After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N.T. Wright

After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N.T. Wright

If you want to write a Christian best-seller these days, there are a few tried-and-true methods. One is to write Christian self-help; how to have your "best life now." Another is to write taking an extreme position on some theological matter or another, like how we need to change or die, or why we need to retrench in our received traditions or die. But what if the things that pique our ears are drowning out other, subtler - but absolutely crucial - themes in Christian spirituality, themes long-lost and long-overdue for recovery? This is the conviction of New Testament scholar, gentle provocateur, and Anglican bishop of Durham, England N.T. Wright. Following up on his widely-acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope, Wright poses a simple question: What is our purpose? If that question sounds familiar (see the above discussion about Christian bestsellers), Wright's answer is decidedly unfamiliar in today's spiritual and intellectual climate: Christ-like virtue in the here and now. And if that answer sounds boring, well, you haven't heard it coming from Bishop Tom's pen. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of dos and don'ts. Nor is it a prescription to "follow your heart" wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible's call for a revolution—a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives. In so doing, the question of what we're doing in this ambiguous time between baptism and funeral becomes much less staid and much more invigorating, as we discover the essence of Kingdom living here and now. [hide] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: I'm so sorry, we're requested-out of this title! (You can, of course, always purchase it at your local bookseller or here [1].) But! We have two awesome [2] (and somewhat opposing) books on The Gospel [3] available for review; 'The Gospel You've Never Heard' is particularly Wright-ian. Feel free to select BOTH of these, actually, as I'd love to hear your point/counterpoint reviews on this all-important subject. ------- Requesting After You Believe Due to the high expected demand for reviewing this title, we have an additional request made for anyone who would like After You Believe: Could you have it reviewed within 10-14 days of receiving it? It’s an engaging read, and once you begin it’s doubtful you’ll want to put it down. We’re not asking you to relax your usual standards of writing and podcasting integrity; you can love the book, loathe it, or anything in between. But the publisher has requested that we get our initial reviews into the blogosphere coinciding with the book release date, and we’d like to honor this request. You’ll be among the first readers on the continent to receive a copy of this book, weeks before the release date. Link-love for your review: N.T. Wright doesn't maintain a personal web page, but a comprehensive one is maintained for him here: http://www.ntwrightpage.com/ [4] Browse inside: http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061730559/After_You_Believe/index.aspx [5] Interview Availability: N.T. Wright is available for a limited amount of interviews with bloggers and podcasters. If you’d like to be considered for a review, email me at zoecarnate@theooze.com [6] and I’ll connect you with his publicist. [/hide] [1] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061730556?ie=UTF8&tag=zoecarnatecom-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0061730556 [2] http://viralbloggers.com/tag/gospel/ [3] http://viralbloggers.com/tag/gospel/ [4] http://www.ntwrightpage.com/ [5] http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061730559/After_You_Believe/index.aspx [6] http://viralbloggers.commailto:zoecarnate@theooze.com

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The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis

