Religious publishing trends show a shift toward cutting edge theological books coming from evangelical publishers, as well as a growing interest in books on life after death and apocalyptic themes, reports Rodney Clapp in the Christian Century magazine (Jan. 11).
In reporting on the meetings of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Clapp writes that although “denominational and university presses continue to publish copious and important work, the center of gravity in publishing has arguably shifted to houses with evangelical bases or connections.
The conspicuously large bookselling booths, and presumably concomitantly robust sales, now belong to Eerdmans, InterVarsity Press, Baylor University Press and Baker Academic and Brazos Press.” These presses boast a lineup of sophisticated theological thinkers, including Miroslav Wolf, N.T. Wright and David Gushee. Other book trends show a revival of interest in books on the Apostle Paul, the afterlife, and apocalyptic thought and literature.
(The Christian Century, 407 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60605)