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  Peculiar Press Books  
 
Peculiar People: Aquila and Prisca. Richard Soule .
In the ruins of ancient Ephesus, a young archaeologist, estranged from her parents, her husband, and her God, is mysteriously led to the discovery of a long-hidden scroll containing the personal story of Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla), first century co-workers of the Apostle Paul.
Paul's Co-workers: An AMG Publishers Bible Study in the Following God series. Richard Soule.
Watch here for the publication announcement (expected in early 2010)
Aspen Leaves on New-Fallen Snow and The Whole is Greater are currently available only through the author. Contact me if you're interested in abtaining a copy. The books are also currently available free online - click a cover for more info
 
  Recommended Books  
  These are books I have read and personally recommend. This ministry receives up to 15% of your purchase price for books bought here. This does not increase your cost. Note: Clicking on "Buy from Amazon" opens the amazon.com website in a new window.
 The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible (New American Standard). Spiros Zodhiates.
My favorite Bible, not only because I prefer the NASB to the NIV or NJV, but also because of Zodhiates’ fascinating commentary notes.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. Timothy Keller.
A brilliant expose of the assumptions skeptics hold and defense of the reasonableness of Christianity. Keller's style is respectful but forthright.
Surprised by Hope. N.T. Wright.
N.T. Wright is arguably the foremost theologian of our time. His return to the beliefs and attitudes of the early church (New Testament and early church fathers) gives all Christians a vision of God's ultimate plan for cosmic restoration/re-creation and a context for a life dedicated to social justice.
The Prodigal God. Timothy Keller.
Keller's breath-taking exegesis of Luke 15:11-32 (the misnamed "Parable of the Prodigal Son" shows us the full heart of God. An absolute must-read!
See also my four-class guide for teaching The Prodigal God in small groups or Bible classes.
The Shack. William P. Young.
If you haven't read the best-seller, you really should whether you're a Christian or not. It's one of the few popular Christian books that portrays God and His kingdom with creativity and honesty. The book drew some criticism from conservative circles, but its theology is sound if unusually presented.
American Jezebel. Eva LaPlante.
A fascinating biography of Anne Hutchinson, an obscure but important woman in colonial America. A mother of sixteen and possessing a deep faith, Anne Hutchinson defied her male Puritan leaders and was labeled a "heretic." This richly-documented book gives Hutchinson her rightful place in early American history. Note: someday I hope to base a new novel on Anne Hutchinson.
Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design. Stephen Meyer.
In this exhaustive (and frequently redundant) and complex book, the Director of the Discovery Institute in Seattle lays out a compelling case for Intelligent Design (ID) in the workings of cells. Meyer also emphatically defends Intellgient Design theory as legitimate science, drawing comparisons with other forms of historical science, including Darwin's Theory of Evolution.
The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. Francis S. Collins .
Francis Collins, former director of the Human Genone Project and a devout Christian, contradicts the materistic contention that science and faith are incompatible.
The Ancient Language of Eden. Don Milam.
A passionate plea for the church to return to God's original purpose by a man with compelling life experiences. "Ancient Language" contains some of the most beautiful images of the Kingdom ever put on paper. Highly Recommended!
Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog. James W. Sire.
A comparison of the various worldviews held in the West, comparing each to the Christian worldview.
The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in Post Religious Right America. Jim Wallis.
First, the good news: according to Wallis, founder of Sojourners and author of the bestseller God's Politics, the era of the religious right is over, and a new crop of under-30 progressives may well be taking American religion—and American politics—by storm. The bad news: people of faith need to get to work to further this grassroots support for social justice. (Publishers' Weekly Review)
The Day I was Crucified. Gene Edwards.
The most powerful depiction of the death of Christ ever written. See that infamous day not through the eyes, nor the voice of other men, but rather through the eyes and voice of the Lord Jesus Christ himself. He tells you of that day.
Dictionary of Early Church Beliefs. David W. Bercot.
An indispensible compendeum for an in-depth study of the writing of the ante-Nicean writers organized by over 700 topics.
Paul, Women & Wives. Craig S. Keener.
One of the most complete, objective treatments of the issue of women's roles in the church and in the family.
Women in the Church: Reclaiming the Ideal. Carroll Osburn.
Another excellent study about the role of women in the church, marred only by a couple of unfounded assertions at the end of the book. Otherwise, all conclusions are carefully and thoroughly documented.
Paul: A Fresh Perspective. N.T. Wright .
In his typically intelligent presentation, Wright challenges many of the prevailing perspectives on the apostle Paul--both liberal revisionists and fundamental traditionalists.
Paul: A Critical Life. Jerome Murphy-O'Connor.
A bold, dramatic reconstruction of Paul’s life based on his letters. The chronology of events in Paul’s life embedded in Peculiar People is based largely on Murphy-O'Connor's analysis.
The First Urban Christians. Wayne A. Meeks.
A wonderful analysis of the practical aspects of Paul’s ministry, perhaps the most interesting book I read while writing Peculiar People.
Ecclesiastical History. Eusebius Pamphilus, C. F. Cruse (Translator).
This 4th century work details the history of the church from Christ to Constantine using many now-lost sources that were available during Eusebius' time. An essential church history reference.
Pagan Rome and the Early Christians. Stephen Benko.
A fascinating treatment of Christianity from the perspective of the Romans.
The Rise of Christianity. Rodney Stark.
A sometimes jaded, but nevertheless insightful, account of the growth of the early church using modern sociological theory.
The First Century: Emperors, Gods and Eveyman . William K. Klingaman.
Combines events in Rome, Judea, and China—a very interesting read.
Austin's Topical History of Christianity. Bill R. Austin.
This book is out of print, but it is far and away the most readable general history of Christianity I have encountered. You can click the graphic to the left to search for a used copy.
The Method and Message of Jesus' Teachings. Robert H. Stein.
Stein helps locate the many modes of discourse of Jesus, speculates as to why they were employed, and leads readers through the mazeways of the Gospels. A reverent and learned treatment".--The Christian Century.
Subscriber recommendation
The Life and Teachings of Hillel. Yitzhak Buxbaum.
"This book" is a treasure of information relating to all aspects of Jewish life. It is well researched and very well documented. The book brings to life an entire historical period with its giant leaders. It is amazing how much of Hillel's teachings are still applicable in modern times. It is a joy to read!" (Association of Jewish Librairies review)
 
 
 
© 2003-2009, Richard M. Soule