The Truth About Lies: The Unlikely Role of Temptation in Who You Will Become

Tim Chaddick

Temptation is more than an enemy: It’s an opportunity to be “catapulted to deeper growth.” That happens when we realize Christ accomplishes the work in His strength, not our own. The process can be messy, like renovating a fixer-upper into a beautiful home, but it results in a fitting residence for the Holy Spirit. Pastor Tim Chaddick offers encouragement: God doesn’t give us only a “cosmic kick-starter” toward the cause of forgiveness, but supplies grace by giving us “new affections” that override our old, sinful desires.

Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ

Rosaria Butterfield

In this spirited book about conversion, identity, and community, Rosaria Butterfield—a former lesbian turned pastor’s wife—traces how changes in language, grammar, and definitions of truth led to our culture’s profound transformation. She says hospitality and community are “ground zero” for the Christian: “It is how our faith is visible and serviceable, powerful and potent” for those inside and outside the church. This book’s practical suggestions make it useful for everyone: Butterfield, with a love of history, language, and hospitality, shows how Christ rather than the world should define us. (See WORLD’s Aug. 6 issue for an interview with the author.)

Reaching Your Prodigal: What Did I Do Wrong? What Do I Do Now?

Phil Waldrep

Phil Waldrep interviewed 30 current and former prodigals and studied Scripture passages about rebellion to arrive at a range of nonproductive responses—condemnation, feelings of guilt, ignoring, covering up, nagging, fixing, or succumbing to anguish. Then he presents his core message: “Instead of trying to change our prodigal, we need God to change us.” Waldrep presents little that’s new about prodigals, but brings together in one place six principles for trying to draw a prodigal back to God, including getting over guilt, watching your words, loving unconditionally, and praying.

Give Your Child the World

Jamie C. Martin

Homeschooling mom Jamie Martin wants to raise global-minded Christian kids. Here she offers simple ideas—including food, decor, maps, and globes—to bring other cultures into your home. In Part 2, she provides an annotated bibliography of books—primarily fiction—sorted by region and age, with an emphasis on classics that bear repeated readings. She also notes when a book from another culture “contains a religious perspective”: “Let your internal compass guide you in both the titles you choose and the conversations that arise as you read.”

Afterword

In J.K. Rowling’s seven-volume Harry Potter series, orphaned boy-hero Harry Potter zips around on a broom, slays beasts, and ultimately saves the world by defeating Lord Voldemort. Turns out, the wonder-wizard is not so wonderful as a father.

Written as a play by Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2016) picks up the seventh book’s happy ending and twists it into an intricate tale around the strained relationship between a middle-aged Harry and his second son Albus Severus. The conflict begins when Albus disappoints everyone by joining Slytherin at Hogwarts and befriending Scorpius, the son of his father’s nemesis Draco Malfoy—or Voldemort’s offspring, according to rumors. Then Harry’s scar starts burning again—and every fan knows what that means.

Cursed Child is a page turner: The plot sprints along, the characters spring alive, and the dialogue sparks with witty humor, unspoken emotions, and timeless insights on love, courage, and sacrifice. —Sophia Lee