‘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 surprising stories behind your favourite Christmas carols
Deck the Hall offers a blend of scholarly research and accessible storytelling - revealing the surprising origins of 27 beloved Christmas carols
Discovering Christianity - Rowan Williams
The Rt Hon Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and well-regarded theologian, has dedicated a significant portion of his long ministry to making Christianity accessible to those with little knowledge or experience of it.
Downtime
Here’s what the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
The 15 best Christian books of 2024
Looking for your next great Christian read? Look no further. From John Mark Comer’s bestselling Practicing the Way to a guide on getting your church noticed, there’s something for everyone. The following books all received a coveted five out of five star rating from the Premier Christianity team of reviewers in 2024
Creativity with the Creator: How to use your gifts for the glory of God
In Creativity with the Creator, Maxine Harrison offers an insightful guide to Christian creativity, drawing from biblical examples of God’s creative nature. From the creation of the world to the architectural skills given to Bezalel, Harrison explores how we are all endowed with God’s creativity
Praying by Heart: Rediscovering the depth and power of the Lord’s Prayer
In Praying by Heart, Stephen Cottrell challenges readers to move beyond merely reciting the Lord’s Prayer and explore its profound meaning
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Dear Santa is a dangerous trivialisation of the devil
At a time when the true meaning of Christmas - celebrating the birth of Jesus - feels increasingly overshadowed, Dear Santa has put Satan centre stage, in a manner far too playful for a subject that demands such caution, says Caroline Farrow
Bob Dylan biopic leaves many stones unturned - not least his Christian faith
A Complete Unknown is a film for anyone curious about the human condition. But by leaving out the singer’s conversion to Christianity, the redemptive arc is ultimately unfulfilling, says Krish Kandiah
Want to share your faith with confidence? This book will help
In a time when many are turning away from secularism, Glen Scrivener’s How to Speak Life: Sharing Your Faith in 3-2-1 offers Christians timely and practical guidance in evangelism, says Pat Finlow
Lead Like the Real You: A powerful guide for women in leadership
In Lead Like the Real You, Amy Orr-Ewing offers 43 heartfelt letters filled with wisdom and encouragement for women in ministry. Rachel Bedford says these honest reflections and practical advice will empower women to embrace their God-given voice and lead with faith and courage
Netflix’s Mary is a solid piece of filmmaking but Christians will question its accuracy
Netflix’s Mary tells the story of the mother of Jesus before she became pregnant with the saviour. But is this biblical epic up to scratch? Giles Gough doesn’t think so
The Israel Dilemma: A one-sided film about biblical prophecy
God made an everlasting covenant with Israel and their turbulent history from King David to today, is all prophesied in the Old Testament. That’s according to this new Christian-made documentary The Israel Dilemma. Chris Goswami went to see it
Heaping Coals - Michael Coren
Journalist and author Michael Coren had a high-profile career in the Canadian and international media – but it all came crashing down when he wrote a newspaper column sympathetic to gay Christians.
The Road to Wisdom - Francis Collins
Francis Collins is arguably one of the most powerful biologists in the world. The US-based scientist has helped identify the cause of cystic fibrosis and a number of other genetic diseases. He led the Human Genome Project and, most recently, was a key player in the race to find a ...
Mud, Bullets and Open Roads - David Robinson
Armed with five insect-resistant boxes, three mosquito nets and toys for their toddler, young British couple David and Jenny Robinson set off to Thailand to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Exorcist Files - Father Carlos Martins
The horror genre has reached an all-time high in terms of book sales during the past year. There appears to be a heightened interest in the forces of evil and the supernatural. There should therefore be a large market for this new title, and it should make essential and salutary ...
Bonhoeffer: This provocative biopic is a warning to Christians
Bonhoeffer isn’t a nice story about someone standing up for their faith. It’s a warning to all Christians not to tie themselves to any one political identity, says our reviewer
Why do Jews and Christians read the Bible differently? This book attempts an answer
If you want to understand why Jews read the Bible in the way they do, then The Bible With and Without Jesus may be worth a read, says Lois Tverberg
Conclave: This enthralling papal thriller is a must-watch
Ralph Fiennes captivates as a cardinal thrust into the fierce politics of the Vatican, says our reviewer
The Bible is not safe
This global history of the Bible is full of fascinating stories, says our reviewer
The God Story - Alain Emerson and Adam Cox
Familiarity can often dull our sense of wonder, so it’s unsurprising that many readers of the Bible become numb to God’s redemptive plan woven through every page and person. The God Story may just shake you out of your slumber.
