‘Lights on with Carl Lentz’ is raw and repentant, and that’s a start
Worried about young people deconstructing their faith? This book might help you
‘Fully Alive’: An honest exploration of the Christian faith
The Book of Clarence is not your normal Messiah movie
Netflix’s Testament shines a new light on the life of Moses
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Reviews
The Narrow Path - Rich Villodas
Rich Villodas is a New York pastor faithfully and boldly leading a church in a tricky place. His ministry emphasis is spiritual formation, and his latest book is no exception, as Villodas offers a helpful set of reflections on and around the sermon on the mount.
What Happens Next - Max Lucado
The rapture is imminent. We are in the “fourth quarter” of the world, according to American Christian author Max Lucado. But What Happens Next isn’t full of doom and gloom. It’s a surprisingly positive take on the end of the world.
‘Fully Alive’: An honest exploration of the Christian faith
Elizabeth Oldfield’s new book is a non-patronising attempt to explain why Christianity is more relevant than ever in the modern life. It the ideal book for Christians and non-Christians alike says Emma Fowle
You Are a Tree - Joy Marie Clarkson
You Are a Tree is a compilation of meditations which draw on seven metaphors contained in the scriptures. Written to “nourish life, thought and prayer”, Joy Marie Clarkson delves into the concept of being firmly grounded in a world where the current condition is one of detachment, a conflicted sense ...
Urban Apologetics: Cults and cultural ideologies - Eric Mason
Edited by Eric Mason, this book is a collection of essays written by church leaders to address the rise of modern-day cults. A useful apologetic tool, the contributors highlight issues that primarily apply in Western nations, such as the US and UK. It touches on how cults use cultural familiarity ...
The Hopeful Activist - Rich Gower and Rachel Walker
We live in a broken world and many of us want to try and fix it. This book by Tearfund’s Rich Gower and communications specialist Rachel Walker is a guide for those on a journey of activism – even if you’re right at the beginning.
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Victory is My Name - Nicola Morrison
Readers will soon realise that writing this autobiography formed a key part of Nicola Morrison’s healing journey.
This film on Freud and CS Lewis won't convince anyone of God's existence
On the eve of the second world war, Sigmund Freud invites a young Oxford professor to his house to debate the existence of God. Not long afterwards he dies of suicide. What did the pair talk about, and was Freud’s mind ever changed on the question of faith?
Dancing for the Devil is a disturbing portrayal of a Christian cult
This new Netflix documentary about a cult leader is hard viewing for Christians, but could help us identify the early warning signs of spiritual abuse, says Giles Gough
Unsung Hero is an inspirational story of answered prayer, but it could have taken more risks
The brothers behind Christian music duo for KING + COUNTRY have made a film about the struggles of their early years. It’s a beautiful tribute to a mother’s faith, says Esther Higham, but in making it all about her, it plays a little safe
‘Lights on with Carl Lentz’ is raw and repentant, and that’s a start
In their new podcast, disgraced celebrity pastor Carl Lentz and his wife Laura promise to “open up about everything” – his infidelity, the allegations of abuse and his dismissal from Hillsong NYC. Whatever our views on his motives, the first episode is honest and repentant, if a little lacking in Jesus, says Tim Bechervaise
Black Liturgies - Cole Arthur Riley
This book has been marketed for “anyone asking what it means to be human”, but I suspect its actual audience will be more focused than that. As the author and African-American poet Cole Arthur Riley herself writes: “I was desperate for a liturgical space that could center Black emotion, Black ...
Reasoning in the Public Square - Graham Nicholls
At first glance, this book appears to live up to Graham Nicholls’ intention to provide practical guidance on how Christians can publicly proclaim the gospel to non-Christians. In six short chapters, the director of Affinity addresses the challenges of spreading the word through traditional forms of media, social media and ...
Yearning For the Vast and Endless Sea - Chris Russell
Here’s a book to excite you, especially if you’ve lost your passion for the gospel message. It aims to stir the flames of a burning desire to tell others the good news.
Field Notes for the Wilderness - Sarah Bessey
Disappointed with the Church? With God? With ourselves? Many Christians find themselves in a wilderness place at some point in their lives. Sarah Bessey’s Field Notes for the Wilderness examines the reasons why this might be so, and offers suggestions for navigating a way through what can be a profoundly ...
