Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice, by Edward W. Klink III (associate professor of biblical and theological studies) and Darian Lockett (associate professor of biblical and theological studies), Zondervan, November 2012. This book examines the five major schools of thought regarding biblical theology and handles each in turn, defining and giving a brief developmental history for each one, and exploring each method through the lens of one contemporary scholar who champions it. A conclusion suggests how any student of the Bible can learn from these approaches.

The Path: How to Understand and Experience Authentic Spiritual Growth, by Don Willett (’71, Ph.D. ’97), WinePress, July 2012. The Path explains three stages of spiritual development — childhood, young adulthood and parenthood — so that we can better understand where we are in the process of transformation and can better cooperate with God as he works in our lives. The Path is the companion to Stages of Faith: 8 Milestones That Mark Your Journey, a 13-week study for small group and personal use.

In the Beginning ... We Misunderstood, coauthored by John M. Soden (Ph.D. ’78), Kregel Publications, August 2012. This book offers a new approach to interpreting the creation story based on how the original audience would have understood the account. After offering an overview of the past and present issues in interpreting the first chapter of the Bible, the authors explore historical and cultural aspects of the account and challenge audiences to interpret the Bible in its original context instead of trying to fit it into scientific assumptions.

The Life and Witness of Peter, by Larry R. Helyer (’65), IVP Academic, September 2012. For Protestants, the apostle Peter seems caught between two caricatures: the rustic fisherman of Galilee and the author of two lesser New Testament letters. And in both cases he is overshadowed by Paul. In this new book, Helyer reconstructs Peter’s life, theology and legacy from evidence in 1 and 2 Peter, the Gospels, Acts, Paul’s letters and texts from the early church — seeking to reinstate this neglected and underestimated apostle to his rightful stature.

Devotions on the Greek New Testament: 52 Reflections to Inspire and Instruct, contributions from professors Kenneth Berding, Edward W. Klink III, Michelle Lee-Barnewall, Gary Manning Jr. and Matt Williams, Zondervan, October 2012. Devotions found in this book are based on a close reading of the Greek New Testament rather than the English Bible. Each author employs a variety of exegetical approaches to their devotions, while the book, as a whole, encourages readers to use their Hebrew and Greek Bibles. Devotions is a multifunctional book that can be used as a weekly devotional or as a supplemental resource.

intergenerational Christian Formation, coauthored by Holly Catterton Allen (Ph.D. ’02), InterVarsity Press, October 2012. Throughout biblical tradition and the majority of history, communities of faith included people of all ages together in corporate worship, education and ministry. The church was not just multigenerational; it was intergenerational, with the whole church together as one family and people of all ages learning from one another in common life. In this comprehensive text, the authors offer a complete framework for intentional intergenerational Christian formation, giving concrete guidance on how worship, learning, community and service can all be achieved intergenerationally.

7 Seconds to Success: How to Effectively Relate to People in an Instant, by Gary Coffey (’69) and Bob Phillips (’64), Harvest House Publishers, 2012. Coffey and Phillip's book explains the importance of first impressions and teaches readers the best ways to relate and connect to individuals. Coffey, president of Gary Coffey & Associates, and Phillips, a New York Times bestselling author, provide the necessary tools for making a great impression in only a matter of seconds.