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.
"This book may help congregations that are far, far away from the sale of their church property avoid this seemingly inevitable fate." — Beth Guzman
Famous musician Lil Nas X is making his “comeback” to music by paying homage to Jesus. The single, “J Christ,” and its music video are saturated with over-the-top, “scandalous” religious images, generating a controversy.
Myisha Cherry argues that it is more fruitful to view forgiveness as a journey, not a single decision, writes Paul Dornan.
Film critic Joseph Holmes finds writer-director Jeymes Samuel's "The Book Of Clarence" to be a satisfying remix of familiar biblical movies like "The Life of Brian" and "Ben Hur."
Greg Garrett agrees with Baldwin on the questions that lead from bad faith to one based on wisdom and truth: “Who is God, who am I, what is sacred community, how are we supposed to live, why exercise faith?”
"While the reflection questions and content could be tailored to suit a small group, this is a particularly rich choice for individual reading for Lent this year," writes Amy Pagliarella.
Luther E. Smith Jr. proclaims that Hope is Here! as he invites us to practice and pursue justice in our churches and communities.
"While Daniel Reinhardt is one of many voices in the police-reform conversation, his personal experiences, combined with a calm yet passionate tone, provide a welcome addition to a complex topic," writes Amy Pagliarella.
Kara Root’s message is this: Receive what is. Receive what is difficult. Receive what God is doing. Receive what God has already done. Receive what will be. Receive it all. — Philip J. Reed
Here's a short list of books appropriate for that quiet reading time after Christmas. Enjoy!
Carey Wallace and Khoa Le create a book that is a gift for early elementary-age children and adults alike, writes Amy Pagliarella.
Dartinia Hull highlights a "Code Switch" conversation with author Alejandra Oliva. Perhaps paying attention can help us live into the Advent season, she writes.
"All this leads McCaulley to ask: If there is a God, why has racism persisted for so long?" — Colin Farmer
David Brooks pens "a deeply engaging book that reads like a guide to pastoral care, yet is equally applicable to professionals and caregivers, helping all of us bring more curiosity and compassion to our conversations," writes Amy Pagliarella.
“Women have been fruitful matriarchs for millennia, including those of us who never gave birth,” Elizabeth Felicetti writes in her new book reviewed by Elizabeth B. Dickey.
In Anna Carter Florence's book, "Prophets become petulant and loving. Certain women, perhaps considered sassy or labeled as illicit, become exemplars of faith ...," writes Jo Forrest.
Is your church paying for something that it could get for free (or a discount)? Julie Raffety, a pastor and website developer, shares five resources every church should know about.
"Amy Butler invites readers to imagine a creative 'new way of being a church in the world,' one requiring an 'open-minded and open-hearted redirection of resources ...'" — Aram Feinberg
Amy Pagliarella has devotional recommendations for individuals, small groups and Jane Austen fans.
"Karen Eber’s 'The Perfect Story' brilliantly demonstrates how to craft memorable stories that change hearts and minds," writes Amy Pagliarella.
Looking for the perfect gift for a parent, pastor or Sunday school teacher? Consider the "Day by Day Deck" — an inter-generational tool for praying with pictures.
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