Jim Wallis, a progressive evangelical, is a fresh change in his measured opinion on Christianity and politics.

A solid work on interfaith sprituality, none of that woolly New Age babble.

Refreshing studies of minorities in Japan such as the Ainus, the Koreans, returned emigrants, Okinawans etc. and how they differ in attitudes to mainstream Japanese society.

Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) is like meeting up with an old friend. If it is not that well-known you could hardly tell the private musings are that of a Roman emperor. To me it is an account of Stoicism as a viable option to the dross we find in much of popular religion these days.

Delightful stories depicting the prickly relationship between science and religion throughout recent history.

I find Cramer's casual talky style a bit of a distraction. He meanders quite a bit and the arguments are far from analytical. The title promises more than it delivers.