Reviews
Downtime: Our Christmassy recommendations
What the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
Amazing grace - James Walvin
There are many books on the story of the perennially favourite hymn, ‘Amazing grace’, but few are as wide-ranging as this one.
I am asking in the name of God - Pope Francis
This is Pope Francis’ manifesto for divine transformation in a world that he suggests is in crisis. The tone is like that of a devoted but concerned father, passing on some of the wisdom and insights he has gathered over a long life, well lived.
The end of woman - Carrie Gress
Until recently, only a few lone voices dared question whether feminism was really good for women, or society as a whole. That has changed. Unfortunately, some of the new critics are deeply misogynistic and unpleasant, such as much-discussed influencer Andrew Tate.
The blind seer and the gift of love - Roger Haydon Mitchell
How often do you think about the Roman Empire? According to TikTok, if you’re a man, it’s anything from twice a week to several times a day. Whether or not there’s anything in that claim, this book makes twice a week look like rookie numbers.
Hopeward - Dai Hankey
Cardiff-based pastor Dai Hankey has written a lovely little book for Christians who aren’t giving up, but are weary. The author, a former skateboarder and DJ, points us to a longer, slower, deeper faith; or as he puts it in relation to Jesus: “his invitation to the weary is to ...
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Journey to Bethlehem: When the Bible meets High School Musical
This Christmas musical fails to hit the right chords, says Tim Bechervaise
Madman or martyr? The Mission is an unsettling documentary about a murdered evangelist
In 2018, the death of missionary John Allen Chau shocked the world. Now, a new documentary looks at what inspired a young American to reach a remote people group with the gospel. It asks some important questions, says Tim Bechervaise, but have they really understood the Christian call to share the good news?
I saw Jordan Peterson at the O2 last night. He’s asking all the right questions
Thousands flocked to London’s O2 arena to hear leading intellectuals including Jordan Peterson and Douglas Murray talk about everything from marriage to the meaning of life. Can a ‘faith-based’ approach to the culture wars help solve society’s problems? Justin Brierley reports
Beyond Utopia: Watch how a pastor is helping people escape from North Korea
A new documentary tells the story of Pastor Kim, who is helping North Koreans escape the totalitarian dictatorship. Megan Titley went to see it
Loving our own bones - Julia Watts Belser
“Everything I know about God comes through these disabled bones,” writes Julia Watts Belser, historian of ancient religion, Jewish rabbi and disabled activist. In her latest book, Loving Our Own Bones (Hodder & Stoughton), these three strands of her identity combine in a provocative and scholarly commentary on ableism in ...
Have a little faith - Kate Bottley
“That vicar off the telly” is how Rev Kate Bottley is known to millions. In her debut book, Bottley sets out her down-to-earth wisdom on success, love, strength, conflict, confidence, loneliness and grief. That sounds like it could be hard-going, except it’s not. It’s like sitting down with a friend, ...
Heroes or villains? - Jeannie Kendall
When Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn famously declared: “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties…but right through every human heart”, he was reminding us that humans are complex creatures, capable of good, evil and everything in-between. When it comes to analysing what someone ...
The sound of musings - Bryony Wood
If you like The Sound of Music, then you will love this book. Bryony Wood connects many aspects of the life of faith to the famous narrative of Maria, the would-be nun who became the governess of the von Trapp children and, eventually, their stepmother, and wife of Georg von ...
Downtime: Our TV, book and music recommendations
Here’s what the Premier Christianity team are reading, watching and listening to this month
Forever Mine: the story of John Newton and the black abolitionists we never hear from
It’s 250 years since John Newton wrote ‘Amazing grace’. Diane Holt reviews the play that tells the story of his life, as well as elevating the voices of black abolitionists and slaves that are often overlooked
I could see myself in ‘White Nanny, Black Child’. I thank God his love is not limited by race
Like the children in White Nanny, Black Child. Antony Aris-Osula was a Black Nigerian placed into white foster care. He reflects on his own spiritual journey and how he found his identity in Christ
If Prison Walls Could Speak: The astounding play that brings persecution to life
If Prison Walls Could Speak portrays the true story of Petr Jasek, who was imprisoned for this faith in Sudan. It’s a one-man tour de force, and a harrowing story told in an extraordinary way, says our reviewer
Josh Carter: My top 8 songs
The presenter of Premier Christian Radio’s weekday afternoon show shares his recommendations
The dog walker’s guide to God - Henry Martin
The Dog Walker’s Guide to God: 52 musings on companionship, divine and canine is a wholesome collection of reflections for dog walkers to think about while taking their furry friend for their daily exercise.
Born free - Katharine Hill
Few of us would say that we strike the right balance when it comes to daily rhythms of work and rest, the result being that we allow the hurried pace of life to drown out the voice of God. For many, the pandemic provided time for introspection but, with a ...
