Imagine Ken Wilber’s wide-angle lens on consciousness and systems theory blended with the grounded spiritual honesty of Barbara Brown Taylor. That gives you a sense of what Spiritual Edge offers. Joran Slane Oppelt writes from the liminal spaces where religion meets transformation, where doctrine gives way to dialogue, and where ancient questions are reframed for a searching, postmodern world.
For those of us curating resources in the Northeastern Ohio Synod, this book feels especially timely. Many communities are asking what it means to be church in a time when fewer people identify with religious institutions but still seek meaning, connection, and transcendence. Spiritual Edge does not dwell on decline. Instead, it recognizes this shifting landscape as fertile ground for growth and reimagining.
Oppelt approaches this terrain with clarity and curiosity. His work is deeply interspiritual, yet it holds deep respect for tradition. He writes for those who have grown disenchanted with rigid systems but remain committed to the spiritual life. This book gives voice to the evolution of faith, not as a departure but as an unfolding.
Spiritual Edge is a compelling resource for clergy, adult formation leaders, and anyone interested in the intersections of spirituality, science, ritual, and justice. It offers a vision of faith that is open, intelligent, and welcoming—well suited for congregations becoming more hospitable to spiritual seekers and those at the edges of belief. If your church is ready to explore new questions and create space for honest searching, this is a book worth spending time with.

At a time when many in our pews are quietly carrying questions they’re afraid to speak aloud, Keith Long’s Doubting Faithfully offers a needed and generous companion. As someone who serves in a role that connects congregations with resources for faith formation, spiritual growth, and honest reflection, I found this book both refreshing and deeply pastoral.
Long doesn’t try to tidy up doubt with apologetics or offer easy answers. Instead, he treats doubt as a sacred invitation, not as a problem to solve but as a path to walk. Drawing on Scripture, theology, and his own experiences in ministry, he reframes doubt as a natural part of discipleship and an opportunity to deepen our faith rather than dismantle it.
This book is especially timely for leaders and congregants who are navigating spiritual deconstruction, disillusionment with the institutional church, or the painful intersections of faith and suffering. Long’s writing honors the complexity of faith without veering into cynicism. His tone is approachable and hopeful, a steady guide for those who feel they’ve lost the map but are still searching for something real.
Whether you’re a pastor supporting others through their doubt, a lifelong Lutheran reexamining familiar beliefs, or someone quietly wondering if you’re still welcome at the table, Doubting Faithfully will remind you that even questions can be a form of worship. For congregations across our synod, this book can be a powerful tool for adult formation groups, small group discussions, or individual reflection. We commend this book to those who are seeking space for both faith and questions and who believe that God meets us in both.

Scott Cook’s Breaking Free From Churchianity is a passionate call to rediscover the essence of Christian faith, stripping away the layers of tradition and institution that can sometimes obscure the heart of the gospel. For congregations and members of the ELCA, this book provides an opportunity to reflect deeply on what it means to live out faith in an authentic and transformative way.
Cook begins by examining what he calls "churchianity"—a version of Christianity more concerned with maintaining systems and appearances than with embodying the radical love and grace of Christ. He critiques the tendency to prioritize rituals, programs, and cultural expectations over the personal and communal pursuit of God’s mission. For Lutherans, who are steeped in a theology of grace and the ongoing call to reformation, Cook’s message may feel both challenging and affirming. It echoes Martin Luther’s own insistence on returning to the gospel's core, free from the trappings of legalism or empty traditions.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its focus on relational faith. Cook urges believers to reimagine the church not as a building or an institution but as a living community united by love, service, and discipleship. For Lutheran congregations, where strong emphasis is placed on the priesthood of all believers and community outreach, this vision aligns with existing values while pushing for deeper engagement. The call to shift from passive participation to active discipleship resonates with our commitment to justice, inclusion, and the mission of accompaniment.
Cook also offers practical insights for individuals and communities seeking to break free from what he describes as the “shackles of churchianity.” He encourages readers to cultivate authentic spiritual practices, engage meaningfully with scripture, and focus on relationships over rigid structures. As Lutherans, who are already engaged in practices of Word and Sacrament, this book invites a reexamination of how these sacred elements shape daily life beyond Sunday worship.
What makes Breaking Free From Churchianity especially relevant is its hopeful tone. Cook doesn’t seek to dismantle the church but to renew it, calling for a faith that is vibrant, responsive, and deeply rooted in Christ. This vision aligns with the ELCA’s ongoing efforts to adapt to a changing world while staying true to the gospel. Cook challenges congregations to let go of fear and embrace a spirit of experimentation and renewal, trusting that God’s grace will guide them through periods of change.
In a time when many feel disconnected or disillusioned with traditional expressions of faith, Cook’s book offers a powerful reminder of the gospel’s transformative potential. Breaking Free From Churchianity is both a mirror and a roadmap, inspiring believers to reflect on their faith journeys and recommit to a life of grace, service, and authentic community. This is a book that speaks not just to the frustrations of institutional Christianity but to the enduring hope of a faith that can, and must, be continually reformed.

