Book of the Month

The Double Rainbow: James K Baxter, Ngati Hau and the Jerusalem Commune. John Newton. 224pp. Victoria Univ. Press. $40.00.

In 1969, Baxter moved to Jerusalem on the Whanganui River and established an intentional community under the mana of the local hapu, Ngati Hau. The Jerusalem commune proved a magnet for disaffected and damaged young people. What was life really like at Jerusalem, beyond the popular stereotypes? And what did it mean, for Ngati Hau, to be deluged with long-haired strangers and with the media attention which followed them?

“John Newton’s book about Baxter’s final years succeeds so brilliantly because it concentrates less on the barefoot guru of media legend and more on the rise and fall of his commune at Jerusalem. Newton does not treat Jerusalem as a cultural dead end, but as an early prototype (10 years before the Maori resurgence reached the mainstream) of the bicultural struggles that New Zealand society is still engaged in.” Gordon Campbell, METRO

Other featured titles

  The Story of Suzanne Aubert (New edition.) Jessie Munro. 496pp. Bridget Williams Books. $49.99.

This beautifully written story of a radical nun who founded a NZ religious congregation sold thousands of copies when it won the Book of the Year award in the 1997 Montana Book Awards.

Just published: Letters on the Go: The Correspondence of Suzanne Aubert. Jessie Munro ed. 600pp. Bridget Williams Books. $69.99.

Prayers and Liturgies of Confession and Assurance. 102pp. Kenneth H Carter. Abingdon. $19.99.

Enrich your worship experience with a thoughtful theology of confession and pardon. For every liturgical season and event; in times of local, national, or international crisis; to enhance the spiritual formation of the congregation - here is just the right language to use as is or adapt for your unique needs. Includes 70 prayers of confession and words of assurance, with accompanying liturgies and music suggestions.
 

Also in the Just in Time series by Carter:

·         Baptism Services, Sermons and Prayers. 86pp. Abingdon (2006) $19.99 (1 copy in stock)

·         Easter Services, Sermons, and Prayers. 99pp. Abingdon (2007) $22.99 (Allow 3-4 weeks

To Do Justice: A Guide for Progressive Christians. Rebecca Todd Peters, Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty eds. 164pp. Westminster John Knox. $39.99.

This book provides tools for studying complex domestic social problems and a guide to becoming involved in social action. Each essay analyses a contemporary problem from social, biblical, and theological perspectives before providing directions for public policy. Includes discussion questions for each chapter.

 Jesus Was a Liberal: Reclaiming Christianity for All. Scotty McLennan. Hbk. 272pp. Macmillan. $59.99.

McLennan advocates a sense of religion based not on doctrinal readings of scripture but on the humanity behind Christ’s teachings. He addresses such topics as intelligent design, abortion, same sex marriage, war, torture and much, much more. “An immensely readable book that reclaims the honorable word ‘liberal’ for a vision of Christianity that is persuasive, compelling, and faithful.” Marcus Borg.

Resistance: The New Role of Progressive Christians. John Cobb ed. 269pp. Westminster John Knox. $49.99.

“A welcome redefinition of what we used to mean by ‘liberal’ and now call ‘progressive’ Christianity. ...this book reintroduces deeper streams of social possibility, those of prayer, community, and the liberation of saying no to bread that does not satisfy. Spiritually alert people will want to read this book.” Donna Schaper, senior minister of Judson Memorial Church in New York City.

Also by Cobb: Back to Darwin: A Richer Account of Evolution. 464pp Eerdmans (2008) $78.00

Bring on the Apocalypse: Six Arguments for Global Justice. George Monbiot. 256pp Penguin. $28.00.

In these incendiary essays, Monbiot tears apart the fictions of religious conservatives, the claims of those who deny global warming and the lies of the governments and newspapers that led us into war. Often controversial, always original, Monbiot continually asks the big questions, challenging our most dearly-held beliefs.

Also in stock by Monbiot: Heat: How Can we Stop the Planet Burning. 279pp. Penguin (2007) $28.00.

Old Testament Theology: An Introduction. (Library of Biblical Theology series.) Walter Brueggemann. 336pp. Abingdon. $64.99.

“...astute theological analysis that grows out of deep and careful reading of an astonishing variety of biblical texts. Brueggemann sketches a coherent and comprehensive vision of a ‘primal God,’ who makes ‘primal disclosures.’ These pages attest to someone in vigorous dialogue with the full range of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible scholarship. Everyone interested in Old Testament theology will want to read this volume.” David L Peterson, Candler School of Theology, Emory Univ.

