Some things don’t change. A few fall titles seem destined for greatness in sales. Grace: More than We Deserve, Greater than We Imagine by Max Lucado has a lot of things going for it: Lucado’s track record of millions and millions of books sold, a quarter-million dollar launch budget, and a concept—grace—that is one of Christian theology’s kindest. Also likely for the winner’s circle is The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury. Readers consume her inspirational novels like cookies; this one has some bonus ingredients in the recipe: it’s Christmasy, though not extensively so, and it features a financially threatened independent bookstore.

Cross Roads by William Paul Young represents the author’s second chance at becoming a cultural phenomenon the same way his previous novel The Shack did.

Other books in an abundant fall season are firmly located in high-profile cultural conversations. The Book of Mormon Girl by Joanna Brooks ought to benefit from the current Mormon moment in America that has its apotheosis in the candidacy of Mitt Romney, a member of this quintessentially American religion, for president. The Arab spring of poplar uprisings has given way to fall, elections in Egypt, and books on the phenomenon. Islam and the Arab Awakening by Tariq Ramadan is sure to attract attention for the analysis offered by Ramadan, a controversial Muslim intellectual denied admission to teach in America during the Bush presidency.

Other topics that ought to be no-brainers will benefit from fall books that shed light in the service of generating greater social consensus. Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate by Justin Lee shows great promise to advance an overlong and overstuck cultural debate. Please. Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America by Eboo Patel, one of the brightest young Muslim American religious leaders around, makes the point obvious to some but apparently not enough that religious pluralism is and has always been an American value as fundamental as Roger Williams’s “liberty of conscience” in 1640. The regrettable polarization of science and religion gets an erudite critique in The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning by Jonathan Sacks. Britain’s chief rabbi argues that two tools to help us see the universe in depth from different perspectives are better than one alone.

It wouldn’t be a complete religion publishing season without at least one magisterial tome, and Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350–550 A.D. by Peter Brown, at 806 pages, earns that distinction. The formidably learned historian challenges commonly accepted notions about the role of wealth in the decline of the Roman empire and examines the roots of charity, two subjects relevant to contemporary economics. That was Christianity then, and Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters by Phyllis Tickle is one version of Christianity now and to come. Tickle, PW’s founding religion editor, remains one of the country’s sharpest observers about public religion.

Aside from these, look for hobbits. Those tricksy little hairy-footed creatures imagined into epic being by J.R.R. Tolkien are the subject of books from five different publishers looking for theological meaning in pop culture and a lift from the film The Hobbit.

PW’s Top 10: Religion

Grace: More than We Deserve, Greater than We Imagine
Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, Sept.

The Bridge
Karen Kingsbury. Howard, Oct.

Cross Roads
William Paul Young. FaithWords, Nov.

The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith
Joanna Brooks. Free Press, Aug.

Islam and the Arab Awakening
Tariq Ramadan. Oxford Univ., Oct.

Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate
Justin Lee. Jericho, Nov.

Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America
Eboo Patel. Beacon, Aug.

The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning
Jonathan Sacks. Schocken, Sept.

Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350–550 A.D.
Peter Brown. Princeton Univ., Oct.

Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters
Phyllis Tickle. Baker, Sept.

Religion Listings

Abingdon

Quilts of Love series by multiple authors (Oct. 2012–April 2014, trade paper, $12.99) focuses on the women who quilted stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings; the series includes contemporary and historical romances as well as women’s fiction and the occasional light mystery.

The Christian World of The Hobbit by Devin Brown (Oct., trade paper, $14.99) is intended to serve as a balanced guide for readers who want to uncover the essential Christian aspects that lie at the center of the classic book.

Ashgate

Asylum-Seeking, Migration and Church by Susanna Snyder (Oct., $34.95) addresses one of the most pressing issues confronting contemporary society: how we engage with migrants.

Ave Maria Press

From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart by Chris Haw (Oct., trade paper, $14.95). The bestselling coauthor of Jesus for President recounts his spiritual journey through evangelical Christianity and his return to Catholicism.

Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God by Mary DeTurris Poust (Dec., trade paper, $13.95). This first book on the topic written from a Catholic perspective offers personal, hard-won wisdom on the complex relationship between food and spirituality.

Baker Academic

Handbook of Women Biblical Interpreters: A Historical and Biographical Guide, edited by Marion Ann Taylor (Oct., hardcover, $44.99) will help readers recover and understand women’s contributions to biblical interpretation throughout history.

Baker Books

Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters by Phyllis Tickle (Sept. 1, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-0801013553). A widely respected authority on American religion and the founding editor of PW’s religion department provides a comprehensive overview of Emergence Christianity, how it is changing and where it is going.

One Nation Without God?: The Battle for Christianity in an Age of Unbelief by David Aikman (Sept. 1, hardcover, $17.99, ISBN 978-0801014093). The veteran Time magazine journalist explores the history of Christianity in America, the powerful cultural influences that have weakened the institution, and the possible ways Christian influence in America might be revived.

