Our judging process began with 472 titles submitted by 72 publishers. Christianity Today's editors selected finalists in each category, and our expert judges went to work discovering the best of the bunch from 2009. Here are the 12 winners (including two ties) and 11 notables that best shed light on the people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission, with comments from the judges.
"Craig and Meister bring together cutting-edge essays that attest powerfully to the massive and growing evidence in favor of theism in general and Christianity in particular. Each essay responds to the charges made by the New Atheists, but this is by no means a polemical book. The writers set a high bar for reasonable, responsible discourse, and they live up to it."
By William Lane Craig: God Is Not Dead Yet | How current philosophers argue for his existence.
"This masterful account of the history of sin pulls together the biblical text, the church fathers, and Anselm of Canterbury. The breadth of sources used and the thoroughness of Anderson's narrative are impressive, particularly given that he is able to accomplish so much in a rather brief amount of space."
"Sociologist Smith and collaborator Snell present an in-depth scholarly study of the religious, spiritual, moral, and emotion-laden lives of adults ages 18 to 23. The implications of this study for Christian ministry are enormous. Here is an indispensable resource for parents, pastors, campus ministers, and everyone concerned for the future of the church."
Interview: Lost in Transition | With his latest research on emerging adults, sociologist Christian Smith helps the church reach out to a rootless generation.
"From a former insider of the emerging church, this theologically weighty book speaks to both sides in the emerging/traditional debate. Though reflecting primarily a Reformed perspective, Belcher is irenic, showing appreciation for both emergent concerns and the great tradition of Christian faith and practice."
Review: Emerging vs. Traditional | In Deep Church, Jim Belcher says it doesn't have to be either-or.
"DeYoung and Kluck respond to the church's many critics with theological verve, historical backbone, biblical agility, and—above all—an infectious love for the bride of Christ, tawdry or frumpy though she can be."
"By combining philosophy, psychology, and theology with practical examples, Ten Elshof clearly shows how we all are self-deceived, and why that is detrimental to our spiritual growth. The author has written a book that is not only intriguing, readable, applicable, and thoughtful, but also a catalyst for self-examination."
"Translator Jakim captures so well the coarse, insistent voice of Dostoevsky's underground man, who champions freedom of the will but (prophetically) finds himself unwilling to resist the cruelty in his own heart. This modern, readable translation still conveys the rhythms and colors of 19th-century Russia."
"Surprisingly, Thuesen makes the history of a doctrine—one riddled with arcane terminology and hair-splitting distinctions—not only accessible but also engaging. He has produced an intellectual history that puts ideas in their social context and takes seriously the lives of the men and women who thought about them."
"By featuring the lives and teaching of 26 spiritual masters from church history, Foster and Beebe shine a light on seven paths (or orientations) to spiritual development. This survey brings together shared themes and unique contributions that guide those journeying with and toward God."
"With insightful research and poignant historical observation, Noll effectively demonstrates that American individualism, voluntarism, and anti-institutionalism have had a much greater impact on the global church than have money, resources, or power. Noll adds an innovative thesis to our understanding of the contribution of U.S. churches to the amazing growth of the non-Western church."
"Here is a challenging look at how 'liturgies,' sacred or secular, form our desires and shape us into a people with specific loves. Smith makes a compelling case for considering the role of desire in our spiritual formation efforts."
"This book is clear, logical, pastoral, and empathetic. It will help Christians and seekers better understand some of the most difficult aspects of our faith."