Ask the Author: James C. Dobson and Kurt Bruner

Latest project: Fatherless (978-1-455-51311-6, $24.99, Jan. 15).

Publisher: FaithWords.

Fatherless has politics, agenda-driven journalism and romance. Will those themes be part of the additional books in the series, Childless and Godless?

Dobson: Yes, each storyline builds on the previous theme with an entertaining mix of political intrigue, spiritual warfare, futuristic speculation and educated conjecture about the kind of world our children will face. Like other dystopian novels such as The Hunger Games and Brave New World, the series contains disturbing themes. But it is also filled with suspense, romance and heartwarming beauty. We tried to create a fictional account of what current demographic, sociological and cultural shadows portend while celebrating God’s design for families, which retains a resilient beauty and redemptive power that the forces of hell cannot destroy. 

What led you to launch this series?

Bruner: A happy home is the highest expression of God’s image on Earth. Marriage and parenthood echo heaven, something hell can’t abide. In 1977, Dr. Dobson founded what became a worldwide ministry dedicated to the preservation of the home. I joined his team in 1985. That effort placed us in one cultural skirmish after another, unwittingly confronting forces much darker than we knew. We don’t pretend to comprehend what occurs in the unseen realm. But we know that we all live in what C.S. Lewis called “enemy-occupied territory.” The Scriptures tell us Satan will “go out and deceive the nations” at the end of history. A central focus of that deception will be, we believe, the final stage of an assault that began when Lucifer decided to spoil or destroy God’s image on Earth as seen in marriage and parenthood. 

You’ve set the story in 2042. Why then?

Bruner: In roughly 30 years, America will join the rest of the developed world in the economic and cultural fallout of a rapidly aging population. Our economic pyramid will flip when the old and feeble outnumber the young and productive. Recent declines in marriage and parenthood are fueling the most dramatic reduction in fertility in human history. We are already seeing the impact in places like Europe, Japan and Russia. Social and financial collapses invariably accompany depopulation. This series depicts tomorrow’s conflicts rooted in today’s demographic realities. 

How did you choose to characterize the marital relationship between Congressman Tolbert and his wife? What rating would you give this book?

Dobson: Kevin and Angie Tolbert embody the beauty and power of marital love in a world that has made it ugly by severing sex from marriage and family. Certain depictions of their loving union would probably be classified as PG or PG-13. That’s because, contrary to the typical Hollywood portrayal, marital intimacy should be celebrated as beautiful and exciting rather than drab and boring. It seems we did that well if you believe one 19-year-old reader who said that reading about Kevin and Angie made him want to get married!

If you had to describe Fatherless in two or three words, what would you say?

Bruner: Prophetic. Disturbing. Beautiful.

Cross Roads

Wm. Paul Young

FaithWords

hardcover, 304 pages, $24.99

Nov. 13

From the ever-imaginative mind of William Paul Young comes Cross Roads, a novel that surely will be compared with his first work of fiction, the self-published phenomenon The Shack. Though the story is different, the new work has some of the same themes as his first, including the struggle to understand the character of God and nontraditional manifestations of the three persons of the Trinity.

Cross Roads launches with an overly lengthy description of 45-year-old Anthony Spencer—Tony to his friends, if he has any—a ruthless, paranoid businessman with an estranged wife whom he divorced and later remarried not out of love, but to experience the satisfaction of leaving her a second time. However, Tony, who grew up in the foster care system, practically idolized his son, who died at age 6. In his grief, he became a shell of a man and rejected his daughter.

As time wears on, a tumor takes up residence in Tony's brain, and suffering head trauma, he ends up in a coma, during which God gives him another chance to repent. Landing in what might be called the hereafter-but-not-quite, Tony meets Jesus, who slaps him to show that He is real; the Holy Spirit as a Lakota Indian grandmother, to whom Tony recommends "exercise and diet" to lose weight; some demons; and, oddly enough, an Irishman named Jack—yes, C.S. Lewis—who, as the only non-deity or non-devil, will seem to some readers tossed in for good measure.