Barbour Publishing

A Hobbit Devotional: Bilbo Baggins and the Bible by Ed Strauss (Sept. 1, trade paper, $9.99, ISBN 978-1616267438) features 60 humorous, challenging, encouraging devotionals for those who love J.R.R. Tolkien and his unforgettable hobbit. Announced 1st Print: 5,000

Baylor Univ. Press

Roots of Sorrow: A Pastoral Theology of Suffering by Phil C. Zylla (Oct. 1, trade paper, $29.95, ISBN 978-1602586321) examines the classic questions about God and suffering and speaks to human anguish.

The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra by Adam C. English (Nov. 1, hardcover, $24.95) digs deep into Christian history to tell the story of the real St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop who changed the course of Western history and thought.

Beacon Press

Faitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious by Chris Stedman (Nov. 6, hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-0807014394) tells the story of a former evangelical Christian turned openly gay atheist who now works to bridge the divide between atheists and the religious

Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America by Eboo Patel (Aug. 14, hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-0807077481). One of the country’s best-known young American Muslim leaders calls for Americans to defend the values of inclusiveness and pluralism.

Bethany House

The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis (Sept. 11, trade paper, $15.99, 9780764209789), Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz is a single Amishwoman and closet writer with a longing to be published, something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar. Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna his bride—if he can ever leave his parents’ farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. 240,000-copy announced first printing.

The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters by Albert Mohler (Nov., hardcover, $22.99, ISBN 978-0-7642-1004-4) shows how to become a leader people want to follow. 50,000-copy announced first printing.

B&H

Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins (Oct., trade paper, $14.99) is a psychological thriller about a depressed woman desperate to repair the emotional and physical scars of an attack that left her widowed.

Unconditional: A Novel Based on the Movie by Eva Marie Everson (Sept., trade paper, $14.99). A woman searching for new purpose in the wake of her husband’s murder reunites with a dying friend who works with at-risk children.

Brazos Press

A Hobbit Journey: Discovering the Enchantment of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth by Matthew Dickerson (Sept., trade paper, $16.99). An expert on The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy shows how a Christian worldview and themes undergird Tolkien’s classics.

Of Games and God: A Christian Exploration of Video Games by Kevin Schut (Jan., trade paper, $16.99). A communications expert and enthusiastic gamer offers a lively and informed Christian perspective on video games and video-game culture.

Cambridge Univ. Press

The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture by Yoram Hazony (Aug. 28, trade paper, $24.99, ISBN 978-0521176675) argues that the Bible can be studied for its ideas, whether or not one believes in God.

Carlton Books

(dist. by Sterling)

Kabbalah: An Introduction to the Esoteric Heart of Jewish Mysticism by Tim Dedopulos (Nov. 6, hardcover, $19.95, ISBN 978-1780971780) explores the unique map of consciousness central to Kabbalah, the Tree of Life.

Chalice

A New Evangelical Manifesto: A Kingdom Vision for the Common Good, edited by David P. Gushee (Aug., trade paper, $24.99) introduces the work and vision of the New Evangelical Partnership and other theologically conservative theological Christians who agree with politically liberal counterparts while staying true to their own faith.

Charisma

When Kingdoms Clash by Cindy Trimm (Sept., hardcover, $15.99, ISBN 978-1616389482) helps you harness the power of prayer.

Chosen Books

Outrageous Courage: What God Can Do with Raw Obedience and Radical Faith by Kris and Jason Vallotton (Jan., trade paper, $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8007-9554-2). A missionary and bestselling author team up to tell the true story of what happens when faith meets raw obedience to God’s guidance. 22,000-copy announced first printing.

Concordia

Joyfully Aging: A Christian’s Guide by Richard Bimler (Aug., trade paper, $14.99) emphasizes the opportunities older adults have to grow in their faith.

Crossroad

The Bad Catholic’s Catechism by John Zmirak (Sept., trade paper, $14.95) presents a witty take on the teachings of the Catholic faith, addressing questions and objections with intellectually sound and bracingly funny answers.

Crossway

The Fruitful Wife by Hayley DiMarco (Sept., trade paper, $14.99) applies the fruit of the Spirit to wives, taking a look at how the fruits of the spirit manifest themselves in women’s daily lives.

Dutton

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Plan for the World by Timothy Keller (Nov. 13, hardcover, $26.95, ISBN 978-0525952701) shows how God calls us to express meaning and purpose through our work and professional lives.

Wm. B. Eerdmans

Dementia: Living in the Memories of God by John Swinton (Nov. 30, trade paper, $25, ISBN 978-0802867162). A theologian and expert on religion and disability develops a practical theology of dementia for caregivers.

The Rest of Life: Rest, Play, Eating, Studying, Sex from a Kingdom Perspective by Ben Witherington III (Aug. 30, trade paper, $18, ISBN 978-0802867377) shows how and why rest, eating, studying, and sex should reflect the values of the kingdom of God.

FaithWords

Change Your Words, Change Your Life: Understanding the Power of Every Word You Speak by Joyce Meyer (Sept. 11, hardcover, $22.99, ISBN 978-0446538572). The popular televangelist shows how words can increase or decrease our level of joy. 250,000-copy announced first printing.

