It says something about America today that some of the bestselling books on religion were written by atheists. After years of enormous sales for self-help religion tomes, the mood of the country has darkened, and with it the attitudes of many toward faith.
It was just a year ago we spotted this trend (“New in Religion: Anti-Religion,” July 10, 2006), though the debate has so dominated public discourse since then it seems longer. And although there is a smattering of new books on atheism coming this fall, there are not nearly as many as might have been expected. Publishers seem to be approaching the topic with caution, perhaps wondering what kind of legs it can have in a famously religious country. And is it possible there's less to say about unbelief than about belief in all its varieties?
More common this season are books responding to or refuting atheism, and one genre undergoing a revival in the midst of all of this is Christian apologetics, or arguments in defense of that faith. There also are plenty of efforts to rehabilitate the image of Jesus, to rescue him from either the right or the left.
Of course, there is no stanching the flow of books on politics and religion, both new critiques and reprints of backlist titles. Next fall, on the brink of a crucial election, there are sure to be even more.
ABINGDON PRESS
Hither and Yon: A Travel Guide for the Spiritual Journey (Sept., $11) by Becca Stevens. The metaphor of traveling ventures through what many believers experience on their journeys of faith. Ad/promo .
ABRAMS
Patron Saints: A Feast of Holy Cards (Sept., $24.95) by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua portrays over 120 beatified figures so that readers can discover a saint with personal relevance.
ACTA
The Geography of God's Mercy: Stories of Compassion and Forgiveness (Sept.; $12.95, cloth $17.95) by Patrick Hannon. Personal stories delve into the deeper spiritual meaning of forgiveness. Ad/promo .
ADAMS MEDIA
The Everything Women of the Bible Book: From Eve to Mary Magdalene (Sept., $14.95 paper) by Meera Lester introduces readers to female biblical characters.
AFRICAN AMERICAN IMAGES
Believing God for Work (Sept., $12.95 paper) by Ledene Lewis asserts that the reason for high African-American unemployment is a lack of spirituality.
ASHGATE
John Owen—Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man (Nov., $34.95 paper) by Carl R. Trueman studies the key elements in Owen's writings and in his theology.
ATLANTIC MONTHLY PRESS
The Bible: A Biography (Nov., $21.95) by Karen Armstrong discusses the conception, gestation, life and afterlife of this powerful book. 100,000 first printing. Author publicity.
ATLAS BOOKS
From Addiction to Miracles (Oct., $18.95) by William C. Keck Jr. This true story illustrates how sobriety can be achieved through God's miracles.
ATRIA
Reposition Yourself: Meditations (Nov., $16.95) by T.D. Jakes serves as a companion to the spiritual principles taught in Jakes's Reposition Yourself . Author publicity .
AUGSBURG
40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Sept., $11.99 paper) by Ron Klug launches a series of books featuring well-known writers and leaders as spiritual guides and mentors.
AVE MARIA PRESS
Behold Your Mother: Priests Speak About Mary (Sept., $14.95 paper) by Stephen J. Rossetti demonstrates how devotion to Mary supports their lives and ministries.
Prayers for the Domestic Church: A Handbook for Worship in the Home (Oct., $17.95 paper) by Edward Hays collects prayers and blessings for a family worshiping together at home.
AVON INSPIRE
The Trophy Wives Club (Sept., $12.95 paper) by Kristen Billerbeck. When her L.A. producer husband dumps her, a woman must trust that her worth may be much more than her beauty. 75,000 first printing .
Distant Heart (Jan., $12.95 paper) by Tracey Bateman. In the second entry in the Westward Hearts series, former prostitute Toni Rodden seems to find love with a half-breed wagon scout.
BAKER ACADEMIC
Brokenness and Blessing: Towards a Biblical Spirituality (Sept., $16.99 paper) by Frances M. Young shows how an acceptance of disability brings blessings into the lives of believers. Advertising. Publicity .
What Would Jesus Deconstruct? The Good News of Postmodernism for the Church (Nov., $19.99 paper) by John D. Caputo proposes a provocative way forward for the church. Advertising. Publicity.
BAKER BOOKS
UnChristian (Oct., $17.99) by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. Interviews with 16- to 29-year-old non-Christians disclose how they view their Christian friends and neighbors.
I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt: Replacing Souvenir Religion with Authentic Spiritual Passion (Feb., $12.99 paper) by Vince Antonucci examines the factors that prevent one from experiencing an adventurous life in Christ.
B&H BOOKS
Elvis Takes a Backseat (Jan., $14.99 paper) by Leanna Ellis. In this novel, three women learn about God while returning a three-foot bust of Elvis to its rightful owner. Ad/promo. Author publicity.
The Promise: How God Works All Things Together for Good (Feb., $19.99) by Robert J. Morgan applies the implications of Romans 8:28 to true stories of overcoming heartache. Ad/promo. Author publicity.
The New Eve (Feb., $19.99) by Robert Lewis with Jeremy Howard defines Christian womanhood in the context of the modern world. Author publicity.
BARBOUR
Power Prayers for Men (Oct., $7.97 paper) by John Hudson Tiner suggests specific prayer starters for 21 key areas of every man's life.
The Complete Guide to the Bible (Dec., $19.97 paper) by Stephen M. Miller provides both an overview and a close attention to particular passages and topics.
BARRON'S
Biblica: The Bible Atlas (Oct., $50) edited by Barry J. Beitzel places the biblical narrative and its peoples in their historical, cultural, social and geographic contexts.
BAYLOR UNIV. PRESS
Memories of the Branch Davidians: The Autobiography of David Koresh's Mother (Sept., $24.95 paper) by Bonnie Haldeman, edited by Catherine Wessinger, is an oral history.
BEACON PRESS
A Dynamic God: Living an Unconventional Catholic Faith (Sept., $23.95) by Nancy Mairs describes an alternative brand of Catholic worship followed by a feminist, radical, political activist.
BENBELLA BOOKS
(dist. by IPG)
The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Dennet and Harris (Feb., $24.95) by Vox Day charges that bestselling atheists have their facts wrong.
BERKLEY PRAISE
The Betrayed: A Novel of the Gifted (Sept., $23.95) by Lisa T. Bergren. An evil lord will do anything to destroy a people's faith in this second book of a religious thriller trilogy.
God Said Yes (Oct., $21.95) by Heather Hornback-Bland. Run over by a car at the age of four, the 34-year-old author has survived 187 operations and 13 medical miracles. Author publicity .
BETHANY HOUSE
What Your Daughter Isn't Telling You (Sept., $13.99 paper) by Susie Shellenberger and Kathy Gowler guides mothers through their offsprings' tough teen years. 25,000 first printing .
Boom! Then Your Life Is Half Over (Feb., $19.99) by Steve Arterburn with John Shore considers how men's roles change at midlife. 100,000 first printing. $150,000 ad/promo .
BEYOND WORDS
Notes from the Universe (Sept., $17.95) by Mike Dooley assembles short, inspiring messages that were first sent to his e-mail distribution list. 125,000 first printing .