Pastor Bob Roberts Jr. offers strategies on relating to people of all faiths

TITLE: Bold as Love
AUTHOR: Bob Roberts Jr.
PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-400-20420-5
PRICE: $16.99
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 4

Texas pastor Bob Roberts Jr. has never been the same since being challenged by a Saudi Arabian prince to do the impossible—to somehow bring Muslims and Christians together in the buckle of the Bible belt. That was the start of something new for his congregation—NorthWood Church in Keller, Texas—as its members began hosting an event drawing Christians and Muslims.

A frequent speaker on this subject, Roberts has written Bold as Love: What Can Happen When We See People the Way God Does, with the aim of helping Christians live out their faith among people of all faiths.

The idea for the event began in Portugal at a United Nations think tank Roberts participated in, which considered how to unite people of different religions. While Roberts expected only a small turnout at his church event, more than 2,000 participated—mostly Muslims—to start a dialogue in what had become a culturally diverse area.

NorthWood Church has launched 175 churches, all of which are engaged in community transformation projects worldwide. Roberts also works with state departments, organizations and media at home and in countries such as Afghanistan and Australia, promoting collaborative efforts between people of different faiths.

Globalization, Roberts says, has changed American neighborhoods, giving Christians close-at-hand opportunities to demonstrate the gospel to people from all over the world. He urges Christians to be honest about their beliefs, not to dilute them, and to begin by loving people and building relationships. He believes this requires bold love, not “shy faith,” which must focus on serving God and following His commands, even taking the first step. Further, he has found that nothing builds relationships like serving side-by-side with people who practice a different faith.

Distinguishing between “interfaith” and “multifaith,” the pastor doesn’t advocate the concept that “all paths lead to God.” Whereas interfaith gatherings tend to “ignore core truth,” he says multifaith efforts acknowledge “we have fundamental differences, but the best of our faiths teach us we should get along.”

Roberts admits this effort poses challenges, like fear and opposition from our own “tribe” or community. He describes five fears to overcome and writes: “Only the promises of God, and the power that comes from him, can enable us to reach out to those who may intimidate us.”

Offering practical ways to reach out, he encourages readers to start with service and keep it simple, especially engaging in joint projects for the common good that promote conversation. Roberts and his church have built schools in Afghan villages, worked with multifaith groups at local senior centers, refurbished homes and established student exchange programs.

Embrace theology, says Roberts, because “theology is more important than ever.” He offers five features of theology and six dimensions of multifaith living, including the idea that multifaith interactions deepen our own faith.

The book concludes with the message that Christians must begin with forgiveness—extending forgiveness for mistreatment of Christians past and present and asking for forgiveness for their failure to love others in the way Jesus loves.

To order, call Thomas Nelson at 800-251-4000, or visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Named one of the “30 Emerging Voices” who will help lead the church in the next decade by Charisma magazine, conference speaker and best-selling author Margaret Feinberg has attracted a following among believers seeking an authentic, intimate faith. Still, at one point in her journey Feinberg found her sense of wonder diminished by the demands of modern living.

In Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God (978-1-617-95088-9, $14.99), her Worthy Publishing book that releases Christmas day, Feinberg recounts how her “sense of holy awe was replaced by unholy indifference.”

But when she experienced a series of challenges—financial difficulties, a health problem and the death of a dear friend—Feinberg found that God used her trials to bring a new awakening to her spirit.

“That’s when God awoke me from my slumber to the most spectacular wonder of his presence,” she writes, inviting readers to seek God for a greater measure of wonder in everyday life and in times of trial.

Wonderstruck begins by describing a mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights. Although Feinberg had witnessed them many times, this particular display surpassed all others and ignited her longing to experience more of God. She wondered: “If these lights were so beautiful, how much more stunning must their Maker be?”