I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life by Joel Osteen (Sept. 18, hardcover, $21.99, ISBN 978-1455516780) defines the most powerful blessings in Scripture and encourages readers to declare one each day for a month. 500,000-copy announced first printing.

Cross Roads by Wm. Paul Young (Nov. 13, hardcover, $24.99) The author of the international bestseller The Shack returns with the story of a driven man who falls into a coma that allows him to revisit choices he made during his life.

Fordham Univ.

Live Long and Prosper: How Black Megachurches Address HIV/AIDS and Poverty in the Age of Prosperity Theology by Sandra L. Barnes (Nov. 1, hardcover, $90, ISBN 978-0823249565). This new study of the black megachurch phenomenon asks whether such megachurches are more focused on prosperity than on people.

Free Press

The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith by Joanna Brooks (Aug. 7, trade paper, $14, ISBN 978-1451699685). This impassioned memoir sheds light onto one of America’s least understood religious traditions.

Georgetown Univ. Press

Kinship Across Borders: A Christian Ethic of Immigration by Kristin E. Heyer (Nov. 15, trade paper, $29.95, ISBN 978-1589019300) demonstrates why a Christian understanding of immigration cannot be reduced to security or legal issues alone; rather, it involves an understanding of the human person.

Hampton Roads Publishing

Rumi’s Little Book of Life: The Garden of the Soul, the Heart, and the Spirit by Rumi, trans. by Maryam Mafi and Azima Melita Kolin (Sept. 1, trade paper, $14.95, ISBN 978-1571746894) offers a fresh take on the Sufi poet’s timeless wisdom.

HarperOne

Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm by Thich Nhat Hanh (Nov. 13, hardcover, $25.99, ISBN 978-0062004727) is a powerful and strategic guide to overcoming the pervasive human problem of fear. 50,000-copy announced first printing.

Harvard Univ./Belknap Press

The Axial Age and Its Consequences, edited by Robert N. Bellah and Hans Joas (Oct. 31, hardcover, $39.95, ISBN 978-0674066496) boldly claims that intellectual sophistication was born worldwide during the middle centuries of the first millennium B.C.E.

Hendrickson

Engaging the Written Word of God by J.I. Packer (Oct., trade paper, $16.95) is a collection of articles written over 40 years in which Packer sets out his beliefs about the authority of Scripture.

Hohm Press

Eye to Form Is Only Love: A Journal of 100 Days by Traktung Yeshe Dorje (Oct., trade paper, $17.95, 978-1-935387-29-9). An American-born Tibetan lama offers 100 insightful essays about the nature of spiritual freedom, offering a glimpse of reality beyond ordinary “conditioned” mind.

Howard Books

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury (Oct. 23, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-1451647013). Two couples are changed by the sort of miracle that can only happen at Christmas—the miracle of a second chance. 500,000-copy announced first printing.

The Ultimate Conversation: Talking with God Through Prayer by Charles F. Stanley (Sept. 4, hardcover, $24, ISBN 978-1439190654) emboldens readers to share with God the ultimate conversation of prayer. 150,000-copy announced first printing.

Image

Vatican II: The Essential Texts, edited by Norman Tanner with intros. by Pope Benedict XVI and James Carroll (Sept., trade paper, $16, 978-0-307-95280-6) selects and collects key texts from the landmark Vatican II Council on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

InterVarsity Press

Free People’s Suicide: Sustainable Freedom and the American Future by Os Guinness (Aug. 1, trade paper, $16, ISBN 978-0830834655) claims that true freedom can only be sustained in accordance with faith and virtue and offers a vision of “sustainable freedom.”

Jericho

Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World by Brian D. McLaren (Sept. 11, hardcover, $24.99). Rooting his discussion in an insightful, entertaining parable about Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed spending time with one another, McLaren shows readers how to reclaim a strong, humane Christian faith.

Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate by Justin Lee. (Nov. 13, hardcover, $21.99) offers a sensible, loving, and biblically based response to the controversy that pits the church against the LGBT community.

Jewish Lights

Amazing Chesed: Living a Grace-Filled Judaism by Rami Shapiro, (Nov., trade paper, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-58023-624-9). Drawing from ancient and contemporary, traditional and nontraditional Jewish wisdom, this book reclaims the idea of grace in Judaism.

We Have Sinned: Confession in Judaism—Ashamnu and Al Chet, edited by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman (Aug., hardcover, $24.99, 978-1-58023-612-6) looks at sin, confession, and pardon in Judaism.

Lion

(dist. by IPG)

Science & Belief: The Big Issues by Russell Stannard (Sept. 1, trade paper, $14.95, ISBN 978-0745955728) presents the arguments behind key issues of science and religion to enable readers to make their own informed decisions.

Ligouri

It Draws Me: The Art of Contemplation by Mary M. McDonald (Aug., trade paper, $14.99) uses Thomas Merton’s previously unpublished notes on lectio divina to help readers contemplate 32 full-color Song dynasty paintings and icons, leading to a deeper prayer life.

