#96 - Jacob Kishere - The Strange Return of Christianity

John O'Donohue's "Anamcara" is a profound exploration of the soul's journey and the importance of finding companionship and connection in life. The book delves into the Celtic spiritual tradition, drawing on ancient wisdom and mythology to illuminate the path toward self-discovery and spiritual growth. O'Donohue's writing is characterized by its lyrical beauty and evocative imagery, creating a space for reflection and contemplation. He explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, offering guidance and solace to those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The book's gentle wisdom and poetic language make it a source of comfort and inspiration for readers seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.

In 'A Secular Age', Charles Taylor explores the transformation of Western society from a pre-modern world where belief in God was inescapable to a modern secular age where believing in God is just one option among many. Taylor argues against the 'subtraction story' of secularization, which posits that religion has been removed from society. Instead, he describes a complex historical process involving the Reform movement in Christianity, the rise of disciplinary society, and the emergence of exclusive humanism. The book examines how these changes have affected the conditions of belief and unbelief, and how they have shaped modern social forms, moral orders, and spiritual experiences.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities. The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey. The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.