And You Invited Me In (Jan., $14 paper) by Penelope Smith. In this novel set in a Christian community, a woman stirs up controversy when she brings her gay brother home to die. 40,000 first printing .
BLUEBRIDGE
(dist. by IPG)
Revolutionary Spirits: The Enlightened Faith of America's Founding Fathers (Feb., $22) by Gary Kowalski reclaims a spiritual inheritance for all Americans.
BRANDEIS UNIV. PRESS
Feminism Encounters Traditional Judaism: Resistance and Accommodation (Sept., $29.95) by Tova Hartman ponders the tensions between modern Orthodox Judaism and feminism.
BRAZOS PRESS
Claiming Christ: A Mormon-Evangelical Debate (Nov., $16.99 paper) by Robert L. Millet and Gerald R. McDermott establishes grounds for a continued conversation between the two differing beliefs.
Monk Habits for Everyday People: Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants (Dec., $12.99 paper) by Dennis Okholm brings time-tested practices to those not schooled in such rituals.
CAMBRIDGE UNIV. PRESS
The Healthy Jew (Sept., $28) by Mitchell B. Hart examines the links between Judaism and medicine.
CAREER PRESS/NEW PAGE BOOKS
Star of the Magi (Nov., $14.99 paper) by Courtney Roberts blends history, religion, astronomy and astrology to tell the story of the Christmas star.
CATHOLIC UNIV. OF AMERICA PRESS
God and Caesar: Selected Essays on Religion, Politics, and Society (Oct., $29.95 paper) by Cardinal George Pell pinpoints key political issues determining the future of modern democratic life.
CHOSEN
Loving God When You Don't Love the Church (Sept., $13.99 paper) by Chris Jackson offers healing to wounded and disillusioned believers.
CHRONICLE BOOKS
Total Kabbalah (Feb., $19.95 paper) by Maggy Whitehouse visits each school of kabbalistic thought, including Jewish, Christian, Magical, Toledano, Lurianic and Hasidic.
CHURCH PUBLISHING
The Prayer-Given Life (Sept., $16) by Edward S. Gleason discloses how the prayers of the Eucharist and the Morning Prayer are pathways to an understanding of God's presence.
CISTERCIAN
Four Ways of Holiness for the Universal Church: Drawn from the Monastic Tradition (Nov., $19.95 paper) by Francis Kline, OCSO, is the latest in the Monastic Wisdom series. Advertising.
COLUMBIA UNIV. PRESS
The Columbia World Dictionary of Islamism (Sept., $75), edited by Oliver Roy and Antoine Sfeir. More than 200 entries detail the history of Islamism and Islamic countries.
CONTINUUM
God at Work: Living Every Day with Purpose (Sept., $16.95) by Ken Costa maintains that if the Christian faith is not relevant to the workplace, it is not relevant at all. Advertising .
The Thirteenth Apostle: What the Gospel of Judas Really Says (Dec., $19.95 paper) by April D. DeConick challenges the recent National Geographic interpretation of a good Judas. Advertising.
DAVID C. COOK
Finding Home: An Imperfect Path to Faith and Family (Sept., $22.99) by Jim Daly. A survivor of childhood abuse shares his message of hope and forgiveness.
Starving Jesus: Off the Pew, into the World (Oct., $12.99 paper) by Craig Gross and J.R. Mahon seeks to free readers from their complacency and spiritual anorexia.
COPPERHOUSE
(dist. by Pilgrim Press)
A Voluptuous God: A Christian Heretic Speaks (Sept., $21.95 paper) by Robert V. Thompson advocates worship of a God of intimacy rather than a God of distance.
COUNCIL OAK BOOKS
Than God for Evolution! How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World (Oct., $24.95) by Michael Dowd preaches a sacred vision of the creation story as revealed by science. Ad/promo .
COWLEY PUBLICATIONS
Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths (Sept., $19.95) by Paul-Gordon Chandler indicates how Christ can close the gap between the two religions.
CROSSROAD PUBLISHING
Take Heart: Catholic Writers on Hope in Our Time (Sept., $12.95 paper), edited by Ben Birnbaum, includes pieces by Dorothy Day, Flannery O'Connor, Pope John Paul II and others. Ad/promo .
Saints in Love: What Holy Women and Men Can Teach Us About Our Relationships (Sept., $16.95 paper) by Carole Hallundbaek adds greater dynamic to modern personal connections. Ad/promo. Author tour .
CROSSWAY
Vintage Jesus (Feb., $19.99) by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears answers the question: What is the truth about Jesus? 20,000 first printing .
CRYSTAL CLARITY
Spiritual Relationships (Sept., $9.95 paper) by Paramhansa Yogananda. The third book in the Wisdom of Yogananda series features writings on friendship, love, marriage and children that are unavailable elsewhere.
DESERET BOOK
Press On: Messages on Faith, Hope, and Charity (Sept., $21.95) by Joseph B. Wirthlin teaches the three virtues spoken of by the Apostle Paul.
40 Ways to Look at Brigham Young: A New Approach to a Remarkable Man (Oct., $15.95 paper) by Chad M. Orton and William W. Slaughter aims to clears up misunderstandings from 40 different angles.
DEVORA
The Beast that Crouches at the Door: Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, and Beyond... (Sept., $24.95) by Rabbi David Fohrman clarifies the meaning of early Genesis narratives.
In the Footsteps of the Lost Ten Tribes (Oct., $24.95) by Avigdor Shachan results from 30 years of studying the Kingdom of Israel members exiled by the Assyrians in 722 BCE.
Inward Bound: A Guide to Understanding Kabbalah (Oct., $21.95) by Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov declares that these tenets can change one's life for the better.
DISCOVERY HOUSE
Letters to a Troubled Church (Sept., $16.99 paper) by Ray C. Stedman. Paul's letters to the Corinthians explain how to lead a Christ-honoring life.
A Blossom in the Desert (Oct., $29.99) by Lilias Trotter. Images and writings document inner and public aspects of Trotter's life.
DOUBLEDAY
Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light (Sept., $22.95) with Brian Kolodiejchuk reveals the inner spiritual life of one of the most beloved religious figures in history.
The Prayer Chest (Oct., $15.95) by August Gold and Joel Fotinos is a novel about a family in need of a miracle, and the Three Secrets of Prayer that transform their lives.
A Complaint-Free World (Oct., $16.95) by Will Bowen tells how to stop complaining and start enjoying life.
DUFOUR EDITIONS
Anthony de Mello: His Life and His Spirituality (Oct., $26.95 paper) by Anand Nayak profiles the late, controversial Indian priest.
DUKE UNIV. PRESS
Crossing the Water: A Photographic Path to the Afro-Cuban Spirit World (Feb., $24.95) by Claire Garoutte and Anneke Wambaugh. Nearly 160 photos illuminate the spiritual practice of Santeria in Cuba.
