Recent items:

(Books, magazines and DVDs.)

Books:

Christian mission : how Christianity became a world religion, by Dana L. Robert. (2009)
The Gospels record that Christ commanded his disciples to "go forth and teach all nations." Thus began the history of Christian mission ... To understand Christianity as a global movement, therefore, it is essential to study the role of mission - defined as the transmission of the Gospel across cultures. Erudite and enlightening, this brief book explores the 2,000 years of mission history... Given that in the twenty-first century, Christianity is now largely practiced outside the West, Christian Mission is an inspirational and invaluable resource to broaden our understanding of the nature of Christianity as a truly multi-cultural world religion." book jacket.

To live is Christ : a 40-day journey with Saint Paul, compiled by Peter Celano. (2009)
"Published to coincide with Pope Benedict XVI's Year of St. Paul, To Live Is Christ will energize Christians of all backgrounds to study the great Apostle once again. It has been 2,000 years since St. Paul's birth. ... This book - ideal for both study groups and personal use - illuminates eight special themes from the life and writings of St. Paul. Forty daily reflections (5 for each theme) include scripture, relevant quotations and teachings from the saints, and questions for further reflection" Publisher description.

The irresistible revolution : living as an ordinary radical, by Shane Claiborne. (2008)
Starred Review. From dressing the wounds of lepers in Calcutta to living among the homeless in Philadelphia to visiting families in Iraq, social activist Claiborne strives to live an authentic Christian life. In his view, he is a radical in the truest sense of the word, returning to the roots of Christianity by living as Jesus did and doing “small things with great love.” ...Although the book isn't an autobiography, in it Claiborne reports much about his life: growing up in the Bible Belt, becoming a Jesus freak, moving to Philadelphia despite his family's misgivings, and helping the homeless there. Then he boldly requested an internship with Mother Teresa in Calcutta. .... A moving, often humorous account of a life of faith lived to the fullest. (drawn from BookList, courtesy of Syndetics)

The complete book of hymns : inspiring stories about 600 hymns and praise songs, by William J. Petersen & Ardythe Petersen. (2008)
What sets this book apart from the many other "stories of hymns" is not the quality of devotional stories - in fact they are rather cursory even with the well known stories. But that is understandable when 600 are covered. Its contribution is the inclusion of many "contemporary classics" which make it a very welcome update. In a number of cases the lyrics are provided. Scripture references are included for each entry for further reflection.

Nuns : a history of convent life, 1450-1700, by Silvia Evangelisti. (2007)
Evangelisti makes a thoroughly researched, interdisciplinary contribution to women's history. She presents convents primarily as a more affordable alternative to the high dowries expected among wealthy families and an escape from unwanted arranged marriages, but also as "a catalyst for cultural creativity among women in communities." .... The book considers the view of enclosure as freedom from family entanglements, and concludes with the expansion of religious life for women into the New World. Chapters discuss nuns as writers and as producers of music, theatre, and the visual arts. ... this is a rich, intriguing contribution for those interested in women's studies as well as church history. (Drawn from Choice review, courtesy of Syndetics).

The green bible : New Revised Standard Version, foreword by Desmond Tutu.
As well as the full text of the Bible this includes inspirational essays such as
The Power of a Green God, by J. Matthew Sleeth -- Reading the Bible through a Green Lens, by Calvin B. DeWitt -- Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation, by Pope John Paul II -- Creation Theology: A Jewish Perspective, by Ellen Bernstein -- Knowing Our Place on Earth: Learning Environmental Responsibility from the Old Testament, by Ellen F. Davis. The Green Bible will help you see that caring for the earth is not only a calling, but a lifestyle. (drawn from the book jacket)

The Oxford Bible commentary, edited by John Barton and John Muddiman.
"An international, interfaith group of scholars is responsible for this rich, far-reaching commentary, which is most profitably studied alongside a copy of the New Revised Standard Version upon which it is based. .... Complete bibliographies, maps, and other study aids round out individual contributions as well as the volume as a whole. The most effective Bible commentaries, like the best translations, do not seek to provide the last word on every topic, but rather stimulate further reflection and research on the part of users or readers. The Oxford Bible Commentary most definitely belongs to this category and is therefore warmly recommended ..." (Choice review, courtesy of Syndetics)

Understanding Christian doctrine, by Ian S. Markham. (2008)
Each chapter introduces and explores a key area of doctrine - such as God, the Trinity, the Church, life after death - skilfully taking readers through the main approaches to each topic. Unlike other textbooks, however, Understanding Christian Doctrine then goes on to encourage and show readers how to take a position on these theological issues." (drawn from the book jacket)

