492: Vice & Virtue — Faith

Zero at the Bone is a collection of essays and poems by Christian Wiman that explores his experiences with cancer, faith, and mortality. The book delves into the complexities of despair and the search for meaning in the face of suffering. Wiman's reflections on his spiritual journey are interwoven with personal anecdotes and poetic insights. The collection offers a raw and honest portrayal of grappling with life's profound questions. It challenges readers to confront their own mortality and find solace in the midst of uncertainty.

In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.

In *Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC*, Frederick Buechner reexamines the language of God, the universe, and the human spirit. Inspired by his time as a teacher and chaplain at the Phillips Exeter Academy, the book aims to clarify and redefine religious words that had been distorted or misunderstood by his students. It explores themes such as the mysterious nature of faith, the justifiability of doubt, and the presence of God in everyday life. The book is part of Buechner’s lexical trilogy, which also includes *Peculiar Treasures* and *Whistling in the Dark*.

In 'Velvet Elvis', Rob Bell challenges readers to rethink the Christian faith by stripping it down to its basic elements and exploring the mysteries and wonders of faith. The book emphasizes the importance of questioning and reflecting on beliefs, rather than accepting them at face value. Bell discusses various aspects of faith, including the role of doctrines, the significance of personal experiences, and the concept of 'shalom' or holistic salvation. He encourages readers to engage deeply with their faith, celebrating the mystery and awe of spiritual experiences and living a life aligned with the teachings of Jesus.

In 'Gravity and Grace,' Simone Weil delves into the fundamental forces that shape human existence: gravity, which symbolizes the natural law governing material existence and human psychology, and grace, the divine power that uplifts and redeems. Weil argues that gravity encompasses suffering, selfish desires, and the mundanity of daily life, while grace is a supernatural intervention that offers moments of enlightenment and inner peace. The book, compiled from Weil's notebooks, emphasizes the importance of accepting suffering and detachment from the ego to open oneself to the experience of grace and achieve spiritual liberation.