‘Evangelism is the reason for the Church’s existence’ says Pope Francis in new memoir
Pope Francis’ latest book gives readers an insight into how major historical events have shaped and influenced the pontiff, says Catherine Pepinster
Michael Palin’s Nigeria documentary ignores the persecution of Christians
Palin’s fast-paced tour of Nigeria highlights the contrasts and contradictions of the ‘giant of Africa’. But in one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian, it deserves a deeper look, says Emma Worrall
Downtime: Wholesome entertainment to check out
Here’s what the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
Notes on Feminism - Lauren Windle
Lauren Windle’s Notes on Feminism is a strikingly bold collection of notes on a theme, in which the author names some of the unspoken realities which will be familiar to many Christian women.
Nice Churchy Patriarchy - Liz Cooledge Jenkins
If you agree that Christian women are victims of the patriarchy and the evils of traditional gender roles, then you might value these anecdotes of a feminist navigating her way through the American Church. Otherwise, I do not find much to commend it.
Untangle Your Emotions - Jennie Allen
In her sixth non-fiction title, BIble teacher Jennie Allen continues her journey into the world of Christian pop-psychology.
52 Sabbaths - David Hoffbrand
Written by the Jewish Christian author David Hoffbrand, this weekly devotional is an exhortation to remember the Lord’s instruction to keep the Sabbath holy. If we do not, we risk missing out on so much of God’s blessing in our lives, he argues.
Netflix’s Testament shines a new light on the life of Moses
The new series on the Israelite’s escape from Egypt is not perfect, says Tim Bechervaise. But it did inspire him to take a closer look at a Bible story many of us are overly familiar with. And that can only be a good thing
Civil war is a prophetic warning: Christians must fight for peace
Western democracies must not be complacent, says Krish Kandiah. Civil War is an uncomfortable watch, but it may be the wake-up call we need
The Book of Clarence is not your normal Messiah movie
The Book of Clarence isn’t a Jesus-parody. It’s the tale of a grifter who decides to go into the Messiah business with unexpected consequences. But is it meant to be a comedy or a social commentary? Giles Gough isn’t quite sure
Metamorphosis - Matt Hatch
Metamorphosis sets out to help the struggling but committed believer to pursue God’s best for them. This recommended process of growth and transformation owes as much to the ancient practices of the past – particularly Ignatian spirituality – as it does to the modern-day wisdom of the author.
Life in the Negative World - Aaron M Renn
Christians in the UK have long lived in what Aaron Renn calls the “negative world”, receiving hostility and suspicion from the wider culture because of our beliefs. The secularisation of the USA, where Renn lives, has been slower, but this book examines the phenomenon and suggests solutions.
Friend of God - John C Lennox
Reading John Lennox is like getting in the ring with a heavyweight boxer. Intimidating. This book is no lightweight Christian paperback but brings big challenge and muscular theology that certainly packs a punch.
The Devil’s Passion: A funny and moving play about Jesus, told from Satan’s perspective
This play which merges gospel accounts with modern espionage is Zero Dark 30 pieces of silver. It’s sophisticated, satirical and highly recommended, says Jonty Langley
The Christian book that rocked my world
On World Book Day, 13 contributors to Premier Christianity share the Christian book that has fundamentally impacted their faith, or is currently rocking their world
Worried about young people deconstructing their faith? This book might help you
Rejecting scripture as the arbiter of Christian belief and replacing it with your own personal judgements is destructive, say the authors of a new book on deconstruction. The fightback is on
Dune Part Two is a potent warning against the misuse of religion
Those who dismiss the Dune series as being anti-religious are not looking close enough, says Giles Gough. The epic saga is a lesson in how not to abuse faith and power
Downtime
What the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
Elisabeth Elliot - Lucy S R Austen
If you are among the millions of people who’ve read Elisabeth Elliot’s bestselling book Through Gates of Splendor (Tyndale), then this biography’s subject will be familiar to you. If not, then keep reading, because evangelicalism on both sides of the Atlantic has been heavily influenced by Elliot.
