In Publishers Weekly’s Fall/Winter survey of Religion books (July 31), writer Lynn Garrett finds the interest in spirituality, devotions, and prayer continuing unabated.
Their interconnectedness in subject matter points to the trend of :an increased openness to learning across faiths” along with a new interest in being “rooted in beliefs and practices that have stood the test of time.” For the Fall season, PW finds striking new interest in three fields: Buddhism, especially the “substantial texts”; books focusing on the importance of the role of religion in society, both in the past and currently, with well known authors such as Huston Smith, Rodney Clapp, Martin E. Marty, and Fr. Avery Dulles drawing wide attention on these issues.
Finally, the less distinct but popular field of “spirituality trainers” is drawing interest. These include, PW points out, not therapists or counselors but “professionals” guiding individual seekers on their journeys. Well known authors here include Norvene Vest and Jeannette Bakke.
— By Erling Jorstad