Earthen Vessels: Why Our Bodies Matter to our Faith, by Matthew Lee Anderson (’04), Bethany House, June 2011. Our bodies matter. Christians today sometimes forget this, dangerously ignoring the importance of their physical selves when it comes to technology, sexuality, worship and even death. Anderson’s book will help readers learn what the Bible says about our bodies and grow to appreciate the importance of embodiment in our spiritual lives. It also explores generational differences when it comes to how we perceive and use our bodies. Just as Christ’s body was crucial to our salvation, our own bodies are an important part of the complete Christian life.

Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward, by Henry Cloud (Ph.D. ’88), HarperBusiness, January 2011. While endings are a natural part of business and life, we often experience them with a sense of hesitation, sadness, resignation, or regret. But consultant, psychologist, and bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud sees endings differently. Knowing when and how to let go when something, or someone, isn't working—a personal relationship, a job, or a business venture—is essential for happiness and success. Necessary Endings gives readers the tools they need to say good-bye and move on.

I Choose to Forgive: an Intimate Journey with God, by Dianne B. Collard (’98, M.A. ’04), WestBow Press, March 2011; We live in a fallen world where offenses and serious grievances occur in every person’s life. These painful situations demand that all of us face the question, “Does God expect me to forgive?” I Choose to Forgive is a heartbreaking journey from devastation to freedom and presents a strong biblical foundation undergirding the practical steps of doing forgiveness.

The Whole Bible Story: Everything That Happens in the Bible In Plain English, by William H. Marty (’65), Bethany House, March 2011. The Bible tells a story of God’s love for people throughout history. But often the story can get lost among the laws, genealogies, prophecies, poetry and instructions. Here, Marty, a professor at Moody Bible Institute, retells the entire story in the Bible in one easy-to-read, chronological account aimed at both new Christians and seasoned believers wanting a refresher course.

Doing Philosophy as a Christian, by Garrett J. DeWeese (professor of philosophy of religion and ethics), IVP Academic, September 2011. Noting that philosophy literally is “the love of wisdom,” DeWeese begins with a discussion of wisdom from the Old and New Testaments before addressing the oft-misunderstood relation between faith and reason. DeWeese then elucidates the fundamental questions of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and aesthetics, philosophy of mind and philosophy of science, finally making a case for the integration of philosophy and Christian spiritual formation.

Knowing Grace: Cultivating a Lifestyle of Godliness, by Joanne Jung (M.A. ’01 assistant professor of biblical studies and spiritual formation), Biblica Publishing, May 2011; There are many fine written works describing the need, purpose and methods of spiritual disciplines. Knowing Grace complements these by fostering and deepening the reader’s engagement with God through various means of grace, emphasizing God’s initiation, invitation and empowering to engage with him in ways that foster a greater sensitivity to his movements, stirrings, nudges and voice. By growing more familiar with being in his presence, one experiences more of his grace, moving us from duty to delight.

Walking in the Spirit, by Kenneth Berding (M.A. ’96, associate professor of New Testament), Crossway Books, August 2011. In this journey into what the Bible teaches about life in the Holy Spirit, Berding uses the apostle Paul and his words in Romans 8 to model what it looks like to live both empowered and set free by the Spirit. Written at an accessible level, Berding covers a variety of topics, showing readers how to set their minds on the things of the Spirit, put to death the deeds of the body, be led by the Spirit, know the fatherhood of God, and hope and pray in the Spirit.