#BreakingFreeFromChurchianity

Jon Paul Snydor’s The Great Open Dance is an evocative exploration of spirituality as a dynamic and communal act. Drawing on metaphors of movement, rhythm, and interconnectedness, Snydor invites readers to reconsider their understanding of faith as something not static but alive—woven into the fabric of creation and human relationships.
At its heart, the book presents spirituality as a dance, a metaphor that emphasizes harmony, adaptability, and shared participation. Snydor challenges readers to step beyond rigid boundaries of belief and practice, embracing instead a fluid and relational approach to faith. For those with a deep commitment to community and social justice, this framing resonates as a call to engage with the world with grace, courage, and responsiveness.
Snydor’s work draws richly from scripture, tradition, and personal insight, yet it resists the temptation to become prescriptive. Instead, it opens space for readers to reflect on their role in the divine choreography. His depiction of God as the lead dancer—a partner who both guides and responds to the movements of creation—offers a compelling vision of a relational God who invites humanity into joyful collaboration. This image is particularly powerful in a time when many seek a faith that feels both intimate and transformative.
One of the book’s strengths is its focus on the collective nature of spirituality. The dance is not an individual performance but a communal expression, requiring attentiveness to others and to the Spirit’s subtle rhythms. Snydor speaks to the tension between tradition and innovation, encouraging communities to find their unique steps while staying connected to the shared pulse of faith. This balance honors both the wisdom of the past and the creativity needed to navigate an uncertain future.
Throughout the book, there is an undercurrent of hope and renewal. Snydor’s vision is not one of escape but of full engagement—a spirituality rooted in the here and now, alive to the challenges and beauty of the world. His reflections on humility and mutuality as central to the dance resonate deeply, offering a gentle yet firm challenge to those tempted by isolation or self-centeredness.
The Great Open Dance is a work of profound beauty and inspiration. It encourages readers to step into faith with openness and courage, trusting in the Spirit’s guidance and the power of community to shape a life of meaning and service. This is not just a book to be read but a vision to be lived—a sacred rhythm that invites all into its sweeping and transformative embrace.

​#TheGreatOpenDance

Face to Face: Martin Luther's View of Reality by Robert Kolb is an insightful and scholarly examination of Martin Luther's theological perspectives and how they shape his understanding of reality. Kolb, a renowned Reformation historian and theologian, brings his extensive expertise to bear in this comprehensive exploration of Luther's thought.

Kolb's book delves deeply into Luther's views on reality, centering on the reformer's conviction that true understanding comes from a direct and personal encounter with God. This encounter is not abstract but deeply rooted in the lived experiences of faith, sin, and grace. Kolb meticulously unpacks Luther's theology, emphasizing the centrality of the cross and the profound implications of justification by faith.

The book is structured to guide readers through key aspects of Luther's thought, beginning with his break from medieval scholasticism and his emphasis on a theology grounded in scripture and personal experience. Kolb provides a clear and engaging account of how Luther's theological insights were revolutionary in their time and continue to be relevant today.

One of the strengths of Kolb's work is his ability to make complex theological concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. He explores Luther's ideas on the nature of God, humanity, and the world, highlighting the reformer's belief in the hiddenness of God and the paradoxes of Christian faith. Kolb's analysis is both thorough and nuanced, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of Luther's worldview.

