A Monitor Guide to Religion Bestsellers

Available on tape

Dobson promotes traditional masculinity with a highly readable mix of physiology and folksy storytelling. For Dobson, boys' energy needs to be properly channeled by strong parents – particularly fathers. Chief among his solutions: emphasize gender differences, combat media messages, and make more time. Dobson has both a PhD in child development and a successful Christian Right publishing empire. This creates some tensions: He tells parents to trust professionals on ADHD, but urges distrust of psychologists on homosexuality. (284 pp.) By Ben Arnoldy

7. THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

by Bruce Wilkinson

Multnomah, $9.99

Available on tape

Bruce Wilkinson, founder of the Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, is convinced that the prayer of a man named Jabez could change your life – if you're Christian, that is. Found in I Chronicles, the prayer of Jabez is brief. Wilkinson believes that when this prayer is used daily, it opens the doors to God's blessings. Although it glimmers with moments of inspiration and even aspiration for humanity, by packaging those ideas as a strictly Christian ministry, Wilkinson will leave many seekers of faith on the sidewalks of the road he claims to have found. (144 pp.) By Christy Ellington

8. THE GOOD LIFE

by Peter Gomes

HarperSanFrancisco, $24.95

What's at the heart of a good life? Exploring this question can be hard to do on campuses that, for the past four decades, have chosen to sidestep moral education. Gomes, a Harvard professor and minister, works to fill this void for students by taking on failure and success; discipline and freedom; and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. This is an engaging book, inspired, Gomes says, "by a generation of young people who as never before in modern times are prepared to lead in the search for noble purpose ... if we are prepared to help them." (384 pp.) By Amelia Newcomb

9. GRACE FOR THE MOMENT

by Max Lucado

Countryman, $13.99

From a Protestant perspective, Lucado provides his readers with centering insights for each day of the year. The simple yet thoughtful layout of "Grace for the Moment" clearly identifies the date, the day's theme, a related Bible verse, and then a brief inspirational anecdote or interpretation. From "God Listens" on Jan. 1 to "Wistful Words" on the last day of the year, he touches on a wide variety of topics, reminding Christians of the work that needs to be done to draw closer to God – as well as the promised rewards. (398 pp.) By Steven Savides

10. THE PRAYER OF JABEZ FOR WOMEN

by Darlene Wilkinson

Multn., $9.99

Available on tape

Following her husband's lead, Darlene Wilkinson champions the herdsman, Jabez, whom she calls the "Bible's hidden hero" (see No. 7). But unlike Bruce, she tailors the short prayer of Jabez to women and their needs as nurturers. Through daily study of this prayer, she asserts, housewives will feel a sense of blessedness. Her devotion to prayer and helping others experience joy and abundance is admirable. But such strict adherence to a single Christian prayer may strike some as rigid and extreme. (91 pp.) By Jennifer Wolcott

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