Finished one book

I finished The Skeptical, Passionate Christian on Tuesday.

Theologically, it was a good way for me to reconnect with my studies. I'm already pretty positive what I want to do with my life--that is, I'm sure of my vocation--and this helped reaffirm that for me. I also found myself laughing over certain sentences and passages, and sympathizing in other places. It was a very good read overall, very easy to understand, very well-explained, very thorough. But then, I would expect no less from one of my favorite theology professors.

I found myself underlining quite a few phrases and passages in the book, and I made some notes in it for future reference, too, particularly as regards the historical Jesus, polyamory, marriage, and the nature of God. The first three were things that occurred to me as I read; the last is something that Duffy briefly covered and that gives a good starting-point for questions and study.

I then promptly ordered The Bible, Christianity, and Homosexuality by Justin R. Cannon--partially because it was very cheap and very short, and partially because it has been on my wish list for a while. I have only begun to read it, but already my roommate--not a religious person herself--cannot put it down. I very much enjoy the quote, from the book itself, on the front cover: "There is no word in biblical Greek or Hebrew that is equivalent to the English word homosexual. The word was coined only about 100 years ago and first appeared in the Bible in the 1946 Revised Standard Version (RSV)." ("The Bible, Christianity, & Homosexuality by Justin R. Cannon. Copyright 2008 All rights reserved. Justin R. Cannon. Used by permission.")

I look forward to finishing this text within the week, as well as making my way through the next Surah in the Qur'an.