The brainy book is in. A recent Guardian article explained the sales phenomenon behind Sapiens, a wildly successful a history of mankind, that reflects a surprisingly broader trend in consumer habits: the current boom of non-fiction.
We live in an uncertain world, the article explains, and in order to get a better, clearer comprehension of our environment “we are turning away from glitzy but disposable stories of fame and excess and towards more serious, thoughtful, quiet books that help us understand our place in the world.”
Which is why I’m so excited about these 7 titles in The Good Book Company’s 2019 line-up, because these will each be particularly helpful in enabling you to understand yourself and your world better.
Can science explain everything? Many people think so. Science, and the technologies it has spawned, has delivered so much to the world: clean water; more food; better healthcare; longer life. And we live in a time of rapid scientific progress that holds enormous promise for many of the problems we face as humankind. So much so, in fact, that many see no need or use for religion and belief systems that offer us answers to the mysteries of our universe. Science has explained it, they assume. Religion is redundant.
Oxford Maths Professor and Christian believer John Lennox offers a fresh way of thinking about science and Christianity that dispels the common misconceptions about both. He reveals that not only are they not opposed, but they can and must mix to give us a fuller understanding of the universe and the meaning of our existence.
Releases: 1 January
Evangelistic book looking at whether science and religion are opposed.
The Difference Jesus Makes to that ‘Where-is-my-life- going-I-hate-my-job-I-have-no-real-friends-Is-God-even-here-Will-I-end-up-alone-I-wish-I-was-back-at-school-Will- this-ever-feel-like-home-Am-I-failing-at-life’ Feeling
Sooner or later, most of us find that adult life is not all it’s cracked up to be. At some point we take a look at where we’ve got to and wonder: “Is this it? Why did no one warn me that adult life was going to be this… difficult?”
Rachel Jones is 20-something, trying to keep it together, and ready to say what we’re all thinking. Whether you’re just feeling a bit lost or having a full “quarter life crisis”, this funny, honest, hopeful book reveals the difference Jesus makes to the challenges of adulting.
Releases: 1 January.
A personal journey through the challenges of adulting, revealing the difference Jesus makes
A nine-step journey to change that lasts
Dr. Timothy Lane takes you on a nine step journey towards lasting change. This practical and biblical guidance recognizes that the path to lasting change can only be found by growing in grace as we look to Christ and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. So these steps are much more than strategies: they are truths that are rooted in Scripture.
Whatever your struggle, this warm and encouraging book will empower you to break free from unwanted habits and behaviors that don’t seem to go away.
Releases : 1 January
Modern research is uncovering more and more detail of what our brain is and how it works. We are living, thinking creatures who carry around with us an amazing organic supercomputer in our heads.
But what is the relationship between our brains and our minds—and ultimately our sense of identity as a person? Are we more than machines? Is free-will an illusion? Do we have a soul?
Brain scientist Sharon Dirckx lays out the current understanding of who we are from biologists, philosophers, theologians and psychologists, and points towards a bigger picture, that suggests answers to the fundamental questions of our existence. Not just "What am I?", but "Who am I?"—and "Why am I?"
Releases: 1 May
Looking at the body, mind and soul to answer the question: What exactly is a human being?
Whether it's TV boxsets, Instagram stories or historical novels, we all consume culture. So it’s important that we are neither bewitched by it—buying into everything it tells us—or bewildered by it—lashing out in judgment or retreating into a Christian bubble.
Dan Strange encourages Christians to engage with everything they watch, read and play in a positive and discerning way. He also teaches Christians how to think and speak about culture in a way that plugs in to a bigger and better reality—the story of King Jesus, and his cosmic plan for the world.
Releases: 1 May
A story of life after abuse: how faith brought one woman from victim to survivor
A raw personal testimony and reflection on surviving abuse and the power of gospel hope.
Author Jennifer Michelle Greenberg suffered abuse at the hands of her church-going father. She speaks candidly about her experience and how God brought her through. Her reflections offer biblical truths and gospel hope that can help both survivors of abuse and those who walk alongside them or pastor their churches.
Releases: 1 September. Cover coming soon.
Women of Color on the Word of God
Hear the voices of women of color on the most important subject in any age—the word of God.
This inspiring collection of devotions is by a diverse group of women of color—African-Americans, Hispanic, Caribbean and Asian women. Featuring Kristie Anyabwile, Jackie Hill-Perry, Trillia Newbell, Elicia Horton, Christina Edmondson, Blair Linne and more. It is a faithful exposition of Psalm 119 and incorporates each contributor’s cultural expression both within the teaching and as they bring the word of God to bear on their lives.
Readers will be thrilled and encouraged by hearing God speak through his word as it is expounded by these faithful teachers, and they will long for more.
Releases: 1 September. Cover coming soon.
Joe is our Marketing Manager. He lives in South London with his wife and two daughters and is a member at River Church Sutton - part of the Newfrontiers network - where he runs a small group and various outreach activities.
