Providing philosophical and historical perspective back to the 14th century when human and other reality became devalued rather than merely back to the radical 1960s, this scholar (U. of Georgia, 1954-87) analyzes the roots of current ideological turmoil on campus. He calls for subverting the thinking that education is only justified as a path to material rather than intrinsic reward. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The Truth of Things: Liberal Arts and the Recovery of Reality

Politics & Social Sciences

Montgomery, Marion

Philosophy

Spence Publishing Company

This astonishing book: Mexico and Peru Myths and Legends is a gem. The ancient cultures of Mexico and Peru are renowned for their improving architecture and the cruelty of their religious practices. Less well-known, but equally intriguing are the myths on which their beliefs were based. This detailed exploration look at the Toltec and Aztec people of central Mexico, the Mayans of the Yucatan and the Incas of Peru.

MEXICO AND PERU MYTHS AND LEGENDS

SPENCE, LEWIS

Social Sciences

Branches to Heaven explores Lewis's manifold genius and finds for the first time the surprising secret of Lewis's enduring literary and spiritual achievement. It will astonish Lewis's admirers and critics alike to learn that he was far from the settled convert he appeared to be. Yet this very unsettledness, which Lewis himself found alarming, was the source of the appealing tension in his work and of his unrelenting commitment to his apologetic vocation. It was in the service of this vocation that he exercised his overarching rhetorical genius-a dazzling adroitness at suiting word, voice, and argument to a particular purpose-always militant, compelling, and persuasive. As Professor Como explores Lewis's hitherto uncharted inner landscape-the core of both his spiritual insight and his intellectual greatness-there emerges a more complex and integrated figure that we have known before.

Branches to Heaven

Biographies & Memoirs

James Como

Arts & Literature

As the centenary of the birth of C.S. Lewis approaches and the number of his surviving friends necessarily dwindles, a uniquely personal book by one of these privileged few offers an intimate portrait of Lewis the tutor, scholar, and friend, along with new insights into his towering literary and scholarly achievement. From his rare vantage point as Lewis's student, friend, and professional colleague, Lawlor recalls Lewis "in his habit as he lived." There is an unforgettable account of studying under Lewis and an enchanting depiction of undergraduate life at Oxford between the wars. To round out his picture, Lawlor draws on the recollections of other associated of Lewis, including a close comparison with J.R.R. Tolkien. These sketches are complemented by an exposition of Lewis's science fiction and the Chronicles of Narnia, There is also an assessment of Lewis's neglected notion of "happiness," noting its links with nineteenth-century English romanticism. After measuring Lewis's scholarly achievement, Lawlor concludes with his own understanding of this complex man, in whom "maddening obstinacies and sword-sharp disclaimers co-existed with an untroubled awareness of the highest order." The book is illustrated with previously unpublished personal correspondence, annotations from Lewis's personal library, and a hitherto unrecorded photograph of a young Lewis newly returned to Oxford from the First World War. Walter Hooper, Lewis's literary executor who has contributed the Foreword, calls Lawlor's memoir "a treasure...almost as good as another work from Lewis's pen."

C.S. Lewis: Memories and Reflections

Lawlor, John

Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism

Starting with Freud's "projection theory" of religion-that belief in God is merely a product of man's desire for security-Professor Vitz argues that psychoanalysis actually provides a more satisfying explanation for atheism. Disappointment in one's earthly father, whether through death, absence, or mistreatment, frequently leads to a rejection of God. A biographical survey of influential atheists of the past four centuries shows that this "defective father hypothesis" provides a consistent explanation of the "intense atheism" of these thinkers. A survey of the leading intellectual defenders of Christianity over the same period confirms the hypothesis, finding few defective fathers. Professor Vitz concludes with an intriguing comparison of male and female atheists and a consideration of other psychological factors that can contribute to atheism. 
Professor Vitz does not argue that atheism is psychologically determined. Each man, whatever his experiences, ultimately chooses to accept God or reject him. Yet the cavalier attribution of religious faith to irrational, psychological needs is so prevalent that an exposition of the psychological factors predisposing one to atheism is necessary.

Religion & Spirituality

Vitz, Paul C.

Religious Studies

The American Myth of Religious Freedom

History

Craycraft Jr., Kenneth R

World

One of the twentieth century's most widely read writers and its most influential Christian apologist, C.S. Lewis has nevertheless eluded the understanding of the numerous scholars who have approached him only as a religious thinker and man of letters. A new book by a leading Lewis authority explores the full range of his manifold genius and finds for the first time the surprising secret of Lewis's enduring literary and spiritual achievement. 
It will astonish Lewis's admirers and critics alike to learn that he was far from the settled convert he appeared to be. Yet this very unsettledness, which Lewis himself found alarming, was the source of the appealing tension in his work and of his unrelenting commitment to his apologetic vocation. It was in the service of this vocation that he exercised his overarching rhetorical genius-a dazzling adroitness at suiting word, voice, and argument to a particular purpose-always militant, compelling, and persuasive. As Professor Como explores Lewis's hitherto uncharted inner landscape-the core of both his spiritual insight and his intellectual greatness-there emerges a more complex and integrated figure than we have known before. 
The publication of Branches to Heaven coincides with the centenary of Lewis's birth, an occasion of heightened attention to Lewis and his work throughout the English-speaking world. It is available with a companion volume from Spence Publishing, C.S. Lewis: Memories and Reflections by John Lawlor, a moving and insightful account of the author's thirty-year friendship with Lewis.

Branches to Heaven: The Geniuses of C.S. Lewis

Como, James

Silence

Goddess Unmasked is the first critical evaluation by a qualified scholar of the theological, anthropological, and historical claims of the "Goddess" movement, the most influential form of radical feminist spirituality. Davis analyzes the Goddess movement and describes its place in the broader "culture wars." Carefully parsing the anthropological and historical evidence, he reveals the Goddess's roots in the radical Romanticism of the nineteenth century -- roots it shares with some of the modern world's most nightmarish movements.-- Does anyone really believe in the Goddess?-- Is Goddess spirituality a male conspiracy?-- How is Goddess spirituality affecting Christianity?

Goddess Unmasked: The Rise of Neopagan Feminist Spirituality

Davis Ph.D, Dr. Philip G

Christian Books & Bibles

In a world dominated by teenagers, it's easy to forget that popular culture once catered to adults. Mark Judge shows that the simultaneous rise of rock and suburbia produced a narcissistic society drained of joy and hope. Yet in the revival of swing dancing, he detects a model for cultural renewal. -- What can Duke Ellington teach us about life? -- Why are suburbs pits of despair? -- How is rock 'n' roll conformist?

If It Ain't Got That Swing: The Rebirth of Grown-Up Culture

Judge, Mark Gauvreau

Americas

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Psychology & Counseling

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