EDITIONS FLAMMARION
(dist. by Rizzoli)
The Messiah: An Illustrated Biography of Jesus Christ (Oct., $40) by Jacques Duquesne. Images from throughout the history of art illuminate the text.
WM. B. EERDMANS
Welcome to the Wisdom of the World and Its Meaning for You (Sept., $20) by Joan Chittister. Sage words from five major religious traditions consider security, romance, failure and more.
The Promise (Dec., $18 paper) by Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger. The Jewish-born cardinal of the Catholic Church shares his sentiments.
Consuming Jesus: Beyond Race and Class Divisions in the Consumer Church (Dec., $16 paper) by Paul Louis Metzger calls on evangelicals to eliminate divisions caused by captivity to consumerism.
ENCOUNTER BOOKS
Faithfully Departed: The Collapse of Boston's Catholic Culture (Jan., $25.95) by Philip F. Lawler traces its rise and fall and the social influence on the U.S. Ad/promo .
FAITHWORDS
You're All That!: Understand God's Design for Your Life (Oct., $21.99) by Paula White outlines principles enabling readers to build a strong sense of self.
Walking in Your Own Shoes: Discover God's Direction for Your Life (Nov., $21.99) by Robert A. Schuller points to each per-son's distinctiveness.
8 Steps to Create the Life You Want: The Anatomy of a Successful Life (Jan., $19.99) by Creflo A. Dollar maps the route to a magnificent existence.
FARRAR, STRAUS & GIROUX
Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why the Arguments for God Just Don't Add Up (Jan., $TBA) by John Allen Paulos refutes the 12 arguments most often put forward to prove God exists. 50,000 first printing .
FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS
The World of Prayer (Jan., $49.99) by Elie Munk. A two-volume revision comments on the siddur.
The Kuzari (Feb., $39.99) by Daniel Korobkin revises the work with complete Hebrew text and notes.
FIRESIDE
10 Commandments of Common Sense: Wisdom from the Scriptures for People of All Beliefs (Sept., $22) by Hal Urban encourages readers to break through the notion of religious barriers to embrace faith in any form.
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY/TYNDALE
Small Town, Big Miracle (Oct., $13.99 paper) by Bishop W.C. Martin tells how a church adopted 72 kids from the Texas foster care system. Publicity .
FONS VITAE
(dist. by IPG)
The Sufi Science of Self-Realization: A Guide to the Seventeen Ruinous Traits, the Ten Steps to Discipleship, and the Six Realities of the Heart (Sept., $19 paper) by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani tells how to attain perfect character and belief.
FORDHAM UNIV. PRESS
Religion: Beyond a Concept (Nov.; $30, cloth $90), edited by Hent de Vries, provides an array of perspectives to contextualize religion in the contemporary world.
FORTRESS PRESS
The Power of Forgiveness (Sept., $25) by Kenneth Briggs. Based on a PBS documentary by Martin Doblmeier, this tome demonstrates how forgiveness and reconciliation can transform our personal, social, political and cultural struggles.
FREE PRESS
How to Read the Bible: A Guide to Scripture, Then and Now (Sept., $35) by James L. Kugel describes an eye-opening, mind-bending tour through centuries of disagreement. Publicity .
Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day (Oct., $25) by Joel Osteen explains how to look outside oneself to become a better spouse, parent, community leader and friend. Ad/promo. Author tour .
G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS
Mark's Story (Oct., $24.95) by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is a retelling of the story of Jesus Christ by the authors of the Left Behind series. 300,000 first printing. Ad/promo.
GOLDEN SUFI CENTER
Alchemy of Light (Nov., $14.95 paper) by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee depicts our spiritual light as a catalyst for global transformation. Ad/promo .
GUIDEPOSTS BOOKS
8 Steps to Positive Living (Oct., $9.99 paper) by Frank Freed argues that one can change any perception that keeps fulfillment and joy at bay. 50,000 first printing .
Led to Believe by Billy Graham (Oct., $14.99) by Editors of Guideposts portrays how others responded and were changed by Graham's “faith in action.” 75,000 first printing .
Daily Guideposts 2008: A Spirit-Lifting Devotional (Oct., $19.99), edited by Andrew Attaway, takes the reader through the year with scriptural verse, first-person anecdotes and brief prayers.
HAMPTON ROADS
Excuse Me, Your God Is Waiting: Receiving the Secret from the Source (Jan., $15.95 paper) by Michelle Prosser links faith in God, the law of attraction and the ability to converse with God.
HARMONY
Sister Wendy on Prayer (Nov., $21.95) by Sister Wendy Beckett. The art historian reveals what she has learned from years of silence and contemplation. Ad/promo .
You Don't Have to Be Wrong for Me to Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism (Dec., $24.95) by Brad Hirschfield suggests how we can make room for other cultures and beliefs. 80,000 first printing. Ad/promo. Author publicity.
The Third Jesus: Redeeming a Religion of Love (Feb., $24) by Deepak Chopra reviews ancient scripture to arrive at an understanding of the three figures of Jesus. 150,000 first printing .
HARPERONE
The Spiritual Brain (Sept., $25.95) by Mario Beauregard posits that near-death experiences indicate that God, not the brain, creates religious experiences.
The Garden of Truth (Sept., $24.95) by Seyyed Hossein Nasr. The Sufi scholar explains the beliefs and vision of the mystical movement within Islam.
Jesus Freaks (Oct., $24.95) by Don Lattin relates the story of a January 2005 murder/suicide that shed new light on the Children of God/Family International group.
Discovering God (Oct., $25.95) by Rodney Stark charts the rise of religion from the Stone Age to the spread of Christianity in Africa, Asia and South America.
HARVARD UNIV. PRESS
A Secular Age (Sept., $39.95) by Charles Taylor attempts to reconcile the modern secular world with a belief in the transcendent.
Monkey Trials and Gorilla Sermons: Evolution and Christianity from Darwin to Intelligent Design (Sept., $24.95) by Peter J. Bowler contends that our polarized society conceals efforts by scientists and theologians to find common ground.
HARVEST HOUSE
Praying Through the Deeper Issues of Marriage (Sept., $21.99) by Stormie Omartian approaches communication breakdown, financial disagreements, pornography and infidelity in a prayerful manner.
Global Warning (Sept., $13.99 paper) by Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson surveys God's global warning of end times to people of all nations. Advertising .
I'm Fine with God... It's Christians I Can't Stand (Jan., $13.99 paper) by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz empowers Christians to share their faith more freely.
HCI
God's Shrink: 10 Sessions and Life's Greatest Lessons from an Unexpected Patient (Sept., $16.95) by Michael Adamse offers an parable for a spiritually perplexed world. 25,000 first printing .
The 12-Step Prayer Book: More Twelve-Step and Inspirational Readings (Oct., $11.95 paper) by Bill P. and Lisa D. brings insight and encouragement to members of all 12-Step fellowships. 0,000 first printing.
