Some of the many great books by CUA clergy and members. These are all on aspects of Christianity, where Christian Universalism is not the main topic.
A Life Lived and Laid Down for Friends: A Progressive Christology
by Don Erickson
(2019, Resource Publications — print)
A Life Lived and Laid Down for Friends reflects on the iconoclastic life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. From the “riches in the rags” story of the nativity to his compassion-moved sacrifice to save his disciples, this book reflects on Jesus as first and foremost a spiritual teacher who embodied compassion.
Pastor and author Don Erickson shows how the humility embodied by society’s most vulnerable was, for Jesus, the benchmark for inclusion in God’s kingdom. The book also looks at Jesus’ approach to religious pluralism, a reality he experienced in ancient Palestine under Roman rule. It was an approach that evidenced Jesus pointing to expressions of compassion, rather than to mere faith.
The Scandalous Menu: Supper for Prophets and Disciples
by Daniel Medina
(2018, Resource Publications, kindle and paperback)
The Eucharist is the living parable of the Christian life and story. It embodies every aspiration, teaching, hope, sacrifice, and selfless act of mercy and grace. Christ left it as a memorial in word, presence, and deed. It is love before us as Christ’s very own real presence empowers and wills us to love others as he loved us first. The Eucharist is the multisensory expression of Christ consciousness embodied in matter and in time. Anyone who embraces the real presence of Christ in Spirit and in truth will experience a life transformed. The experience of gathered worship, prayer, study, spirituality, and acts of justice and mercy will never again be the same.
Dr. Medina’s Scandalous Menu not only challenged the way I view the Lord’s Supper, but the way I do ministry in general. He does not shy away from talking about the elephant in the room, and I truly believe that his approach on the subject transcends denominations and traditions. This is not a Transubstantiation vs Memorial book. Instead, he challenges what we’ve done to The Lord’s Supper and what we’ve done to the bride of Christ. Though it’s a short read, it is deep and wide. Touching an array of issues, and initiates a striking conversation. Whether you are a student, professor, pastor, priest, volunteer or deacon, if you haven’t picked up this book, chances are you’ve barely scratched the surface.
— Michael Pileggi