Loyola Press

Fearing the Stigmata: Humorously Holy Stories of a Young Catholic’s Search for a Culturally Relevant Faith by Matt Weber (Sept., trade paper, $13.95). Matt Weber, 20-something Harvard graduate, television producer, and certified rosary bead carrier, employs his wit, candor, and gift for great storytelling to illustrate for young adult Catholics the challenges and joys of publicly living the Catholic faith.

Moody

On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis by Louis Markos (Oct. 1, trade paper, $14.99, ISBN 978-0802443199) helps us rediscover the virtue of great storytelling and see that fantasy worlds like Tolkien’s land of hobbits and wizards have the power to transform our reality.

Morehouse

Christianity Without Superstition: Meaning, Metaphor, and Mystery by John McQuiston II (Sept., trade paper, $12, ISBN 978-0-8192-2738-6) illustrates that the paramount message of Jesus, and even the Hebrew Scriptures, is not about what stories to believe, but how to live.

Multnomah Books

Greater: Dream Bigger. Start Smaller. Ignite God’s Vision for Your Life by Steven Furtick (Sept. 4, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-1601423252) The lead pastor of Elevation Church, one of the fastest-growing congregations in the country, offers a motivating plan to take a dream from idea to implementation with giant results. 75,000-copy announced first printing.

National Geographic

In the Footsteps of Jesus: A Chronicle of His Life and the Origins of Christianity by Jean-Pierre Isbouts (Nov. 6, hardcover, $40, ISBN 978-1426209871) takes readers on a visual journey with Jesus, presenting concepts of faith, history, archeology, and geography, in a gift format for history lovers and faithful alike.

NavPress

A Year with Jesus by Eugene H. Peterson (Sept., hardcover, $17.99) offers 365 daily meditations so believers can develop an intimate communication with God through prayer.

New City Press

The City of God: Books 1–10 by St. Augustine (Nov., trade paper $29.95; hardcover $49). The Christian classic describes the difference between the City of God and the City of Man, one built on love of God, the other on love of self.

New Leaf

Life in the Fairway by Chad Bonham, (Aug., hardcover, $14.99, 9780892217144) examines the faith of PGA pros Ben Crane, Stewart Cink, Webb Simpson, and Jonathan Byrd.

New World Library

And Live Rejoicing: Chapters from a Charmed Life—Personal Encounters with Spiritual Mavericks, Remarkable Seekers, and the World’s Great Religious Leaders by Huston Smith and Phil Cousineau (Sept. 11, trade paper, $15.95, ISBN 978-1608680719) takes readers behind the scenes of Smith’s near century of adventurous seeking. 10,000-copy announced first printing.

North Atlantic Books

Perfect Clarity: A Tibetan Buddhist Anthology of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, trans. by Erik Pema Kunsang (Oct. 16, trade paper, $18.95, ISBN 978-9627341697) is an anthology of essential writings on Mahamudra and Dzogchen for the student of Tibetan Buddhism.

NYU Press

The Notorious Elizabeth Tuttle: Marriage, Murder, and Madness in the Family of Jonathan Edwards by Ava Chamberlain (Oct. 31, hardcover, $27.95, ISBN 978-0814723722) explores the tragic life of Elizabeth Tuttle, the paternal grandmother of Puritan luminary Jonathan Edwards, revealing another side to family life in the early 18th century.

Orbis

Sister Wendy’s Bible Treasury: Stories and Wisdom Through the Eyes of Great Painters by Sister Wendy Beckett (Oct., trade paper, $35) examines the Bible through the lens of art with PBS’s popular guide to fine art: Sister Wendy.

Oxford Univeristy Press

Bridges Across an Impossible Divide: The Inner Lives of Arab and Jewish Peacemakers by Marc Gopin (Nov. 1, hardcover, $29.95, ISBN 978-0199916986) offers a groundbreaking exploration of Arab/Israeli peace partnerships: unlikely friendships created among people who have long been divided.

Islam and the Arab Awakening by Tariq Ramadan (Oct. 1, hardcover, $27.95, ISBN 978-0199933730). One of the world’s best-known Islamic scholars explores the Arab spring, examining the forces that sparked the uprisings and identifying the pitfalls ahead.

Paraclete Press

Heaven Bound: Creating a Funeral or Memorial Service for Your Pet by the editors of Paraclete Press (Sept., Hardcover, $15.99, 9781612612447). This instructive book will help anyone create a funeral or memorial service for their beloved pet.

Parallax Press

(dist. by PGW)

Part-Time Buddha: Being a Lotus in a Muddy World by Thich Nhat Hanh (Oct. 16, trade paper, $12.95, ISBN 978-1937006204). The venerable Zen master looks at how we deal with workplace scenarios, handle home and family responsibilities, and endure traffic jams and other challenges of modern life. 12,000-copy announced first printing.

