Christians, Captives and Cappadocia: Learning from our Past

This book, originally titled 'Actes and Monuments of these Latter and Perillous Days, Touching Matters of the Church', is a comprehensive work of Protestant history and martyrology. It details the persecutions and sufferings of Protestants under the Catholic Church, particularly in England and Scotland. The book includes accounts of various Christian martyrs, from the first-century stoning of Stephen to those who suffered during the reign of Queen Mary I. It has been highly influential in shaping popular notions of Catholicism in England and Scotland and has undergone several editions and abridgments since its initial publication in 1563.

In 'Misquoting Jesus', Bart D. Ehrman provides a detailed account of the textual criticism of the New Testament. He explains how the earliest surviving manuscripts of the Bible were copied by hand, often by amateur scribes, and how these copies introduced various textual variants. Ehrman discusses both accidental and intentional changes made to the manuscripts, including alterations to de-emphasize the role of women in the early church, to harmonize different portrayals of Jesus, and to oppose certain heresies. The book also includes Ehrman's personal reflections on how his study of Greek manuscripts led him to abandon his ultra-conservative views of the Bible. Despite the variations, Ehrman and other scholars agree that these changes do not affect the essential Christian beliefs[1][3][4].

In 'Dominion,' Matthew Scully presents a comprehensive and eloquent case against the mistreatment of animals. The book delves into various aspects of animal suffering, including factory farming, hunting, whaling, and laboratory experiments. Scully challenges the notion that humans have unlimited dominion over animals, as suggested by biblical interpretations, and argues for a moral and compassionate approach to animal treatment. He draws on both religious and scientific perspectives to make his case, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the recognition of animal consciousness and suffering. The book is a call to action for reform and a plea for human benevolence and mercy towards animals.