Also in stock by Brueggemann:

NEW Redescribing Reality: What We Do When We Read the Bible. SCM Press $59.99, and

·         Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann. W Brueggemann (PBK) Fortress Press $39.99

·         Bible Makes Sense. Rev ed. St Anthony Messenger Press $19.99

·         Great Prayers of the Old Testament. Westminster John Knox $37.00

·         Inscribing the Text: Sermons & Prayers of Walter Brueggemann. Augsburg Fortress $49.99

·         Mandate to Difference: Invitation to the Contemporary Church Westminster John Knox $39.99

·         Prayers for a Privileged People. Abingdon $44.99

·         Struggling With Scripture. Westminster John Knox $19.99

·         Word Militant: Preaching a Decentering Word. Fortress Press $64.00

  New Testament Theology: An Introduction James Dunn. 232pp. Abingdon. $44.99.

Dunn ranges widely across the literature of the New Testament to describe the essential elements of the early church’s belief and practice. “Dunn is fully alert to the dynamic, complexity and pluralism of New Testament faith...” Walter Brueggemann.

Also NEW in this series: Biblical Theology: Introducing the Conversation. Leo Purdue. 176pp. Abingdon. $44.99. (2 copies in stock)

Connected: You and God in the Psalms. Peter Wallace. 193pp. Morehouse. $43.99.

This straightforward, real-world devotional guide is designed to help people of all ages connect powerfully with the God of the Bible as revealed in the Psalms, the Bible’s songbook. Within the exquisitely emotional lyrics in these songs, readers will find all the feelings, struggles, and fears they face each day. And they’ll find the spiritual resources to help them thrive.

Also by Wallace: Living Loved: Knowing Jesus as the Lover of Your Soul. 176pp. Seabury (2007). $39.99 (Allow 6-8 weeks)

Spiritual Disciplines Companion: Bible Studies and Practices to Transform Your Soul. Jan Johnson. 315pp IVP. $34.99.

Johnson has created a unique mix of inductive Bible study, guided meditation and transformational exercises spanning all the styles of learning and offering something for everyone. You can use this book effectively on your own or with a group. Discover what it means to live in the grace and light of God’s transforming presence.

Also by Johnson:

·         Invitation to the Jesus Life: Experiment in Christlikeness. Navpress. $24.99  (Allow 3-4 weeks)

·         Surrendering Hunger: 365 Devotions for Wholeness. Paraclete Press. $42.00  (Allow 2 weeks)

·         Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice: Experiments in Spiritual Transformation. Dallas Willard, Jan Johnson. Navpress. (Allow 1 week) $24.99

Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction. Alice Fryling. 152 pp. IVP. $29.99.

Spiritual director Fryling offers practical, step-by-step guidance for those who want to start, lead or participate in group spiritual direction. Her book will tell you what to expect and fully equip you for the different aspects of the group experience, including learning to listen to God, using Scripture in a group, navigating different personalities, setting group expectations and asking life-giving questions.

God With Skin On: Finding God’s Love in Human Relationships. Anne Robertson. 160pp. Morehouse. $43.99.

In a culture where relationships are often divisive and exploitative, and where the call to love enemies often seems impractical, this book offers the reminder that every relationship provides an opportunity to love God in the other and to be “God with skin on” for that person in return.

Also by Robertson:

·         Blowing The Lid Off The God-Box: Opening Up To A Limitless Faith. Morehouse Publishing. $37.99  (Allow 6-8 weeks)

·         God's Top 10: Blowing the Lid Off the Commandments. Morehouse Publishing. $48.00  (Allow 6-8 weeks)

Church Hymnary 4th Edition: CD ROM. John Bell ed. SCM-Canterbury. $119.99. (Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery)

This 2006 hymn book of Church of Scotland has been one of the most successful and popular recent worship resources. It is now offered as a downloadable CD Rom for reproduction of hymns in service sheets, Power Point and other electronic systems.

An innovative and imaginative approach by the compilers has ensured the broadest range of traditional hymns, worship songs and psalms to satisfy every musical and liturgical style. Led by John Bell of the Iona Community, the compilers selected over 850 hymns and psalms, with a wide ranging mix of traditional, modern and new material drawn from across the Christian world - primarily the USA and New Zealand, but also translations and adaptations of material from Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Japan and Zimbabwe.

Material is included from today’s most exciting composers - Bernadette Farrell, Matt Redman, John Bell and many others. These complement the traditional congregational repertoire which is also well represented here. 

Also available: Church Hymnary 4^th edtion: Full Music Book. $97.99.