When Jesus Met Hippies - Andrew Whitman
Interested in revival, the birth of Christian rock music or charismatic renewal? Don’t miss this book, says our reviewer
Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes - Christopher J H Wright
This commentary on Ecclesiastes will make you grateful that this strange book is in your Bible, says our reviewer
Practicing the Way - John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer’s latest book is a must-read, says our reviewer
The Chosen will inspire you to live for God in every situation
The message of season four of the hit TV show based on the life of Jesus is simply this: there is potential and purpose in every moment of our lives. God is interested in it all, says Matt Jolley
One Day reminds us that God works through all our stories
The Netflix adaptation of David Nicholl’s book uses story and time to reveal how Dexter and Emma are formed by events and choices. It’s the same way that God writes all our stories, says Tony Wilson
We’re all capable of evil. That’s the message of Auschwitz drama ‘Zone of Interest’
The horror of evil is not that it is rare, but that it is so common and banal, says Guy Hewitt
Practicing the Way: A life changing guide to being a disciple of Jesus
When Covid-19 gripped the globe, John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry became a worldwide bestseller. Four years later, his next book offers a transformational approach to walking with Jesus, says Chris Goswami
Downtime
Here’s what the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
City of Echoes - Jessica Wärnberg
Jessica Wärnberg has a background in religious history and the history of art; she certainly brings an artistic touch to this magnificent book. Painting word pictures using shades, colour and contrast, Wärnberg demonstrates rigorous research and a deft touch in handling complex historical material. This is a majestic piece of ...
One - Clive Bowsher
It’s always a good sign when a book makes you miss your stop on the tube. One is that kind of book; it draws you in and forces you to consider just how good the gospel really is.
Activating the Voice of God in Your Home - Matt Holman
Matt Holman’s book is the product of many years honing his gift of prophecy and teaching it to others. The result is a well-constructed yet simple book, full of practical advice.
Covenant - Danny Kruger
In modern British politics, discussion about Christianity and its positive contribution to society is unusual. So a book by a sitting MP, which bemoans our collective loss of Judeo-Christian ethics and argues for their reintroduction into government policy, is welcome.
One Life: A heartwrenching true story of the man who rescued children from the Holocaust
The baptised Anglican, Nicholas Winton, rescued hundreds of Jewish children from the concentration camps. A new film pays tribute to his life
The BBC claims this televangelist was a cult leader. Are they right?
A BBC documentary has claimed TB Joshua raped and tortured his followers
Top 10 Christian songs of 2023
Premier Christian Radio daytime host Josh Carter looks back at his favourite tracks from 2023 and gives you his recommendations for starting your new year the right way
‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’ contains hard lessons for the Church
The dramatisation of what has been called “the UK’s most widespread miscarriage of justice” should be a warning to the Church and Christians everywhere that truth is more important than reputation. We must fight for it at all costs
Jon Batiste’s Christian faith isn’t explored in ‘American Symphony’. But does it need to be?
The Grammy award-winning artist radiates joy in this new Netflix documentary, says Tim Bechervaise
Consider him - Catherine Campbell
In her second devotional, author Catherine Campbell aims to centre our hearts and minds on the essence of Christ. Guiding readers through a year-long journey, she explores the character and actions of Jesus.
A year with Michael Green - Stephen Poxon
This daily devotional draws on a variety of the 70 books written by the late Rev Michael Green, apologist and Anglican priest, with each page presenting a Bible passage, quote and concluding prayer.
Fierce humility - Paul Friend
It may feel like an oxymoron to put the words ‘fierce’ and ‘humility’ together, but Paul Friend’s choice of title is a deliberate attempt to reframe the way we view leadership. Friend’s inspiration for this is Jesus himself, who not only fiercely pursued a lifestyle of humility that confounded the ...
Don’t fret - Don Purdey
It’s rare to come across a foreword that so powerfully shapes how you read what follows. This one tells the story of the author, Don Purdey, passionately worshipping God, despite the slurred speech cruelly brought on by motor neurone disease. It adds that the last page of the book, where ...
My top 10 books of 2023
Sarah Yardley introduces her favourites reads of the year, spanning theology, biography and devotionals
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 ...
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
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