Books
Standing Naked Before God, by Molly Phinney Baskette
Molly Phinney Baskette's book is not a robust example of the Christian practice of confession. But she does offer a glimpse into the life of a church that is thriving against the odds.
The Love of God, by Jon D. Levenson
Jon Levenson's new book reflects on the theme of the love of God in the Hebrew Bible. The three components of his subtitle suggest the range and depth of his exposition.
Harper Lee, then and now
Yes, Go Set a Watchman has its problems; yes, it needed an editor. Yet one senses that this fiction has grown out of a life lived.
Crux of the matter
Fleming Rutledge's magnum opus is many things: a look at the ways the death of Christ has been interpreted, an argument that the how of his death matters, and a protest against Christianity-light.
Spiritual Companioning, by Angela H. Reed, Richard R. Osmer, and Marcus G. Smucker
The authors of Spiritual Companioning suggest a way forward for those disenchanted with polite, shallow church relationships.
Accidental Saints, by Nadia Bolz-Weber
Readers who found Pastrix to be a long, cool drink will find more refreshment here. Those who have tired of Nadia Bolz-Weber's cranky schtick will tire of it here as well.
How to Read the Bible, by Harvey Cox
For the Bible to belong not only to the church or the academy but to the people, a guidebook is needed. Harvey Cox provides one.
White space, black lives
After I received the request to review Kelly Brown Douglas's book, I kept seeing her main thesis displayed in the news.
Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an atheist. But perhaps his atheism is precisely the kind that Christians in America need.
Afterwar, by Nancy Sherman
Nancy Sherman's message is clear: society must understand the totality of human experiences of war, including their moral dimensions.
A Philosophical Walking Tour with C. S. Lewis, by Stewart Goetz
Stewart Goetz’s book is provocative and carefully argued. But I am puzzled as to why the ordinary reader of C. S. Lewis would be worried about the road not taken.
Delight in preaching
My sixth-grade sex ed teacher held up a worksheet and apologized: “I know this is sort of unromantic.” Books on preaching can leave us similarly cold.
Cancer and good news
Todd Billings weaves his struggle with a rare form of blood cancer together with probing biblical and theological reflection.
Between Magisterium and Marketplace, by Robert C. Saler
Robert Saler’s two main concerns are theological authorship and how we conceive of the church. The two have an unsettled relationship.
Post-traumatic texts
David Carr rereads the familiar materials of the Bible in conversation with trauma theory. This opens the way for a fresh and suggestive interpretation.
Inklings of good news
The proliferation of Inklings books is often prompted by Christian triumphalism. Carol and Philip Zaleski have something more interesting to say.