Edited by R.J.Berry

The relationship between science and Christianity has been a recurring theme of the past few years with the rise of what has been described as ‘militant atheism’. In this volume a highly respected and diverse group of scientists – including many active Christians - have collaborated to produce a book that traverses this theological and scientific minefield in a way that is both illuminating and accessible. The result is a book that swiftly persuades the reader that there is no division between these two apparently conflicting views of reality. The interaction of science with religion is a considerably more exciting endeavour than attempts to drive a wedge between the two.
Designed to be dipped into, rather than read through, the core of the handbook provides up to date explanations and commentary on very many of the latest and most topical areas of scientific enquiry (and their corollary areas of ethical or theological dispute) across the physical, earth and natural sciences. Invaluable though this is, the reader benefits enormously from reading the initial 200 pages first, as here will be found a very clear guide to the philosophical issues that have guided the development of scientific and religious thought for the last several thousand years.
This book has been a privilege and a pleasure to read. A privilege because of the depth of scientific knowledge and theological reflection that it contains; a pleasure because of the clarity of the authors’ writing and the sheer delight of the images it contains. Buy it for yourself as a treat or as a gift for someone whose natural curiosity you wish to nurture. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Review by David Ford (04/05/12)

Hardback
Price: £25.00
Publisher: Lion
Published: March 2012
ISBN: 978-0-745-95346-5

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Sister Wendy's Bible Treasury

- Stories and Wisdom Through the Eyes of Great Painters

by Sister Wendy Beckett

In this small but beautiful book, Sister Wendy illustrates the books of the Bible in Biblical order, producing stories or themes (17 from the Old Testament, then 13 from the New), which each divide into a handful of individual passages (the Biblical text is given in full). Many of these are illustrated with a painting, of which most are what might be called ‘old masters’ – Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque works, and just a few Modern. Each section is introduced by Sister Wendy, who gives the significance and meaning of that particular part of the Bible. The paintings (Raphael, Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Cranach, Delacroix, and Durer are all here) are described in some detail. This will make a lovely book to own – or to give, say, as a confirmation present.

Review by John Thomas (04/05/12)

Flexiback
Price: £14.99
Publisher: SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
Published: March 2012
ISBN: 978-0-281-06618-6

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The Renewed Pastor

- Writings in Honour of Philip Hacking

Edited by Melvin Tinker

This book has been produced in honour of Philip Hacking the evangelical Anglican pastor who retired in 1997 after 40 years in the ministry. The contributors are well known evangelical Anglicans and also some non-conformists.
Subjects covered include the pastor and preaching, worship, baptism, church planting, student ministry and inter-church relations. The emphasis throughout is on the Anglican Church’s teaching and practice but with a reformed, evangelical bias.
The best chapters are those that look at the personal life of the pastor (such the pastor as theologian and the pastor at prayer). Those that look at wider church issues (such as Gospel partnership and being an Evangelical Anglican) are weaker because the views expressed are rather woolly with important issues left untouched.
Many evangelical Anglican churches have experienced strong growth over the last 30 years and this book shows why. Although written from an Anglican perspective church leaders from all backgrounds will find food for thought.

Review by Alan Hill (04/05/12)

Paperback
Price: £14.99
Publisher: Mentor, imprint of Christian Focus
Published: March 2012
ISBN: 978-1-845-50805-0

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You Have Breath For No More Than 99 Words. What Would They be?

Collected by Liz Gray

This is a personal anthology by Liz Gray of short statements from ninety nine people of what their last words would be. They are a diverse lot of writers, artists, musicians, politicians and philosophers, all famous in their own sphere. Not all the statements are of a spiritual nature. Some are blatantly political, but they all come from the heart. There are Christians. Moslems, Jews and atheists in the group. Among them are luminaries like Bruce Kent, Yoko Ono, Shirley Williams. Fergal Keane and Nelson Mandela. This is an excellent bedside book. Each contribution can be read in two minutes, but can be reflected on for much longer. All in their own way illustrate the challenging power of words, no matter how few. As one contributor asserts: ‘Minimum is good.’

