Christ the Heart of Creation by Rowan Williams (Bloomsbury, £25 (Church Times Bookshop SPECIAL OFFER PRICE £20); 978-1-4729-4554-9).
“In this wide-ranging book, Rowan Williams argues that what we say about Jesus Christ is key to understanding what Christian belief says about creator and creation overall. Through detailed discussion of texts from the earliest centuries to the present day, we are shown some of the various and subtle ways in which Christians have discovered in their reflections on Christ the possibility of a deeply affirmative approach to creation, and a set of radical insights in ethics and politics as well.”
Voices of Modern Islam: What it means to be Muslim today by Declan Henry (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, £14.99 (£13.50); 978-1-78592-401-9).
“Raising awareness of what Islam is, as well as deepening understanding about the lived realities of Muslim people, this book explores the contemporary Muslim experience through first-hand interviews with over a hundred Muslims. Exploring key issues such as women and Islam, extremism and radicalisation, Sharia Law, homosexuality and Islamophobia, the book looks deep into what it means to be Muslim today.”
Melodies of a New Monasticism: Bonhoeffer’s vision, Iona’s witness by Craig Gardiner (SCM Press, £25 (£22.50); 978-0-334-05720-8).
“Creatively using this imagery, this book draws on the theological vision of Bonhoeffer and the contemporary witness of George MacLeod and the Iona Community to explore the interplay between discipleship, doctrine, and ethics.”
Enjoying God: Experience the power and love of God in everyday life by Tim Chester (The Good Book Company, £7.99 (£7.20); 978-1-78498-281-2).
“Discover the key to enjoying God in every moment of every day.”
The Dark Interval: Letters for the grieving heart by Rainer Maria Rilke (Bloomsbury, £12.99 (£11.70); 978-1-5266-0298-5).
“From one of the most famous poets in history comes a new selection of writings to bereaved friends and acquaintances, providing comfort in a time of grief and words to soothe the soul. Throughout his life, the poet Rainer Maria Rilke addressed letters to individuals who were close to him, who had contacted him after reading his works, or who he had met briefly - anyone with whom he felt an inner connection. Within his vast correspondence, there are about two dozen letters of condolence. In these direct, personal and practical letters, Rilke writes about loss and mortality, assuming the role of a sensitive, serious and uplifting guide through life's difficulties.”
Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.