Reviews
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
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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 ...
David Baddiel’s The God Desire is no argument for atheism
Far from being a convincing argument against the existence of God, much of the comedian-cum-writer’s new book seems to find its natural fulfilment in Christian theism, says Chris Witherall
Beef’s positive portrayal of evangelical Christianity is rare and realistic
Beyond that one church worship scene that went viral on twitter, Netflix’s Beef is a profound morality tale, says Nathanael Smith. Anger can wreck our lives, but God’s amazing grace is always available, no matter how low we fall
The Last of Us is essential viewing for Christians – if you can stomach the gore
The hugely popular post-apocalyptic HBO series is morally ambiguous, but full of Christian themes, says Rebecca Chapman
Pilgrimage: The BBC series that puts faith front and centre
As the popular series returns to our screens, Max Avard reviews the first episode of Pilgrimage and finds that kindness, not drama and controversy, makes for reality TV gold.
Enough - Dr Kathrine McAleese
Dr Kathrine McAleese’s book is a word in season for those of us who are suspicious of the latest self-help guru, but nonetheless want to hit the pause button and take stock of where we’re at in life, with a view to making some big changes.
Why do I do what I don’t want to do? - JP Pokluda
Jonathan Pokluda is a seasoned author and church leader from Texas, USA. His third book takes its name from Romans 7 and is split into two parts.
Heartbreak, hope and holy moments - Kate Canty
This overview of prison chaplaincy offers a wide variety of stories. While the scope is impressive, it sometimes feels like a collection of anecdotes, upended onto the page.
The Church who hears God’s voice - Tanya Harris
It is a rare to find an academic and prophet with a down-to-earth approach. It is even rarer to have them write an in-depth, yet accessible book about hearing God’s voice today.
The Word - John Barton
John Barton’s understanding of the nuances of Bible translation flow from a lifetime of study. In The Word he shows how it has been key at critical junctures in history.
Allelujah may be heartwarming. But it’s also a missed opportunity
Heidi Thomas’ latest project asks important questions about how we care for and value older people. But jokes about bedpans risk undermining the dignity the film seeks to bring to old age, warns Andrew Wileman
Everything Everywhere All at Once may be the most Christian film you watch this year
Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once is totally bonkers, says Ben Cohen. But it is littered with Christian parallels that shine the hope of the gospel into the deepest darkness of human experience
The Panorama abortion documentary tried to discredit Christians. But it failed
For decades, the abortion industry has sanitised the reality of abortion procedures, sugarcoating the effect it has on women and hiding the humanity of the unborn child, says Grace Brown. Now the truth is out
Biblical critical theory - Christopher Watkin
There are times when our culture seems conflicted and confusing and the things we normally rely on to help us navigate our way through the fog seem to fail us.
Matt Redman: My 8 favourite songs
The Grammy award-winning worship leader and songwriter reveals the tunes he can’t stop listening to
The falling of Dusk - Paul Dominiak
This book is a detailed theological study of the last seven words spoken by Christ on the cross. Cambridge academic Dr Paul Dominiak has invited a cacophony of voices – believers and atheists alike – into a conversation about how faith and doubt coexist, and how we might chart a ...
Hope wins - Goff Hope
Church leader Goff Hope has known suffering, having had prostate cancer and experienced the sudden death of his daughter. He describes how he and his wife responded to these challenges and found hope in Jesus. But this is not a book of pious platitudes. Some church circles almost deny or ...
Is Easter unbelievable? - Rebecca McLaughlin
This short book is full of bubbly personality, with lots of current cultural references, from Netflix’s The Good Place to Harry Potter. The title suggests it is an apologetic for the resurrection, but that’s only one chapter. It covers other atheist arguments against Christian beliefs too.
'Magisteria' expertly demolishes lazy myths about science and religion
Many, but perhaps not all of us, will be familiar with the 1957 big-screen portrayal of Reginald Rose’s legendary drama Twelve Angry Men.
The Fabelmans contains some awkward faith moments, but some great life lessons
Steven Spielberg’s latest film is a fictionalised account of his early life. Giles Gough takes a look at the childhood that shaped a Hollywood legend, and the faith themes contained in the movie
Everyone Else Burns: This apocalyptic comedy might offend, but it raises important questions for Christians
The new Channel 4 comedy series Everyone Else Burns portrays fundamentalist religion at its worst, but could it help Christians understand how outsiders view the Church?
Seeing God in the sweet ordinary - Becky Strahle
This is a sweet set of love letter-style devotionals from Nashville-based author Becky Strahle. The small, hardback book is visually appealing, and the size makes it is easy to carry with you.
Dining with Jesus - Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson’s brilliant book is marketed as “a seven course Bible study” – seven chapters, seven meals with Jesus. It will be well received by small group leaders everywhere. There are excellent individual and group questions, quotes from biblical scholars, useful cultural insights and thoughtful reflections from the author.
Loving disagreement - Christopher Landau
Have you ever disagreed with another Christian? Do you have questions about the bounds of Church unity, or wonder at what point you should leave a church or recognise a state of disunity? Writing from an Anglican perspective, Christopher Landau’s new book aims to tackle these questions.