The archaeology of the Bible, by James K. Hoffmeier. (2008)
This book will appeal to the general reader with ways into the 'mysterious world of the past' - such as the pyramids, Egyptology generally, the intrigues and adventures of archaeologists and treasure-hunters. The book also offers a discussion of the use of archaeological data and expectations of what archaeology can offer. Two thirds of the book covers the Old Testament and one third is given to the New Testament. The book is illustrated throughout in full colour with historical and modern photographs, charts, maps, diagrams, and illustrations of sites, objects, artefacts, precious icons etc. (drawn from Global Books in Print)

Praying the psalms in Christ by Laurence Kriegshauser. (2009).
In this book, a Benedictine monk examines the Christian praying of the Psalms, taking into account modern and contemporary research on the Psalms. Working from the Hebrew text, Fr. Laurence Kriegshauser offers a verse-by-verse commentary on each of the one hundred and fifty psalms, highlighting poetic features such as imagery, rhythm, structure, and vocabulary, as well as theological and spiritual dimensions and the relation of psalms to each other in the smaller collections that make up the whole. (drawn from the publisher - University of Notre Dame press)

Beloved disciple : the misunderstood legacy of Mary Magdalene, the woman closest to Jesus, by Robin Griffith-Jones. (2008)
This provides the scriptural and historical background to a trendy Da Vinci Code topic. Following a Gospel survey paying special attention to John's treatment of Mary, Griffith-Jones turns his focus to Gnostic works of the second and third centuries, and herein lies the work's primary strength. ...Griffith-Jones here situates Mary in the canonical Christian scripture.... [and] In the last chapter, he considers her evolution in aesthetic and cultural terms.... In Mary, claims Griffith-Jones, we glimpse our fundamental striving to understand what it means to be an embodied human being. An accessible read whose greatest usefulness is its Gnostic analysis. (drawn from Library Journal)

A brief history of theology : from the New Testament to feminist theology, by Derek Johnston. (2008)
Presents a fun, concise and informative introduction to a fascinating and challenging subject. This is the ideal book for students coming to theology for the first time, or anyone who just doesn't know where to start. The book examines 16 key thinkers and concepts.

Letters on the go : the correspondence of Suzanne Aubert, edited & translated by Jessie Munro ; with the assistance of Bernadette Wrack. (2009)
Suzanne Aubert's life was a very full one, ninety-one years packed with eventfulness. It was nonetheless a thoughtful life, in a partnership of reflection and action lived out and communicated to others. ...Highly articulate in both French and English, she wrote copious letters throughout her long life. The correspondence selected here reflects every aspect of her interest - her rich friendships, her challenges to the church hierarchy, her engagement with politicians on behalf of the poor, her relationships with the Sisters of the religious congregation that she founded (the Daughters of the Compassion). This book of letters is a superb presentation of a key figure in New Zealand history. (drawn from www.craigpotton.co.nz)

The lost Ark of the Covenant : solving the 2,500 year old mystery of the fabled biblical ark, by Tudor Parfitt. (2008)
"Deemed "the British Indiana Jones" by the Wall Street Journal, Parfitt is both scholar (Sch. of Oriental & African Studies, London) and adventurer (his African quest for Israel's "lost tribes" was profiled on 60 Minutes). This real-life account reads like a story one might hear in a bar: a gripping, self-aggrandizing yarn that one is never sure how fully to believe. ...Each stage of his quest is predicated on scant evidence and "could have been" logic but then culminates in a surprise ending that may fall flat for movie buffs but largely redeems Parfitt as a scholar, revealing that he has all along ultimately been aware of the "unorthodox" and conjectural nature of much of his account. (drawn from Darby Orcutt, North Carolina State Univ. Libs, writing in Library Journal)

The Bible in history : how the texts have shaped the times, by David W. Kling. (2004)
"No one can doubt that the Bible has exerted a tremendous influence on Western civilization since the dawn of Christianity. But few of us have considered the precise nature of that influence in particular historical contexts. In this book, David Kling traces the fascinating story of how specific biblical texts have at different times emerged to be the inspiration of movements that have changed the course of history." (Book jacket).

What are spiritual gifts? : rethinking the conventional view, by Kenneth Berding. (2007)
"Those who hold the conventional view of the spiritual gift so listed in Ephesians 4, Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12 describe them as special abilities, powers and enablements... Berding offers another perspective, defining the gifts as ministries and focusing on believers' roles, functions and assignments in the community of faith. Believers are encouraged to replace the question "What are my special abilities?" with "Where does God want me to serve?"

