Eastern Christianity in its Texts by Cyril Hovorun (T & T Clark, £31.99 (£28.79); 978-0-567-68290-1).

“Surveying theological literature produced in the Christian East from the first through the 20th century, Eastern Christianity in its Texts explores different theological themes (analytical and mystical), genres (epistles, treatises, and poetry), and milieux (Greek, Armenian, Western and Eastern Syriac, Russian and Romanian). The book illustrates the evolution of the Orthodox thought, how it influenced and was influenced by intellectual, social, and political environments. It demonstrates a theology in context, and yet displays consistency in the traditions spread through different epochs and countries.”

Between Heaven and Earth: New explorations of great biblical texts by Gerhard Lohfink (Liturgical Press, £31.99 (£28.79); 978-0-8146-6732-3).

“New Testament scholar Gerhard Lohfink interprets a spectrum of biblical texts, some familiar, others not. He explores them in a spirit of curiosity, questions them insistently, and confronts them with the realities of our present day, from Covid-19 to the inner loneliness experienced by so many.”

Islands of the Evening: Journeys to the end of the world by Alistair Moffatt (Birlinn, £10.99 (£9.89); 978-1-78027-801-8).

“Fourteen centuries ago, Irish saints journeyed to the Hebrides and Scotland’s Atlantic shore. They sought spiritual solitude in remote places, but their mission was also to spread the word of God to the peoples of Scotland. Columba was the most famous of these pioneers who rowed their curraghs towards danger and uncertainty in a pagan land, but the many others are now largely forgotten. Alistair Moffat sets off in search of these elusive figures. As he follows in their footsteps, he finds their traces not so much in tangible remains as in the spirit and memory of the places that lay at the very edge of their world.”


Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.