Using stories from her life and those of biblical figures like Ezekiel and Job, Feinberg guides readers through 10 sources of wonder, including creation, prayer and friendship. Near each chapter’s end, she asks questions to assist readers in self-examination.

“As followers of Jesus, we have the opportunity to live each day in wild amazement of God,” writes Feinberg, whose books and Bible studies have sold more than 600,000 copies.

The book concludes with “30 Days of Wonder: A Challenge to Experience God More,” in which Feinberg suggests a different activity for each day. With new online groups beginning the first of each month through her social media sites, participants are invited to share their discoveries on Feinberg’s Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages. She also recommends songs for the 10 wonders discussed in the book so readers can create playlists for inspiration along the way.

A seven-session Wonderstruck DVD study produced by LifeWay will be available in January 2013 for further exploration of the topic of wonder.

To order Wonderstruck, call EMI CMG Distribution at 800-877-4443.

Iris Delgado continues her best-selling “Satan, You Can’t Have” series with the fourth title, Satan, You Can’t Have My Promises. Releasing in January from Charisma House, the spiritual warfare guide encourages Christians to reclaim what is theirs in Christ. Delgado provides biblical principles and declarations with which to confront Satan and aims to help believers take possession of all God has given them, including power and anointing, forgiveness, security, divine guidance and healing. The softcover book retails for $9.99.

Pastor-turned-professor Zack Eswine writes out of concern for those in full-time ministry in Sensing Jesus: Life and Ministry as a Human Being. Eswine draws on personal stories of crisis, shares openly about his own failures and communicates honestly what he has seen in his 20 years of ministry. The book also covers practical matters such as how to pray for the sick, how to do church discipline and how to handle family dynamics in pastoral ministry. Released Nov. 30, the Crossway softcover retails for $19.99.

Wisdom literature expert Douglas Sean O'Donnell explores the poetry, themes and wisdom of the Song of Solomon from a Christocentric perspective in The Song of Solomon: An Invitation to Intimacy, released Nov. 30 from Crossway. O’Donnell shows readers that this biblical love song is meant to teach about sexuality, human love and God’s heart for His people. Edited by R. Kent Hughes, the hardcover book retails for $25.99.

Love and respect—both are important in a marriage. Author Nina Roesner, executive director of the Christian training organization Greater Impact Ministries, looks at the respect component in The Respect Dare: 40 Days to a Deeper Connection With God and Your Husband, releasing Dec. 11 from Thomas Nelson and retailing for $15.99. With true stories and practical questions, Roesner shows women that the key to a successful marriage is respect for their husbands.

Many public figures—athletes, models, politicians—have told their personal story as part of the “I Am Second” campaign, but most in the movement are simply ordinary people. Celebrity or not, Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First encourages readers to learn what it means to put Jesus first on a daily basis. The Thomas Nelson-published guide provides 365 readings, prayers, action steps and an invitation to join other Christ-followers online. Releasing Dec. 11, it retails for $16.99.

Building on the themes of his best-selling book God Winks, SQuire Rushnell’s God Wink Stories: A Devotional shares true stories that reveal that “Godwinks”—or “coincidences” that really are direct messages from God—happen to everyone. The devotional shows how the stories of people today parallel God’s wisdom in the Scriptures. In stores Dec. 4, the Howard Books release retails for $14.99.

Author and missions specialist Paul Borthwick asks the question, “What’s the role of the North American church?” in Western Christians in Global Mission, releasing this month from IVP Books (InterVarsity Press). Borthwick, a consultant who also teaches missions at Gordon College, reports on the role of the Western church and how it can best continue in global mission without being paternalistic or creating dependency. The softcover book retails for $15.

Apologist Alex McLellan takes on the big task of helping readers put the pieces of their lives—and the world—together in A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World, releasing this month from IVP Books (InterVarsity Press). Taking a conversational approach to worldview issues, this thoughtful but practical guide will help believers put the pieces together and show how the Christian faith paints the big picture. The book retails for $15.