The coming of Pakeha religion : the spiritual significance for Maori : a revisionist analysis of Maori spirituality and Pakeha religion, by Charles Ihaia Hita-Brown. (2007)
"A revisionist analysis of Pakeha religion and Maori spirituality and how they combine and the resultant legacy. The fulfilment of key Maori prophecies in terms of the past, the present or for any future potential did not emerge, and indeed could NOT have emerged, from out of so-called 'Maori spirituality'. Only with the arrival of the Pakeha could all the key Maori prophecies have ever been fulfilled. Fulfilled, moreover, for the ultimate spiritual benefit of Maori. This book explores the truth of Ratana's prophecies."

One gospel : the story of Jesus of Nazareth told as a single continuous narrative, by John Elder. (2004)
A continuous version of the gospels in modern English, along with a commentary and a reference section.

Magazines:

Biblical archaeology review
"Enhance your Biblical knowledge with the latest discoveries and controversies in archaeology, breathtaking photography, informative maps and diagrams." (Amazon)

DVDs:

Son of God. a BBC Discovery Channel co-production in association with Jerusalem Productions and France 3, (2008).
"Using the most scientific and historical research, along with computer graphic technology, this three-part series attempts to uncover what this First-Century peasant was trying to do and say"--Case slick.

Pope John Paul II. Directed by John Kent Harrison ; produced by Luca Bernabel, Fania Petrocchi ; screenplay by John Kent Harrison ; director of photography, Fabrizio Lucci ; edited by Henk van Eeghen ; music composed and conducted by Marco Frisina, (2007).
"In this feature-length film, Jon Voight delivers an incredibly inspirational portrayal of the spiritual life journey of Pope John Paul II, from his youth in Poland, to his international crusade to advocate for the poor and oppressed, to his final days at the Vatican."

The Exodus decoded
After six years of unprecedented research, host Simcha Jacobovici and a team of renowned archaeologists, Egyptologists, and theologians shed revelatory new light on the Exodus and the era's ruling Egyptian dynasty. Their new theory pushes events hundreds of years earlier than previously believed, allowing age-old stories to sparkle with new perspectives and startling historical impact. Using elaborate, state-of-the art CGI, 'The Exodus decoded' offers a stunning virtual account of stories like the birth of Moses, the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea."--Case slick.

Celebration of Catholicism : history of the popes in the 20th and 21st century.
This collection celebrates Catholicism's 2000-year history through a trio of inspirational documentaries: "From the manger to the cross" recounts the life of Jesus Christ through the words of the New Testament; "I beheld his glory" presents an alternate telling of the Crucifixion through the eyes of a Roman soldier; and "History of the popes in the 20th and 21st century" offers biographical profiles of every pope from Leo XIII to Benedict XVI.

The nativity story, (2006)
The Nativity Story chronicles the journey of two people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, and the history-defining birth of Jesus.

Conversations with God.
Based on the true story of Neale Donald Walsch after he unexpectedly breaks his neck in a car accident and loses his job. Soon after, we witness his transformation from your everyday guy to a homeless bum struggling just to stay alive. Neale's eye-opening roller coaster ride takes us through his emotional battle to get enough food, make friends and regain his life. And just when things seem to be going his way, they get worse. Feeling like a complete failure in all aspects of his life, Neale, full of anger and bitterness asks God a pile of demanding questions. Much to his disbelief, Neale received his answers! The unworldly conversations that follow end up being read by over 7 million people in 36 languages around the world.

Jesus, produced by Howard Ellis ; written by Albert Ross based on material by John Goldsmith ; directed by Kevin Connor. (2006)
Seen from the eyes of Mary as she watches her infant son grow to manhood, inspiring the known world with his miracles and teachings on the word of God.

Jesus of Nazareth, produced by Vincenzo Labella ; directed by Franco Zeffirelli; originally produced as a tv mini-series in 1977.
In-depth version of Jesus' life (382 minutes). Zeffirelli also provides the sociopolitical background that gave rise to Jesus' following and the crisis in belief it caused for the people of Israel (and one or two Romans).

The real Da Vinci code,.
Attempts to discover the facts about the Holy Grail and cut through the mystery that surrounds the subject. Note also another DVD - Unlocking Da Vinci's code : mystery or conspiracy?.

Christianity : the second thousand years.
The library also has the first thousand years.

Catalogue Quicksearch

The following links provide easy access to catalogue searches on some aspects of Christianity.

