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Scripture and the Authority of God, N. T. Wright (HarperOne)
Few theological ideas seem more pivotal as well as more problematic that getting some kind of agreement on what exactly the Scripture is — what does Scripture do for us and whatever do we mean when we say that the Bible is our authority? Resisting popular yet simplistic notions (i.e. on the one hand that the Bible is flat revelation and on the other hand that the Bible is a devotional manual), Wright posits that Scripture’s prime claim to authority is an assertion that “the authority of the triune God [is] exercised somehow through Scripture.” In other words, claims to Scriptural authority are not first claims to authority of a holy book but claims to the authority of the Trinity, embodied in the authority of Jesus Christ. This book is wise, sane and powerful.
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The Story of God, The Story of Us, Sean Gladding (IVP)
Even with all our talk of narrative theology and even given the fact that Scripture provides a sweeping drama of human history (and God’s engagement with that history), there are precious few resources that actually tell us the Story as a story. Gladding steps into this void, offering a textured retelling of the major movements and themes of redemptive history, a telling that offers the tension and imagination any good novel would. Gladding’s work would be a good guide for helping someone find their way into the biblical story — as well as a good guide for those of us who’ve heard it so often we no longer hear it as the drama it obviously is.
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Standing on the Rooftop, Madeleine Peyroux (Decca Records)
Whether you’re taking a drive through fall foliage or hosting a dinner party with friends, Madeline Peyroux provides a soulful soundtrack to accompany the experience. Madeleine’s European influences meld with her strong voice to provide a very American entrée of blues and jazz. Peyroux’s latest release takes her in new directions, stretching her art as well as stretching the genres.
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Winn Collier (www.winncollier.com) is pastor of All Souls, a Baptist congregation in Charlottesville, Va., the author of three books and a columnist.