Exploring Mark's Gospel: An Aid For Readers And Preachers Using Year B Of The Revised Common Lectionary. Leslie J. Francis & Peter Atkins. 248pp. Continuum. $42.00 (Two copies just arrived)

This acclaimed book is now available in a revised and expanded form. Included readings from the Gospel of  John, whereas in the original edition only the readings from St Mark were covered. Sunday by Sunday gospel readings for year B on the Revised Common Lectionary

New Karen Armstrong title

The Case For God: What Religion Really Means. Karen Armstrong $39.99 (Arriving mid-July) Random House, US. isbn 9781847920355 Item Ref 228453 Theology.

Why has the modern God become incredible? Has God a future in this age of aggressive scientific rationalism? Karen Armstrong suggests that if we draw creatively on the insights of the past, we can build a faith that speaks to the needs of our troubled and dangerously polarized world.

Also in stock by Armstrong:

• Battle For God: Fundamentalism In Judaism, Christianity & Islam. Karen Armstrong $22.99  HarperCollins. isbn 9780006383482 Item Ref 138925 Theology
• Buddha. Karen Armstrong $38.99  Penguin Books. isbn 9780143034360 Item Ref 163895 World Religions
• Great Transformation: Pbk The World In The Time Of Buddha, Socrates, Confucius And Jeremiah. Karen Armstrong $29.99 Penguin Books. isbn 9781843540564 Item Ref 194780 Theology
• History Of God: From Abraham To The Present: 4000 Year Quest For God. Karen Armstrong $34.99 Vintage, UK. isbn 9780099273677 Item Ref 100623 Theology
• History Of Jerusalem : One City, Three Faiths 2nd Ed, 2005. Karen Armstrong $29.99  HarperCollins. isbn 9780006383475 Item Ref 178530 Church History/Biography
• Muhammad: Prophet For Our Times Hbk. Karen Armstrong $36.99 HarperCollins. isbn 9780007232451 Item Ref 212060 World Religions
• On The Bible: (Books That Shook The World Series). Karen Armstrong $29.99 Allen & Unwin. isbn 9781741148985 Item Ref 199166 Theology
• Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out Of Darkness (Pbk). Karen Armstrong $25.99 HarperCollins. isbn 9780007122295 Item Ref 166760 Church History/Biography
• Through The Narrow Gate: A Nun's Story. Karen Armstrong $24.99 Flamingo, UK. isbn 9780006550549 Item Ref 139284 Church History/Biography

Focus on Bibles

The Green Bible - New Revised Standard Version. 1312pp. HarperOne. $55.00. (3 copies in stock. Allow 4-6 weeks for more copies)

The Green Bible is the definitive movement Bible that shows that God is green and how we can care for and protect God's creation.

Features:

·         Green-Letter Edition: Verses and passages that speak to God's care for creation highlighted in green

·         Foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

·         Essays by Brian McLaren, Cal DeWitt, Barbara Brown Taylor, Pope John Paul II, Ellen Davis, N. T. Wright, Ellen Bernstein, Matthew Sleeth, James Jones, and Gordon Aeschliman

·         Inspirational quotes from Christian teachings throughout the ages

·         A green Bible topical index

·         A personal green Bible trail study guide

·         An appendix with information on further reading, how to get involved, and practical steps to take

·         Recycled paper, using soy-based ink with a cotton/linen cover

Ko E Tohitapu: Tongan Children's Lion Bible. 256pp hbk colour throughout. Bible Society, $12.99.

Now translated into the Tongan language, the Lion Children's Bible has been a major success story all over the world for the past 20 years. All the significant stories of the Old and New Testaments up to the book of Acts are retold in clear, simple language which children will understand. This is an exceptional price.

 The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation. Translated by Priests for Equality. Hbk 808pp. Sheed & Ward. $67.00 (3 copies only at this price)

While this new Bible is certainly an inclusive-language translation, it is much more: it is a re-imagining of the scriptures and our relationship to them. Not merely replacing male pronouns, the translators have rethought what kind of language has built barriers between the text and its readers. Seeking to be faithful to the original languages, they have sought new and non-sexist ways to express the same ancient truths. The Inclusive Bible is a fresh, dynamic translation into modern English, carefully crafted to let the power and poetry of the language shine forth—particularly when read aloud—giving it an immediacy and intimacy rarely found in traditional translations of the Bible.

The Discipleship Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version Including Apocrypha. Bruce Birch, Brian K. Blount, Thomas G. Long, Gail R. O'Day, W. Sibley Towner – authors and editors. Hbk 2198pp. Westminster John Knox. $99.99 (1 copy in stock. Allow 3-4 weeks for more copies)

This distinctive study Bible helps readers understand the ancient texts on their own terms and the meaning of the texts for us today, making it an indispensable book for reference and discipleship. The Discipleship Study Bible contains illuminating notes that give particular emphasis to the social witness and discipleship dimensions of the Bible and discerning scriptural guidance for living together in community. It features introductory essays to each book of the Bible by top-notch contemporary Bible scholars, the complete text of the New Revised Standard Version, including Apocrypha, a timeline, eight pages of colour maps, descriptions and notes within the text, and a concise concordance.

