Book Reviews Archives

Faith, Fear & Authoritarianism: How Christians Can Resist Nationalism

By Liz Cooledge Jenkins

What happens when faith is co-opted for power? We are far from the first Christians to find ourselves forced to address this question. In A People’s History of Christianity, historian Diana Butler Bass traces 2,000 years of push and pull between one version of Christianity that cozies up to power—or seeks to seize it outright—and another version that sides with the people oppressed by this very same power.

10 Books to Read in 2025

By Alyssa Sickle

As we turn the page to a new year, some of us may be adding books to our 2025 reading list. Check out some of CSA’s favorites from recent years! CSA regularly posts book excerpts and reviews; the links below will take you to the review in the CSA Library, where you can find many more book reviews by using the search filters.

On Saying Yes

By Kristyn Komarnicki

Advent is the season of yes. It’s all about God’s big yes to us.

Does God love us?
Is there hope for us in spite of our staggering deficiencies?

The Scars of Action and Inaction

By Amar D. Peterman

I am a part of the generation of young millennials and Gen-Z that have “lost their faith.”

I was raised in the evangelical tradition. I grew up reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Blue Like Jazz.

20 Minute Takes – Tony Deik: Pursuing Justice as an Act of Worship

By Tony Deik

Season 6, Episode 14

In this final episode of season six, Nikki talks with Tony Deik. Tony is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Palestine. He is on faculty at Bethlehem Bible College and currently resides in Bolivia with his family.

20 Minute Takes – Edith Yoder: Neighboring Families Out of Housing Insecurity

By Edith Yoder

Season 6, Episode 13

How can churches be good neighbors to families experiencing housing insecurity? This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Edith Yoder, the CEO of Bridge of Hope, an organization that has equipped Christian faith communities to end and prevent homelessness since 1987.

Giving Thanks for CSA

By CSA Staff

To celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we asked leaders around the country to share why they are grateful for CSA and our work. We got back five inspiring videos highlighting a range of programs.

Thank you, Tony

By Nikki Toyama-Szeto
“I first encountered Tony, as many others did, as he preached from a big stage in front of a lot of people…”

Transgender Day of Remembrance

By Allison

Every year on November 20th, family members, allies and souls who identify as LGBTQ—particularly transgender or gender nonconforming individuals—come together to honor those who have been killed in the last year simply for existing.

Lament, Despair, and Hope

By Rick Barry
Many evangelical Christians confuse lamentation for despair. This confusion can cut us off from one of the most powerful tools in our spiritual arsenal.

A Vote as Prayer

By Nikki Toyama-Szeto
Our Executive Director offers words of support, confession and encouragement ahead of the 2024 elections.

The Idolatry of “Christian” Nationalism

By Stephen Mattson

This article was originally published by Red Letter Christians and originally run on the CSA website in March of 2021.

Christian Nationalism is a form of self-righteousness. It’s a spirituality that blends Colonialism and Manifest Destiny.

20 Minute Takes – Janna Louie: AAPI Voters, Faith & Politics

By Janna Louie

Season 6, Episode 12

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Rev. Janna Louie, co-founder of the Coalition for Asian American and Pacific Islander Churches (CAAPIC). In this episode, they discuss the complex historical dynamics that affect Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters, and the work that CAAPIC does to encourage AAPI Christians to show up as engaged citizens who participate robustly in the democratic process here in the United States.

2024 Election Resources

By Alyssa Sickle
A collection of resources to help you navigate this election season—and beyond!

20 Minute Takes – Bill White: LGBTQ+ Inclusion, the Church, & Deepening Our Faith

By Bill White

Season 6, Episode 7

This week, Nikki talks with Bill White, co-pastor of City Church Long Beach. Bill shares the story of his son coming out and how that experience challenged his theology and ultimately deepened his faith in Jesus.