Jim Wallis is the founder of Sojourners, a US network of progressive Christians working for justice and peace. He says that the era of the religious right is over, and a new crop of under-30 progressives is taking American religion (and American politics) by storm. But people of faith need to get to work to further this grassroots support for social justice. Wallis discusses how the silent majority of religious Americans, who don’t feel represented by the religious right’s agenda, can first take comfort in their sheer numbers and then take action in their communities to fight poverty, clean up the environment and eradicate disease. Passionate, engaging and moving.
(This book is also published in the US under the title Great Awakening.)

Also by Wallis: God’s Politics. Lion, UK. $19.99

The New Zealand Hymnbook Trust has just published the sheet music for this important new hymn. The sheet music includes settings of both melody line and SATB with piano accompaniment. The text is in both English and Te Reo Maori - translated by Rangi McGarvey and adapted by Whirimako Black.Order your copies now.

Chaplaincy Phenomena. Joelle Kabamba. 155pp. Spencer, Aust. $39.99

Australian Kabamba reveals what it is like on the frontline of the emerging ministry of secondary school chaplaincy. She provides practical guidelines to help chaplains work effectively and with integrity in schools. Kabamba speaks from the heart and uses real stories of young people coming to Christ. She urges churches to invest in youth now so that they and the churches will flourish tomorrow.

Work of the Chaplain. Naomi Paget, Janet McCormack. 136pp. Judson, US. (2006) $24.99. (Allow up to 6 weeks for delivery)

An ideal starting point for those exploring a call to chaplaincy. The authors discuss chaplaincy in many settings: multi-religious, military bases at home and abroad, hospitals and hospice care, workplaces, prisons, high schools and tertiary campuses. They also emphasise how chaplains can care for themselves while caring for others.

Spirituality in Patient Care: Why, How, When, and What. (Revised and expanded) Harold Koenig, M.D. 264pp Templeton, US. $39.99.

Research demonstrates the positive effect of one’s spiritual beliefs on general health and well-being. This practical handbook for medical professionals and chaplains will help them to address and assess spiritual issues in patient care.

God and Empire: Jesus Against Rome, Then and Now. John Dominic Crossan. 257pp Harper One, US. $28.99

At the heart of the Bible is a moral and ethical call to fight unjust superpowers, whether they are Babylon, Rome, or perhaps even America. Through the revolutionary messages of Jesus and Paul, Crossan reveals what the Bible has to say about land and economy, violence and retribution, justice and peace, and ultimately, redemption.

Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A  Jew: Three Women Search for Understanding. Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, Priscilla Warner. 396pp Simon & Schuster, US. $25.99

The idea behind establishing a faith club was simple, the three women would collaborate on an interfaith children's book emphasising the connections among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Conflicts soon arose, but as this book candidly reveals they persevered and found a deeper understanding of their own faiths and new ways of relating to others.

A Resilient Voice. 110pp Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre, Auckland. $19.99

20 recent NZ sermons. These inspiring, community-facing, thoughtful sermons cover a broad range of cultural, theological and mission perspectives. Contributors include: John Bluck, Glynn Cardy, Rodney Routledge, Hone Kaa and Anne Priestley.

Message in the Music: Studying Contemporary Praise & Worship. Robert Woods & Brian Walrath eds. 216pp Abingdon, US. $39.99.

A comprehensive analysis of the lyrics, melodies and musical styles of the 77 most-sung worship songs. This guide for pastors, worship leaders and musicians includes a chapter by NZ’s Guy Jansen on the artistic worth of song melodies.

Power of God and the gods of Power. Daniel Migliore. 141pp. Westminster John Knox, US. $29.99.

“With trademark clarity and passion, Migliore calls Christian disciples to reassess our understanding of the power of God. Artfully weaving stories, historic and biblical references, and keen theological insights, he presents a compelling critique of our grasp of the gods of power.  I anticipate sharing this text and its helpful discussion questions with my congregation.” Carrie Mitchell, First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY.

 

Also available: Faith Seeking Understanding $53.99

Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near and Far) to Create Social Change  Barbara Lewis. 134pp. Free Spirit, US. $29.99.

A rich menu of opportunities for service, fast facts, hands-on activities, user-friendly tools, and up-to-date resources that young people can use to put their own volunteer spirit into practice. Upbeat, practical, and highly motivating, this book has the power to rouse young readers everywhere.

Strategy for Youth Leaders for the 21st Century. (New edition) Ross Farley. 144pp Scripture Union, Aust. $29.99.

An invaluable resource to help youth pastors, church leaders, mission teams, high school chaplains and mentors of youth leaders to set goals and see results. An excellent balance of principles and practice to shape and strengthen youth ministry.

Effective Ministry to Tweenagers. Ruth Hassall, Ian Macdonald. 28pp . Grove, UK. $12.95.

8–12 year olds no longer see themselves as children, but they are not yet teenagers. At this age faith can either grow and develop, or be left behind as something childish. This study makes a case for recognising tweens as a unique group, and offers practical tips and guidelines for working with them.