The NRSV Peoples' Bible with Apocrypha. Curtiss Paul DeYoung, Wilda C. Gafney, Leticia Guardiola eds. Hbk 1750pp. Augsburg Fortress. $69.99 (1 copy in stock. Allow 3-4 weeks for more copies)

The Peoples' Bible highlights the role of cultures in shaping the Bible and the way people read the Bible today. Relying on the best insights of historical-critical, liberationist, postmodern, and postcolonial interpretation the contributors include the editors of the volume plus Kosuke Koyama, Randall C. Bailey, Fernando F. Segovia, Elsa Tamez, Clarice Martin, Hee An Choi, Gale A. Yee, Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, and many more.

This Bible is unique in its aim to engage culture then and now and includes the following unique features:

·         Introductory essays highlighting profound issues of culture, ethnicity, and identity.

·         Feature boxes that reveal insights from African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American perspectives.

·         Sixteen-page gallery of culturally diverse four-color art.

The Meeting God Bible: Growing in Intimacy with God Through Scripture (NRSV). Timothy Jones ed. 1676pp. Upper Room Books. $85.00. (1 copy in stock. Allow 2 weeks for more copies)

If you hunger for greater depth in your relationship with God, the NRSV Meeting God Bible is a feast for the imagination, emotions and intellect — leading to a clearer understanding of God's call to you in scripture.

On each page you’ll find an Entry Point reflection based on spiritual disciplines practiced by Christians throughout the centuries. More than 1,500 Entry Points tap into the vital heart of scripture through:

·         Lectio divina or a two-way conversation with God

·         Ignatian reading, which engages all the senses

·         Franciscan reading, which calls on the creative arts

·         Fivefold Question, which prompts consideration of the passage's effect to daily living

·         Quotations from respected historic and contemporary Christians, which illuminate the power of Scripture

Simple Living New Testament with Psalms New Revised Standard Version. Imitation Leather. 108mm x 165mm 568pp. Abingdon. $29.99 (2 copies arriving soon. Allow 3-4 weeks for more copies)

NRSV containing the New Testament with Psalms in an easily transportable size. This Bible would make an ideal gift! This Bible contains a reading plan for the Book of Psalms for one-year and A Modern Parable of the Sower by Margit Gratzl. Soft-touch imitation leather with one-colour text, line art, presentation page and a ribbon bookmark.

The Renovare Spiritual Formation NRSV Bible with the Deuterocanonical Books. By Renovare, Inc., Richard J. Foster, Rebecca Gaudino, Glandion Carney, Bill Long, Bruce Demarest, Evan Howard, James Earl Massey, Catherine Taylor. 2448pp hbk. HarperCollins (2005). $83.99. (1 copy in stock. Allow 4-6 weeks for more copies)

Spearheaded by bestselling authors Richard J. Foster (Celebration of Discipline) and Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy), The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible introduces the concept of the "with-God life," a model for seeing the whole of Scripture as the unfolding story of God's plan for our loving relationship with the Creator. This central theme weaves throughout the essays, introductions, notes, and exercises, powerfully revealing how God is present to his people today and throughout history.

HarperCollins Study Bible - Student Edition. NRSV with apocrypha. Fully Revised & Updated. Harold W. Attridge, Society of Biblical Literature. 2208pp hbk. HarperCollins (2006) $84.99. (Allow 4-6 weeks)

The landmark general reference Bible that offers the full text of the New Revised Standard Version. Completely revised and updated. This new edition includes revised introductions and notes, and new diagrams, charts and maps.

Matariki Titles

Matariki Calendar: June 2009 to May 2010. Te Papa Press. 300 x 300mm. $19.99

Packed full of lovely colour photos, korero and proverbs to celebrate the Maori year. Large format. 

 

Other Matariki related titles available: 

•       Matariki: The Maori New Year (2nd edition). Libby Hakaraia. 52pp Reed, NZ. $19.99

•       Night Skies Above New Zealand. Vicki Hyde. 176pp New Holland. $29.99

•       Matariki. Melanie Drewery. 32pp, colour. Children's storybook. Reed, NZ (2003). $16.99 

•       Seven Stars of Matariki. Toni Rolleston-Cummins. 28pp colour. Huia. $18.00

•       Celebrating the Southern Seasons: Rituals for Aotearoa. Revised edition. Juliet Batten. 272pp. Random House (2005). $34.99

Bookstalls

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Winter Specials

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