Listening to the Jewish Jesus - Paul Luckraft
The rediscovery of the Jewishness of Jesus, and of the early Church, has been a major theme in recent biblical scholarship. The 2,000-year gap since these events occurred means we often read the biblical text without appreciating the cultural and historic context.
Living with hope - Michael Panther
The name Michael Panther will linger in your mind long after you have finished his autobiography. Born in South Sudan, Michael was surrounded by war and conflict from birth. He was just three years old when his family, who instilled a deep Christian faith in him, were forced to flee.
Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?
Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? is an outstanding book, says our reviewer
The Woman in the Wall is a harrowing reminder of how not to do religion
The gripping BBC series may have added elements of gothic horror to the reality of life in Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries, but it tells a vital story that we must not forget, says David Greenwood
Surprised by Oxford: A great love story, but where’s the God plot gone?
Carolyn Webber’s memoir, Surprised by Oxford, is a modern-day conversion story, says Jacinta Read. But its film adaptation is more of a love story with a side of Christianity. How it lands with audiences is yet to be seen
Saturated with God - Malcolm Macdonald
You may think a book about revival is for a certain calibre of Christian. That’s not the case. This book is for every believer and, after reading it, you will feel that you have been fed an extraordinary meal.
Why less means more - Cathy Madavan
Sometimes the title of a book or the chapter headings alone grab your attention. As a reader, you instinctively know: This book will do you good.
Transforming Love - Amy Boucher Pye
Martha and Mary are often used to represent action or contemplation, while their brother, Lazarus, appears in one of Jesus’ most spectacular miracles. But by reducing the family to stereotypes, we miss so much argues Amy Boucher Pye in Transforming Love, which sees her bring a new richness to commentary ...
Strange new world - Carl R Trueman
The world’s values have changed rapidly in the past decade. Critics have attributed such changes to the decline in Christian belief, or an upsurge in Marxist thinking of oppressor vs oppressed. But Carl Trueman’s work shows that it’s a lot more complicated than that. He defines the root cause as ...
Amy Tan: My favourite 8 songs
Rev Amy Tan is one of the first Chinese-Malaysian woman to be ordained in the Church of England and is currently a curate at Gas Street Church, Birmingham. She previously worked as a professional musician in her home country of Malaysia
At Home With The Furys is a missed opportunity to explore the boxer’s Christian faith
Tyson Fury is a world champion boxer and an outspoken - if often controversial - Christian. So Tim Bechervaise was keen to see how his faith would be portrayed in the new Netflix docuseries that follows the family in the aftermath of Fury’s retirement from professional sport
Sound of Freedom: This Christian film on child trafficking has become a weapon of the culture wars
The controversy and commentary around Sound of Freedom threatens to overshadow the important issues it raises. It’s the most perplexing cinema release of our times, says Nathanael Smith
The Hiding Place: A poignant film threaded with God’s grace in adversity
Corrie Ten Boom’s story of rescuing Jews during the Holocaust may be well known, but this new theatrical film portrays a relatable hero who still causes us all to ask questions about our response to suffering, says Emma Hide
Dialogues des Carmelites: The opera that lifts the lid on female martyrdom
The devastatingly powerful opera is a testament to human courage and, distinctly, female martyrdom. It also points to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, says George Pitcher
The Secrets of Hillsong
The latest TV docuseries to scrutinise Hillsong’s failings is the most thorough and fairest yet. As Carl Lentz gives his first interview since being fired from the megachurch, Sam Hailes argues that we can’t blame the media for wanting to shine a light on abuse and moral failings in the Church. It’s time to learn the lessons
Oppenheimer: A complicated moral conundrum with no easy answers
Christopher Nolan’s most political film to date paints an undeniably bleak picture, says Giles Gough, and asks some impossible ethical questions. Thank God for Christian hope
Deconstruct faith, discover Jesus - Preston Ulmer
All Christians need to examine their beliefs and practices, according to the author of this book. Here’s our review
Intentional interruptions - Jonathan Thomas
This excellent book has something for everyone, says our reviewer
Banning Conversion Therapy - Patricia Morgan
This book insists that banning conversion therapy constitutes a serious threat to freedom speech and should be resisted at all costs, says our reviewer
Haydon Spenceley: My top 8 songs
The chaplain of Northampton Town Football Club and director of vocations and formation for the diocese of Peterborough shares his top tunes
Barbie: A film that asks the questions only Christ can truly answer
More than just a parade in pink, Barbie asks some deep questions about what it means to be human, with all its flaws and limitations. But where it lacks answers, Christ provides says Beth Card
The Sixth Commandment: This sensitive BBC drama holds vital lessons for today’s Church
The tragic stories of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin have their roots in the loneliness that can often come from living alone. It is both a warning and a challenge to the Christian community, says Tony Wilson
Evangelism needs to change. This book can show you how
The Brighton-based vicar Rev Martin Poole has been experimenting with creative forms of outreach. In Church Beyond Walls he explains how others can join him in finding new ways of presenting Christ’s timeless message
How Indiana Jones can help you talk to your friends about God
As the new Indiana Jones film hits our cinema screens, Giles Gough unpacks the Christian iconography used in the film franchise. It’s a great way to start a conversation about Jesus, he says
The Ultimate guide to the Bible - Joseph M Holden
The principle of representing the Bible’s wealth of information in graphic form is a noble one. But it’s already been done.