Bible - NT info Bible - OT info Bible geography & lands Bibles Christian living Church history Creation/Genesis Dead Sea scrolls Ethics God Holy Spirit Hymnbooks & songs Hymns on CD Jesus Christ Prayer Saints

Reference books

Biblica : the Bible atlas : a social and historical journey through the lands of the Bible, chief consultant, Barry J. Beitzel. (2007)
Biblica is one of the most eye-catching atlases ever published, and this may leave readers forgetting about the maps they were originally seeking. This slightly oversized (10.25 x 13.5 inch) volume features over 600 works of art in its nearly 600 pages. The full-color artwork depicts biblical scenes and nicely complements the accompanying text. The approximately 125 maps are original, full color, and typically large enough for easy use. Summing Up: Highly recommended. (drawn from Choice magazine's review) There is also a lending copy.

The Lion handbook to the Bible, edited by David and Pat Alexander. (3rd edn, 1999)
This one-volume encylopedia has earnt an excellent reputation over the editions as a very helpful "one stop shop". Includes photographs, illustrations, maps and charts as well as character studies of important biblical figures and advice on how to approach the different kinds of writings - story, poetry, prophecy, history, wisdom, apocalyptic - that appear in the Old and New Testaments.

Online databases & articles

Database articles

Wellington City Libraries subscribe to a number of different online databases that provide news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics. Below you'll find some links to recent articles on Christianity, selected by our librarians.

If you have signed on to EBSCO (one of our magazine databases) in the last month, the article links below will take you straight in to the database to view the article. Otherwise, you'll be prompted to use your library card number and surname details to log in and view the articles. If you'd like to discover what our databases have to offer on topics other than religion, visit our online databases section, www.mygateway.info.

• The forgotten Christian world, by Philip Jenkins, in History Today, Apr2009, Vol. 59 Issue 4, p32-39.
  Most Christian church histories focus on the Western churches of Europe and the Middle East. However, during the 11th century, one-third of the world's Christians lived in Asia. The spread of Christianity followed the Silk Route.

• The next bishop of Rome, by Edwin Pentin, in Newsweek (Pacific edition) , 3/8/2009, Vol. 154 Issue 5, p15.
  Several cardinals that could potentially be named the next Pope are discussed, including Cardinal Angelo Scola, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco and Cardinal Carlo Caffarra.

Journal titles:

Below you'll find just a few examples of publications available through our online databases:

• Christian Century (on EBSCO)
  Links Christian faith and American contemporary living.

• Christian History, (on EBSCO)
  Produced as an off-shoot of Christianity Today magazine.

Other online titles:

• Online Journal of public theology (E-journal)
  Produced by the US Center for Public Responsibility which seeks to "promote a more responsible form of public faith associated with the historic orthodox theology of the ecumenical Christian church".

• Touchstone (E-journal)
  Eclectic content, with editors and readers from each of the three great divisions of Christendom - Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox.

• Whosoever (E-journal)
  An online magazines for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians.

Useful websites

• Religion online
  More than 4,700 articles and chapters. Access via a directory to include Old and New Testament, Theology, Ethics, History and Sociology of Religion, Communication and Cultural Studies, Pastoral Care, Counseling, Homiletics, Worship, Missions and Religious Education, or use the search function.
  
• Bible Gateway
  Online Bible in many translations (including several audio versions). Features concordance search, cross-references, Greek or Hebrew for any verse.
  
• N.T. gateway
  Large gateway type site maintained by the University of Birmingham, on everything from the Greek New Testament to Jesus in Film.
  
• Image
  Explores relationship between Judeo-Christian faith and art through contemporary fiction, poetry, painting, art, sculpture, architecture, film, music and dance.
  
• VisionNetwork of New Zealand
  One of the strengths is the directory to church and organisation web-sites (searchable e.g. by denomination).
  
• Christian Maori theology
  
• FutureChurch NZ
  A platform for emerging forms of Christian spiritual community.
  
• New Zealand Religious History Bibliography
  Compiled by Peter Lineham. Also contains chapters of his publications:
  
• Chapter One: The Age of Missions, 1814-1850 (Word document)
  
• Chapter Two: Church and State in European New Zealand before 1875 (Word document)
  
• Chapter One: The Age of Missions, 1814-1850 (Word document)
  
• Chapter Three: Christianity and the Maori 1850-1985 (Word document)
  
• Chapter Four: The Churches and Colonial Society, 1875-1914 (Word document)
  
• Chapter Five: Between Two Wars, 1914-1945 (Word document)
  
• Chapter Six: Religion and Society 1945-1985 (Word document) * Creation vs. Evolution
  Sites arguing both sides of the creationism and evolution debate.