Pauline Books & Media

God and Evolution? Science Meets Faith by Gerard M. Verschuuren (Aug. 1, trade paper, $19.95, ISBN 978-0819831132) discusses how science and religion offer different perspectives on the same question—where do we come from?—resulting in their harmonious convergence.

Paulist Press

Genius Born of Anguish: The Life and Legacy of Henri Nouwen by Michael W. Higgins and Kevin Burns (Sept., trade paper, $17.95, 978-0-8091-4785-4) is a companion to the CBC radio series airing in September to mark the anniversary of Nouwen’s death.

Penguin

The Best Spiritual Writing 2013, intro. by Stephen Prothero (Sept. 25, trade paper, $17.00, ISBN 978-0143121534) is the newest volume of the critically acclaimed spiritual writing series.

Princeton University Press

Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350–550 A.D. by Peter Brown (Oct. 1, hardcover, $39.95, ISBN 978-0691152905) is a hefty intellectual history of how wealth was created, viewed, and distributed in the ancient world, written by the historian who coined the term “late antiquity.”

Prometheus

In Freedom We Trust: An Atheist Guide to Religious Liberty by Edward M. Buckner and Michael E. Buckner (Nov. 20, trade paper, $18, ISBN 978-1616146443) covers issues from the two-centuries-long debate over religion and secularism in America from an unabashedly atheistic point of view.

Rainbow Ridge

(dist. by Square One)

Jesusgate: A History of Concealment Unraveled by Ernie Bringas (Sept. 1, trade paper, $18.95, ISBN 978-1937907044) explores how the gap between what Christian leaders have shared with or kept from laity about the origins and truths of the Jesus tradition has made a difference.

Regal

Fear Not by Carter Conlon (Sept., hardcover, $17.99). The senior pastor of Times Square Church in New York City offers biblical and practical teaching to live courageously in uncertain times. 10,000-copy announced first printing.

Revell

What a Difference a Mom Makes: The Indelible Imprint a Mom Leaves on Her Son’s Life by Dr. Kevin Leman (Sept. 1, hardcover, $17.99, ISBN 978-0800721732) shows the impact a mother has in her son’s life and helps her lay the groundwork that will allow her son to grow into a good man.

Rowman & Littlefield

Digging Through History: Archeology and Religion from Atlantis to the Holocaust by Richard A Freund (Sept. 1; $34.95, ISBN 978-1442208827) follows a rabbi and archeologist’s journey through some of the most significant archeological sites of human history—including the Qumran, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the long-buried Holocaust camp Sobibor.

Rutgers Univ.

Kosher Christmas: ’Tis the Season to Be Jewish by Joshua Eli Plaut (Oct. 1, trade paper, $22.95, ISBN 978-0813553801) shows how Jews are shaping the character of Christmas by transforming December into a holiday season belonging to all Americans.

Schocken

The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning by Jonathan Sacks (Sept. 11, hardcover, $28.95, ISBN 978-0805243017). The renowned chief rabbi of England argues not only that science and religion are compatible but that they complement each other and that the world needs both.

Simon & Schuster

Paul and Jesus: How the Apostle Transformed Christianity by James D. Tabor (Nov. 13, hardcover, $26, ISBN 978-1439123317) examines the earliest years of Christianity to reveal sharply competing ideas about the significance of Jesus and his teachings, and shows how the man we call St. Paul shaped Christianity.

Skyhorse

(dist. by W.W. Norton)

The Brick Bible: The New Testament: A New Spin on the Story of Jesus by Brendan Powell Smith (Oct. 1, trade paper, $19.95, ISBN 978-1620871720) is the companion to the Old Testament told in Lego bricks.

SkyLight Paths

Why Can’t We Talk?: Dialogue as a Habit of the Heart by John Backman (Oct., trade paper, $16.99, 978-1-59473-443-4) shows how to engage dialogue as a habit of the heart—an inner transformation.

Square One Publishers

La Cristiada: The Mexican People’s War for Religious Liberty by Jean Meyer (Dec. 1, trade paper, $29.95, ISBN 978-0757003158) weaves text with hundreds of photographs and illustrations to examine the La Cristiada conflict over antireligious laws in Mexico in the 1920s, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands. 15,000-copy announced first printing.

Swedenborg Foundation

The Core of Johnny Appleseed: The Unknown Story of a Spiritual Trailblazer by Ray Silverman, illus. Nancy Poes (Oct., trade paper, $14.95), explores three sides of Johnny Appleseed: businessman, conservationist, and spiritual trailblazer.

Templeton Press

America’s Blessings: How Religion Benefits Everyone, Including Atheists by Rodney Stark (Oct., hardcover, $24.95) draws from an expansive pool of sociological research to show that religion’s benefits fall upon believers and nonbelievers alike.

Thomas Nelson

Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado, (Sept., hardcover, $24.99) explores not only what grace is but what it does. $250,000 launch budget.

Jesus Today: Experiencing Hope Through His Presence by Sarah Young (Oct. 9, hardcover, $15.99, ISBN 978-1400320097) is a deeply spiritual devotional to help readers grow in grace from the author of the bestselling Jesus Calling.

