Chosen by Christianity Today editor Wilson, this eclectic treasure trove, on subjects as diverse as repentance, being an unmarried believer and the evangelical Christian Book Association convention, contains some truly extraordinary writing. Notable essays include a wide-ranging interview with German filmmaker Wim Wenders, a spare but haunting recollection of a trip to Wounded Knee, and a wonderfully contemporary and demanding sermon on the Old Testament Book of Daniel. Wilfred McClay's subtle and keenly honed meditation on what it means to be an American Christian after September 11 is timely, theologically acute and likely to be very challenging to some readers. Although some authors, like Frederica Mathewes-Green, Philip Jenkins and Kathleen Norris, are famous, others edit religious journals, pastor churches or teach in colleges. In his introduction, Yale Divinity School professor Miroslav Volf argues that the "soul of Christian writing is the ability to know everything through Christ; take that away and you will lose its content, motivation and style." Rich in whimsy, overflowing with gentle wonder and laced with both irony and anguish, these pieces by and large live up to their rather audacious billing, as the best of the best. (Oct. 24)
