By Garry Wills.
Finely written reflections covering fifty years of observations by one of America’s most perceptive journalists and public intellectuals. Wills writes of his encounters with important figures in recent American history.
Feasting on the Word —
Year A, Volume 3. Pentecost
and Season After Pentecost
Westminster John Knox Press. 396 pages. David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, editors.
Another instalment in one of the finest commentaries available for lectionary preachers and teachers. As with the others, four essays are offered on each of the texts by writers from a variety of Christian traditions.
Who Are the Christians in the Middle East? (Second Edition)
Wm. B. Eerdmans. 227 pages. by Betty Jane Bailey and
J. Martin Bailey.
An updated comprehensive survey of the Christians in the Middle East that largely avoids ideological debate to give an accurate portrayal of the fate of a dwindling population in the world’s most volatile region.
The Spirit and Culture of Youth Ministry: Leading Congregations toward Exemplary Youth Ministry
EYM Publishing. 366 pages. by Roland Martinson, Wes Black and John Roberto
This book may prove to be the source that turns around a whole generation of youth leaders and pastors and the youth they serve. A major ecumenical research project funded by the Lily Endowment provides a compendium of creative best practices grounded in solid theology.
The Road to Revision —
How the Proposed Form of Government Came to Be
Amazon.com by Neal E. Lloyd.
A helpful source for historical reasons behind the current proposal for a new form of government in the PC(USA).
The Other Jesus: Rejecting a Religion of Fear for a God of Love
Westminster John Knox Press. 123 pages. by Greg Garrett.
The intent of this slender book is to explore more closely what it might mean to be a thoughtful Christian in a complicated and often frightening world. Along the way, Jesus becomes a compelling figure.
Exodus from Hunger
Westminster John Knox Press. 196 pages. by David Beckman (Foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
The author, president of Bread for the World, received the 2010 World Food Prize for this passionate appeal for congregations to be advocates for the world’s hungry people. A more practical treatment on the subject does not exist. The question remains why we continue to ignore this problem.
The Poetry of William Carlos Williams of Rutherford
Counterpoint. 188 pages.
BY Wendell Berry.
A compendium on the Holy Spirit drawing on a wide ecumenical spectrum. Included are ancient and contemporary writings from throughout Christianity’s rich history that should evoke deep reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity.
More Presbyterian Questions,
More Presbyterian Answers: Exploring Christian Faith
Westminster John Knox Press. 110 pages. BY Donald K. McKim.
A reliable guide for anyone asking probing questions about the Reformed-Presbyterian tradition. The searcher will find this a trusty roadmap.
Saint Peter:
The Underestimated Apostle
Wm. B. Eerdmans. 162 pages.
by Martin Engle.
A well regarded scholar restores the apostle Peter to a central role in the emerging Jewish and Gentile Christian communities. A fascinating historical account of Peter as creative theologian, community organizer and mission strategist. Attention is also given to the contributions of married apostles, like Peter, and their families in the emerging communities.
Almost Christian: What the Faith
of our Teenagers is Telling the American Church
Oxford Press. 264 pages. by Kenda Creasy Dean.
An important call by a leading practitioner for the church to cease reductionist versions of Christianity that have left teenagers with shallow faith and little theology to sustain them.
Roy W. Howard is pastor
of Saint Mark Presbyterian
Church in Rockville, Md.,
and Outlook book editor.
