Linda Mercadante

A Primer for Christian Doctrine

Theology

“How long have I searched for a text to give students before they begin the study of theology -- and, finally, here it is! Jonathan Wilson's book is the perfect introduction to the study of Christian doctrine. It is clear yet comprehensive, accessible yet not simplistic, learned yet compassionately presented. . . . Wilson's Primer will also be very useful for church groups as they explore the long-neglected area of Christian doctrine.”

Addiction and Virtue

Philosophy

“Addiction and Virtue is one of only a few books which use philosophy to unpack the false dilemma limiting addiction to either disease or willful choice. What's more, Dunnington does this from a Christian theological perspective.”

Apologetics without Apology

Apologetics

“Graham presented this thesis in 2015 at the famed Didsbury Lecture Series, held annually at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, UK. She ably explains that we are living in a “postsecular” age. “ “Graham does an admirable job of explaining our current situation, showing how early Christians practiced apologetics, and presenting the form needed now. She ends by insisting that all Christians must learn anew how to “speak Christian” by practicing apologetics not just in words, but also in deeds. Graham is persuasive, clear, and helpful, if a bit redundant at times. Although she is more familiar with the U.K. than U.S. scene, her thesis applies to both worlds. Clergy and lay people, especially those rightly challenged by the complexity of our emerging “postsecular” context, would do well to study this book together and set a new course for explaining and living the gospel.”

Finding God in the Basement

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“Theological treatments of addiction are limited, especially ones which single out a particular doctrine as a culprit. But Jennifer Carlier does just this, asserting that the ‘penal substitutionary’ view of the atonement (that God needs recompense for our sin in order to forgive us) is the very thing which keeps people with addiction mired in shame and guilt. She suggests that only the ‘bondage of the will’ aspect of original sin makes sense for sufferers. Replete with her own and others’ personal stories, this book makes a good case for a more liberative theology.”

Flashes of Grace

Christian Living

“Patrick Henry is one of the wisest people I know, so I am not surprised he has written so beautifully on grace. This artful book shows there is hope in unexpected places and that our troubled age is not the last word on the future. Drawing readers in with skillful stories, his book is like a drink of cool water in a dry land.”

GraceQuest

History & Biography

“This is a book for everyone who says 'Where is God in the midst of my suffering?' Bob Rakestraw knows. He pulls no punches, is not superficially pious, and is amazingly honest about his own suffering. It is ironic that Rakestraw has always been known for his huge heart of compassion and yet this is where he has been afflicted. Perhaps that is why Bob's story is so powerful. It shows how, in the shelter of God's love, even the most serious of problems can be transformed into deep wells of grace.”