Who Do You Think You Are? Finding Your True Identity in Christ by Mark Driscoll (Jan., hardcover, $22.99) answers the one question Christians need to ask: who am I in Christ?

Tyndale Momentum

Fresh Air: Trading Stale Spiritual Obligation for a Life-Altering, Energizing, Experience-It-Everyday Relationship with God by Chris Hodges (Sept. 4, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-1414371252). The senior pastor of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Ala., reveals how the breath of God is the essence of life as it’s meant to be. 25,000-copy announced first printing.

Tyndale

Impact Player by Bobby Richardson (Sept., hardcover, $24.99) is the memoir of Bobby Richardson, second baseman for the New York Yankees from 1955 to 1966, the only player from a losing team to ever win World Series MVP.

Univ. of Notre Dame

The Chapels of Notre Dame by Lawrence S. Cunningham and Matt Cashore (Sept. 15, hardcover, $45, ISBN 978-0268037352) is a large-format collection of more than 200 full-color photographs of 60 chapels located throughout Notre Dame’s campus, many of which are tucked away in little-known settings.

Univ. of Virginia

Way of the Stars: Journeys on the Camino de Santiago by Robert C. Sibley (Sept. 1; $23.95, ISBN 978-0813933153) is a personal narrative not only of the outward journey of a pilgrim’s experience but also of the inward journey that a respite from the demands of ordinary life make possible.

Univ. of Wisconsin

Faithful Passages: American Catholicism in Literary Culture, 1844–1931 by James Emmett Ryan (Jan., trade paper, $29.95) examines how the first important cohort of Catholic writers shaped their message for subsequent generations of readers.

Vintage/Anchor

Myth of the Muslim Tide by Doug Saunders (Aug., trade paper, $15). From the author of the prize-winning Arrival City comes a controversial rejoinder to the excessive fears of an Islamic threat.

WaterBrook

Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujicic (Oct. 2, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-0307730886) builds on the author’s first book to explain how anyone can overcome life’s burdens by releasing the power to become all they were created to be. 100,000-copy announced first printing.

Watkins

(dist. by Sterling)

Black Holes in the Dead Sea Scrolls: The Conspiracy • The History • The Meaning • The Truth by Robert Feather (Aug. 7, hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-1780283777) argues that a conspiracy of biblical scholars and archeologists has obscured links between the Essenes, Jesus, and the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten.

Westminster John Knox

God Is on the Cross: Reflections on Lent and Easter by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Sept., hardcover, $16) offers 40 stirring devotions for Lent and Easter from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s letters and sermons.

Worthy Publishing

Living the Proverbs: Insight for the Daily Grind by Charles R. Swindoll (Dec. 25, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-1936034710) offers fresh insights needed to live with joy in the face of the daily grind.

The Sower: Finding Yourself in the Parables of Jesus by Franklin Graham and Donna Lee Toney (Oct. 9, hardcover, $14.99, ISBN 978-1617951114). Inspired by his father’s passion for the parable of the sower, Graham shows Christians how to live out their purpose and follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

Yale Univ.

The First Thousand Years: A Global History of Christianity by Robert Louis Wilken (Nov. 27, hardcover, $35, ISBN 978-0300118841) offers an authoritative account of the first millennium of Christian history. 15,000-copy announced first printing.

Zondervan

Game Plan for Life CHALK TALKS Devotional by Joe Gibbs (Aug. 14, hardcover, $15.99, ISBN 978-0310330370) collects 40 inspirational stories to accompany the author’s Game Plan for Life Bible.

ReFocus: Living a Life that Reflects God’s Heart by James Daly (Oct. 16, hardcover, $19.99, ISBN 978-0310331766). The Focus on the Family director draws on a variety of sources in urging Christians to have no agenda other than revealing the heart of God.

Who Is This Man?: The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus by John Ortberg (Aug. 7, hardcover, $22.99, ISBN 978-0310275947) examines the teaching and influence of Jesus, the Man who won’t go away.

Children’s Religion Listings

B&H

Firebird by Brent McCorkle and Amy Parker, illus. Rob Corley and Chuck Vollmer (Oct., $14.99) parallels the film Unconditional (scheduled for theatrical release this fall) by telling the story of a baby oriole who discovers that God never leaves his side, even on rainy days.

Candle

(dist. by Kregel)

Series

Candle Library adds Easter by Karen Williamson, illus. Marie Allen (Jan. 1; board; $7.99, ISBN 978-1859859421) Ages 3-5.

Candle Tabs adds Baby Jesus by Karen Williamson, illus. Chris Embleton-Hall (Sept. 1; board; $7.99, ISBN 978-1859859346) Ages 3-5.

Candle Bible for Kids adds Nativity Story by Juliet David, illus. Jo Parry (Sept. 1; board; $5.75, ISBN 978-1859859216) Ages 3-5.

Christmas Story by Karen Williamson, illus. Marie Allen (Sept. 1; Spiral bound; $9.99, ISBN 978-1859859414) retells the nativity story in a spiral-bound edition. Ages 1-3.

