Best Christianity Books of 2025

The Catholic Study Bible is a landmark resource for both experienced students and first-time readers. It contains trustworthy study notes, expanded essays, and informational sidebars that guide the reader through the Scriptures, book by book. The new edition comes with a protective slipcase, and one-third of the Reading Guide materials are new. All of the other Guides have been reviewed and revised by their original authors. The extensive Reading Guide leads the reader to a fuller understanding of the Bible. This edition is unique because it includes a more extensive treatment of the biblical background, including history and archaeology. Overall, it is an essential resource for both higher education, clergy, Bible study, and general readers.

Kaplan's Catholic High School Entrance Exams guide is an all-inclusive resource for students and parents, offering expert advice, practical tips, and ample practice. The guide includes six full-length practice tests for the Cooperative Entrance Examination (COOP), the High School Placement Test (HSPT), and Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS). Additionally, the book provides targeted review of key concepts and material and strategies to help students approach the test with confidence. Kaplan guarantees that students will score higher on their entrance exams after studying with their book or they will get their money back. The book is a valuable tool for any student preparing for these exams.

The Oxford Handbook of Vatican II is an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand the historic event that shaped contemporary Catholicism. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the Second Vatican Council, covering its teachings on a wide range of subjects, including ecumenism, religious liberty, and interreligious dialogue. It also examines the council's impact on the Catholic Church in different cultural contexts, making it a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners alike. The book's unique focus on neglected aspects of the council, such as the role of women and the non-reception among Catholic traditionalists, sets it apart from other works on Vatican II. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and teachings of the Catholic Church.

The third edition of A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature is an updated version of Walter Bauer's Wörterbuch. The book is an invaluable reference work for scholars of Biblical and classical studies, seminarians, ministers, and translators. The new edition includes extended definitions, a more consistent mode of reference citation, and a composite list of abbreviations for easy access to information. Danker's broad knowledge of Greco-Roman literature, papyri, and epigraphs provides a panoramic view of the world of Jesus and the New Testament. This book is a must-have for anyone studying or researching early Christian literature.

Peterson’s® Master the™ Catholic High School Entrance Exams, 26th edition, is a comprehensive test-prep book designed to help students score high on Catholic high school entrance exams. It covers all test formats, scoring, subject review, and types of questions for the most popular parochial school placement tests. The guide includes step-by-step coaching for each type of question on the exams and numerous test-taking strategies that allow students to feel confident when test day arrives. With 10 full-length practice tests, diagnostic tests, and over 3,000 practice questions, this book is an ideal study guide for students looking to get into parochial school.

The New English Translation of the Septuagint is a much-needed addition to the study of the Bible. The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of Jewish sacred writings, is an important part of both Judaism and Christianity. This modern and accurate translation fills a gap in scholarship and provides valuable insight into the history of the text of the Bible. Written by experts in the field, Albert Pietersma and Benjamin G. Wright, this translation is a must-have for students of the Bible and those interested in the history of interpretation. Highly recommended.

Christian Theology: An Introduction by Alister E. McGrath is a comprehensive, well-organized textbook that presents the primary themes and debates of Christian theology with clarity and historical context. This 6th edition includes significant additions and developments, such as an increased discussion of contemporary theology to complement the excellent coverage of historical material. This book is ideal for students with no prior knowledge and has received international acclaim as one of the most successful textbooks in this area. McGrath's ability to write in a clear, concise, and engaging manner makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in Christian theology.

Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics) is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of theology and philosophy. This volume brings together Anselm's most important writings, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of his thought. Anselm's approach to Christianity is characterized by his invitation to question, think, and learn, and his works on free will, truth, and the existence of God are still relevant today. Oxford World's Classics has once again provided readers with an affordable edition that reflects their commitment to scholarship. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any library.

The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings is a highly successful introduction to the New Testament from a consistently historical and comparative perspective. Its unique focus on the historical, literary, and religious milieux of the Greco Roman world, including early Judaism, makes it an invaluable resource for students and scholars alike. The book's impeccable scholarship, clarity of explanation, and engaging writing style make it the only textbook needed in any course. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins of Christianity.

This book is an essential reference work for anyone interested in the history of Christianity. It includes a selection of writings that covers 2000 years of Christian theological and political debate, from the early days of the church to the present day. The fourth edition of the book has been expanded to include new material on issues facing the twenty-first century churches, such as social justice, international politics, and environmental change. The book also explores the growth of Christianity globally, Christian unity, and mission in multi-faith and postmodern societies. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the Christian church's history, beliefs, and practices.