HEBREW UNION COLLEGE PRESS
My Dear Daughter: Rabbi Benjamin Slonik and the Education of Jewish Women in Sixteenth-Century Poland (Sept., $39.95) by Edward Fram depicts the history of Yiddish printing and the roles of women in that society.
HENDRICKSON
Exploring Science and Belief (Oct., $14.95 paper) by Michael Poole asks if we have to choose between the two.
HOHM PRESS
Divine Duality: The Power of Reconciliation between Women and Men (Nov., $16.95 paper) by Will Keepin et al. seeks to harmonize gender dynamics.
HOWARD BOOKS
Parenting by the Book (Sept., $19.99) by John Rosemond supplies Bible-based advice on parenting all ages.
Before You Plan Your Wedding... Plan Your Marriage (Jan., $19.99) by Greg and Erin Smalley takes a proactive approach to increase the odds of a lasting marriage.
HUDSON STREET PRESS
The Passion Test (Oct., $23.95) by Chris Attwood and Janet Attwood. Exercises, stories and interviews with successful people enable readers to discover their destinies.
IGNATIUS PRESS
Jesus, the Apostles and the Early Church (Oct., $19.95) by Pope Benedict XVI studies the first followers of Christ as the foundation for the Church. 20,000 first printing. $20,000 ad/promo .
The Blessing of Christmas: Meditations for the Season (Nov., $14.95) by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Color illustrations accompany spiritual insights for Advent and Christmas. 20,000 first printing. $15,000 ad/promo .
The Judge: William P. Clark, Ronald Reagan's Top Hand (Nov., $27.95) by Paul Kengor and Patricia Clark Doerner. The late president's trusted confidant reveals previously unknown ways they worked together to change history. 35,000 first printing. $40,000 ad/promo .
INNER TRADITIONS
Mysteries of the Bridechamber: The Initiation of Jesus and the Temple of Solomon (Nov., $19.95 paper) by Victoria LePage shows how Jesus tried to reinstate the tradition of the bridechamber sacrament in his time.
INNER TRADITIONS/DESTINY BOOKS
Victor Hugo's Conversations with the Spirit World: A Literary Genius's Hidden Life (Jan., $18.95 paper) by John Chambers is the first English translation of Hugo's writings on his experiments in spiritualism.
INTERVARSITY PRESS
The Living Church (Dec., $17) by John Stott describes a church that conserves scripture while combining tradition and culture.
The Dirty Beggar Living in My Head: One Guy's Musings About Evil & Hell ; The Fingerless Lady…: One Guy's Musings About Tolerance ; The Old Man…: One Guy's Musings About the Bible and All These Ideas…: One Guy's Musings About Truth (Jan., $7 each paper) by Don Everts tackle significant issues of the day.
ISI BOOKS
The Skies of Babylon: Diversity and Nihilism in the American University (Dec., $15, cloth $25) by Barry Bercier assesses higher education's treatment of the West's biblical and philosophic heritage.
JEWISH LIGHTS
Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call for Justice (Oct., $24.99), edited by Rabbi Or N. Rose et al. Progressive activists mine the riches of their tradition to help meet today's social justice demands.
Happiness and the Human Spirit: The Spirituality of Becoming the Best You Can Be (Oct., $19.99) by Abraham J. Twerski, M.D., praises the application of gratitude, humility, compassion and generosity.
JEWISH PUBLICATION SOCIETY
Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Fall Holidays (Sept.) and ...The Winter Holidays (Oct., $22 each paper) by Paul Steinberg anthologize classic and contemporary readings. Ad/promo.
Who's Who in the Jewish Bible (Dec., $30 paper) by David Mandel limns 3000 individuals and gives the meaning and origin of their names.
JORDAN HOUSE
Along the Way and Along the Way for Teens (Oct., $12.95 each paper). Real-life stories fill the pages of this new Christian series.
JOSSEY-BASS
Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy (Sept., $24.95) by Donald B. Kraybill et al. recalls the Amish response to the October 2006 school shooting.
Killing the Imposter God: Philip Pullman's Spiritual Imagination in His Dark Materials (Sept., $21.99 paper) by Donna Freitas and Jason King explores the religious and spiritual dimensions within the trilogy.
JUDSON PRESS
Connected: Christian Parenting in an Age of IM and MySpace (Sept., $12 paper) by Peggy Kendall summarizes current research on computer-mediated communication in reader-friendly terms.
Profiles in Black: A History for Christian Youth (Dec., $20 paper) by Marvin A. McMickle compiles “Phat Facts” on important figures from Benjamin Banneker to Barack Obama.
KIMANI PRESS
Addicted to Counterfeit Love (Oct., $14.95 paper) by Vikki Johnson reflects on the need to be in positive, loving relationships as God intended.
KNOPF
The Stillborn God: Religion, Politics, and the Modern West (Sept., $26) by Mark Lilla returns to Nazi Germany where politics and religion were horrifyingly intertwined.
KREGEL
Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ (Sept., $18.99 paper) by Robert Bowman Jr. and J. Ed Komoszewski introduces Christians to the wealth of biblical teaching on Christ's deity.
Hope After Betrayal: Healing When Sexual Addiction Invades Your Marriage (Oct., $10.99 paper) by Meg Wilson speaks from first-hand experience.
KTAV PUBLISHING
The Jewish Idea of Ethics and Morality: A Covenantal Perspective (Sept., $25) by Rabbi Sol Roth directs special attention to the social covenant upon which much of Jewish morality is based.
Moses' Women (Oct., $35) by Shera Aranoff Tuchman and Sandra E. Rapoport draws upon many rabbinic sources to reveal the truths about the women who shared Moses' life.
LARSON
(dist. by Biblio)
Breaking the Drought: The Poetry of Stephen Levine (Oct., $15.95 paper) by Stephen Levine collects more than 80 poems by the man known for his work with the terminally ill.
THE LIGHT
Rumi: Biography and Message (Nov., $14.95) by Cihan Okuyucu places an emphasis on the social and cultural environment where Rumi produced his works. 15,000 first printing. $20,000 ad/promo.
Islam vs. Violence: Misconceptions, Truths, Solutions (Nov., $18.95) by Fethullah Gulen challenges some unfortunate and misleading accusations on Islam. 30,000 first printing, $40,000 Ad/promo.
LIGUORI
And God Said, “It's Good!,” Amusing and Thought-Provoking Parallels Between the Bible and Football (Sept., $19.95) by Gary Graf compares Hail Mary passes to answered prayers and football stadiums to cathedrals.
4 a.m. Madonnas: Spiritual Guide for Christian Mothers (Oct., $14.95 paper) by Rachel Barton suggests exercises for prayer or reflection to explore personal experiences.
LITURGICAL PRESS
The Pearl of Great Price: Gospel Wisdom for Christian Marriage (Sept., $2 paper) by Julie McCarty teaches married and engaged couples how to pray and reflect on the Bible together. Ad/promo .
