The Outlook staff shares some of their summer reads including Laruen Groff, Christian Wiman, and Richard Haas.
Outlook Social Media Producer Jesy Littlejohn and Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella offer a deeper look into the minds that curate our reading lists. Plus: all the books you should read this summer.
"Let the unorthodox nature of this work speak to the body of believers in new and transformative ways that take seriously the past – and present – in hopes of envisioning a more just future." — Jordan Burton
An extension of the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative, Sara Hayden's New Way podcast, is an honest conversation between pastors and church leaders exploring a new way of doing ministry.
In this post-pandemic moment, "Church for Everyone" sees an opportunity to follow biblical mandates for a more just, equitable and inclusive world. — Omar Rouchon
"The pervasive images of a White Jesus and language that presents a White male God, further emphasize the assimilationist attitude that was and is prevalent in Western culture." — Jo Wiersema on "When God Became White"
"The Mother Artist" by Catherine Ricketts is a compelling exploration of motherhood’s ability to both limit and stimulate art. — Amy Pagliarella
"While we were announcing a conditional gospel, God loved us unconditionally. The repair of the gospel is to simply lay hold of what has been the good news from the beginning." — Alan Koeneke
"'Trash' makes the case that poverty and racism are part of the plan, not unintended by-products of the American experiment. This can be tough to hear, which is, perhaps, why it is often dismissed as misguided 'wokeness' rather than respectfully debated." — Amy Pagliarella
"Throughout, [Thomas] constructs what Christianity needs more of: language that honors the best of Christian traditions while fearlessly raising the challenges that an authentic, 21st century American faith demands." — Sarah S. Scherschligt
In "Somehow," Anne Lamott gives us reason to trust in the God whose love is the greatest of all.
Maggie Jackson’s celebration of uncertainty can free church leaders from defensiveness, inviting us to ponder and question — Amy Pagliarella
NPR reporter Sarah McCammon's memoir of growing up evangelical is both timely and superb.
Dartinia Hull offers quick tips on maximizing your communications with AI.
"'Being Here' would be a welcome addition to a small group’s gathering and closing time or stand on its own as the foundation of a daily or weekly prayer service," writes Amy Pagliarella of Pádraig Ó Tuama's latest book.
"Anyone who desires to rediscover the beauty, complexity, humanity, and revelation within the words of Genesis would do well to allow [Marilyn] Robinson to be their guide," writes Darin Nettleton.
"It’s an excellent resource for individuals or groups who may have been wounded by a religious community, or for wandering, wondering folk who may know nothing about Christian faith…" — Lucy Forster-Smith
"An urgent and passionate commentator, [John Pavlovitz] lives in the tension between despair and hope." — Alfred Walker
"In 'Field Notes for the Wilderness,' Bessey writes to fellow 'wanderers' who seek a way to follow Jesus that honors their doubts and questions." — Amy Pagliarella
"The authors ... beautifully model opening their lives to what God’s Spirit might be doing next, reminding us that God is never finished with us, with the church, nor with this yearning creation." — Patti Snyder
(Bohannon’s) strength is also in the sheer compilation of the useful and the puzzling drawn from paleontology, medicine, evolutionary biology, history and anthropology. — Rebecca Davis
For intentional caregivers who desire to instill values like diversity, courage, self-worth and compassion, books can open the door to important discussions and questions.
Leanne Friesen is a “wounded healer,” writing from personal experience with enough distance to share both theological reflections and practical suggestions. — Amy Pagliarella
For anyone feeling hollowed out by the litany of grief that envelops our news cycles, family systems and church communities, there is plenty of grace to be gained from her bodily prayers ... invitations to contemplation ... and calls to an undivided life. — Emily McGinley
"I appreciate [Gilbert] Rendle’s emphasis on discovery rather than prescription. We do not need another program for renewal and evangelism; ... We need to discover what God is already doing in the world," writes Phil Reed.
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