Beliefnet’s bloggers have been describing their favorite spiritual books of the year. Here are bottom line picks. Click through to read their explanations:
Scot McKnight (a.k.a Jesus Creed)
Klyne Snodgrass’ complete study of the parables: Stories With Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus .
Tom Wright’s wondrous and suggestive book on the resurrection: Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church .
Chris Wright’s thorough examination of the Bible through the lens of missional: The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative .
Tony Jones (a.k.a New Christians):
Jeff Sharlet’s The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power .

Donna Frietas (Idol chatter)
Best young adult fiction:

• “Breaking Dawn” by Stephenie Meyer
• “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore
• “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman
• “The Cabinet of Wonders” by Marie Rutkoski
• “Bliss” by Lauren Myracle

Paul raushenbush (a.k.a Progressive Revival):
Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of this World for Crucifixion and Empire by Rita Brock and Rebecca Parker.
Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small, The: Charting a Course for the Next Generation, by Marian Wright Edelman.
Valerie Reiss:
Enlightenment for Idiots by Anne Cushman
Which spiritual books from 2008 would you recommend?