The Benedictine Tradition (Sept., $15.95 paper) by Laura Swan, O.S.B. This entry in the Spirituality in History series represents the work of major Benedictine figures throughout the ages. Ad/promo .
LOYOLA PRESS
A Jesuit Off-Broadway: Center Stage with Jesus, Judas, and Life's Big Questions (Sept., $22.95) by James Martin, SJ, recounts six months as a theological adviser to a company performing The Last Days of Judas Iscariot . 25,000 first printing. $35,000 ad/promo.
The Best Catholic Writing 2007 (Sept., $14.95 paper), edited by Jim Manney, features essays, creative writing and poetry from around the world. Advertising .
How Big Is Your God?: The Freedom to Experience the Divine (Oct., $18.95) by Paul Coutinho, SJ. The Indian Jesuit priest blends wisdom and ideas from spiritual leaders. Advertising .
MCGILL-QUEEN'S UNIV. PRESS
Some Family: The Mormons and How Humanity Keeps Track of Itself (Sept., $29.95) by Donald Harman Akenson evaluates the church's collection of genealogical information that's intended to cover every person who ever lived.
MERCER UNIV. PRESS
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis: A Reading of the 1441 Latin Autograph Manuscript (Sept., $25). This hardcover reprint of William C. Creasy's translation includes a new foreword.
MEREDITH BOOKS
Knowing God as Dad (Oct., $19.95) by Brad Johnson utilizes the relationship between father and child to cope with life's ups and downs.
MESORAH
Daily Dose 13 (Sept., $15.99) by Rabbi Yosef Asher Weiss contains four weeks of provocative Torah studies.
Praying with Fire 2 (Nov.; $19.99, cloth $22.99) by Rabbi Heshy Kleinman takes a profound, yet simple approach to prayer that combines scholarship and inspiration.
MONKFISH
Bridging the Divide: The Continuing Conversation between a Mormon and an Evangelical (Nov., $14.95 paper) by Robert Millet and Rev. Gregory C.V. Johnson adds to a constructive interfaith communication.
MOODY/NORTHFIELD
Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy W ay (Sept., $14.99 paper) by Gary Chapman reprints the book formerly entitled The Other Side of Love . 30,000 first printing. $45,000 ad/promo.
Strike the Dragon (Sept., $12.99 paper) by Charles Dyer and Mark Tobey. In this novel, special agents attempt to ascertain the probability of an international terrorist attack. 20,000 first printing. $25,000 ad/promo.
Lies Young Women Believe, and the Truth that Sets Them Free (Feb., $13.99 paper) by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh. Interviews with 1,000 young women identify the top 25 lies they have fallen for. 45,000 first printing. $45,000 ad/promo.
MOREHOUSE
Grace on the Go for Caregivers, ...for Dieters and ...for New Moms (Jan., $10 each paper) by Barbara Bartocci have prayers and reflections leading to a spiritually fulfilling life.
Bead One, Pray Too (Feb., $25) by Kimberly Winston employs prayer beads as a creative and spiritual exercise.
MORNING LIGHT PRESS
Inner Yoga: Selected Writings of Sri Anirvan (Dec., $15.95 paper) by Anirvan explains the eight limbs of yoga by drawing on Hindu tradition sources. Advertising .
MULTNOMAH
Experiencing the Resurrection (Feb., $16.99) by Henry Blackaby and Mel Blackaby examines the event as if seeing it for the first time.
NAVPRESS
The End of Religion (Sept., $13.99) by Bruxy Cavey says that Jesus came to rid the world of religion and to remove all obstacles between us and God.
Respectable Sins of the Saints (Oct., $18.99) by Jerry Bridges bears witness to God's transforming grace as the means to overcome our subtle sins.
THOMAS NELSON
3:16—The Numbers of Hope (Sept., $24.99) by Max Lucado features a word-by-word study of John 3:16, which the author calls the “Hope Diamond” of scripture. 1,000,000 first printing.
Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises and a Revolution of Hope (Oct., $21.99) by Brian McLaren cautions against concentrating on oneself to the exclusion of societal and global realities.
Let Story Guide You: Why Some Lives Make Sense and Others Don't (Feb., $19.99) by Donald Miller advises people to look at life through the lens of what makes a great story. 115,000 first printing.
NEW CITY PRESS
Coming Together in Joy: 99 Sayings by Benedict XVI (Nov., $14.95), edited by Stephen Liesenfeld, provides a concise summary of the pontiff's teachings. Ad/promo.
NEW HOPE
Wonderlust: A Spiritual Travelogue for the Adventurous Soul (Sept., $14.99 paper) by Vicki Kuyper. Thirty journeys tour the world and find inner pilgrimages to a better understanding of God. 15,000 first printing. $20,000 ad/promo. Crossings Book Club selection.
Behind the Scenes of Breast Cancer: A News Anchor Tells Her Story of Body and Soul Recovery (Sept., $15.99 paper) by Brenda Ladun confronts the physical and spiritual concerns of anyone who is facing or has undergone cancer treatments. Ad/promo.
NEW WORLD LIBRARY
When Prayers Aren't Answered (Oct., $22.95) by John E. Welshons consoles those who have felt ignored during challenging times. 25,000 first printing. $45,000 ad/promo. 12-city author tour.
NILGIRI PRESS
Classics of Indian Spirituality (Oct., $29.95 paper) by Eknath Easwaran. This three-book boxed set includes The Bhagavad Gita , The Upanishads and The Dhammapada .
NORTH ATLANTIC BOOKS
(dist. by Random House)
The Modern Christian Mystic: Finding the Unitive Presence of God (Nov., $16.95 paper) by Albert LaChance reframes Christianity as an experiential rather than dogmatic approach to Christ.
A Mystical Haggadah: Passover Meditations, Teachings, and Tales (Jan., $16.95 paper) by Eliahu Klein incorporates kabbalah teachings into the 15-step seder ritual.
NORTHSTONE
(dist. by Pilgrim Press)
The Spirituality of Grandparenting (Oct., $33) by Ralph Milton collects full-color stories about the rewards to both grandchildren and grandparents.
W.W. NORTON
The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary (Sept., $29.95) by Robert Alter restores the eloquence to these ancient poems. Ad/promo. Author tour.
NOVALIS
Mystic Street: Meditations on a Spiritual Path (Sept., $24.95 paper) by S.T. Georgiou shares insights gained while earning a doctoral degree in religion and art at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif. Ad/promo.
ONEWORLD
British Muslim Converts: Choosing Alternative Lives (Nov., $50 paper) by Kate Zebiri sees converts as possible mediators in the growing divide between Islam and the West.
Murder in the Name of Honour (Feb., $27.95) by Rana Hussein includes personal stories of honor crimes.
ORBIS
A Stupid, Unjust, and Criminal War: Iraq 2001—2007 (Sept., $19 paper) by Andrew Greeley makes the case for recovering our deepest values. Ad/promo.
No Turning Back: My Summer with Daddy King (Oct., $18) by Gurdon Brewster recalls time spent working and living with Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. in the summer of 1961. $15,000 ad/promo.
