Books published by SPCK Publishing

Travel around the world and find out how God is changing lives everywhere through prayer.

The Bible is full of words which don't really work hard enough. Nigel Bayley has provided outrageous but hilarious definitions, describing situations that were just waiting to be brought into the light. Such as, Junia (n.) The intelligent young volunteer who is inadvertently outwitting you and thereby gently ruining your poorly thought out children's talk. Hittite (n.) One towards whom your immediate and overwhelming pastoral instinct is to punch them really hard in the face. Shamsherai (n.) The vocal mayhem caused by songwriters who think it would be pleasing and authentic to have a line in Hebrew. The finest antidote to boring sermons and the best possible reading for the smallest room. This book will make a splendid gift for the less reverent members of the congregation.

A heartwarming collection of prayers and blessings styled in pink to welcome a new baby.

'The archaeological footprint of the final days of Jesus' life, from his trial to his crucifixion.' The Bookseller

The essential letters of one of the 20th century's most influential religious figures

The top 20 favourite carols, as voted by viewers of Songs of Praise

Jesus Christ is one of the most revered and, at the same time, maligned figures in human history. What is the truth about him? Can we reliably know anything at all? In this clear and authoritative book, a leading historian and theologian faces head-on the difficult questions about the historical Jesus. He invites readers to lay aside any preconceived ideas that may have and to examine the evidence. They may be surprised at the findings.

A unique opportunity to sample the rich and wide-ranging thought of Rowan Williams, as he talks about the spiritual issues and intellectual passions that are most dear to his heart.

A humorous but life-affirming story set in the manic world of the busy teacher's life in which it's not just the pupils who misbehave. A memoir, in the form of a diary, by 'the Victoria Wood of the classroom'.

Dr Shumack explores Muslim belief in Jesus.

The first volume in a major new series, Old Testament Origins and the Question of God, The Old Testament and God offers a fresh examination of the Old Testament against its historical background.

A heartwarming collection of prayers and blessings styled in blue to welcome a new baby.

A resource to help new Christians and those close to commitment to discover the transforming power of Jesus

First he survived, then he forgave. This remarkable narrative explores the process of reconciliation in the new post-war Cambodia.

The best-loved politician and social reformer of nineteenth century England, Lord Shaftesbury's deep compassion for the poor became legendary. He campaigned tirelessly to limit factory hours, to stop the use of boys as chimney sweeps and children in coalmines, and to develop universal education. As a result he changed the character of English society forever. Areas covered in this important new biography include his upbringing and education; his work as a politician and his campaign for mental health; factory and industrial reforms; campaigns for climbing boys and for better sanitation and housing; his contribution towards the founding of the Bible Society, CPAS, London City Mission, Ragged School Union and CMS; his role as a defender of the Protestant faith and the campaign against ritualism; his personal theology.

A bedtime conversation about heaven between a mother and her child

A follow up to the hugely successful the Baby Book, The Toddler Book follows a child's development between the ages 12-36 months. Written in an informative yet friendly style, the book is essential for any parent, experienced or not, who wants to approach the terrible two's stage with confidence and a smile. Topics covered include: sleep, feeding, general care, potty training, illnesses, behaviour, development, play, family life, new baby in the family and the spiritual and emotional needs of a child.

A book for anyone trying to recover relationship breakdown, separation or divorce

For Rob Peabody, the young pastor of a mega-church in southern USA, the realization that his faith had little real connection with the world around him meant that something had to change. He redirected his church towards the poor on their doorstep and then took the larger step of moving to the UK to establish the missional fellowship 'Awaken'. In Citizen, he outlines the Kingdom-centered identity that is given to followers of Jesus. It a wake-up call to the church in the West. Jesus' death and resurrection initiates and invites people into a life of so much more than the status quo. God is re-building, re-newing, and re-creating that which is broken and marred by sin, and he is doing this, setting things right in the world, through Jesus. As citizens of the Kingdom, we have been saved and set apart for this work. We have a new allegiance, a changed identity, and a new mission as we seek to establish the rule of God on earth as it is in Heaven.

Forgiveness is a central tenet of the Christian faith and yet it is so difficult to embrace and put into practise. With sensitivity and grace, Dr Sue Atkinson explores what it means. The example of Christians forgiving others is often heralded as one of the great signs of Christian love and yet the call to forgive can have a darker side, particularly for victims of injustice and trauma as it can add to their despair and guilt if they do not 'feel' love or the ability to forgive. Well-meaning Christians can make their situation worse with insensitivity and bluntness. In this timely and empathetic book, full of anecdote, story and illustration, Dr Sue Atkinson, tackles what the call to forgive really means. What do we really do when we forgive? Exploring Jesus teaching about forgiveness and justice, she explodes myths and outlines practical ways in which we can let go of resentments. Highly accessible and sensitive this important book will be a means of grace and comfort for those embracing the challenges of forgiveness.

A colour illustrated poetry book for 7-11s to bring alive the wonder of Christmas

4th edition of the successful New Lion Handbook: the World's Religions, updated, redesigned, with new textbook focused questions and bibliography.

This unique set of daily readings from bestselling author Simon Guillebaud encourages the reader to live the Christian life without compromise and without restraint; to live on full throttle and with utter abandonment to Christ. Simon Guillebaud has lived in Burundi since his early twenties. He takes unimaginable risks so much so that he didn't expect to live to the age of 30. He sees miraculous results time and again as he works tirelessly for the salvation, peace and prosperity of the country he loves and daily gives his life for. Burundi is a place where choices are vivid, stark and sometimes deadly. It is a front line state in a fragile democracy seeking to overcome a bloody past. The spiritual battle between the forces of light and the repressive power of the local witchdoctors is very real. It is in this context that Simon Guillebaud has learned the lessons he shares in this volume. Succinct and engaging, these daily reading cover a separate topic every day. The range is striking and profound as Simon shares the things he has learned through the council of the Holy Spirit. Those who engage with this unique devotional will be challenged and ultimately changed.

Children love Christmas, and children love learning to count. Make both even more exciting with this fun rhyme and these bright scenes from the Christmas story.

This volume covers a period of major change that had a lasting impact on art, science, economics, political thought, and education. Rudolph W. Heinze examines the various positions taken by medieval church reformers, explores the efforts of the leading reformer Martin Luther, and emphasises how the reformations brought moral and doctrinal changes to Christianity, permanently altering the religious landscape, then and now.

Tiny Bear's Bible is a warm, fuzzy reminder of how God loves his children - in a format that kids can cuddle and carry wherever they go.

In a combination of traditional prayers, this title is the suitable introduction, bringing prayer and talking to God to life in the heart of various children.