Kolb's discussion of Luther's anthropology is particularly compelling. He delves into Luther's views on human nature, sin, and the necessity of divine grace. Kolb explains how Luther saw humans as fundamentally flawed and entirely dependent on God's mercy. This perspective is central to Luther's reality, shaping his understanding of human existence and the need for a savior.

The book also addresses Luther's sacramental theology, especially his views on the Eucharist. Kolb explains how Luther's belief in the real presence of Christ in the sacraments reflects his view of reality as sacramental and participatory. This aspect of Luther's thought underscores the tangible and incarnational nature of his theology.

Kolb's writing is scholarly yet approachable, making Face to Face suitable for both academics and lay readers interested in Reformation theology. The book is well-researched, with extensive references to Luther's own writings and the works of other scholars. This thoroughness adds depth and credibility to Kolb's analysis.

In conclusion, Face to Face is an enlightening and authoritative exploration of Luther's theological vision. Kolb's insightful analysis and clear presentation make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand Martin Luther's profound impact on Christian thought and his enduring relevance in contemporary theology. Whether you are a scholar, student, or interested layperson, this book provides a rich and rewarding journey into the heart of Luther's view of reality.

Layman Pascal’s Gurdjieff for a Time Between Worlds is a daring and illuminating work that reimagines the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff for the unique challenges of our era. This is not a simple reiteration of early 20th-century esoteric wisdom but a living, breathing dialogue with the spiritual and cultural crises of the present. Pascal's book acts as a guide for navigating what he terms a "time between worlds," an age in which the certainties of the past dissolve while the future remains unformed.
At its core, the book extends an invitation to awaken, not just as individuals but as a collective, stepping into a higher order of awareness. Pascal presents Gurdjieff’s principles—such as the "Work," the transformative inner practice, and the Enneagram—as tools for deep self-examination and integration. What sets this book apart is the author’s ability to contextualize these ideas in light of contemporary existential dilemmas: ecological instability, societal fragmentation, and the hunger for meaning in a rapidly shifting world. Pascal writes with both clarity and artistry, drawing readers into profound reflections that are as accessible as they are provocative.
The book’s central message is one of balance—between action and contemplation, individuality and community, the seen and the unseen. Pascal’s vision of harmony calls us beyond polarization into a state of dynamic engagement. He challenges readers to embrace the paradoxes of existence and to find in them the seeds of transformation.
While Pascal never overtly ties his ideas to specific theological systems, his insights echo themes of grace, renewal, and a call to active participation in the unfolding of history. His exploration of awakening as a communal and deeply relational process resonates with traditions that emphasize living in service to a world marked by both brokenness and hope. His reflections on a "living presence" that animates human striving tap into the universal longing for a connection with something greater—a mystery that both grounds and transcends.
Pascal’s work is a compelling guide for anyone seeking to navigate the tumultuous waters of our time with courage, humility, and vision. It challenges readers to move beyond passive despair into an engaged, participatory relationship with the sacred, the self, and the collective. Gurdjieff for a Time Between Worlds is a book not just to be read but to be lived, offering wisdom for those ready to embrace the transformative potential of this moment in history.