The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis

I remember the feeling I had when I printed out the CD-ROM I received in the mail four years ago. It was a novel by a brand-new author, published by a brand-new publishing house set up just for its publication. Having been a freelance editor and publicist for several years, I wasn't too beholden to 'spiritual fiction,' most of it not worth the paper it's printed on in my opinion (sorry - just being honest). But this book seemed different. Somehow I knew the story it contained would have extensive impact, far beyond what it 'should' have. That novel was The Shack. Turns out I was right! I'm getting that feeling again - this time about The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis. The difference between Paul Young and Joann Davis is that Davis is a publishing veteran - but she's signed with HarperStudio [1], a new publishing imprint of the Harper family that is no less innovative than Young's publisher. They're built on the principles of experimentation, new media friendliness, and cutting their authors in 50/50 with profit-sharing [2] (royalties begone!). It's befitting that this unusual (and quite successful) new publisher is releasing a quite unusual parable as their first overt entree into spirituality titles. The Book of the Shepherd will resonate with anyone who doesn't care much for schmaltzy Christian fiction but who enjoys Jesus of Nazareth or Francis of Assisi - and perhaps the Joshua series by Joseph Girzone. The tale opens in a graceless world: Stone the builder who erects a house that falls on its occupants. Sever the hands of the criminal who pilfers livestock or grain or another's garment. Whip the child who defies an elder. For such is the law and the law must be obeyed. For generations, these ironclad rules had governed the people. Nobody questioned whether it was right to humiliate a child or execute a murderer. An eye for an eye was the way of the world. But was there another way? When an antiquarian book is discovered in the disheveled study of an old Vermont farmhouse, the house's new owner has the volume translated. The result is The Book of the Shepherd, an enigmatic story full of implications for us all. Set in a mythical time, in an unnamed land, The Book of the Shepherd tells the tale of a shepherd, Joshua, who is troubled by the harsh code of "an eye for an eye" that governs his world. Called by a dream, the shepherd sets off on a journey to find "the new way." Accompanied by Elizabeth, a former slave who is kind and generous, and David, a boy who must learn to walk in new shoes, the shepherd knows that "an age of miracles" will come when the new way is found. But the journey is not without incident. En route to a cave near the Great Inland Sea, the travelers meet a cast of extraordinary characters, including the Storyteller, the Apothecary, the Blind Man, and the Stranger. Each imparts an important lesson that pushes the travelers toward their destiny. At the cave, Joshua must see if he can bring forth secrets long buried. But he, Elizabeth, and David will also discover that sometimes what we have been searching for has been inside us all along. What others are saying "A beautiful demonstration of the 'Power of One,' offering readers important lessons of Truth many are searching for today." - Kathryn Adams Shapiro, author of Wisdom's Choice "A simple and profound parable that engages the heart. A delightful story that even children can enjoy and yet full of deeper meaning and direction for all truth seekers. The Book of the Shepherd should become a classic in every home." - Hyrum Smith, Co-founder of FranklinCovey, Founder of Galileo Initiative "A scribe writes the story. A reader takes it to heart. The world, upon hearing it, is changed forever. The Book of the Shepherd is more than just a poignant and lovely story. It is truth." - Lynne Hinton, author of The Arms of God and The Friendship Cake "From time to time, great teachers have used parables to instruct the human heart. The Book of the Shepherd is such a tale - a luminous book full of revelations of love and forgiveness. I'm going to buy a case for friends and family!" - Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind "The Book of the Shepherd, a timeless story about one man who is seeking "the new way," is an inspiring and moving fable." - Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist "In The Book of the Shepherd, Joann Davis presents us with an insightful tale that cuts through the noise and truly inspires. At a time when many people write about changing the world, she offers a simple journey that vividly demonstrates the importance of every act. An energizing read." - James Redfield, #1 International bestselling author of The Celestine Prophecy "[This book] carries readers to a place too rarely visited in this hard world, a place where love and forgiveness triumph over our worst instincts. We are better people for becoming our own guides on this journey. Read The Book of the Shepherd and discover an untraveled highway." - Meredith Vieira, co-host of the Today Show and Richard M. Cohen, author of Strong at the Broken Places About Joann Joann Davis, a publishing veteran, is married to the historian Kenneth C. Davis. They have two grown children, Jenny and Colin, and live in New York City and Dorset, Vermont. [hide] [3] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: Link-love for your review: Book trailer on YouTube [4] - a beautifully-shot trailer. Official book page on HarperStudio [5] Let your readers browse inside the book here [6]. Interview Availability: Joann is available for blog and podcast interviews. If you'd like to interview Joann, please email me at zoecarnate@theooze.com [/hide] [1] http://theharperstudio.com/category/26th-story [2] http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/135/fast-talk-the-experimenter.html [3] http://viralbloggers.wufoo.com/forms/the-book-of-the-shepherd/ [4] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vISoaFNNgZU [5] http://theharperstudio.com/authorsandbooks/joanndavis [6] http://browseinside.harpercollins.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061942358