Review by John Irvine (30/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £10.99
Publisher: DLT (Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd)
Published: December 2011
ISBN: 978-0-232-52889-3

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Intolerance of Tolerance

by D.A.Carson

Tolerance is an idolatrous golden calf status in our culture as well as being the predominant ideology in nearly all areas of life. In this unique and robust new work D.A. Carson tackles the elephant in the room, arguing against the current form of tolerance, which ironically is no tolerance at all. Birthed out of a series of lectures the main argument of the book is that tolerance has come to be the prevailing mantra of our time. Carson describes the old tolerance as a stance that acknowledges the existence of both right and wrong, and discoverable, defensible truth.
Well researched, engagingly written, and utterly reasonable, Carson provides myriad examples of how this new tolerance has influenced all areas of life. There is no paranoid alarmism here in negotiating scary secular humanism. The final chapter offers some practical reflections on what to do about the new tolerance, which is particularly helpful. Though a short book, Carson's argument is tight, cogent and the stimulus very real. Commendable to a breadth of readers, regardless of Christian commitment.
Wrong still is worthy of contending with. Robust, engaging & uniquely Carson!

Review by Johnny Douglas (12/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £12.99
Publisher: IVP(Inter Varsity Press)
Published: January 2012
ISBN: 978-1-844-74405-3

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Peace be With You

- Monastic Wisdom for a Terror-Filled World

by David Carlson

This is a personal account of one American Christian's journey, both across the United States and of the heart to attempt to understand and respond to the events of 9/11. It is written for an American readership and makes extensive use of the writings of Thomas Merton. In many ways it is more revealing about the American psyche than it means to be. One can appreciate how difficult it can be for a culture to accept that it might be wrong about some things and that those who attack it, while rightly condemning their methods, might actually have a genuine grievance. It is written in an informal, non-academic way with good powers of expression which I am sure will help to make it an attractive read for those who might, at the same time, feel challenged by its content.

Review by Simon Iredale (10/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £9.99
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 02 August 2011
ISBN: 978-0-849-94718-6

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Can I Stay in the Catholic Church? by Brian Lennon SJ
ISBN: 978-1-856-07753-8 Price: £9.99	Published: 05 January 2012
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Queen Elizabeth and Her Church - Royal Service at Westminster Abbey by John Hall
ISBN: 978-1-441-12072-4 Price: £12.99	Published: April 2012
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Candle Atlas of the Bible by Tim Dowley
ISBN: 978-1-859-85924-7 Price: £5.99	Published: 23 March 2012
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Every Pilgrim’s Guide to the Holy Land by Norman Wareham & Jill Gill
ISBN: 978-1-848-25104-5 Price: £10.99	Published: 31 October 2011
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God Save the Queen - The Spiritual Heart of the Monarchy by Ian Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-441-19367-4 Price: £12.99	Published: 08 March 2012
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A Hitchhiker's Guide to Jesus - Reading the Gospel on the Ground by Bruce N. Fisk
ISBN: 978-0-801-03606-4 Price: £14.99	Published: 29 June 2011
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The Passing Years - A Collection of Poems by Pam Millyard
ISBN: 978-0-954-92732-5 Price: £5.00(plus P&P)	Published: February 2012
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When Fables Fall by Arthur Francis Green
ISBN: 978-1-852-40593-9	Published: October 2011
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The Dark Night of the Catholic Church - Examining the Child Sexual Abuse Scandal edited by Brendan Geary and Joanne Marie Greer
ISBN: 978-1-848-67385-4 Price: £34.99	Published: 12 May 2011
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Between Naivety and Hostility - Uncovering the Best Christian Responses to Islam in Britain Editors Steve Bell and Colin Chapman
ISBN: 978-1-850-78957-4 Price: £8.99	Published: September 2011
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Hit By Friendly Fire - What To Do When Fellow Believers Hurt You by Michael Milton
ISBN: 978-0-852-34776-8 Price: £4.99	Published: 2011
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The Vampire Defanged by Susannah Clements
ISBN: 978-1-587-43289-7 Price: £8.99	Published: 01 June 2011
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We Don't Do God - The Marginalization of Public Faith by George and Andrew Carey
ISBN: 978-0-857-21030-2 Price: £7.99	Published: 17 February 2012
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Who Stole My Church? - What to Do When the Church You Love Tries to Enter the 21st Century by Gordon McDonald
ISBN: 978-0-785-23049-6 Price: £9.99	Published: 01 January 2010
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