Amy Pagliarella recommends some new books that explore the Bible and theology.
Three recent books focused on our life together in the church.
The “nap bishop,” as Hersey is known, insists that economic systems trick us into believing we are only worth as much as we produce, and the church is not exempt.
"The theology undergirding Berry's work is 'the law of love,' and he urges us to obey it for our own good."
Three recent books for families to consider.
"[This is] a book for people like me and hopefully people like you: who refuse to give up on hope, who believe we should regard others from more than a human point of view, who have faith that the gospel can still transform lives ...."
Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella compiles a list of devotionals to consider as we prepare for a new year.
Philip J. Reed reviews Andrew Root's latest book.
"Yoo persistently debunks the myth that White Presbyterians would not have known the brutal details of slavery, arguing the practices were common knowledge. Ignorance was no excuse, because ignorance was implausible."
"So rather than give a lecture, Kingsolver delivers a deep dive into a messy world in which young people play the hand they’re dealt, moving from bad choice to poor decision to lesser of two evils. What does hope look like for kids like Demon?"
"Churches in the U.S. have not seen the kind of reconciliation efforts at the same level we’ve seen in the South African church wrestling with apartheid, but Augustine has faith reconciliation can still happen and provides resources to push this effort along."
Amy Pagliarella reviews the latest book by Karen González.
"At a time of almost unprecedented of people – from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Syria to name only the most recent cases – Ellen Clark Clemot's book will be an increasingly valuable resources to educate all Christians in how to practice a loving ethic of witness and welcome."
"...systems of power limit and control us all in some form ... and it's an act of profound faith in ourselves, each other and God to break free."
"They ask probing questions for reflection that explore everything from the value of Sunday morning services to the dynamic between women and men working together in the church setting."
Book Editor Amy Pagliarella suggests a selection of Advent resources for individual and group study.
"Holy Disruption reminds us Jesus’ birth matters only because by living abundantly and dying redemptively, Jesus sought to reorder the world."
Noushin Darya Framke reviews Kelley Nikondeha's book.
"Preaching could easily serve as a seminary preaching text, although it is equally useful for seasoned pastors."
“At the heart of American response to the opioid crisis is one vexing question: is drug addiction a disease or a personal failing? Macy clearly sees it as a 'treatable disease'; recovery is possible, but not easy.”
Philip J. Reed reviews a new book featuring voices from five denominations with Presbyterian roots.
"This play, and the stories it contained, was an experience of transfiguration."
"Resurrection, not death, is the point of the Christian faith; as Christ invited the criminal crucified on a cross next to his to join him 'this day in paradise,' so too as Christians we are called to live into resurrection here and now."
"[Tiffany Yecke] Brooks speaks directly to those who are struggling, but her writing would also benefit pastors or friends seeking to offer spiritual support."
"(F. Bruce) Gordon masterfully demonstrates that Zwingli is who we often do not want historical subjects to be: an all-too-human person who confuses, inspires and disappoints us."
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