Brian J. Walsh

Dancing in the Wild Spaces of Love

Theology

“In every sense possible, Olthuis lives up to the subtitle of this remarkable book. This is indeed a theopoetics and must be engaged as such. . . . Having walked the path of trauma and profound brokenness, together with healing and hope, Olthuis embodies a wisdom born of tears. But tears can turn to dancing. So put on your dancing shoes when you read this book.”

Earthkeeping and Character

Theology

“Bouma-Prediger can only write about the shaping of ecological virtues because his own life is such a brilliant testimony to the character of an earthkeeper. He has gifted us with a philosophically astute, ecologically attuned, and biblically profound meditation on ecological virtue.”

From Nature to Creation

Theology

“In this wise, prophetic, and expansive book, Norman Wirzba offers us an extended meditation on creation with compelling eloquence. Here is a theology that is (literally) grounded in the gift of soil. A multidisciplinary treatise expertly engaging philosophy, theology, literature, and ecology, this book moves effortlessly from postmodern theory to agricultural policy, from biblical interpretation to gardening, from economics to a spirituality of gratitude. Wirzba invites us into a world of interdependent intimacy, sympathy, hospitality, delight, and love. This book is a generous gift that bears witness to a world characterized as gift.”

Green Shoots out of Dry Ground

Church Leadership & Ministry

“This visionary book taps into deep biblical roots to discern how green shoots are springing up out of the dry ground of a post-Christendom culture. If the church is born of the word of God planted in dry ground, then this book offers gardening tips, and perhaps some fresh water to nurture those fragile seedlings. Or maybe we could say the church is a community garden and John Bowen serves us all as a master gardener, bringing together others with church growing, planting, and nurturing skills to make this garden flourish.”

In Thought, Word, and Seed

Arts & Literature

“In this lovely mash-up of literary criticism, theology, prayer, and memoir, Tiffany Eberle Kriner invites us into the joyful, frustrating, sweat-inducing, painfully exasperating, and satisfying work of redemption with the land. This is a deeply grounded, wisely attentive, and beautifully allusive book. A wonderful read that will invite you to come back for a second (or third) visit.”

Joining Jesus

Evangelism & Missions

“Chung and Meehan have lovingly curated the stories of faithful folk who are embodying the gospel in places as diverse as inner-city neighborhoods, middle-class suburbs, university campuses, and a Navajo community. Abandoning strategic plans and management techniques, these are stories of improvised incarnation, deep listening, and faithful presence. Do you need encouragement about the future of the church? Read this evocative and delightful book.”

Naming Neoliberalism

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“In this biblically rich and astute book, Rodney Clapp exposes the obfuscating slipperiness of 'Neoliberalism,' uncovers the roots of this disastrous vision of life, spiritually discerns its character, and unveils the abusive evil that it has unleashed on the most vulnerable in God's good creation. In stark contrast to this culture of death, Clapp evocatively and eloquently invites us into an apocalyptic vision of the new creation, embodied in welcoming communities of worship and hope, where justice is at home.”

Queer Prophets

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“In this hermeneutic of the street Greg Paul invites us to join him on the twisted, confusing, and conflicted path that has led him to a place of LGBTQ+ affirmation. This is a path taken with deep integrity, courage, and humility. Whether or not you can walk with Paul to the same destination, you will find him to be a good companion and guide along the way.”

Religious Nuts, Political Fanatics: U2 in Theological Perspective

Arts & Literature

“Vagacs isn't imposing a theological agenda on a secular band. Rather, he is taking up the theological invitation, indeed the theological challenge, inherent in the artistic vision of U2. This book isn't so much a theological exposition of the meaning of U2 lyrics as it is an entering into a conversation with the band because there are important matters that need to be discussed, places of darkness that need some light. This book opens our eyes to light that is shining in the midst of the darkness of a postmodern world. U2 is not the light of the world. Jesus is. Rob Vagacs joins U2 in following that light, helps that light to shine brighter through his theological engagement with their music, and invites us to walk in that light.”

The Church in Exile

Theology

“With profound biblical scope and theological depth, Lee Beach provides wise counsel for a church in exile. Rooted in a serious re-engagement of the biblical motif of exile, Beach engenders an exilic imagination that suggests creative ways for thechurch to find its identity anew. Here we find a biblical scholarship in service of the church and a church in service of the creation-wide renewal of the world. Exile is both a deep threat and an opportunity for the most creative theological reflection and communal praxis. Beach helps us to navigate these treacherous waters with a compelling pastoral sensibility.”

Welcome Homeless

Christian Living

“This is a book of deep homefulness. Alan Graham is such a wonderful homemaker, in large part because he is such an evocative storyteller. Home is always a storied place and Alan tells his stories with love, gentleness, and deep, deep respect. You don’t get to tell the kind of stories that we meet in this book without first going into the pain, betrayal, violence, and despair of homelessness. In this book we meet Alan’s friends and mentors, and they are a stunningly beautiful cast of characters.”