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'Christianity Today' names ‘Onward’ Book of the Year Print Email
Written by Taylor Berglund   
Thursday, 17 December 2015 11:38 AM America/New_York

onward-russell-mooreB&H Publishing Group announced Wednesday that Russell Moore’s Onward: Engaging Culture without Losing the Gospel was the Christianity Today 2016 Book of the Year. It won the overall category, “Beautiful Orthodoxy.”

Christianity Today’s editorial team picked books that are most likely to shape evangelical life, thought and culture. In addition, Onward also won in the “Politics and Public Life” category.

Harold Smith, president and CEO of Christianity Today, said that Moore’s sharp writing led to the book’s success.

“Moore provides a primer on how our commitments to Christ and his kingdom (as opposed to our political, social and cultural agendas) should shape not only how we live our lives, but also what our lives should say to a watching, listening world,” Smith said. “Combining the beauty of what he calls the ‘true gospel’ with a biblical orthodoxy that will inescapably mark Christians as ‘strange,’ Moore holds forth on the charged issues defining the 21st century. His colorful style will occasionally take readers aback—but ultimately keep them pressing on to a satisfying end.”

Onward was also named a 2015 Top 5 Religion title by Publishers Weekly in November. The book cover, created under the art direction of Jeff Godby at B&H Publishing Group and designed by Hatch Showprint in Nashville, was also honored with a Top Shelf Book Award by ECPA in October. In addition to the book, LifeWay Christian Resources produced a 6-session DVD and book study.

Jennifer Lyell, B&H trade book publisher, commented on the book’s recognition.

“Dr. Moore is uniquely gifted to speak to the issues of our day,” Lyell said. “From his early days working on political campaigns to dean at one of the largest seminaries in the world, all while preaching in churches small and large across the country for decades, Dr. Moore’s perspective is grounded by biblical truth, rooted in theological depth and seasoned by the people he’s met through decades of gospel ministry. This all combines with the pen of writer as gifted as any I have ever met to produce messages that have the potential to shape a generation. We at B&H Publishing Group are so grateful for the recognition that Onward has received and believe that it is very much deserved.”