Can I Say That? - Brenna Blain
Growing up, Brenna Blain attended the highly conservative Mars Hill Church in Seattle. She was sexually abused aged ten. In her teens, she struggled with same-sex attraction, trauma and mental health. She self-harmed, battled with eating disorders and tried to end her own life.
A book of wisdom from the Christian who discovered the Covid vaccine
Having headed up the Human Genome Project and led the race to find a Covid vaccine, Franics Collins is one of the most influential Christian scientists in the world. Dr Ruth Bancewicz reviews his new book, The Road to Wisdom
For our daughters: When womanhood is defined by submission to men, it opens the door to abuse
A new documentary attempts to explain how abuse has been allowed to fester in US evangelical churches. Greg Garrett says For Our Daughters is urgent and important, and will challenge Christians to return to the way of Christ
The Eclipse of Christianity: A robust, prophetic and hopeful book
Rupert Shortt’s new book offers a solid critique of today’s secular culture and a penetrating analysis of the problems facing Christian faith today. But it’s also deeply hopeful about the future, says Paul Valler
Sound of Hope might break your heart - but here’s why Christians should watch it anyway
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot is the awe-inspiring true story of one small church who adopted 77 children in two years. It’s a realistic look at Christian love in action says Krish Kandiah
4 international praise songs for your worship playlist
The Agapé UK team share their favourite worship songs written and sung in Hebrew, Spanish, English and more
All Christians Are Monks - George Guiver
The title of this book is paradoxically challenging. However, it is meant to be ironic. George Guiver writes: “What I want to show is that women and men who live and work in religious communities have something life-giving to share with contemporary Christians”.
100 Ways to Get Your Church Noticed - Neil Pugmire
In our fast-moving, visual world, with countless organisations vying for our attention, the question of how we ensure our churches are noticed has become more and more important.
‘We will dance again’ a harrowing documentary on the hell of 7 October
This BBC documentary on the massacre at the Nova Music Festival in Israel is agonising to watch, reports Michael Coren. But he won’t give up hoping and praying for peace
Reviewed: Diarmaid MacCulloch’s history of sex and Christianity
The acclaimed historian’s new book Lower than the angels: A history of sex and Christianity is not a light read. But it’s a useful contribution to ongoing debates, says our reviewer
Shepherds for Sale is full of errors. But the author has a point
Megan Basham’s Shepherds for Sale is one of the most controversial books to emerge from the US Church in recent years
The Church needs to break its silence on menopause. This book will help
Menopause is becoming increasingly spoken about in secular spheres, yet much of the faith community remains alarmingly silent, observes Arianna Walker. Jayne Manfredi’s new book, Waking the Women, will help plug the gap
Downtime
What the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
Rumours of a Better Country - Marsh Moyle
The Ten Commandments are really all about freedom, Marsh Moyle says in this fascinating and easy-to-read book.
How to Tell the Truth - Preston Perry
Only a writer of consummate skill could deliver a book like this: in part a biographic account of Preston Perry’s early life and in part a teaching book that winsomely shares biblical principles on how to speak the truth.
The Hope in Our Scars - Aimee Byrd
This is a book for those of us who have either struggled with a church, left a church or perhaps have friends in the process of deconstructing.
Politics on the Edge - Rory Stewart
As co-host of the popular podcast ‘The Rest is Politics’, Rory Stewart’s book was as eagerly awaited as the latest publication from gossip columnist Lady Whistledown in the Netflix drama Bridgerton.
A Moses mockumentary? This biblical parody will make you laugh
Produced by the team behind The Chosen and already racking up half a million views on YouTube, it seems The Promised Land is off to a flying start. But can a comedy based on the Exodus really work? Christian and sit-com writer Paul Kerensa gives his view
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.
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.
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