Here are some excellent new theology books * that were released in April 2026 :
* broadly interpreted, including ethics, church history, biblical studies, and other areas that intersect with theology
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Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry
Andrew Root
( Baker Academic )
In an era of church decline, pastors and ministry leaders face intense pressure to grow–more attendance, more influence, more reach, more budget. But what if this relentless pursuit of “more” is actually a form of modern idolatry?
In Baal and the Gods of More, leading practical theologian Andrew Root challenges everything you thought you knew about church growth and success. You’ll discover how to
● identify the hidden idolatry embedded in modern church growth strategies and learn why bigger isn’t always better in God’s kingdom;
● understand the historic roots of America’s church growth obsession through economic theory, cultural philosophy, and the industrial revolution’s lasting impact;
● break free from toxic comparison and the exhausting cycle of innovation, influence-seeking, and numbers-driven ministry that’s burning out church leaders;
● rediscover biblical wisdom from 1 and 2 Kings that reveals how ancient Israel’s fertility god worship mirrors today’s church growth addiction; and
● embrace a radical alternative focused on divine action, relational encounter, and theological depth.
Root reveals how Protestant churches have become dangerously dependent on growth-driven stabilization, a mindset inherited from the industrial revolution’s golden era. He draws striking parallels between ancient Israel’s worship of Baal and other fertility gods and the contemporary church’s obsession with expansion. Just as the Israelites turned to false gods promising abundance, today’s church often looks to secular methodologies, innovation strategies, and growth techniques as saviors.
This provocative book argues that creativity, innovation, and endless strategizing won’t save declining churches. Instead, Root calls the church back to dependence on divine action and genuine relational encounter with the Word of God.
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Human Flourishing in a World of Trauma and Stress: How Understanding Our Brains Shapes Our Theological Anthropology
Heidi Ann Russell
( Liturgical Press )
How do we create communities of healing and flourishing in a world of trauma and stress?
As research continues to reveal more about the impacts of trauma and stress on our brains and nervous systems, traditional theological concepts need to be reshaped to meet these new understandings. Current events and experiences of violence, war, and a global pandemic do not only impact individuals but whole communities and societies, and the effects span generations. The pastoral implications of this are vast and must be explored.
In Human Flourishing in a World of Trauma and Stress, pastoral theologian Heidi Ann Russell answers advances in trauma study with a new theological anthropology that considers questions of freedom, sin, and grace in conversation with our understanding of the brain, trauma, and stress. Pastorally, the book uncovers the layers of trauma present in those we serve in our faith communities. Ministers and faith communities involved in spiritual care are called to be trauma-informed and to understand how relationships harm and heal, ultimately to participate in God’s creating, redeeming, and sustaining activity in the world. As informative as it is practical, this new volume explores the theological and pastoral implications of trauma-informed ministry that leads to human flourishing.
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