This compilation of stories and essays edited by Anne Eggebroten confronts the reality of abortion as a morally responsible choice being made by countless Christian women of all denominations. This explosive issue was only made illegal in the U.S. in 1873, but the 1960s saw a change in America's attitude towards the ability of women to take control of their own bodies which culminated in the Supreme Court's historic Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. Ever since the faith community has been divided on this subject, but everyone admits women have never stopped having abortions for a variety of reasons–health, rape, incest and unplanned pregnancies among other factors. The essays explore the biblical, theological and other arguments used in this issue.

Author and former missionary Faith Annette Sand points out that while Jesus was on earth, he never displayed fear. So to be made into the image of Christ we must learn to shed our fears and anxieties. Yet so much of our energy centers on trying not to drown in the turbulent waters where we find ourselves−sinking with worries about our security problems, money problems, health problems, insurance problems, retirement problems, and then all the interpersonal problems of dealing with feuding family members, estranged friends and those who would cheat us, berate us, not give us credit where it is due and generally try–too often successfully–to make our lives miserable. In the face of this, what can we do to be serious about our faith walk?

Margaret Fuad has compiled this excellent resource looking at the role of the church in addressing America's number one drug problem: alcohol. She recapitulates what the Bible says about drinking, noting relevant similarities and differences between biblical and contemporary societies. She also discusses spirituality and alcohol, the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism, considerations concerning personal use or nonuse of alcohol, and how to meet the needs of the one out of five persons in our society impacted by alcohol abuse. An appendix contains a study/syllabus and various lists of resources. Churches and other groups concerned about alcohol awareness will find these lists invaluable. 

Long-term peace activist Bob Aldridge has spent years researching how our nation was beguiled into another senseless war. Here he describes how America is being conquered by a group of neoconservatives who under the guise of a "war on terror" and "national security" have systematically and stealthily undermined democracy and in the process are scrapping our Constitution. Starting with their wiggling into the White House and conjuring up a crisis to rally the country into a contrived war, he systematically paints a disturbing picture of the decay of civil rights, showing how the government is not only keeping tabs on the populace but is also steadily eroding humanitarian law so our Declaration of Independence has been relegated to history courses.

When Linda Hale Bucklin's mother died, an apparent suicide, nothing in her staid world remained the same. Her father, scion of a wealthy San Francisco family, already enamored with Denise Minnelli, fell under her control and Denise managed to end up the sole heir of his vast estate. Linda recounts her pilgrimage of gradually learning to stand up for herself and make peace with her history. But more than the uncertainties about her mother's death, Linda finds herself estranged from her controlling father. Alan Jones, dean of San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, calls this a "hard yet tender story" and commends Linda for "a near miracle in telling the truth with compassion." You can e-mail Linda Hale Bucklin at linda@lindahalebucklin.com

Ever the pastor, Mary Alice Geier decided to keep a personal journal during her two-year struggle with cancer and chemotherapy to share with others what this mysterious process entails. Along with providing concrete suggestions to help those facing similar issues, Rev. Geier has produced a primer, chock full of advice and explanations, with helpful appendices to boot, that shines light on the dilemmas and mysteries facing a cancer patient. This practical guide has been useful to thousands of patients, their families and friends and she has received kudos from many who have felt better prepared having read this inspirational resource. An honest and frank chronicle, it is an invaluable tool filled with humor and nuggets of encouragement to those struggling to cope with cancer.