Providing literary analysis and historical background, Leland Ryken invites us to experience great hymns as powerful works of devotional poetrysavoring elements that we easily miss when singing them.

Fifty years ago, James D. Watson, then just twentyfour, helped launch the greatest ongoing scientific quest of our time. Now, with unique authority and sweeping vision, he gives us the first full account of the genetic revolution—from Mendel’s garden to the double helix to the sequencing of the human genome and beyond. Watson’s lively, panoramic narrative begins with the fanciful speculations of the ancients as to why “like begets like” before skipping ahead to 1866, when an Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel first deduced the basic laws of inheritance. But genetics as we recognize it today—with its capacity, both thrilling and sobering, to manipulate the very essence of living things—came into being only with the rise of molecular investigations culminating in the breakthrough discovery of the structure of DNA, for which Watson shared a Nobel prize in 1962. In the DNA molecule’s graceful curves was the key to a whole new science. Having shown that the secret of life is chemical, modern genetics has set mankind off on a journey unimaginable just a few decades ago. Watson provides the general reader with clear explanations of molecular processes and emerging technologies. He shows us how DNA continues to alter our understanding of human origins, and of our identities as groups and as individuals. And with the insight of one who has remained close to every advance in research since the double helix, he reveals how genetics has unleashed a wealth of possibilities to alter the human condition—from genetically modified foods to genetically modified babies—and transformed itself from a domain of pure research into one of big business as well. It is a sometimes topsy-turvy world full of great minds and great egos, driven by ambitions to improve the human condition as well as to improve investment portfolios, a world vividly captured in these pages. Facing a future of choices and social and ethical implications of which we dare not remain uninformed, we could have no better guide than James Watson, who leads us with the same bravura storytelling that made The Double Helix one of the most successful books on science ever published. Infused with a scientist’s awe at nature’s marvels and a humanist’s profound sympathies, DNA is destined to become the classic telling of the defining scientific saga of our age.

This next installment in the Read and Reflect series will dive into the lyrics of classic Christian hymns, and give the reader reflection questions, bible study questions, and prayer prompts based around the lyrics.

Timeless Hymns with Ageless Classics is an expressive collection in which each arrangement merges a well-loved hymn with a classical theme. Pianists who enjoy performing either sacred or classical music will enjoy how each beautiful melody complements the other. This inspired collection for advanced pianists can be used in a variety of church settings as well as for personal enjoyment. It is also suitable for weddings since it includes many classical pieces that are traditionally used for wedding preludes and processionals.

The Gospel Hymn Book has over 100 years of experience behind it, but has been revised to bring it up to date. It combines a mixture of old and new hymns suitable for general and evangelistic use.

The collaborative efforts of Keith and Kristyn Getty, along with Stuart Townend, have produced long-lasting modern hymns for the church. Arranger James Koerts has created these contemporary arrangements of some of their best-loved praise classics. Titles: Across the Lands (You're the Word of God) * By Faith * Come, People of the Risen King * Compassion Hymn * How Deep the Father's Love for Us * In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) * My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness * O Church, Arise * The Power of the Cross (Oh, To See the Dawn) * See, What a Morning (Resurrection Hymn) * Speak, O Lord * Still, My Soul, Be Still (with Be Still, My Soul). "Memorable melodies, chordal accompaniment often in a flowing broken chord pattern, and simple transitions to new keys make these attractive arrangements a delight to learn and to play at an early advanced level." Joyce Janzen, Progressions

Some hymns simply have an extra sprinkling of divine magic. The first notes thrill from the organ, and we are home. There's little wonder that we refer to the majestic sound of choirs of angels: Surely the kingdom of God is full of the sound of singing. Author Richard H. Schmidt offers a homecoming of sorts in his newest book, Sing to the Lord an Old Song. His meditations on forty classic hymns remind us of a shared faith--by generations before and with generations to come. Though the words and tunes may be entrenched in memory, Schmidt sheds new light on these hymns, inviting us to think about the texts through various lenses of scripture, faith, and personal experience. His reflections are painstakingly honest about how and when he has come up short as a follower of Christ--as well as how he each time, he finds notes of forgiveness, love, and hope in these familiar songs. Saint Augustine explained the power of song in his oft-quoted adage that those who sing pray twice. Come, sing and pray of amazing grace. Amen. Alleluia!