Yancey invites those sceptical of religion and turned off by the church to consider the possibility of an unseen, supernatural world of beauty and purpose co-existing with our visible world. This book comes out of Yancey’s own search for God and is written especially for those who live in the borderlands of belief - the region between belief and unbelief. Discover with Yancey a new perspective that takes into account all of life experience.

Sex, power & the clergy. Muriel Porter 216pp $39.95 Hardie Grant Books, Aust.

The crisis over clergy sexual abuse is rocking Christian churches around the world and in Australia the controversy stretches to the highest office in the land the former Governor-General Peter Hollingworth.

Porter tells the story of the current crisis and asks the hard questions: why have church leaders failed to deal with sexual abuse; is celibacy to blame in the Catholic Church?; is unfettered clergy power and lack of accountability a factor? Or is the true cause much deeper - the churches’ failure to come to terms with their ancient suspicion of both women and sexuality. The book presents a compelling case for urgent church reform and, above all, real repentance.

The Lost Art of Meditation: Deepening your prayer life. Sheila Pritchard.120pp $22.95 Scripture Union, UK

Sheila Pritchard lectured in Spiritual Formation at the Bible College of NZ for 20 years. She enjoys encouraging others in their spiritual journey through teaching, writing and personal mentoring.

This book will help you explore creative two-way communication with God, help make the well-read scriptures seem fresh again and add life to your prayers.

Timeless prayers for peace: voices together from around the world. Compiled by Geoffrey Duncan. 319pp Canterbury Press $39.95

This new collection includes a stimulating and versatile range of material that can be used in worship, in small groups and in private prayer.

It will deepen our understanding and challenge us to action as we seek to serve the Prince of Peace.

The Suicidal Church: Can the Anglican Church be saved? Caroline Miley 182pp $46.95 Pluto Press, Aust.

"A book of startling clarity and of truths applying well beyond the Anglican Church which it primarily addresses - a daring invitation for the church to turn ‘from fear to freedom, from death to life.’ But will enough of the church be prepared to listen?" Rev Dorothy McRae-McMahon, past national director for mission, Uniting Church in Australia.

Miley contends that it is not religious belief that is the obstacle for many Christians, but the culture of the church itself. She examines the failings of the church and its culture of timidity, fear, racism, sexism and homophobia and argues that it must undergo large-scale and radical change. Here are ideas for revitalisation and redirection - essential reading for all who care about the future of Christianity.

A fresh New Zealand liturgy resource. Murray’s reflections and meditations will work well for both personal prayer and public worship. He offers deep insights and beautiful writing, covering all the church seasons. Murray is the vicar of Merivale and a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral.

Captain America and the Crusade against Evil: The dilemma of zealous nationalism. Robert Jewett & John Shelton Lawrence. 392pp hardcover. $39.95 Eerdmans

The authors explore zealous nationalism, which seeks to redeem the world by destroying enemies, and provide fascinating access to the inner workings of the American psyche. They show zeal as the equivalent of the Islamic concept of jihad, and address related topics: the conspiracy theory of evil, stereotyping of enemies, mystique of violence, obsession with victory and the worship of national symbols such as flags. This is balanced with analysis of prophetic realism, a concept which comes from the humane side of biblical heritage, and looks forward to the promise of peaceful co-existence.

The John Rutter Collection – CD. The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Conducted by John Rutter. 22 tracks 78 mins. $39.95

Sacred and some secular music by one of the best contemporary choral composers.

Tracks are:

• For the beauty of the earth

• The Lord is my shepherd

• All things bright and beautiful

• Shepherd’s pipe carol

• The Lord bless you and keep you

• Open thou mine eyes

• My true love hath my heart (from Birthday Madrigals)

• Esurientes (from Magnificat)

• Gloria Patri (from Magnificat)

• Out of the deep (from Requiem)

• Pie Jesu (from Requiem)

• What sweeter music

• A choral fanfare

• A prayer of St Patrick

• O be joyful in the Lord

• Behold, the tabernacle of God

• O praise the Lord of heaven

• A gaelic blessing

• Angels’ Carol

• Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (from Five Childhood Lyrics)

• Sing a song of sixpence (from Five Childhood Lyrics)

• Go forth into the world in peace.

The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas. Stephen Law 140pp $29.95 Weidenfeld & Nicolson UK. (Due mid Dec.)

A philosophical but fun look at the meanings of Christmas myths and rituals, from carving the turkey to why Santa wears red. In a secular society, does Christmas mean anything anymore? As we stuff ourselves with turkey, unwrap the latest useless gadget, and gather round the family tree, what real relevance does the festive season have and why do we perpetuate it?

Sit back and let us take the hard work out of book selection. A year of stimulating reading is guaranteed. We will send you our Book of the Month from February to November. Purchase 10 books from us during the year and we will send you the December book of the month free. Please contact us for more information about joining the Club.