Holy Bible  New Revised Standard Version ( NRSV )
Authorized revision of the Revised Standard Version, 1952.  The NRSV is gender-inclusive, but not  radical. The principle behind the translation was “as literal as possible, as free as necessary”, relying on both word-for-word and thought-for-thought.

The Complete Guide to Bible Versions
Philip W. Comfort, PhD
If you’re investing in a Bible for the first time, or it’s been awhile since you’ve purchased a Bible or received one as a gift, you might want to read this concise little guide before deciding which version is right for you.

Genesis A Living Conversation
Bill Moyers
Companion book to the acclaimed PBS series.  If you’re ready to move beyond the simple, sanitized stories you heard in Sunday School, this is a great place to start.  Stimulating and very readable.  The perfect book for lively discussions with a friend or a group.

In the Beginning A New Interpretation of Genesis
Karen Armstrong
Ms. Armstrong, a former Roman Catholic nun, participated in the PBS Genesis series.  Join her as she wrestles with the contradictions and mysteries of the first Book of the Bible.

The Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden
Stories told by contemporary fiction writers of historical Bible times.  Suppressed by the early Church Fathers.  Are they fables?  You be the judge.

The Gnostic Gospels
Elaine Pagels
Ms. Pagels participated in the PBS Genesis series.  In 1945 an Arab peasant unearthed the Gnostic Gospels, the sacred books of one of the earliest Christian sects.  Ms. Pagel presents a clear and radical reconsideration of the origins of the Christian faith based on these Gospels.

A History of God The 4000 Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Karen Armstrong
A bestseller and a must read.

The Art of Spiritual Guidance
Carolyn Gratton

Adam, Eve, and the Serpent
Elaine Pagels

Weaving Visions - Patterns in Feminist Spirituality
Judith Plaskow & Carol P. Christ, Eds.

Good News Bible
American Bible Society

The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
James Strong, LLD, S
Originally published in 1890

Western Civilization: Ideas, Politics & Societies - 5^th Ed.
Perry, Chase, Jacob

The Lost Gospel The Book of Q & Christian Origins
Burton L. Mack
This book is not for the faint of heart.  But if you are truly open to knowledge, this book is a must.  Read it slowly, put it down, and then read it again.

Mary Magdalen Myth and Metaphor
Susan Haskins
Disciple, first witness to the Resurrection, scapegoat of a misogynist Church.  Who was Mary Magdalen?  A scholarly work that is also accessible to the average reader.

The Origin of Satan
Elaine Pagels
Know thine enemy.  Know thyself.  An examination of Satan in the context of how we perceive ourselves and “others”. 

The Stand
Stephen King
Yes, it’s by Stephen King, but underlying every page of The Stand is a profound belief in the strength that flows from a personal relationship with God, a strength that transcends human frailty to conquer evil.

Messie No More --Practical Steps to Put the Messie Lifestyle Behind You
Sandra Felton
I was too embarrassed to buy this book—and too desperate not to.  I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that this is one self-help book that delivers on its promise, perhaps because its message is founded in Faith. Felton also puts forth the intriguing proposition that “Cleanies” and “Messies” are simply two sides of the same dysfunctional coin.  I feel better already!

The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English
Geza Vermes, PhD
For those unfamiliar with the subject, there are maps, a chronology and an introduction which put the scrolls, their discovery and subsequent concealment and re-discovery and the research which followed in context.  For those who wish to delve more deeply into the subject, a Scroll catalogue, essential bibliography and an index of Qumran texts are appended. 

A Dictionary of Angels: including the fallen angels
Gustav Davidson
A comprehensive, exhaustive reference book, encyclopedic in scope. Not one of those “warm and fuzzy” angel books, this is a scholarly, albeit readable work that starts with A’albiel ( an angel in the service of the arch-angel Michael ) and ends with Zuriel ( “my rock is God” -- a curer of stupidity in man! ) I strongly recommend reading the author’s Introduction before plunging in.