Five books for 2025 from SCM Press

This year brings a bumper crop of new books for SCM Press. Assistant Commissioning Editor Rachel takes a look at some highlights to look out for.

1. Behold the Men: an introduction to critical theologies of masculinities – edited by Robert Beckford and Rachel Starr

Established black theologian, author and filmmaker Robert Beckford and Queen’s Foundation Birmingham Director of Studies and SCM Studyguide author Rachel Starr edit this wide-ranging collection of reflections on the variety of ways masculinity has been viewed and used, and how we might challenge these models, in dialogue with Christian tradition, gender studies and with an intersectional perspective. Contributions included come from Carver Anderson, Carlton Turner, Will Rose-Moore, Jarel Robinson-Brown and Al Barrett.

This is key reading for anyone concerned about toxic masculinity and gendered oppression and their effects on the Church.

Publishing this month – pre-order here for 20% off during January

2. Chinese Heritage in British Christianity: More than Foreigners – edited by Alex Chow

Church attendance is a growing among the British Chinese populations, and Chinese churches have been present in the UK for over a century. However, comparatively little has been written about their members’ and/or British Chinese Christians’ contributions, both past and present, to the Church here. Alex Chow et al are filling this gap in scholarship with this pioneering collection focusing on an under-explored part of the heritage of the UK Church. 

I’m really excited that we are publishing this important book, which draws on contributions from across various denominations and, appropriately, centres Chinese and Chinese-heritage voices.

Coming out in February 2025 – available for pre-order soon

3. Fullness of Vision, Fullness of Life: The divided brain, improvisation, and leadership in the Church - by Jonathan Kimber

Are we talking at cross purposes (if you pardon the pun) in our eagerness to do church and leadership in the way we think best? Jonathan Kimber methodically lays out Iain McGilchrist’s illuminating work on brain hemispheres (left and right), how these affect our daily life and ministries, and suggests some implications for ecclesiology.

As one of the first manuscripts I got to read in this job, it has been fascinating learning about this area of neuroscience and I’ve really appreciated Jonathan’s measured take on the church leadership debate. A really thoughtful contribution that I think many people will value.

Coming June 2025

4. A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church by Selina Stone

When I joined SCM Press last year I was delighted to learn that we already had a book in the pipeline from Selina, and it’s been a privilege to read and work with her on her manuscript and the title. Her writing is always clear and insightful and her concern for justice and vulnerable people evident throughout.

Sadly this is always a relevant topic, but reading it now with the repercussions of several high-profile abuse cases and discussions of safeguarding in the news it feels particularly timely to turn the spotlight on power and abuse and consider how we go about ‘testing the spirits’. A must read.

Coming June 2025

5. The Way Through the Trees by Sarah Brush

Using the metaphor of a tree grown from seed, The Way Through The Trees is a comprehensive unpacking of faith development models and discipleship, designed for use by ordinands, children and youth workers and everyone interested in the topic.

With a wealth of experience working with those in theological training, including currently as Vice-Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon, Sarah Brush has much to offer on the subject and this will be an invaluable resource to have available.

Due August 2025

All that said, it goes without saying that we back all of our books and their authors and contributors – here’s to everyone publishing this year and watch this space (and our social media) for more on (and from) many of those!

Image credit: @garylee007 on Unsplash