Books lay across the dining room table. A friend is downsizing. Take as many as you want. I quickly grab Elaine Pagels', Why Religion? A Personal Story and almost as quickly consume it. Remembering Shortly after I graduated seminary (1979), I read Elaine Pagels’ The Gnostic Gospels . It expanded my thinking about the Christian tradition. Then, somewhere between 2004 and 2006, I read five books that made a huge impression. Three were academic and two were personal stories. My links below are interviews or reviews … more interesting than links to purchase: FourPaths to Union by Mariamne Paulus (Diane Kennedy Pike) TheDance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman’s Journey from Christian Tradition tothe Sacred Feminine by Sue Monk Kidd BeyondBelief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas by Elaine Pagels TheWisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming an Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart by Cynthia Bourgeault LeavingChurch: a memoir of faith by Barbara Brown Taylor
Heart Ponderings from Linda A. Marshall, M.Div.
Linda loves writing Heart Ponderings and connecting with her readers. She is the author of A Long Awakening to Grace: a memoir of loss & discovery. It was a 2019 Silver Award Winner for a Personal Relationship Memoir. She is known for her heart-felt, vulnerable sharing about the lessons learned and wisdom gained from persevering through life’s challenges. She compassionately gives voice to feelings many find hard to express, imparting strength, courage, and healing.