Latest project: The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus (978-1-426-75251-3, $18.99, Abingdon Press).

How does The Way relate to other recent books of yours? Over the years I’ve been to the Holy Land numerous times. The Holy Land is often called “the fifth gospel” because being there changes how you read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It acts, in many ways, as a living commentary on the gospels. After numerous trips over I began to outline a trilogy of books that would take readers through the life of Jesus in the light of biblical archaeology, geography and the latest in biblical scholarship. My hope was to help readers grow in their understanding of, and love for, Jesus Christ. As a pastor, I also wanted them to know how the gospel stories not only teach us about Jesus, but about his will for our lives.

The first in the trilogy of books was The Journey which unpacked the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. The last in the trilogy is 24 Hours That Changed the World which focused on Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Way completes the trilogy by exploring the three-year public ministry of Jesus beginning with his baptism in the Jordan. It explores the places Jesus travelled, the main themes of his ministry and the people he ministered with.

In preparing to write these books I returned to the Holy Land three times meeting with archaeologists, Galilean fishermen, a Samaritan priest, as well as scholars and guides who have spent their lives in the land. I sought to retrace the stories in the gospels in a way a typical tour group does not. I walked portions of the journey Mary and Joseph walked from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I spent days backpacking alone across the Galilee exploring the places Jesus ministered. I retraced the footsteps of Jesus during the final day of Jesus’ life. The insights gained from these experiences are all included in the books.

Knowing that many Christians would like to go to the Holy Land, but only a few will make the journey, we took a film crew to video the things I describe in the books. Each chapter has a ten minute video opening for use in small groups or for personal use. I take readers to all of the places I describe in the book. The book and video work together to deepen the faith, and faithfulness, of readers.

The Way draws the reader into the Gospels. Is there a particular Gospel that’s a favorite of yours, and if so, why? The Gospel of Luke is my favorite. I love the way Luke paints such vivid pictures of the people Jesus ministered to. He also makes clear Jesus’ concern for people who were broken, sinners and second class. I tend, in the books, to draw most often from Mark’s gospel in that Mark was the most succinct. I often follow him and then supplement with material from the other gospels. When it comes to the teaching of Jesus I’m drawn to Matthew, who has the most complete body of Jesus’ teachings. John’s gospel was considered the “spiritual gospel” by the early church. He focused on making sure readers understood the theological and spiritual significance of Jesus. Some of the most moving insights into the meaning of the life of Jesus, for me, come from John. So, I love Luke, but I’m grateful for Matthew, Mark and John as well.

Themes like the kingdom of God and life as a disciple of Christ come through in the Gospels and in this book. Did these concepts have a new impact on you as you wrote about them? You can’t talk the life and ministry of Jesus without speaking of the Kingdom of God. This is the central theme of his teaching and preaching. Jesus’ primary call upon those who heard him was to “follow me.” My hope in The Way is to help readers understand more clearly what it means to be a part of the Kingdom of God and what it looks like to faithfully follow Jesus. In the book I devote much of one chapter to walking through the Sermon on the Mount for here Jesus gives the clearest picture of what our lives are meant to look like if God is our King. While none of us completely live up to his teachings there – in fact some would say it is impossible to do so – his words there are represent my highest aspirations for how I would live. And my inability to fully live up to them point to my need for Christ’s saving work in my life.

No doubt readers will find some of your insights on the life of Christ intriguing. For instance, on “Palm Sunday,” you state that there were two other processions—designed to show force—going on the same day. Where are those cited in history? We know that Pontius Pilate’s primary residence was in Caeserea Maritima on the coast. Yet we know from the gospels that he was in Jerusalem for the Passover. It is likely that he came over to keep peace in the city (the Passover was a particularly troublesome time for the Romans as the feast was a celebration of how God had delivered his people from slavery in Egypt – the hope of many Jews was that God would do this again, delivering them from Roman rule – hence the need to have Rome’s governor present along with this troops to prevent an uprising).