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Live Sent by Jason Dukes

Live Sent by Jason Dukes

What if being ‘missional’ shifted from being about creating a worship gathering to living a well-crafted life? What if being ‘missional’ shifted from a conversion mentality to a contributor mindset? What is the crucial difference between ‘discipleship’ as program and ‘discipling’ as life? All of this and more is explored in Live Sent: You Are A Letter by Jason Dukes. Jason sees the good news of Jesus working in a context of radical interdependence. Here’s how he puts it in his own words: “What’s my part in this epic called humanity?’ The people whom you encounter every day actually need you. They need you, and you need them. We all need each other – to know each other. Our lives both compliment and supplement each other. That’s how humanity works – together.” You are a letter, his premise continues. Your everyday life is more than just a story being written. You were created to receive and send a message intentionally into the lives of the people you do life with daily. That's how love is demonstrated and how relationships happen and how people find abundant life as they were intended to find it. We live out our intended purpose and mission when we live beyond ourselves. Are you giving yourself away in the daily, being to other people the letter of God's love that has been written on your heart? We must be that letter together. Our community needs us. Our world needs us. Let's live sent. “If people think that missional is simply growing a worship gathering instead of releasing people into everyday life, they are misunderstanding missional. Missional is all about “living sent.” Jason Dukes is communicating a message that is vital for people to truly understand the mission for which they were created. I will recommend this book in my spheres of influence.” – Ed Stetzer If this approach to missional living is something that resonates with you, be sure to check out this brief but fresh read. [hide] [1] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: About Jason Jason C Dukes and his wife, Jen, live in Florida with their four young children. He is a follower and a leader, a learner and a teacher, a writer and a dreamer, a pastor and an entrepreneur, and someone who tries to live sent daily. He hopes you will too. Link-love for your review: There’s a lot of link-love for Jason – he’s wired! Book Blog [2] Personal Blog [3] Jason Dukes interview on the Something Beautiful Podcast [4] Twitter: @jasoncdukes [5] Live Sent on Twubs [6] Humanity Beautiful [7] Westpoint Fellowship [8] Reproducing Churches [9] House Blend Café [10] Jason speaking at the LIVE SENT 2009 Conversation [11] Live Sent YouTube channel [12] Interview Availability: Jason is available for blog and podcast interviews. You will receive his contact information if you select Live Sent to review this month. [/hide] [1] http://viralbloggers.wufoo.com/forms/live-sent/ [2] http://livesent.com [3] http://jasoncdukes.wordpress.com [4] http://somethingbeautifulpodcast.com/podcast/jason-c-dukes-2-36 [5] http://www.twitter.com/jasoncdukes [6] http://twubs.com/livesent [7] http://HumanityBeautiful.com [8] http://westpointchurch.org [9] http://reproducingchurches.com [10] http://houseblendcafe.com [11] http://livingsent.blogspot.com/2009/09/live-sent-conversation-2009.html [12] http://www.youtube.com/LiveSent

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The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning

The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning

Imagine a stormy day at sea, your ship yielding to a relentless wind, pummeled by crashing waves, subject to the awesome force of nature. A force that is both fierce and majestic. A power that is nothing short of furious. Such is God's intense, consuming love for his children. It's a love that knows no limits, and no boundaries. A love that will go to any lengths, and take any risks, to pursue us. The Furious Longing of God is vintage Brennan Manning in a new flask. If you’ve enjoyed The Ragamuffin Gospel or Ruthless Trust you know that Brennan’s gaze holds steady. He presents a love story for the brokenhearted and those who are burdened by heavy religion. For those who feel they can never measure up. It is a provocative and poignant look at the radical, no-holds-barred love of our Heavenly Father with the potential to change how you view God. There’s something even older, more weather-beaten in his authorial voice – and yet more hopeful, perhaps desperately hopeful and reckless confident in the boundless love of God. From the introduction: I’m Brennan. I’m an alcoholic. How I got there, why I left there, why I went back, is the story of my life. But it is not the whole story. I’m Brennan. I’m a Catholic. How I got there, why I left there, why I went back, is also the story of my life. But it is not the whole story. I’m Brennan. I was a priest, but am no longer a priest. I was a married man but am no longer a married man. How I got to those places, why I left those places, is the story of my life too. But it is not the whole story. I’m Brennan. I’m a sinner, saved by grace. That is the larger and more important story. Only God, in His fury, knows the whole of it. [hide] TITLE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: Link-love for your review: http://www.brennanmanning.com [1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLz72f75nyU [2] An awesome Furious Longing book trailer http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/resources/samples/105875.pdf [3] Interview Availability: Brennan Manning’s interview availability is not known at press time. Please email me if you’d like to talk to him. Your Commitment: Remember, your commitment is to write a blog post (minimum 50 words) about The Furious Longing of God within 30 days of getting it, and cutting & pasting your post here: Thank you! [/hide] [1] http://www.brennanmanning.com/ [2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLz72f75nyU [3] http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/resources/samples/105875.pdf

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