Messages from Andre Fellow Oblates, The stunning book providing a modern perspective on Islam by a Western Imam that I mentioned to the Community is: Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf,  "What's Right With Islam" San Francisco, Harper, 2005.  Many of the issues that Kabir did not address dealing with social, political, cultural,  and feminist challenges are dealt with in this book.  I had the privilege of hearing Rauf speak at St. Thomas University a couple years ago.  You are in for a treat and this is a book we all should read to complete our perspective on Islam.  (A breather from Buddhism to squeeze into your spare time). Meanwhile,  we need to think about scheduling our first dialog of Buddhism in the Fall.  Let me know if you feel you are far enought along in the readings to invite a first resource person. A reminder to our dispersed Oblates that the Fall retreat is scheduled for Oct. 15.  If you find yourself planning a trip to the Bay Area perhaps you can build joining us into your calenders. We also talked about openness in Intra-Religious Dialog.  A book I referenced is: Fr. Raimon Panikkar,  The Intra-Religious Dialogue, NY, Paulist Press, 1999. In the last issue of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue Bulletin,  (April, 2005, MID Issue 74) celebrating Thomas Merton's ninetieth Birthday Panikkar was interviewed. For those who want a short article perspective of his views I commend it to you. Starting in about a month MID will be electronically published,  and past issues will be available at their website:  www.monasticdialogue.org    This is a rich resource of papers exchanged between Buddhist,  Hindu,  Jewish, and Christian contemplatives and worth checking out from time to time.  For Thomas Merton fans the issue is also a jewel. Blessings to all. Andre Resources Reference and Inspiriational Readings on Spirituality for Business Leadership Prepared by Andre' L. Delbecq The reading list below is a resource for you in the spirit of a “Great Books” seminar. The readings should not be scrupulously studied as textbooks. Rather, approach the readings to “wine taste”. Read the beginnings, endings, savor chapters whose content speaks to you personally, and occasionally when you find your personal favorites, read completely and with delight. Background Reading in Management KOUZES, James M. and POSNER, Barry Z.,Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It. San Francisco, Jossey Bass, 1993 ISBN 1-55542-550-X CONGER, Jay A., KANUNGO, Rabindra N., and Associates, Charismatic Leadership, The Elusive Factor in Organizational Effectiveness. San Francisco, Jossey Bass, 1998. ISBN 1-55542-10204 HESSELBEIN, Frances, GOLDSMITH, Marshall, and BECKHARD, Richard, The Drucker Foundation: The Leader of the Future. San Francisco, Jossey Bass, 1996. ISBN 0-7879- 0180-6 Background Reading in Spirituality Reading one of the following two books will provide an orientation for ecumenical dialogue. Reading the overview of two religious traditions different from your own is suggested. SMITH, Huston, The World's Religions. San Francisco, Harper, 1991. ISBN 0-06-250-799-9 or CARMODY, Denise Lardner and Carmody, John Tulley, In the Path of the Masters, New York, Paragon House Publishers, 1994. ISBN 1-56324-863-8 [Smith is a widely adopted text in comparative religions and the classic reference. Carmody is some what briefer if a student is already familiar with other religious traditions]. Related Readings of Interest Favorite Readings of the Community Purchasing Books The Community recommends purchasing these readings on eBay or on Half.com.  The Community receives a small commission for each book purchased with the funds going towards materials for our weekly gathering.  Please click the links below to be taken to each site before each book purchase.