OUR SUNDAY VISITOR
Mother Teresa's Secret Fire: The Encounter That Changed Her Life, and How It Can Transform Your Own (Nov., $19.95) by Joseph Langford opens unprecedented access to her secret source of passion and spirit. 40,000 first printing. $75,000 ad/promo.
OXFORD UNIV. PRESS
People of Paradox: A History of Mormon Culture (Sept., $35) by Terryl C. Givens demystifies a belief forged by a provocative theology.
Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite (Oct., $24.95) by D. Michael Lindsay draws on personal interviews with many Americans, including two former presidents.
PALGRAVE MacMILLAN
The New American Judaism: The Way Forward on Challenging Issues from Intermarriage to Jewish Identity (Nov., $24.95) by Rabbi Arthur Bleicher advocates an embrace of American Jewish culture. Ad/promo. Author tour.
PARACLETE PRESS
God with Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas (Oct., $26.95) by Scott Cairns et al. enhances considerations of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany with art masterpieces. $20,000 ad/promo.
Magi (Oct., $17.95) by Daniel Gilbert. History, astronomy, prophecy and legend combine in this novel about one of the ancient magi. Ad/promo.
PARALLAX PRESS
(dist. by PGW)
Nothing to Do, Nowhere to Go: Waking Up to Who You Are (Sept., $12.95 paper) by Thich Nhat Hanh ponders the teachings of Master Linji, one of the founders of Zen Buddhism. 20,000 first printing. Advertising. Author tour.
PAULINE BOOKS
John Paul II: My Beloved Predecessor (Sept., $TBA paper) by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) ruminates on the late pontiff's life and legacy.
PAULIST PRESS
Craving the Divine: A Spiritual Guide for Today's Perplexed (Sept., $18) by Rabbi Niles Goldstein makes it clear that we are not alone in our angst.
All Your Waves Swept Over Me: Looking for God in Natural Disasters (Nov., $16.95), edited by Nancy de Flon and James A. Wallace. Nine individuals search for God's role.
PELICAN PUBLISHING
Haggadah Illuminated (Sept., $19.95) by Even Caredio relates the story of the Israelites' exodus from slavery in Egypt.
PHAIDON
Crucifixion (Sept., $12.95 paper) assembles over 120 artworks depicting what befell Christ.
PILGRIM PRESS
Jesus and Those Bodacious Women: Life Lessons from One Sister to Another, 10th Anniversary Edition (Sept., $14 paper) by Linda H. Hollies contains five additional stories of famous biblical women.
Much Madness Is Divinest Sense: Wisdom in Memoirs of Soul-Suffering (Nov., $24) by Kathleen J. Greider locates spiritual wisdom in instances of mental illness.
PLUME
Quizmas Carols (Oct., $13 paper) by Gordon Pape with Deborah Kerbel gathers little-known facts about the holiday season's best-loved songs.
PRINCETON UNIV. PRESS
The Last Freedom: Religion from the Public School to the Public Square (Sept., $27.95) by Joseph P. Viteritti redefines the church-state question to protect the religious and the secular alike.
PROMETHEUS BOOKS
The Paperback Apocalypse: How the Christian Church Was Left Behind (Sept., $18.95 paper) by Robert M. Price traces the origin of Christian apocalyptic beliefs and critiques their scriptural basis.
QUEST BOOKS
Digital Dharma: A User's Guide to Expanding Consciousness in the Infosphere (Oct., $16.95 paper) by Steven Vedro teaches how to use new media to raise consciousness by drawing parallels to the seven chakras.
REGAL
Moments with You (Sept., $22.99) by Dennis and Barbara Rainey provides short devotions for couples seeking a deeper connection with God and each other.
RESURRECTION PRESS
The Joy of Pilgrimage (Sept., $6.95) by Lori Erickson commemorates in prose and photographs the 150th anniversary of Lourdes in 2008 and visits other sacred sites as well.
REVELL
One Tough Mother (Sept., $12.99 paper) by Julie Barnhill encourages moms to stand firm on non-negotiables.
Irish Christmas (Sept., $14.99) by Melody Carlson is a novel about a mother and her young adult son traveling to Ireland to salvage their crumbling relationship.
RONIN
The Starmaker: Simulations of God (Oct., $14.95 paper) by John C. Lilly, M.D., presents the beliefs of a scientist turned mystic. Ad/promo.
ROUTLEDGE
Brands of Faith (Nov., $34.95 paper) by Mara Einstein offers case studies of the commercialization of religion.
ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD
When Did Jesus Become Republican?: Rescuing Our Country & Our Values from the Right: Strategies for a Post-Bush America (Sept., $22.95) by Mark Ellingsen questions whether Republican policies fit with the Christian values they espouse.
Escape Your Own Prison: Why We Need Spirituality and Psychology to Be Truly Free (Sept., $16.95 paper) by Bernard Starr concludes that spirituality surpasses psychology in the achievement of true happiness.
ST. ANTHONY MESSENGER PRESS
Freedom Heroes (Sept., $17.95 paper) by Brennan R. Hill evokes biographical theology to profile emancipators, liberators and other proponents of social justice.
What Mother Teresa Taught Me (Sept., $15.95 paper) by Maryanne Raphael delivers personal anecdotes from a woman who worked with Mother Teresa.
ST. MARTIN'S
How Jesus Became Christian (Feb., $24.95) by Barrie A. Wilson tracks the rivalry between the “Jesus Movement,” informed by the teaching of Matthew to adhere to Torah worship, and the “Christ Movement,” headed by Paul to shun Torah.
SAINT MARY'S PRESS
Be a Champion of Youth: Standing with, by, and for Young People (Sept., $19.95 paper) by Maggie Wilson McCarty and Robert J. McCarty serves as a primer for coordinators of youth ministry.
SAT YUGA PRESS
Bhagavad Gita for Modern Times: Secrets to Attaining Inner Peace and Harmony (Sept., $17.95 paper) by Swami Sadashiva Tirtha outlines workshop exercises to eliminate stress.
SCHOCKEN
Hours of Devotion: Fanny Neuda's Book of Prayers for Jewish Women (Sept., $24), edited by Dinah Berland, adapts this book, written in the 19th century, of Jewish prayers for women from a woman who was the daugher of a Moravian rabbi. Ad/promo.
SCRIBNER
Angela and the Baby Jesus (Nov., $14.95) by Frank McCourt tells the story of how, as a child, the author's mother pitied the baby Jesus in the Christmas crib and decided to take him home. Advertising.
The Authentic Confucius: A Life of Thought and Politics (Nov., $25) by Annping Chin is a biography that emphasizes Confucius's political life in terms of his development as a moral thinker. Publicity.
SEABURY BOOKS
Who Will Speak for the Thugs? (Sept., $20) by Eric Gutierrez makes Tupac Shakur's question a springboard to chart the relationship between hip hop and religion.
