explore the eternal interplay of opposites that lies at the core of our reality.” It examines balance and harmony in everything from nature to human life. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific type of balance, including Chapter 2: Celestial Harmony, Chapter 3: Balance in Nature, and Chapter 5: Ecological Balance. Especially interesting is Chapter 4: Cultural Perspectives, which emphasizes how all cultures respect this sense of balance within their respective lifestyles.

The author does so much more than just educate readers on how balance works in nature, he also gives practical advice on how they can achieve balance in their personal lives. This includes balancing work and life, balancing technology and nature, and finding balance in consumption. In his Call to Balance in Chapter 8: Conclusion, he encourages readers to be mindful of their place in the universe to create a more balanced and sustainable future for everyone. As we are all connected, we all benefit in the end. If you are interested in an in depth study of the cosmos and the importance of balance and harmony, this is the book for you.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Embracing God in the Right Perspective with the Right Foundation of Faith in Him’ by Chris Tham

‘Embracing God in the Right Perspective With the Right Perspective In Him’ by Chris Tham. Photo: Amazon

Chris Tham, a firm believer in the Gospel of Light through Christ Jesus, believes that the greatest joy in life is to discover man’s truthful identity in God and that every living soul in the history of mankind is a child of God. In this book, he writes about how we can discover our true identity in the spiritual realm and how our identity relates to God.

When it comes to religious studies, there are many books out there that can guide readers in their search for a deeper understanding of the Bible. What makes this one different is that it is an intense study of Christianity, God, and everything in between. At over 500 pages and 14 chapters such as Who is God and Who Are You and Who Are The Evil Spirits?, it is not meant to be read straight through; it is a reference guide meant as a companion in studying the Bible. It is heavy in Bible verses and references and often compares biblical themes such as sin, hell, and heaven according to the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran, different religions, and even offers atheist and agnostic views. The goal here is not to convert anyone, because the author is not in preacher mode. He is merely informing readers about intellectual concepts such as personal identity and destiny using biblical verses in a language most readers can understand. Most importantly, it “serves as a good text material for interfaith dialogue.” Some of his views are unconventional and may ruffle some feathers, so it helps to read it with an open mind. For example, he gives the undeniable historical fact that Germany was a Christian country under Adolf Hitler and questions why this was, if “the spirit of God desires for peace and not bloodshed among mankind.”

One highlight is Chapter 3 Knowledge Versus Truth which ponders the question that if we have stubbornly held onto strong beliefs with a closed mind all our lives, how can we differentiate between “is it knowledge or is it the truth.” Overall, it is a heavily researched teaching tool with graphics and bulleted lists that can be useful even for anyone who wants to delve into these topics. It is recommended for readers who like instructional books about the Bible, Christianity, and spirituality and appreciate different viewpoints.

“Before we came into this world, were we given the option to choose which country we wanted to be born in or which family we wanted to be born to? Therefore, some of us are predestined to go to heaven and some are predestined to end up in hell? Once again, is this the divine biblical truth?”

“Embracing God in the Right Perspective with the Right Foundation of Faith in Him” is available on Amazon, eSentral, Goodreads, and Authors Reading.

*This is an honest and heartfelt review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the reviewer.