Wonderings

The author objectively and incisively asks questions of general interest about beliefs and practices of the major religions, and about phenomena in nature; and he uses his imagination to explore possible ramifications of the answers. He finds wondrous mysteries in simple things, hoping to arouse your curiosity, and to get you thinking and wondering about them too. In fourteen independent stand-alone topics with no prerequisites and with negligible overlap, he wonders such things as: ? Should the Bible include Books of Mohammed and Mormon? ? In heaven, are there strata whose benefits depend on how worthy their inhabitants are; and might hell be a stratum completely lacking Gods benefits, rather than a place of severe torment; and purgatory a higher stratum with less severe torment? ? Are ghosts, spirits and souls real, and, if so, are they the same thing? ? Are miracles only unusual natural occurrences for which we have no explanations?

God seeks our attention and relationship in so many ways. Figuring out how to notice, listen, and respond to God as we move through the daily exercises of our life is the stuff of our spiritual journey. For centuries we have practiced and shared some of our favorite and most fulfilling methods for relating with God and allowing that partnership to inform and transform our lives. Some methods work better than others. Probably the best for each of us are ones we tailor to meet our individual needs.In Wednesday Wonderings Gary Nelson invites the reader into his own spiritual journey through the lens of the camera he carries with him. He has experimented with many methods and discovered that the camera lens often provides him one of the best means to notice, listen, and respond to God. The camera offers the opportunity to wonder about life lived in relationship with God and others. Through the process this pastor and pastoral counselor's devotions, called Wednesday Wonderings, offer helpful insights for life and an invitation for all of us to find our own means to wonder.

Popular preacher and storyteller Donald Schmidt breaks open two dozen stories in this book of Bible Wonderings. His unique and comfortable style engages the imagination and immediately makes you feel that you are a part of the story. You find yourself making friends with the biblical characters, and often want to continue the story beyond the printed page. Along the way these retellings invite you to do your own Bible wondering and question some of your presuppositions. Whether you have a little or a lot of biblical knowledge-even if you have never read the Bible at all, or are a confirmed skeptic-Bible Wonderings offers an exciting new way to experience your faith story. The study guide makes Bible Wonderings a great resource for Bible study groups or for personal devotion. A lectionary index makes it easy to use the stories in worship. "Turn a kaleidoscope even a little, and you see a new set of patterns and colors fall into place. In this book of wonderings, Donald Schmidt turns these stories of scriptures at slightly different angles, and the result is a fresh seeing and hearing of the Word. Bring your own sense of wonder and openness to this book, and see where it may lead you." John Indermark, author of Parables and Passion: Jesus' Stories for the Days of Lent (Upper Room Books)

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