Christmas--Bible Friends by Karen Williamson, illus. Mike Byrne (Sept. 1; Board book; $9.99, ISBN 978-1859859353) depicts the nativity story with large and easy-to-lift flaps to peek under. Ages 1-3.

Concordia

Series

Arch Books adds Jesus Heals the Man at the Pool by Lisa Clark (July 1, trade paper, $2.49, ISBN 978-0758634313); O Holy Night! by Joan Peterson Tietz (July 1, trade paper, $2.49, ISBN 978-0758634283); Parable of the Woman and the Judge by Claire Miller (July 1, trade paper, $2.49, ISBN 978-0758634306); Queen Esther Visits the King by Karen Clopton-Dunson (July 1, trade paper, $2.49, ISBN 978-0758634290) Ages 5-9.

Little Visits adds At Bedtime by Mary Manz Simon (July 1, hardcover, $14.99, ISBN 978-0758634429) Ages 4-up.

Wm. B. Eerdmans

Mary’s Song by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illus. Stephen Alcorn (Sept. 30, hardcover, $17, ISBN 978-0802853974) In this Advent story, the earth bursts with praise at the child’s birth -- the donkeys bray, the sheep bleat, the horses neigh, and the shepherds file forth with their gifts -- but Mary simply wants to be alone with her sweet babe. Ages 4-8.

Meet at the Ark at Eight by Ulrich Hub, illus. Jörge Mühle (Sept. 30, hardcover, $12, ISBN 978-0802854100). Three penguins are having an argument about God -- who is he and can we be sure he exists? -- when news reaches them about a flood coming to cover the earth. When only two of the penguins are chosen to board Noah’s Ark, they manage to stow their friend away. Ages 8-12.

Frances Lincoln

(dist. by PGW)

Going to Mecca by Na’ima B. Robert, illus. Valentina Cavallini (Sept. 11, hardcover, $17.99, ISBN 978-1847801531) takes young readers on the journey of a lifetime to the city of Mecca - the sacred pilgrimage known to Muslims as the Hajj. Ages 5-11.

Insight Editions

All Kinds of Beliefs by Sheri Safran, illus. Emma Damon (Oct. 16; $12.99, ISBN 978-1608871599). Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism are explored in a hands-on book featuring pop-ups, flaps, and fold-outs. Ages 3-up. Announced 1st Print: 5,000

Kar-Ben

The Count’s Hanukkah Countdown by Tilda Balsley and Ellen Fischer, illus. Tom Leigh (Sept., hardcover $16.95; trade paper $6.95). At a Hanukkah party on Sesame Street, American and Israeli Muppets light the candles, retell the story of Hanukkah, and feast on latkes while the Count teaches them that EIGHT is the perfect Hanukkah number.

Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue by Heidi Smith Hyde (Sept., hardcover $17.95; trade paper $7.95). Angry that his father is afraid to kindle the Hanukkah lights, Emanuel stows away on a whaling ship, but when a storm overtakes the boat, it is his father’s change of heart and the family menorah that light the way home. Ages 5-9.

Jeremy’s Dreidel by Ellie Gellman (Sept., hardcover $17.95; trade paper $7.95). At the dreidel-making workshop, Jeremy’s friends think he’s molding a secret code on his clay dreidel, but he’s really making a very special Braille dreidel for his blind father. Ages 5-9.

Sammy Spider’s New Friend by Sylvia A. Rouss (Sept., hardcover $16.95; trade paper $7.95). When an Israeli family moves in next door to the Shapiros, Josh and Sammy learn about the Jewish mitzvah of welcoming guests, make a new friend, and learn some Hebrew words. Ages 2-8.

The Mitzvah Magician by Linda Elovitz Marshall (Sept., hardcover $17.95; trade paper $7.95). After Gabriel’s magic wand gets him into trouble around the house, he learns that a great magician can use his powers to do good deeds. Ages 3-8.

Lion

(dist. by IPG)

Series

Finger-trail Animal Tales adds Jonah’s Incredible Journey by Elena Pasquali, illus. Barbara Vagnozzi (Oct. 1; board book; $9.99, ISBN 978-0745962191) Ages 3-5.

Baby’s First Christmas by Christina Goodings, illus. Stephen Barker (Aug. 1; board book; $6.99, ISBN 978-0745962566) will help the very, very young celebrate their first Christmas, using colorful, blocky illustrations to aid with picture recognition and language awareness. Under 3.

My First Bible Stories by Christina Goodings, illus. Stephen Barker (Nov. 1; board book; $12.99, ISBN 978-0745963426) introduces eleven favorite Bible stories from both Old and New Testaments. Under 3.

Macmillan/Kingfisher

Saints and Angels: True Life Stories of Familiar Saints and Angels by Claire Llewellyn (Jan. 8, trade paper, $8.99, ISBN 978-0753469392) tells the stories of the lives and deeds of the most famous saints and gives insight into the ethereal world of angels. Ages 10-14.

