Book of the Month

 Between the Monster and the Saint: Reflections on the Human Condition. Richard Holloway 200pp. Text Publishing. $28.00

In this thought-provoking new book Holloway holds a mirror up to the human condition. The reflection isn't always pretty. But by drawing on a colourful and eclectic selection of writings from history, philosophy, science, poetry, theology and literature, he shows how we can stand up to the seductive power of the monster and draw closer to the fierce challenge of the saint. A challenging and heartfelt study of the human capacity for good and evil.

Also by Holloway:

·         Looking In The Distance: The Human Search For Meaning. Canongate (2004) $27.00

·         On Forgiveness: How Can We Forgive The Unforgivable. Canongate (2002) $35.00

·         Doubts And Loves: What Is Left Of Christianity. Canongate (2005) $26.00

·         Godless Morality: Keeping Religion Out Of Ethics. Canongate (1999) $27.00

Other featured titles

Rhyming Bible: From the Creation to Revelation. James Muirden. 224pp hbk. Michael O’Mara. $43.99

This wonderfully sympathetic rendering of the Old and New Testaments into deceptively simple rhyming couplets provides us with a narrative that is at once respectful, succinct and fluent, while doing much to illuminate the wisdom and beauty of the original. Good fun. Here is a sample:

“Saul Rejected: 1 Samuel 13-15

The reign of Saul was problematic.

His judgement was at best erratic,

and God and Sam were soon regretting

their negligent approach to vetting…

At Micmash, Jonathan (Saul’s son)

attacked some Philistines, and won;

but then the enemy assembled

a force so vast that it resembled

the grains of sand upon the shore.

Saul’s soldiers didn’t wait for more,

and fled. Sam blamed him for the mess…

‘God would have crowned you with success

And let your dynasty succeed

If you had shown you could lead;

But you did not, so He’s selected

another leader.’ Though rejected,

Saul ruled till he was 72,

A rather cheeky thing to do.”

Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision. Tom Wright. 244pp. SPCK. $34.99

Wright proposes a new vision of the apostle’s central message that does fuller justice to the whole of Paul’s letters and in particular to the God-centred nature of his gospel. He encourages us to be part of God’s plan to rescue and remake the whole of creation.

Also by Tom Wright:

·         Acts for Everyone: Volume 1 (UK). SPCK. $39.99

·         Acts for Everyone: Volume 2 (UK). SPCK. $39.99

·         John for Everyone: Part 1 Chaps 1-10. (UK). SPCK. $32.99

·         John for Everyone: Part 2 Chaps 11-21. (UK). SPCK. $32.99

·         Luke for Everyone. (UK). SPCK. $32.99

·         Mark for Everyone (UK). SPCK.$34.99

·         Matthew for Everyone: Part 1 Chapters 1-15 (UK). SPCK. $32.99

·         Matthew for Everyone: Part 2 Chapters 16-28 (UK). SPCK. $32.99

·         Surprised by Hope [Pbk]. SPCK. $34.99

Groaning of Creation: God, Evolution, and the Problem of Evil. Christopher Southgate. 196pp. Westminster John Knox. $49.99.

“Southgate’s refined reflections on the suffering of sentient life are profound and moving. They are also scientifically informed and theologically sophisticated. This creative work shows how an openness to evolutionary science can considerably deepen and enliven Christian theology’s understanding of nature and nature’s God.” John Haught, Senior Fellow, Georgetown University.

The Most Dangerous Animal: Human Nature and the Origins of War. David Livingstone Smith. 263pp St Martin’s. $42.00

What it is about human nature that makes it possible for human beings to regularly slaughter their own kind? Meticulously researched and far-reaching in scope and with examples taken from ancient and modern history, Livingstone Smith takes us on a journey through evolution, anthropology, and psychology, and delivers a sobering lesson for an increasingly dangerous world.

 Also by Livingstone: Why We Lie: The Evolutionary Roots of Deception and the Unconscious Mind. St Martin’s (2007). $42.00 (Allow 2 weeks for delivery)

Word Made Flesh: The Language of Jesus in His Stories and Prayers. Eugene Peterson. 287pp. Hodder. $39.99.

Peterson offers an extended meditation on language and the way we are called to use it in Christian community, taking  our cues from Jesus, and the words he used in his stories and prayers.

Also in this Spiritual Theology series by Peterson:

·         Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places $24.99

·         Eat This Book $29.99

·         The Jesus Way $29.99

Wesley: A Guide for the Perplexed. Jason Vickers. 133pp. hbk. T & T Clark. $54.00

Arguably the most significant religious figure in 18th century England, John Wesley presents a variety of challenges for students. He remains an elusive, enigmatic figure. Vickers skilfully maps the links between Wesley’s ecclesiastical, political and theological commitments,  to provide a synoptic vision of  Wesley’s thought that is valuable both for beginners and for those who have been studying Wesley for some time.