Rising from the Ashes (Oct., $18 paper) by Becky Garrison features interviews with people in mainline churches doing outside-the-box ministries.
SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP
The Yoga of Jesus Christ (Sept., $14 paper) by Paramahansa Yogananda reports that Jesus knew the principles of yoga and taught them to his disciples. 15,000 first printing.
SERVANT BOOKS
Catholic and Christian for Young Adults (Sept., $13.99 paper) by Alan Schreck teaches the Catholic essentials.
Chosen and Cherished (Sept., $14.99 paper) by Kimberly Hahn applies Catholic teaching to such worldly matters as conflict resolution and setting financial goals.
SEVEN STORIES PRESS
Against Ratzinger (Sept., $13.95 paper) by Anonymous critiques Pope Benedict XVI's rise to power and official pronouncements.
SHAMBHALA
Finding the Still Point (Sept., $14 paper) by John Daido Loori simplifies Zen meditation for beginners with text and a CD.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Oct., $18.95 paper). This translation of the classic text includes commentary and an audio CD read by Richard Gere.
SHEED & WARD
The Gospel of César Chavez: My Faith in Action (Sept., $12.95 paper), edited by Mario T. Garcia, quotes the Latino activist's own words to document how faith and spirituality guided his life.
Before I Go: Letters to Our Children About What Really Matters (Oct., $14.95) by Peter Kreeft offers 63 lessons as a legacy to his children.
SIMON & SCHUSTER
Selling God: How Christianity Went from in Your Heart to in Your Face (Sept., $26) by James B. Twitchell contends that religion is now marketed and advertised like any other product or service. 45,000 first printing.
SKYLIGHT PATHS
The Painting Path: Embodying Spiritual Discovery through Yoga, Brush and Color (Sept., $18.99 paper) by Linda Novick blends yoga-inspired exercises with painting techniques to help artists infuse new spirit into their works.
Hospitality—The Sacred Art: Discovering the Hidden Spiritual Power of Invitation and Welcome (Oct., $16.99 paper) by Rev. Nanette Sawyer advances hospitality as a practice for transformation.
SNOW LION
Guided Meditations on the Stages of the Path (Oct., $29.95 with CD) by Thubten Chodron contains 14 hours of meditations to still mental chatter.
SOUNDS TRUE
Kuan Yin: Accessing the Power of the Divine Feminine (Oct., $22.95) by Daniela Schenker summons the healing energy of the bodhisattva of compassion.
Saint Teresa of Avila: Devotions, Prayers & Living Wisdom ; Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Michael (Nov., $12.95 each), edited by Mirabai Starr, are all titles in the Little Book of Saints series.
STANDARD PUBLISHING
Getting Rid of the Gorilla: Confessions on the Struggle to Forgive (Jan., $12.99 paper) by Brian Jones compares living with an unforgiving heart to living with a gorilla.
STANFORD UNIV. PRESS
Shari'a: Islamic Law in the Contemporary Context (Oct., $45), edited by Abbas Amanat and Frank Friffel, analyzes the meaning of Islamic law for Muslims today.
STATE UNIV. OF NEW YORK PRESS
Environmental Values in Christian Art (Nov., $30) by Susan Power Bratton traces how environmental elements displaced pagan aesthetics from the third century to the Reformation.
Like Angels on Jacob's Ladder: Abraham Abulafia, the Franciscans, and Joachimism (Nov., $50) by Harvey J. Hames reviews the career of the 13th-century founder of the school of ecstatic Kabbalah.
STEEPLE HILL
The Baby Chronicles (Sept., $6.99 paper) by Judy Baer picks up the fictional life of Whitney, begun in The Whitney Chronicles , from spinsterhood to married life and motherhood.
A Family in Full (Oct., $13.95 paper) by Vanessa Del Fabbro is the third novel about South African journalist Monica Brunetti and her former housekeeper, Francina.
STRANG/CHARISMA HOUSE
Commanding Your Morning (Oct., $11.99 paper) by Cindy Trimm teaches a daily prayer strategy.
STRANG/FRONTLINE
In Defense of Israel (Oct., $14.99 paper) by John Hagee asserts that Christians must support the Jewish state and stand with the Jews.
SWEDENBORG FOUNDATION
Secrets of Heaven (Arcana Coelestia), Vol. 1 (Oct.; $15, cloth $49) by Emanuel Swedenborg is a new, annotated translation of his exegesis of Genesis 1—8. Ad/promo.
TARCHER/PENGUIN
The Tao of Daily Life (Sept., $15.95 paper) by Derek Lin combines Eastern wisdom with contemporary practicality.
The Kabbalah Handbook (Oct., $19.95 paper) by Gabriella Samuel is a single-volume reference guide by a teacher of Jewish mysticism.
TEMPLETON FOUNDATION PRESS
The New Flatlanders: A Seeker's Guide to the Theory of Everything (Sept., $16.95 paper) by Eric Middleton uses a q&a format to discuss the interaction between science and Christian theology.
Humility: The Quiet Virtue (Oct., $12.95 paper) by Everett L. Worthington Jr., focuses on such famous but unassuming people as Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr.
Spiritual Possibilities: Sir John Templeton's Reflections on Life and Its Potential (Nov., $14.95 paper) by Sir John Templeton with Joanna Hill summarizes his insights for spiritual seekers.
TOUCHSTONE FAITH
Happiness Is...: Simple Steps to a Life of Joy (Nov., $21.95) by Rev. A.R. Bernard offers a 52-week program to design a purposeful and principled lifestyle.
Two Minutes for God: Quick Fixes for the Spirit (Dec., $22.95) by Peter B. Panagore contains short devotionals for every day of the year.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE
(dist. by IPG)
God's Little Book of Calm: Words of Peace and Refreshment for Weary Souls ; ...of Hope: Words of Inspiration and Encouragement for Difficult Times ; ...of Love: Words of Joy and Delight for Caring Souls ; and ...of Peace: Words of Comfort and Reassurance for Weary Souls (Oct., $6.95 each paper) by Richard Daly provide spiritual direction for daily life. Collins UK books.
TRANSACTION PUBLISHERS
Rogue Clerics: The Social Problem of Clergy Deviance (Nov., $34.95) by Anson Shupe scrutinizes malfeasance across faiths with examples from antiquity to the present.
TYNDALE HOUSE
The 4:8 Principle (Sept., $14.99 paper) by Tommy Newberry draw its title from Philippians 4:8 to encourage readers to be purposeful children of God.
Slandering Jesus (Oct., $14.99) by Erwin W. Lutzer advocates using logic and historical evidence to identify and expose lies that demean Jesus.
Sixth Covenant (Oct., $13.99 paper) by Bodie and Brock Thoene concludes the three-book nativity story, this one narrating the first months of baby Yeshua's life with Mary and Yosef.
UNIV. OF ARKANSAS PRESS
War on Error: Real Stories of American Muslims (Dec.; $18.95, cloth $44.95) by Melody Moezzi gathers essays based on the experiences of a dozen young Muslims.