We also know from the Gospels that Herod Antipas was in Jerusalem for the Passover. His primary residence was in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. He would have come in a royal procession with his own military to Jerusalem for the Passover. We cannot know exactly which day each of the other two processions would have arrived in the Jerusalem, but I suggest in the book that the three may have occurred on the same day. Jesus’ processional, riding on a donkey, calling people to love their enemies, and surrounded by a ragamuffin band of followers would have stood in stark contrast to the other processionals.

There are sidebars in the book that take the reader to the Holy Land. What are some of the things that were instructive to you as you visited the land of Israel? Often when tour groups go to the Holy Land the tour companies are trying to fit so much in that there is often not enough time for reflection and to experience the land. In groups that I lead over we do less and experience more. The tours are also typically organized to take you first to Galilee and then to Jerusalem, or vice versa – this allows you to see and do more, but it does not allow you to experience the life of Jesus chronologically. On the tours I help lead we start in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus, then to the Jordan near the Dead Sea to recount his baptism. Then we head to the Judean Wilderness – I have the guides take us to a remote area on top of a desert mountain and we stop there and spend an hour in silent prayer, each pilgrim finding a quiet place alone, so that they can read the temptation story and spend time actually experiencing the story – walking in the wilderness where Jesus walked praying in silence. We then take people to Nazareth where Jesus grew up and was first rejected, and then on to Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee where we spend several days. I take groups atop Mount Arbel and we talk about Jesus’ time on the mountains and then we hike down together. We take groups through the heart of the West Bank, to the town of Nablus which was ancient Sychar where we visit Jacob’s Well, drinking from the well and remembering Jesus’ concern for Samaritans and outcasts. Finally, we retrace the events of the last week of Jesus’ life in Jerusalem, again trying to help people become a part of the story through a variety of experiences.

One additional thing we do: We invite a Palestinian Christian leader and a Jewish leader to share with us their different perspectives on the conflict in the Holy Land. We spend part of our time in the Palestinian areas so that our time in the Holy Land builds bridges not walls and seeks to bless both Israelis and Palestinians.

The Way can be read year-round, of course, but you mention Lent. Did you write it particularly with that special season in mind? As you note, the book can be read any time, but I was imagining that many would read it during Lent. There are six weeks of Lent and there are six chapters in the book. The first chapter deals with Jesus’ baptism and temptations, and the season of Lent begins in this same place with the baptism and temptation of Jesus. Lent ends with Holy Week and the final chapter in the book takes readers through the events of Holy Week climaxing in Christ’s crucifixion. The epilogue to the book corresponds with Easter – its focus is on the meaning of the resurrection. My hope is that those who read it during Lent will find their experience of Holy Week and Easter deeper and more meaningful for having read the book.

There are a number of companion products to the hardcover book. How can Christian retailers best encourage their customers to take a look at these? The Way is designed to be a church-wide focus with curriculum for children and youth, a video and leader’s guide for Bible studies, small group and Sunday School classes to use with the hardbound book, and a 40 day devotional with daily readings from the gospels and meaningful reflections upon these texts. There is a 60 second video we’ve prepared that shows where the book will take people and another that is meant to be a promo for churches to show in worship the week before the emphasis begins. If Christian retailers were able to play these two videos from a laptop, repeating in a continuous loop, the videos will draw shoppers to want to find out more.

Over 15,000 churches have used The Journey and 24 Hours That Changed the World so far. Doing The Way as a church-wide emphasis has the power to unify a church and to deepen the faith and passion of the congregation. As the congregation reads and studies, the pastor has the opportunity to preach from the same themes and amazing things happen.

Read more of this Q&A online at www.christianretailing.com/hamilton.