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"Conversations" among Great Christian Thinkers
Roger E. Olson (Baker Academic)

Few scholars possess the creativity, historical breadth, and theological acumen to pull off a volume like this. If Roger Olson's fictionalized discussions occasionally reveal as much about his own views as those of other Christian thinkers, then the excellence of his unusual survey of church history can be his excuse. Quotes like this one, from Luther to a roomful of Reformation-era leaders, keep the reading fun: "Stop quarreling, people. All that is really needful or helpful is for all of you to agree with me!"

Do We Really Reap What We Sow?
Mark Herringshaw (Bethany House)

As our country's religious topography diversifies, we might expect to see more pastors borrowing concepts from popular alternative spiritualities. Mark Herringshaw's extended gospel presentation gets bogged down at times. But his subversion of karma is intriguing and his theological rewording faithful. He offers a new kind of apologetic, one based less on rationalistic arguments than on re-inhabiting sacred territory.

Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good?
Gary Thomas (Zondervan)

It's a sin not to have fun. A daily latte is money well spent. God delights in our enjoyment. If such statements spark a twinge of guilt, Gary Thomas wants to set the record straight. Written in his warm, personal style, Pure Pleasure reminds readers that pleasures can point to God rather than compete with him, and that God himself can become our highest joy. Others have written in this direction, but Thomas takes us further into a lifestyle of purposeful, holy enjoyment.

—Books reviewed by Madison Trammel

Focus on the Family/Tyndale Entertainment

This sumptuous audio recording draws out the grand drama of C. S. Lewis's beloved 1942 work by incorporating a full cast, original score, and new dramatic scenes. We observe the daily life of "the patient" as he's harassed by junior demon Wormwood and his uncle, Screwtape (voiced to diabolical perfection by Andy Serkis, Gollum in The Lord of the Rings). Listeners will identify their own struggles and become more aware of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:11-12) as this classic text comes to new life.

—Laura Leonard

Authentic Media/Big Idea | Unrated

Though it's not the first Veggie-Tales Christmas special to address the topic of giving, Saint Nicholas offers a fresh approach that's every bit as rewarding as 1996's delightful The Toy That Saved Christmas. When it looks like Laura Carrot's dad may lose his job on Christmas Eve, Bob and Larry tell the story of Saint Nich-olas, whose selfless giving inspired the Santa Claus mythology, and in turn inspires the gang to share with those who need it most. Big Idea is partnering with Operation Christmas Child on this project, benefiting needy children around the world.

—Laura Leonard

Columbia/Tri-Star | rated PG-13 | December 8

A required addition to the list of great foodies—films focused on culinary delights—this scrumptious offering features two of today's finest actresses: Meryl Streep as Julia Child and Amy Adams as Julie Powell. Director Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle) brilliantly interweaves stories more than half a century apart. And yes, the food will make you drool. But the nicest thing about this film is that it depicts not just one but two strong marriages, in which the characters clearly honor their spouses and their vows, determined to love through thick and thin.

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December 2009, Vol. 53, No. 12