The New International Version remains the bestselling Bible translation, outranking the King James Version and the New Living Translation in both dollar and unit sales, according to the latest best seller's report from the Association for Christian Retail. Meanwhile, NIV publisher Zondervan reports that more than 11 million digital and print copies of the Bible translation have been sold worldwide.

The best seller's April 2013 list from the Association for Christian Retail, commonly referred to as the CBA, ranks the NIV, KJV and the NLT as the three leaders, respectively, among the 10 ranked predominantly English Bible translations. Only one non-English translation appears on the list – the American Bible Society's Reina Valera 1960, a popular Spanish Bible.

Standout among the list, however, is the NIV, which has more than 450 million copies in print. The NIV, reportedly the first major translation to depart from the traditional KJV, debuted almost 35 years ago and has become the most read modern English Bible translation, according to Zondervan, one of the leading Christian publishers. more >>

In a book released last fall, president of Catholics for the Common Good, William B. May, has encouraged defenders of traditional marriage to focus on the meaning of the term "marriage" to avoid the "hate speech" brand when discussing their position.

"People should understand that the real question is not whether to let homosexuals marry, but whether to redefine marriage or not," said May in statement on Monday. Marriage under its current definition, said May, "is an institution that unites children with their mothers and fathers. Thus, marriage between homosexuals is not possible without completely changing its purpose and removing its primary public interest."

In his book, Getting the Marriage Conversation Right: a Guide for Effective Dialogue, Mays argues that defenders of traditional marriage can deflect accusations of "hate" in discussing their opposition to redefining marriage by not buying into the arguments of detractors of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) but ask instead, "What does this have to do with the only institution that unites children to their moms and dads?" more >>

Editor's Note: There are two parts to this story: an interview with Ryan Shook and an interview with Josh Shook, co-authors of the new book Firsthand: Ditching Secondhand Religion for a Faith of Your Own. Below is the interview with Josh Shook.

Two brothers in their early twenties, whose parents are New York Times best-selling authors Kerry and Chris Shook, founders of Woodlands Church, a megachurch near Houston, are receiving high praises for their book about breaking free of their "second-hand religion."

After years of going to church, following the rules and trying to replicate the faith of their church-planting parents, Josh (22) and Ryan (23) Shook felt like the religion of their upbringing no longer made sense, explained publishers writing about Firsthand: Ditching Secondhand Religion for a Faith of Your Own. They continued, "Everything they had been taught began to feel flimsy and fake, leading to a personal crisis of faith that turned them away from God to partying, endless video-game playing, and an addiction to pornography. more >>

Editor's Note:  There are two parts to this story: an interview with Ryan Shook and an interview with Josh Shook, co-authors of the new book Firsthand: Ditching Secondhand Religion for a Faith of Your Own.  Below is the interview with Ryan Shook.  

Twenty-three-year-old Ryan Shook grew up in church knowing all the "good Christian kid" answers. The son of New York Times best-selling authors Kerry and Chris Shook, founders of Woodlands Church, a megachurch near Houston, says his faith "worked" for him until he entered high school. At that point, he said he was faced with criticism, rejection, isolation, and insecurity.

Earlier this week, Shook and his brother Josh (22) released their book, Firsthand: Ditching Secondhand Religion for a Faith of Your Own. The book about breaking free from "secondhand religion" is receiving high marks from well-known Christian leaders. more >>

Actor Greg Kinnear is reportedly in the process of signing on to play a character in the upcoming movie adaptation of the New York Times best-selling book Heaven Is For Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.

The book, which was released in late 2010, is based on the true story of a 4-year-old boy living in Nebraska who claims to have visited heaven while undergoing surgery for an emergency operation.

The young boy reportedly died temporarily during the surgery, and after awaking from his anesthesia, he claimed to have met his miscarried sister in heaven, as well as his great grandfather, divulging in family details which would have been impossible for him to have known. more >>

World-famous worship leader Darlene Zschech has announced the release of her new book "Revealing Jesus" on Tuesday.

Additionally, the best-selling author is releasing a "Revealing Jesus" live worship CD/DVD as well as a 365-day devotional hardcover book today.

Produced by 5-time Grammy Award-winner Israel Houghton, the "Revealing Jesus" CD features special guest appearances and song co-writes with Michael W. Smith, Kari Jobe, and Houghton. more >>