New City

Irene the Elephant by Geraldine Guadagno, illus. Jeffrey Zwartjes (Aug., trade paper, $8.95). Irene the Elephant doesn’t like herself because she is so different from her companions. But she eventually discovers the immensity of God’s love for her and her friends as they face danger.

Pauline Books and Media

My First Book of Saints by Susan Helen Wallace and Kathleen M. Muldoon (Nov. 1, hardcover, $12.95, ISBN 978-0819849175) compiles 62 stories of holy men and women from a variety of cultures and time periods that introduce children to God’s special friends. Ages 5-8.

The Queen and the Cross: The Story of St. Helen by Cornelia Mary Bilinsky (Nov. 1, hardcover, $11.95, ISBN 978-0819874610). Sweet-smelling basil marks the spot in a treasure hunt led by a queenly saint who trekked to Jerusalem in search of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. Ages 4-7.

Totally Catholic! : A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers by Mary Kathleen Glavich (Jan. 1, trade paper, $12.95, ISBN 978-0819874795) offers a guide to the Catholic faith for children ages 9-12 and the grown-ups in their lives. Ages 9-12. Announced 1st Print:5,000

Mission: Libertad by Lizette M. Lantigua (Aug. 1, trade paper, $9.95, ISBN 978-0819849007) Fact and fiction converge in this tale of 14-year old Luisito Ramirez, who daringly escapes from 1970s communist Cuba and carries out a secret religious mission. Ages 9-14. Announced 1st Print:5,000

Thomas Nelson

Fire Prophet by Jerel Law (Dec. 11, trade paper, $9.99, ISBN 978-1400318452) It’s been one year since Jonah Stone and his sister, Eliza, discovered that their mother is a nephilim, the product of a union between a human and a fallen angel, which makes them quarterlings. After rescuing their mother and resuming normal lives, they learn that quarterlings like themselves are being targeted by dark forces. Ages 9-up.

God Forgives Me, and I Forgive You by Max Lucado (Sept. 11, hardcover, $8.99, ISBN 978-1400320646). Hermie the Caterpillar learns the importance of offering forgiveness and discovers God’s grace. Ages 4-7.

Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids by Max Lucado (Sept. 11, hardcover, $15.99, ISBN 978-1400320349) is adapted from the bestselling devotional for adults. Ages 6-10.

I Love You to God and Back: A Bedtime Prayer Book by Amanda Lamb (Nov. 6, hardcover, $12.99, ISBN 978-1400320820) helps teach children a lifestyle of nighttime prayer. Ages 4-7.

Jesus Calling Bible Storybook by Sarah Young (Oct. 9, hardcover, $16.99, ISBN 978-1400320332) teaches children about God’s plan through His Son, Jesus, to help kids understand that Jesus loves them. Ages 4-7.

One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham (Oct. 9, hardcover, $14.99, ISBN 978-1400321162) tells the story of a mountain boy who is injured in a snowstorm and seeks refuge in a cabin. Ages 4-7.

Tyndale

My Grandma and Me by Crystal Bowman (Oct., hardcover, $14.99) contains rhyming devotions grandmothers can do with toddler-age grandchildren as a way to pass along their faith. Ages 2-4.

Zonderkidz

Series

I Can Read! / Berenstain Bears / Living Lights series adds God Made the Seasons by Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain (Aug. 21, trade paper, $3.99, ISBN 978-0310725091); Ages 4-7.

Berenstain Bears/Living Lights adds The Berenstain Bears Get Involved by Jan and Mike Berenstain (Sept. 25, trade paper, $3.99, ISBN 978-0310720904); Ages 4-7.

Berenstain Bears/Living Lights/Lift-the-Flap adds God Bless the Animals by Jan and Mike Berenstain (Aug. 21, trade paper, $6.99, ISBN 978-0310720836); Ages 2-5.

The Legend of the Candy Cane, Newly Illustrated Edition: The Inspirational Story of Our Favorite Christmas Candy by Lori Walburg (Sept. 25, hardcover, $15.99, ISBN 978-0310730125) is the newly illustrated edition of the Christmas classic that has sold more than 500,000. Ages 4-7.

Faithgirlz! Whatever: Livin’ the True, Noble and Totally Excellent Life by Allia Zobel Nolan (Sept. 25, trade paper, $6.99, ISBN 978-0310725343) uses the power of the ever present word “whatever” to get girls to focus on the meanings of the traits expressed in Philippians 4:8. Ages 9-12.

Field of Peace by Joyce Meyer, illus. Mary Sullivan (Sept. 4, hardcover, $15.99, ISBN 978-0310723189) uses quirky animals who teach young ones the importance of finding peace in their lives. Ages 4-7.

Guardian by Heather Burch (Oct. 9, hardcover, $14.99, ISBN 978-0310728214) The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of Mace and Raven, two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. Tensions between the two flare as the purpose of their mission becomes clear. Ages 15-up.

God’s Messages for Little Ones by Max Lucado (Sept. 25, hardcover, $9.99, ISBN 978-0310732921) is a 31-day devotional for young children. Ages 3-12.