The Final Lap - John Wyatt
This little book helpfully explores the three major transitions we face as we grow older – from working life to retirement; from independence to being dependent on others; and from living to dying. It is well-written and readable, with many useful insights.
Timothy Keller - Collin Hansen
The late Timothy Keller was a masterful preacher and an inspiration to Western Christians who desire to winsomely share their faith in an increasingly sceptical and sometimes hostile culture.
Created to Dream - Rick Warren
Created to Dream is Rick Warren’s first book in ten years. Fans of The Purpose Driven Life will be pleased to see the pastor retaining his accessible and down-to-earth approach to theology.
Jesus Revolution: Why the best Christian film yet fails to reach greatness
After a record-breaking run in the US, Jesus Revolution is showing in UK cinemas from today. Our film reviewer says its the best Christian film he’s seen
Shiny Happy People: Exposing the secrets of an evangelical poster family
Amazon’s hit documentary makes for uncomfortable viewing, says Sophie Killingley. But she believes Christians should engage with it, and be mindful that such abuses aren’t confined to America’s Bible Belt. They could happen in a church near you too
I am Everything: Little Richard was full of contradictions. But he wanted to be remembered as a child of God
Credited with being the original father of rock and roll, Little Richard careened between religion, sex, drugs and music. Derek Walker reviews I Am Everything, the documentary which charts his complicated life and sexuality
Unconventional - Sharon Dickens
When Sharon Dickens was asked to set up a women’s ministry in her church in Glasgow, she looked for resources to help her. She found many that outlined good theological foundations, but nothing practical. After a decade of trial, error, growth and setbacks, she wrote the resource she wished she ...
Talking about death: a pastoral guide by Sue Walker
Despite the title, this is not just a book for those in pastoral ministry. All of us have to face tough questions about death, and this offering from hospice chaplain Sue Walker will help.
On getting out of bed - Alan Noble
Suffering is normal. Many of us will experience some form of mental health struggle during our lives. Depending on your own unique situation, medicine, counsellors and/or friends may help. However, when it comes to deciding to get out of bed each morning, no one else can make that choice for ...
Forgive - Timothy Keller
The latest book from prolific teacher and pastor Timothy Keller, Forgive is as good a book on the topic of forgiveness as you could hope to find.
CalledOut Music: My top 8 songs
MOBO award-winning Samuel Nwachukwu, who performs under the pseudonym CalledOut Music, shares the songs on his playlist
Holy Russia, Holy War?
The Ukraine war is not only a geopolitical war with Russia, but actually a war within Orthodoxy itself. So argues Katherine Kelaidis in her new book Holy Russia? Holy War? Her rather fatalistic assessment of the situation is tinged with hope for change, says Paul Valler
Seven Psalms: Paul Simon's latest album is blatantly spiritual
The 81 year-old's latest project sees him musing on God, forgiveness and his own mortality
How should Christians respond to the culture wars?
Ben Chang’s new book Christ and the Culture Wars aims to help Christians speak for Jesus in an increasingly divisive world. Heather Tomlinson says that although the ideas aren’t new, they may prove useful for those who are new to the subject of identity politics
Penny Lyon: My worship playlist
Together with her husband, Kevin, Penny leads jazz, blues and R&B band Out of the Ashes. Here are the top eight worship songs she can’t get enough of.
Broken by love - Val Jeal MBE
Val Jeal was 50 when her work with homeless men in Bristol began. Over the next 20 years, her reach extended to sex workers, drug users and their families.
A curious faith - Lore Ferguson
A Curious Faith will especially help those who are perhaps flirting with deconstruction, asking questions about the faith they’ve inherited. Ferguson Wilbert makes space for doubt within an orthodox theology: “I need God to be more sovereign than I am, more faithful, more kind, more creative, more of every good ...
By bread alone - Kendall Vanderslice
Professional baker and practical theologian Kendall Vanderslice unpacks an everyday truth: that “our spiritual lives are deeply connected to bread – the bread we break with family and friends, and the Bread that is Christ’s body”.
Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus - Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrill
Greg Laurie’s enjoyable book hurtles along like a train, travelling from the gospel roots of rock and roll and terminating at Justin Bieber.
I, Julian - Claire Gilbert
Julian of Norwich’s 15th-century classic, Revelations of Divine Love, is widely regarded as the earliest manuscript written in English by a woman. But beyond that text, little is known about the remarkable woman who lived as an anchoress (or hermit) bricked into a small cell on the side of St ...
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