#GurdjieffForATimeBetweenWorlds

In my role, I strive to explore a variety of perspectives, including those that bridge theology and contemporary scientific inquiry. Andrew M. Davis’s Metaphysics of Exo-Life: Toward a Constructive Whiteheadian Cosmotheology is a rare gem in this space, blending speculative metaphysics, process theology, and the tantalizing question of extraterrestrial life into a work brimming with intellectual and spiritual curiosity.
At the heart of Davis’s work lies Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy, a framework rooted in the interconnected and dynamic nature of reality. For those of us in the Lutheran tradition, this vision feels particularly compelling. It mirrors the Lutheran principle of semper reformanda (always reforming), reminding us that theology must remain open and adaptable in light of new discoveries. Through this lens, Davis constructs a “cosmotheology”—a theology expansive enough to encompass the vastness of the cosmos and the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life. He invites readers to imagine how such a discovery might reshape core Christian doctrines, particularly our understanding of the incarnation, creation, and God’s relational presence within a universe alive with possibilities.
One of Davis’s most thought-provoking proposals is that the discovery of extraterrestrial life could enrich, rather than diminish, our understanding of the incarnation. This perspective resonates deeply with Martin Luther’s theology of the cross, where God’s self-revelation often disrupts human expectations and reveals new dimensions of grace. Davis encourages us to reimagine God’s incarnational work not as limited to earthbound existence but as a dynamic force encompassing the entire universe.
What makes Davis’s approach especially refreshing is his humility. Rather than offering definitive answers, he approaches these questions with reverence and curiosity, embodying a theology always in conversation with the evolving cosmos. His discussions of astrobiology and cosmic pluralism are well-researched yet accessible, making this book a bridge between disciplines. For readers without a deep background in science, Davis’s clear explanations and theological depth ensure the book remains engaging and thought-provoking.
Davis’s work also resonates with the ELCA’s commitment to inclusivity and justice, challenging us to embrace a more expansive view of God’s creative power. By contemplating the integration of extraterrestrial life into theological narratives, Davis inspires a broader understanding of divine grace and relationality. This vision aligns beautifully with the ELCA’s emphasis on God’s work in the world as a dynamic, boundary-breaking force.
Metaphysics of Exo-Life offers an excellent resource for small groups and individuals exploring the intersection of theology and science. It invites readers to wrestle with profound questions about faith and the universe, opening the door to conversations that challenge and deepen our understanding of God’s presence in the known and unknown. This is not just a book about extraterrestrial life; it is an invitation to expand our hearts and minds to encounter the divine in all things—seen and unseen.

​#MetaphysicsOfExoLife

L.D. Wenzel’s Caught in the Winds is a compelling story that delves into relationships, faith, and the trials that shape us in profound and transformative ways. Set against the rugged beauty of Door County, Wisconsin, the novel weaves together the lives of three main characters: Cora, who is struggling to rebuild after loss; William, an ambitious architect wrestling with his sense of purpose; and David, a pastor confronting doubts about his calling. Their journeys intertwine as they each grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and the enduring power of grace.

The title itself speaks to the story’s central metaphor: the winds of life that disrupt and reshape us, much like the natural winds that sweep through Door County’s landscapes. These forces can be destructive and challenging, yet they also have the power to clear away what no longer serves and make space for something new. It is within this tension that the novel finds its heartbeat, drawing readers into a world where redemption and reconciliation feel both necessary and attainable.

At its core, the story reflects the deep truth that grace meets us in our brokenness. The characters are flawed and human, making mistakes and wrestling with uncertainty, yet moments of redemption are woven throughout in ways that feel authentic and deeply moving. David’s struggle with his faith is particularly striking, illustrating that doubt is not the opposite of belief but an essential part of the journey. His path offers a reminder that grace often finds us in our questioning and sustains us even when we feel adrift.

Reconciliation is another prominent theme, with much of the story revolving around relationships in need of repair—between the characters themselves, within their own hearts, and in their connection to the divine. The characters’ efforts to mend what is broken highlight the power of forgiveness and the healing that comes when we seek to restore what has been lost. It’s a reminder that healing, while often difficult, is one of the most life-giving acts we can undertake.
The novel also invites reflection on our relationship with the natural world. The vivid descriptions of Door County’s windswept shores and changing seasons are more than a backdrop—they’re a spiritual force in their own right. The connection between the characters and their environment underscores the importance of honoring creation, recognizing that the natural world shapes us just as we are called to care for it in return.

Caught in the Winds is a deeply human story, exploring the tension between striving for control and surrendering to forces beyond our understanding. For those who appreciate stories of faith, hope, and resilience, this novel offers a meaningful exploration of how we navigate the storms of life. Its themes of grace, redemption, and connection are a poignant reminder that we are never alone, even when the winds feel overwhelming.
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Wenzel has created a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is beautifully written. This is a story for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the ways in which grace can sustain and transform us. Caught in the Winds is more than just a good read—it’s an invitation to reflect on the forces that shape our lives and the enduring power of hope.

#CaughtInTheWinds