50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Church Can Make a DifferenceRebecca Barnes-Davies. Westminster John Knox, $14.95 paper (128p) ISBN 978-0-664-23370-9

In a slim handbook, Barnes-Davies, former director of Presbyterians Restoring Creation, gives readers real world, practical tips and encouragement for putting their faith into action as responsible stewards of God’s creation. The book’s organization (seven chapters with seven sections each and a culminating 50th item) reflects the “Jubilee” in Leviticus, which the author interprets as a mandate to care for the environment as a way of caring for others. Each of the 50 useful suggestions includes brief description of a specific action serving the environment, followed by half a dozen or so “how-tos” and a blurb about a particular group that is “walking the talk.” But it’s not all hard work for change. The seventh item in each chapter directs readers to slow down, relax and enjoy intentional Sabbath moments. The clear and practical advice is a welcome addition to the increasing awareness among faith communities that environmental issues are religious, too. (June)

The Passionate Torah: Sex and Judaism Edited by Danya Ruttenberg. New York Univ., $19.95 paper (320p) ISBN 978-0-8147-7605-6

It is not often that an academic title about religion stimulates other parts of the body as well as the mind. Yet that is what Ruttenberg, a rabbi, and the 17 contributors to this collection of essays have accomplished. Ruttenberg, a wunderkind of Jewish feminism, leads the reader through an often racy reconsideration of what the sacred Jewish texts say about our most intimate relationships. Along the way there is a lot of fun—see the story about the naked rabbi and the prostitute who marries him. But Ruttenberg et al. never lose sight of their goal: to uncover new ideas about treating those we love with the respect, kindness and honor inherent in the teachings of Judaism. (June)

Ten Commandments for the Environment: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out for Creation and Justice Edited by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker. Ave Maria, $15.95 paper (160p) ISBN 978-1-59471-211-1

Despite a slightly misleading title, this compilation does a creditable job of summarizing contemporary Catholic thought on the timely topic of the environment. The book purports to be about what Benedict XVI, who has been dubbed “the green pope” for his interest in environmental issues, is saying, but it contains substantial commentary from others as well, including his predecessor, John Paul II. Benedict is keen on the environment and has had plenty to say about it since his election in 2004. Koenig-Bricker is careful to point out that Benedict adheres to Judeo-Christian teaching, holding that the earth was created by God and is not a god itself, and that it is neither equal to nor superior to humanity, but God’s gift to humans. (May)

Crazy Good Sex: Putting to Bed the Myths Men Have About SexLes Parrott. Zondervan, $19.99 (208p) ISBN 978-0-310-27356-1

In the popular religious imagination, sex and God don’t often mix. The latter is pure and holy and the former is associated with guilt and shame. Parrott, a clinical psychologist and author of Love Talk, has counseled numerous couples about sexual matters. There is nothing puritanical about his treatment of sex and religion. God, he claims, meant for couples to make love; “crazy good sex” is a vital component to a successful marriage. This readable and user-friendly manual for men is not, however, an “anything goes” book. The author cautions that certain practices, such as viewing Internet pornography, can be harmful to a marriage. Men and women both will gain valuable insights into human sexuality and perhaps even spice up their love life. (May)

Right on the Money: Financial Advice for Tough TimesPat Robertson. FaithWords, $22.99 (240p) ISBN 978-0-4465-4958-5

Robertson, primarily known as a religious leader, puts on his businessman’s hat to dispense advice about financial management. He has been successful in worldly matters, starting the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and growing the relief agency Operation Blessing into a worldwide relief and development agency. That said, he hasn’t made his name as a financial guru, and this is a financial management 101 kind of book. There’s Christian content, too—tithing, the charitable giving of 10% of income, is mentioned early on as a necessity. Financial education is a perennial need that is particularly pressing now, and this book contains helpful information, including a glossary of terms. It lacks unique content, but will likely sell to CBN and 700 Club viewers and any other loyalists. (May 27