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Religion Publishers Address Contemporary Issues Through New Titles
A fresh wave of book releases from religion publishers is set to explore critical themes reflecting the current sociopolitical climate in the United States. These works examine foundational questions such as the essence of America’s moral compass, the implications of Christian nationalism, and the intersection of faith with issues of justice and joy.
Among the highlighted titles is The Seven Mountains Mandate: Inside the Sweeping Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy by Matthew Boedy. An English professor and expert on the rhetoric of the religious right, Boedy’s book, available from Westminster John Knox in September, delves into the aspirations of conservative evangelicals to dominate seven sectors of American society, including politics, education, and media, ultimately seeking to foster a theocratic state. According to WJK editor Jessica Miller Kelly, Boedy’s insights reveal how enforcing a singular religious perspective could negatively impact racial equity, women’s rights, and disability access.
In response to the escalating anti-Jewish sentiment and violence, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has authored Antisemitism in America: A Warning, set for release in March from Grand Central. This book contextualizes antisemitism and highlights how contemporary perceptions are often influenced by controversies surrounding Zionism and policies pertaining to Israel.
The October release from Chalice, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power, written by Baptist pastor Brian Kaylor, critiques the misuse of biblical texts by individuals seeking power. Kaylor’s work asserts that the distortion of both scripture and historical narratives poses a threat to societal norms and values. According to publisher Brad Lyons, the book empowers readers to recognize these manipulations and respond while there is still an opportunity for meaningful action.
Emphasizing a need for churches to refocus their missions, Lutheran pastor Tim Perry confronts the issue head-on in When Politics Becomes Heresy: The Idol of Power and the Gospel of Christ, scheduled for April by Lexham. Perry warns that churches overly fixated on political agendas risk becoming heretical and calls for a return to the core tenets of faith.
Seeking Unity Amidst Division
A number of authors advocate for a more conciliatory approach in navigating the intersection of politics and faith, encouraging engagements rooted in the principles of their beliefs.
Journalist William Kole tackles the complex relationship between firearms and faith in In Guns We Trust: The Unholy Trinity of White Evangelicals, Politics, and Firearms, which is due from Broadleaf in October. The book examines how the association of weaponry with evangelical values conflicts with the teachings of Jesus, promoting a call for sensible gun legislation supported by both political and religious arguments.
In a timely call for social consciousness, Phil Christman’s book Why Christians Should Be Leftists serves as a challenge to contemporary moral perspectives. Set for September release, Christman argues for an ethical agenda grounded in faith, urging Christians to reclaim teachings that champion compassion and justice in an increasingly amoral political landscape.
Additionally, historian John D. Wilsey’s Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer, arriving in April from Eerdmans, explores the possibility of reconciling faith with freedom in today’s polarized environment, suggesting avenues for coexistence between liberty and religious expression.
The Power of Compassion
Certain forthcoming publications delve into the potential of collective action and spiritual encouragement to address pressing societal issues such as discrimination, poverty, and unrest.
John Kasich, former governor of Ohio, presents Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future, aiming to highlight the uplifting force of faith across diverse religious communities. Scheduled for April from Zondervan, the book inspires readers to recognize faith’s role in fostering unity and resilience amidst division.
Orbis Books is set to release titles that explore the intersection of spirituality and social responsibility, including The Soulwork of Justice: Four Movements for Contemplative Action by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson and Soul Medicine for a Fractured World: Healing, Justice, and the Path of Wholeness by Liza J. Rankow later this year, showcasing how spiritual activism can lead to meaningful social change.
Social work professor Alejandro Olayo-Méndez expands on the role of faith in humanitarian efforts in Humanitarianism from Below: Faith, Welfare, and the Role of Casas de Migrantes in Mexico. This August release highlights grassroots initiatives undertaken by faith-based organizations to support migrants and refugees.
Two titles from InterVarsity Press stress the importance of love and justice as forces for global healing. Reviving the Golden Rule: How the Ancient Ethic of Neighbor Love Can Heal the World by Andre DeCort and Racial Justice for the Long Haul: How White Christian Allies Persevere (and Why) by Christine Jeske both advocate for building connections that address racial injustices.
Sociologist Tia Noelle Pratt’s upcoming book America in Black and Catholic: Racism, Identity, and Religion from Notre Dame University Press highlights the challenges faced by Black Catholics, while also celebrating the strength of their faith and community traditions.
In a time when societal challenges demand urgent attention, these forthcoming titles demonstrate that religion publishers are unafraid to engage with complex issues surrounding power, race, and identity. Each author offers unique perspectives grounded in the principles of their faith, aiming to foster dialogue and understanding in an increasingly polarized society.
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