Paradigm Spirituality

rosaria 133On My Shelf helps you get to know various writers through a behind-the-scences glimpse into their lives as readers.

I corresponded with Rosaria Butterfield, former tenured professor of English at Syracuse University and author of Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, about what's currently on her nightstand, what she's learning about following Jesus, her favorite fiction, and more.

Butterfield will lead two workshops, including "You Are What You Read" and "Homosexuality and Christian Faith," next summer at The Gospel Coalition National Women's Conference in Orlando.

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What's on your nightstand right now?

The Bible (NASB)

Voices from the Past: Puritan Devotional Readings, Richard Rushing, ed.

The Book of Psalms for Singing, Reformed Presbyterian Church of America

Jesus on Every Page, David Murray

How the Gospel Brings Us All the Way Home, Derek Thomas

The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall

Joni and Ken: A Love Story, Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada

Essentials of the English Language, Leigh Bortins

Saxon Math 5/4

Henle Latin

(You can see from the last three titles that my classical conversation home school co-op is in full swing!)

What are you learning about life and following Jesus?

I am learning that doing things in my strength, even when I have the skill set to do them, is an act of traitorship against Christ.

I am learning that the hospitality that matters can never be recompensed.

I am learning that prayer must be constant and spontaneous.

I am learning that neighborhood prayer walks nurture community, care, mercy work, and God's holy name, refreshing me each time.

I am learning that I love more and more to pour myself into my children, my church, my marriage, my neighborhood, and my homeschooling co-op.

What are some books you regularly re-read and why?

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs, because it exposes my sin of ungratefulness and impatience, and it gives me spiritual tools for contentment.

Overcoming Sin and Temptation: Three Classic Works by John Owen (this volume, edited by Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor, includes The Mortification of Sin, Of Temptation, and Indwelling Sin); and The Enemy Within by Kris Lundgaard. I re-read these books because my own sin and the bad habits I bring into my Christian life are insidious and benefit from the deep scrutiny of Owen.

Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, because hospitality under persecution teaches so much about the power of Christian fellowship as a means of grace.

What are your favorite fiction books?

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

Frankenstein, Mary Shelley (I like the 1818 edition.)

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Also in the "On My Shelf" series: Jared Wilson, Kathy Keller, Tullian Tchividjian, J. D. Greear, Kevin DeYoung, Kathleen Nielson, Thabiti Anyabwile, Collin Hansen, and Fred Sanders.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/08/27/on-my-shelf-life-and-books-with-rosaria-butterfield/

Paradigm Audio & Video

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Music

  • Jesus be the centre

    Center is a song that speaks of the essence of our life in Christ, and echoes the words the Christ Read More
  • I Lift My Hands

    A powerful hymn of adoration and praise Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir. This succinctly captures the joy of knowing our savior. Read More
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Paradigm Reflection

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

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  • What is Good in a World that Defies Hope: a talk by NT Wright +

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  • The Stream, the Lake and the River: NT Wright +

      Acts 2.1-21; John 7.37-39; a sermon at the Eucharist on the Feast of Pentecost, 11 May 2008, by the Read More
  • Jesus in the Perfect Storm by NT Wright +

    Zechariah 9.9-17; Luke 19.28-48; A sermon for Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, In the University Chapel of St Salvator, St Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Christ is a Great Savior: a review of the movie Amazing Grace +

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  • Wilberforce, Hollywood's Amazing Grace, Charlotte Allen +

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  • Making Beauty out of Ugly Things: Grace by U2 +

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  • The True Nature of Grace and Love: a movie review of the Soloist +

    The 2009 movie The Soloist is based on a book by the same name, written by Los Angeles Times columnist Read More
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