Editorial Policy
Press exists to help readers discover books about Jesus, Christian theology, church history, and the Christian life. This page explains how books are chosen, how descriptions are written, and how the library is maintained.
How books are selected
Books are included based on their relevance to Christian life, theology, Scripture study, church history, and spiritual formation. Press does not evaluate books by popularity, sales, or critical acclaim. A book is included because it may serve a reader.
The library represents multiple Christian traditions. No single tradition is treated as the default. Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Reformed, Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, and ecumenical works are all represented when they serve the purpose of the library.
Books are not excluded because Press editors may disagree with them. The purpose of the library is to present books faithfully, not to curate only those with which the editors agree.
How descriptions are written
Every book page contains two kinds of written content:
- Metadata— title, author, publisher, ISBN, page count, and similar factual information. This is sourced from publisher records and ISBN databases.
- Editorial summary— a description written by Press. These summaries explain what a book is about, not whether it is good. They describe the author's argument, the book's context, and the tradition it represents.
Where a description is adapted from the publisher's materials, this is noted on the page. Where Press has written an original summary, this is also noted.
Descriptions avoid evaluative language. Words like “brilliant, ” “powerful,” “essential,” and “groundbreaking” do not appear in Press summaries. Instead, descriptions use language like “explores,” “examines,” “argues,” and “reflects on.”
How traditions are identified
Each book is assigned a tradition when there is clear evidence for doing so. Tradition is indicated when:
- The author is formally affiliated with a tradition (e.g., a Reformed pastor, a Catholic religious)
- The work is written within a clearly identifiable theological framework
- The book is published by a tradition-specific press or for a tradition-specific audience
When no single tradition applies, Press uses “Ecumenical” or omits the tradition field entirely. Press does not infer tradition from subject matter alone.
Availability and links
Press does not sell books. Where links to bookstores or publishers are provided, they are labeled as “availability” information, not as calls to purchase. The language used is:
- View at [publisher]
- View at [bookstore]
- Learn more
Press does not use “Buy,” “Add to cart,” or “Add to wish list.” The purpose of these links is to help readers find books, not to encourage purchases.
Copyright and previews
Press does not host copyrighted material without permission. Where book previews are available through official channels (Google Books, publisher websites, Internet Archive where permitted), Press links to them. Press does not reproduce book content beyond brief quotations necessary for description.
Public domain texts (those published before 1929 in the United States, or where copyright has expired) may be referenced more extensively, but Press does not host full texts.
Corrections
Press aims for accuracy in all metadata and descriptions. If you notice an error in a book's description, publication details, or classification, you are welcome to report it. Corrections are made promptly when errors are confirmed.
Factual corrections (wrong ISBN, incorrect page count, wrong publication date) are addressed immediately. Disagreements with editorial summaries are noted but may not result in changes, since summaries are intended to be neutral and descriptive rather than comprehensive.
Long-term direction
As the library grows, Press will add richer metadata to help readers find books more precisely. Future additions may include:
- Scripture references
- Historical periods (Early Church, Reformation, Modern)
- Church councils and confessions
- Reading level and audience
- Original language and translator information
These additions help readers understand books without making judgments about them. The goal is always to serve the reader, not to promote any particular book or tradition.