The Forgotten Creed: Christianity’s original struggle against bigotry, slavery and sexism by Stephen Patterson (OUP, £19.99 (£18); 978-0-19-086582-5)

“Long before the followers of Jesus declared him to be the Son of God, Jesus taught his followers that they too were the children of God. This ancient creed, now all but forgotten, is recorded still within the folds of a letter of Paul the Apostle. Paul did not create this creed, nor did he fully embrace it, but he quoted it and thus preserved it for a time when it might become important once again.”

Crazy Christians: A radical way of life by Michael Curry (Hodder & Stoughton, £10.99 (£9.90); 978-1-473-69746-1)

“We need some Christians who are as crazy as the Lord. Crazy enough to love like Jesus, to give like Jesus, to forgive like Jesus, to do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God?like Jesus. Crazy enough to dare to change the world from the nightmare it often is into something close to the dream that God dreams for it. And for those who would follow him, those who would be his disciples, those who would live as and be the people of the Way? It might come as a shock, but they are called to craziness.”

Praying the Way: With Matthew, Mark, Luke and John by Terry Hinks (BRF, £10.99 (£9.90); 978-0-85746-716-4)

“Through raw and authentic prayers, based on the gospel stories, Terry Hinks leads readers into the heart of the gospels the more clearly to see the needs and joys of today's world. This highly original book helps readers to pray out of, and with, the words of Jesus and to discover the joy of prayer as a two-way conversation - listening as much as speaking to God.”

Sacred Spaces: The awe-inspiring architecture of churches and cathedrals by Guillaume De Laubier and Jacques Bosser (Abrams, £45 (£40.50); 978-1-4197-2806-8)

“From St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to Notre-Dame in Paris, Christian churches represent some of our most significant architectural achievements, designed to evoke wonder and awe. Offering unprecedented access to a collection of revered religious landmarks, photographer Guillaume de Laubier takes readers on a stunning architectural tour.”