Also about John Wesley:

·         The John Wesley Code: Finding a Faith that Matters. James Stuart. 212 pp. Philip Garside. $35.00  Click here to Download your Free John Wesley Code Study Guide PDF 108kb

·         John Wesley: A Brand From The Burning. Roy Hattersley. 451pp Abacus. $29.99

Preaching in the Small Membership Church. Lewis Parks. 112pp. Abingdon. $27.99

A practical tool for pastors and lay ministers. “Rather than dispensing worn-out formulas or strict imperatives, Parks’ chapters stimulate and shape the preacher’s own passion, curiosity, creativity and calling.” Robert Schnase, a Bishop of the United Methodist Church.

Also new in this series: Worshipping in the Small Membership Church. Robin Knowles Wallace. $27.99 (2008)

Series includes:

·         Administration in the Small Membership Church, John Tyson, $29.99

·         Christian Education in the Small Membership Church, Karen Tye, $27.99

·         Evangelism in the Small Membership Church, Royal Speidel, $32.99

·         Pastoral Care In The Small Membership Church, James Killen, $27.99

·         Spiritual Leadership in the Small membership Church, David Canada, $27.99

Power of Multi-Sensory Preaching and Teaching.  Rick Blackwood. 207pp hbk. Zondervan. $39.99

Blackwood shows that the more senses we stimulate in teaching and preaching, the greater the levels of learner attention, comprehension and retention. Regardless of one’s current skill level, this practical book can help anyone add multi-sensory elements to messages in order to take communication to the next level—more compelling, clear and memorable.

Finding God in the Shack. Roger Olson. 160pp. IVP. $29.99

The Shack has touched millions of readers with its portrayal of a compassionate God in the face of great evil. Olson delves into the issues raised by the book such as forgiving those who have done us serious harm, how God acts in the world, how God is three persons in one and what difference this makes to us.

Also Available:

§  The Shack by William Young. Windblown Media. $29.99

§  The Shack – Large Print by William Young. Windblown Media. $46.00 (Allow 2 weeks for delivery)

Pilgrimage: A Spiritual and Cultural Journey. Ian Bradley. 224pp hbk. Lion. $44.99

Bradley explores the phenomenon of Christian pilgrimage, pointing to its origins in the Exodus and wilderness experience of the Jews, and charts the medieval heyday when millions of pilgrims spent months travelling across Europe. He then considers the modern revival which has blurred the lines between pilgrimage and tourism and made places such as Iona, Taize and Santiago di Compostella the mecca for contemporary seekers and travellers. Lavishly illustrated.

Last Adventure of Life: Inspiring approaches to living and dying. Maria Hoaglund. 264pp. Finch. $39.99.

This collection of sacred and inspirational writings is for anyone who is interested in exploring new ways to view spirituality and the end of life – whether they are facing death themselves or caring for loved ones who are ill, grieving or preparing to die. Hoaglund is a hospice counsellor.

What Should I Say, What Can I Do? How to Reach Out to Those You Love. Rebecca Bram Feldbaum. 130pp hbk. Pocket Books. $16.99.

When severe illness or death strikes a member of your family or community, do you want to help but worry that you'll make matters worse?

This book suggests: • What to do at hospitals and funerals • The right words of comfort to offer • Ways to offer financial help • Special gifts that will keep memories of the deceased alive • Activities to do with your bereaved friend.

When We Remember: Inspiration & Integrity for a Meaningful Funeral, Melissa Abraham. Hbk 220pp Colour throughout. Three Things Publishing. $87.00 (Allow 2 weeks for delivery)

When We Remember focuses on the first week following a death, an emotional crisis period when information and assistance are needed most. It draws together knowledge, experiences and discoveries from many people - from the inexperienced to the expert - to create an inclusive, comforting and relevant resource.

This generous, practical & beautifully presented package includes:

·         70 of the world's best loved poetry and readings

·         More than 100 song titles from many decades

·         Free professional quality music CD

·         More than 60 stunning and inspirational photographs

·         Everything you need to know about selecting a funeral director, planning and delivering a Eulogy, dealing with difficult deaths, grief and memorial help, what you should expect from your funeral director, funeral celebrant or minister, examples from religious traditions, different cultures and modern individual ideas from around the world, and much, much more.

Bookstalls

Ask us to supply books for your next synod, conference or other gathering. We will send you an interesting selection of titles to suit your event.

The person who organises the bookstall and sells books on our behalf receives a 10% commission on total sales.

New Borg and Crossan Title

The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon. Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan. 230pp hbk. HarperCollins. $54.99

How could the letters of Paul be used both to inspire radical grace and to endorse oppression: condoning slavery, subordinating women, condemning homosexual behaviour? Borg and Crossan use the best of biblical and historical scholarship to explain the reasons for Paul’s mixed reputation and reveal that the later letters of Paul were created by the early church to dilute Paul‘s egalitarian message and transform him into something more “acceptable.” 

Also by Crossan and Borg:

·         Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem. HarperCollins (2006). $24.99

·         First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Birth. SPCK (2008) $27.99 

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