Constructing an Incarnational Theology: A Christocentric view of God’s purpose by Samuel Wells (Cambridge University Press, £27.99 (£25.19); 978-1-009-49271-3). New in paperback

“Why did Jesus come? The traditional argument is that he came to redeem us from sin and destroy death, and thus reverse the fall. Many have long found this unsatisfactory, because it centres human deficit, rather than divine abundance. In this study, Samuel Wells traces his notion of ‘being with’ right into the Trinity itself, and in dialogue with Maximus the Confessor, Duns Scotus and Karl Barth, among others, articulates a truly Christocentric theology in which God’s means and God’s ends are identical.”

Seeing the Gospel: An interpretive guide to Orthodox icons by Eve Tibbs (Baker, £19.99 (£17.99); 978-1-5409-6800-5).

“Eve Tibbs is an Orthodox insider and veteran teacher who has devoted her career to translating the faith for evangelicals. Her comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the history, theology, spirituality, and role of icons in Eastern Orthodoxy is followed by an immersive experience — a narrative journey through eighteen pivotal events in the life of Jesus Christ as depicted in the New Testament Gospels.”

Jesus in Nature: A monastic Christology by Samuel Torvend (Liturgical Press, £23.99 (£21.59); 979-8-4008-0168-6).

“Samuel Torvend uncovers the hidden story of monastic reflection on the presence of Jesus Christ in creation. With frequent references to contemporary life, he offers a comprehensive view of Jesus in his natural world and the various ways in which early medieval monastics discerned the presence of the risen Christ in nature’s seasons, in flora and fauna, and in the pulsating energy that gives life to all things.”

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