From the demise of Tate Publishing to widespread expansion in faith-based publishing for children, here are PW’s top religion stories of 2017.
10. Religion Publishers See Growth in Children’s Books
Sales of storybook Bibles, board books, and children’s devotionals are on the rise today, and many faith-based houses are forming imprints in order to join in on the growth.
9. Christian Fiction Keeps Its Allure
Religion publishers discuss the changing landscape of Christian fiction, revealing that despite its challenges, the category continues to draw readers.
8. Christian Books Selling Well at Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby, which expanded its inventory to include popular Christian books, is increasing its sales and providing more retail space for religion publishers.
7. Author Reza Aslan Questions the Origins of God
In what he calls “the most personal and hardest book I have ever written,” theologian and religion commentator Reza Aslan examines the human conception of God in God: A Human History.
6. Daughter of the 'Mormon Manson' Shares Her Ordeal in New Memoir
Anna LeBaron, who escaped her murderous father’s polygamist cult at the age of 13, describes leaving behind a life of terror and over 50 siblings to begin a search for healing.
5. Louise Hay, Founder of Hay House, Dies at 90
The founder of Hay House Publishing and the bestselling author of self-help books such as You Can Heal Your Life died at age 90 on August 30, 2017.
4. Clinton Devotional Book Pulled After Publisher Finds Further Instances of Plagiarism
Abingdon Press pulled Strong for a Moment Like This: The Daily Devotions of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Rev. Bill Shillady from shelves after discovering that several passages had not been properly attributed by the author.
3. Family Christian Stores to Close All Stores
Two years after filing for bankruptcy, Family Christian Stores announced its decision to shutter all of its 240 stores across 36 states in February.
2. Former Evangelical Extremist Recalls Life in Westboro Baptist Church
Libby Phelps, the granddaughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps, reflects on her experiences in one of the most inflammatory and notorious evangelical groups in the U.S.
1. Tate Publishing Closes its Doors
Family-owned Christian book publisher Tate closed its doors after 17 years in January 2017, inciting customer complaints and lawsuits by companies such as Lightning Source and Xerox Corp., as well as an investigation by the U.S. Labor Department.
