Curated topics for a disillusioned church
All of the curated books on Sunday to Saturday. Visit our Good Reads page for more book reviews.
John Hendrix’s The Faithful Spy is an engrossing and visually arresting account of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a German pastor whose fierce moral clarity led him into the heart of a conspiracy to resist, and ultimately assassinate, Adolf Hitler.
The Ragamuffin Gospel is not so much a theological treatise as it is a wake-up call—one delivered gently but insistently to the soul that keeps trying to earn what Christ has already given. Manning’s premise is simple: most Christians do not actually believe in the incomprehensible, unearnable grace of God. We nod politely at grace in our Sunday best, but spend the rest of the week anxiously polishing our halos.
In Chosen? Reading the Bible Amid the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict, Walter Brueggemann, one of the most formidable theological voices of our time, delivers a rigorous, incisive, and unsettling critique—not just of political realities but of the ideological readings of scripture that often fuel them. This is not a book that offers comfortable reassurances. Rather, it demands an unflinching reexamination of how theology is wielded in geopolitical struggles.
These Brothers of Mine is a theologically rich, provocatively argued, and compassionately penned work that seeks to dismantle long-standing assumptions within Western evangelical Christianity about land, family, and God’s promises. With measured conviction, pastor Rob Dalrymple challenges the ideology of Christian Zionism, contending that such theology not only misinterprets Scripture but also perpetuates harmful divisions in the Middle East, both theologically and geopolitically.
With the ceaseless fighting between Israel and Palestine and individual's inert opinions on the conflict it is easy to forget the humanity of the hundreds of thousands of Christian, Arab, and Jewish citizens that live in the region. There is little coverage in major media outlets on the psychological effects of the endless rocket barrages from Hamas or the dehumanizing tactics employed against the Palestinian people. Author Sandy Tolan cuts through the tired generalizations and talking points as he tells an intimate story of how one Palestinian family and one Jewish family's lives intersect as they grapple with friendship, disagreement, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Elias Chacour’s Blood Brothers is a poignant and stirring memoir that delves deeply into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of a Palestinian Christian. Chacour, a Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop, offers a unique perspective on the tumultuous history and ongoing struggles of his people, blending personal narrative with a call for peace and reconciliation.
At over 600 pages the 1662 Book of Common Prayer can be daunting. Where does one start? Samuel Bray and Drew Nathaniel Keane in How to Read the Book of Common Prayer have penned a passionate and deeply insightful guide to one of Christianity’s most enduring treasures. The book deftly weaves history, theology, and practical application to show why the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) remains relevant, not just as a liturgical tool but as a wellspring of Christian devotion. The author’s love for the BCP is evident on every page, offering readers not just information but a heartfelt invitation to embrace its rhythms and teachings.
In Jesus Wins, pastor Dayton Hartman makes his position clear from the outset: speculative discussions about the end times rarely offer any value and should never become a point of division. He emphasizes that as long as believers adhere to the foundational doctrines expressed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, their specific views on eschatology (the study of the end times) should not fracture the church's unity.
Most Christians are familiar with the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Lent while fewer are acquainted with Epiphany. In Epiphany - The Season of Glory Episcopal priest Fleming Rutledge simply, compellingly, and theologically explores the significance of the Epiphany season by highlighting and revering the divine glory of God before exploring the four themes of the season.
In many parts of the world it is effortless to get lost in the consumerism and busyness of Christmas. As a result, some people looking for deeper meaning cynically reject the celebration of Christmas. In Christmas: The Season of Life and Light Anglican priest Emily Hunter McGowin says not so fast as she frames Christmas within the church's liturgical calendar while celebrating and exploring ways the holiday's traditions such as gift-giving and decorations can point us towards the story of Jesus.
Sunday to Saturday 
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