UNIV. OF ILLINOIS PRESS
Holy Dogs and Asses: Animals in the Christian Tradition (Dec., $35) by Laura Hobgood-Oster examines the animal body as a central concern of Christian theology and feminist criticism.
UNIV. OF MINNESOTA PRESS
A Call for Heresy: Why Dissent Is Vital to Islam and America (Sept., $24.95) by Anouar Majid argues that conflict between the Islamic world and the U.S. is exacerbated by proponents of religious, political and economic orthodoxies who dismiss creative thinkers as heretics.
UNIV. OF NEW MEXICO PRESS
Christians, Blasphemers, and Witches: Afro-Mexican Ritual Practice in the Seventeenth Century (Sept., $24.95 paper) by Joan Cameron Bristol explains how African slaves in Mexico adapted to constraints of the Church and the Spanish crown to survive.
UNIV. OF NORTH CAROLINA PRESS
Moravian Christmas in the South (Sept., $29.95) by Nancy Smith Thomas discusses how traditional celebrations evolved over time.
UNIV. OF NOTRE DAME PRESS
Finding the Voice of the Church (Sept., $25) by George Dennis O'Brien insists that the papal teaching voice must be radically “reunderstood.”
UNIV. OF VIRGINIA PRESS
Bewildered Travel: The Sacred Quest for Confusion (Oct.; $16.50, cloth $49.50) by Frederick Ruf draws parallels between travel and religious behavior, since both represent departures from the familiar.
UNIV. OF WISCONSIN PRESS
Òrisà Devotion as World Religion: The Globalization of Yorùbá Religious Culture (Jan.; $34.95, cloth $85), edited by Jacob K. Olupona and Terry Rey, brings together essays that explore the practice that originated in West Africa.
UPPER ROOM BOOKS
Talking in the Dark: Praying When Life Doesn't Make Sense (Sept., $13 paper) by Steve Harper facilitates acquiescence to the mystery of God.
Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent (Sept., $12 paper) by Pamela C. Hawkins tells readers to focus on one single word and one prayer for each week in Advent.
URJ PRESS
Life, Faith, and Cancer: Jewish Journeys through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery (Sept., $16.95 paper), edited by Rabbi Doug Kohn, interweaves essays by rabbis, cantors and other Jewish professionals who have experienced cancer with Jewish texts and teaching.
Did Moses Really Have Horns?: And Other Myths About Jews and Judaism (Nov., $16.95 paper) by Rifat Sonsino employs history, archeology and other scholarship to debunk falsities. Advertising.
USCCB PUBLISHING
Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers (Sept., $34.95) by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a gift edition. 30,000 first printing.$50,000 ad/promo.
VIKING
Little Book of Atheist Spirituality (Jan., $19.95) by André Comte-Sponville asserts that an atheist spirituality is as fulfilling and powerful as a religion-based one.
What the Gospels Meant (Feb., $24.95) by Garry Wills delves into the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
VINTAGE
Do You Believe?: Conversations on God and Religion (Nov., $12.95 paper) by Antonio Monda includes such people as Salman Rushdie and Spike Lee, who answer this question: “Do you think God exists and how has your answer affected your choice in life?” Advertising. Author tour.
WATERBROOK PRESS
How Would Jesus Vote?: A Christian Perspective on the Issues (Jan., $16.99) by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe applies “God's Word” to the hot issues of the day. Publicity.
Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible: Flawed Women Loved by a Flawless God (Sept., $13.99 paper) by Liz Curtis Higgs mixes fiction and Bible study to bring to life Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah and Rachel from Genesis. Publicity.
One Month to Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life (Feb., $19.99) by Kerry Shook advocates the acceptance of one's mortality as a means to liberation and fulfillment. Publicity.
WAYNE STATE UNIV. PRESS
Women Remaking American Judaism (Sept., $25.95 paper), edited by Riv-Ellen Prell, reports how the Jewish feminist movement of the 1960s continues to affect the four major denominations.
WEISER BOOKS
The Study of Witchcraft: A Guidebook to Advanced Wicca (Oct., $16.95) by Deborah Lipp is a self-study resource for Wiccans intent on deepening their understanding and knowledge.
WESTMINSTER JOHN KNOX PRESS
Thumpin' It: The Use and Abuse of the Bible in Today's Presidential Politics (Jan., $17.95) by Jacques Berlinerblau examines how recent presidents and 2008 contenders have used scripture in their speeches and in crafting policy. 15,000 first printing. Advertising. Publicity.
The Legacy of Billy Graham: Critical Reflections on America's Greatest Evangelist (Jan., $17.95) by Michael G. Long compiles essays from theologians that assess Graham's impact on American culture and religion. Advertising.
The Parables of Dr. Seuss (Feb., $16.95) by Robert Short traces the spiritual content in 10 Dr. Seuss tales. 20,000 first printing. Publicity.
WHITAKER PRESS
A Deeper Level (Sept., $13.99 paper)by Israel Houghton encourages a worshipful lifestyle every day.
Daily Power & Prayer Devotional (Oct., $19.99) by Myles Munroe provides a year's worth of scripture to help readers advance through the entire Bible.
Sarah My Beloved (Oct., $9.97 paper) by Sharlene MacLaren. In this novel, a mail-order bride contacted arrives in Kentucky only to learn that her intended has wed another woman.
WHITE CLOUD PRESS
365 Days to Let Go: Daily Insights to Change Your Life (Nov., $16.95) by Guy Finley collects daily meditations organized by the author's Law of Seasons principles.
WILEY/FOR DUMMIES
The Historical Jesus for Dummies (Nov., $16.99 paper) by Catherine M. Murphy gives an overview of the latest research and archeological finds that illumine the life of Jesus.
The Torah for Dummies (Dec., $21.99 paper) by Arthur Kurzweil explains how Judaism's sacred text guides the conduct of daily life.
WISDOM PUBLICATIONS
One City: A Declaration of Interdependence (Sept., $15.95 paper) by Ethan Nichtern. From the founder of N.Y.C.'s Interdependence Project comes this acclamation of truths found in urban life, media and culture. Ad/promo.
A Heart Full of Peace (Nov., $9.95) by Joseph Goldstein is the writer's first gift book. Ad/promo.
YALE UNIV. PRESS
Fallen Angels (Oct., $16) by Harold Bloom, art by Mark Podwal. This illustrated gift book cites our present-day obsession with angels, then zeroes in on fallen angels, from the Bible to Milton to Tony Kushner's Angels in America .
ZONDERVAN
The Case for the Real Jesus (Sept., $21.99) by Lee Strobel rebuts objections to Christianity to reaffirm the Jesus of historic Christian belief.
Dangerous Surrender (Nov., $21.99) by Kay Warren recounts the author's affirming experiences with orphans and AIDS sufferers in Africa.
The Faith (Feb., $18.99) by Charles Colson and Harold Fickett surveys unshakable Christian tenets.
