January Picks — Reading Resolutions Continued

Ed Resolves to Read: Fabricating Jesus by Craig Evans

Ed asks: “Why do people make things up about Jesus, just like the staff at Crux make up my remarks about my monthly picks? I plan to read this book by Craig Evans to find out the answer to at least one of these questions.”

Dr. Heather Resolves to Read: A Fine-Tuned Universe by Alister McGrath (ooo, a science + theology book — crazy)

Dr. Heather ponders: “This book is based on McGrath’s Gifford lectures. I’ve been meaning to read it for a few years. As this is the year I also resolve to read more non-fiction, it makes sense to read it now!”

Carolyn Resolves to Read: Noli Me Tangere by Jean-Luc Nancy (ooo, philosophy AND a Latin title, even crazier!!)

Carolyn thinks: “This little volume promises to be a gem. It contains three essays by one of the foremost philosophers of our day, Jean-Luc Nancy. The first addresses the resurrection, the second addresses Mary Magdalene, and the third, “In Heaven and On Earth,” is a transcription of a talk Nancy gave to a group of children between 6 and 12 years old (I can’t wait to see how he does this!!). This is a slim book (albeit dense, at times), so there is no reason why I shouldn’t be able to fulfill my resolution to read this book in 2015. And it certainly looks like it will be a rewarding enterprise.”

Connor Resolves to Read: The Way of Humility by Pope Francis
(Humility! Let’s see how this goes then.)

Connor promises: “Really! I’m going to read this book.”

Advertisement

New books to be excited about

It is always exciting when new publications land at Crux. Today, three new publications arrived in one box.

Number 1:

This is a new book on being missional. It seems like there are a lot of books on being missional, but this looks like it has potential to be interesting. How can people pop out of their Christian zone and be relevant to the world?

Number 2:

This is a new reference work that introduces the reader to theologians through church history. I’ve just surveyed the table of contents and find six women included among the theologians covered. Not bad. Women appear to be well represented among the contributors also. If you are looking for an introduction to historical theology, this looks like a useful resource.

Number 3, the one I think is most exciting

A new study of the work and thought of C.S. Lewis by Alister McGrath — who also just published a new biography of Lewis. The photo on the cover is great, the chapter titles are enticing, and if this book is not here when you arrive at the store, it might be because I bought it.