A Christian guide to this year’s Oscar nominations
Films play a big part in shaping our culture, says Nathanael Smith. So it’s good for Christians to know what’s going on and engage with the issues they raise. Here’s his guide to the big hitters
Tyler Staton’s inspiring invitation to the wonder of prayer blew me away
Saints, sleepwalkers and sceptics will all benefit from this outstanding book on prayer, says Emma Fowle
Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe had mystical experiences of Christ. This novel explores their lives
Victoria MacKenzie’s debut novel imagines a meeting between two famous 15th century mystics, Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe. Jennie Pollock says the book brings colour and life to the women’s theology
KXC's Tom Eccleshall: My top 8 songs
Tom has overseen worship at KXC, an Anglican church in King’s Cross, London, for the past twelve years. KXC have released a number of recordings and their songs are sung internationally
The sexual reformation - Aimee Byrd
The Song of Songs is a controversial book. Erotic poem or allegory of Jesus’ love for the Church? Aimee Byrd’s latest offering sets out to explore this often-misunderstood portion of scripture, using it as a lens through which to explore the issue of male-female relationships.
Faithful disobedience - Wang Yi and others
Faithful Disobedience is a series of written accounts from leaders inside the Chinese House Church Movement. It includes testimonies from six prominent Chinese voices, most notably the pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church, Wang Yi, who was sentenced to nine years in prison, charged with “inciting to subvert state power”.
The Jehu Plan - Alvin Davies
Alvin Davies describes his eight-week daily reading plan as “Biblical wisdom for racers, speed-junkies, grease monkeys and pilgrims in a fast world”. The title of the book is taken from 2 Kings 9:20: “The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi – he drives like a maniac.”
Subversive Mission - Craig Greenfield
Craig Greenfield’s Christian life has been a wild ride. After growing up in New Zealand, he lived in a Cambodian slum for seven years, where he and his wife raised two children. After that they moved their young family to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, running an open house among the drug ...
‘Amazing grace’ is 250 years old. Here’s the story behind the song
As ‘Amazing grace’ marks its 250th anniversary on Sunday January 1st 2023, we look at the story behind one of the world’s most famous hymns and its author, John Newton
Cliff's new record puts Jesus at the heart of Christmas
Sir Cliff has grabbed the opportunity to celebrate Jesus as the true meaning of Christmas, says our reviewer
Smyrna: This shocking history lesson is hard to watch. But it’s important
This portrayal of the horrors of war and inter-religious violence, makes for difficult viewing says Krish Kandiah
Bono’s emotive memoir lets you into his soul - and it’s full of God too
Steve Stockman, who himself authored a book on the faith of U2, says Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story provides further evidence of the depth and devotion of Bono’s Christian faith
Highway 35: A heartwrenching tale of life-changing injuries, and a God who was always there
This memoir took ten years in the writing and is not for the faint hearted. It’s a roller coaster of emotion and horror, and a story of faith in the midst of suffering, says Jane Hepburn
5 albums of Christmas cheer
Top Christmas albums to help you through the festive season
Lydia - Paula Gooder
The latest book from New Testament scholar Paula Gooder is her second work of fiction, and follows the story of Lydia, mentioned only fleetingly in the New Testament (Acts 16 and Philippians).
Pray then listen - Teresa O’Driscoll
“Write a book and show people how to speak to me.” This was the message received by Teresa O’Driscoll during lockdown in 2020. The result is a book that is designed to enhance your prayer life, penned by an author with 20 years’ experience of leading prayer groups.
Good and beautiful and kind - Rich Villodas
Good and Beautiful and Kind is a theological book with some biographical elements, which aims to help Christians live out the gospel more authentically.
Gifts of grace - Jared C Wilson
When people used to ask me: “Are you ready for Christmas, Patrick?”, the answer was usually: “No!”
God TV’s Fergus Scarfe: 8 songs to make you feel Christmassy
I’m one of those people who listens to Christmas music all year round.
This film claims the word ‘homosexuals’ shouldn’t be in our Bibles. Did translators get it wrong?
Most churches in the world today preach that homosexuality is a sin, citing biblical references to support their case. But what if the word “homosexual” was added to the Bible by mistake? That’s the claim of a new documentary film, 1946. Premier Christianity’s resident Bible scholar, David Instone Brewer, went to see it
The Crown is full of deceptive sensationalism. Truth matters to God, it should matter to us too
As season 5 of Netflix’s The Crown kicks off, Mark Greene reminds us that God places a high value on the truth. Artistic licence is no excuse to erode it
The Bishop of Oxford's surprising case for same-sex marriage is flawed
The Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft has come out publicly in favour of the Church of England changing its doctrine of marriage to include same-sex partnerships. But having studied the bishop's 48-page booklet, entitled Together in Love and Faith, Ian Paul believes the arguments are unconvincing
Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me is a powerful reminder that Christians struggle with their mental health too
As a fellow musician, Philippa Hanna is all-too-aware that the spotlight cannot cure low self-esteem, or meet our need for connection. Only God can do that
A pocketful of hope - Pat Allerton
While the dark days of Covid-19 lockdowns are becoming an increasingly distant memory, the image of a lone vicar cycling the empty streets of his London patch, stopping to pray and play a hymn to his unsuspecting parishioners is an event that many of us still recall with a great ...
Something you once knew - Joshua Luke Smith
“The culture today tells us we can be whoever we want to be. So why do so many of us feel stuck?” asks musician, pastor and poet-turned-author, Joshua Luke Smith.
The unhiding of Elijah Campbell - Kelly Flanagan
When a book is described as anything “…meets The Shack”, the bar is immediately set high.
Rings of Power is deeply spiritual and brims with timeless themes
Mark Greene explores the biblical resonances and contemporary challenges in Amazon’s latest blockbuster series
The Sandman: The horror-fantasy show that dares to mention God
The Netflix series controversially casts a female Lucifer in a storyline that has echoes of the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Giles Gough explores
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