Six faculty at La Sierra University have recently published books. The topics range from amphibians to software to a Greek dictionary.

L. Lee Grismer, professor of biology—Amphibians and Reptiles of Baja California, Including Its Pacific Islands and the Islands in the Sea of Cortés

This book is the culmination of Grismer’s quarter century of fieldwork on the Baja peninsula and his exploration of more than 100 of its islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés. It gives information on the identification, distribution, natural history and taxonomy of each species of amphibian and reptile found there. As an original and important contribution to science, this book will generate further research for years to come. It is a benchmark reference for both professionals and amateurs.

Delmer G. Ross, professor of history and political science—Reminiscences of Walter D. Scott, Desert Entrepreneur of the American West

Ross edited and introduced this volume, which features stories told by Scott about his life in the Colorado Desert of southeastern California. The book chronicles how Scott found a gold mine in a forsaken stretch of arid terrain, irrigated his desert land to create a profitable farm, and much more.

Rennie B. Schoepflin, associate professor of history—Christian Science on Trial: Religious Healing in America

In his book, Schoepflin documents how Christian Science became a viable alternative to medicine at the end of the 19th century. The book also illuminates the movement’s struggle for existence against the efforts of organized American medicine to curtail its activities. Through Schoepflin’s work, readers gain a historical context for understanding current debates over children’s rights, parental responsibility and the authority of modern medicine.

Paul Mallery (with coauthor Darren George), associate professor of psychology—SPSS for Windows Step by Step: A Simple Guide and Reference, 11.0 Update (4th Edition)

This book is designed to simplify the process of data analysis using SPSS software. The clarity of this work is established by the use of more than 200 screen shots, clear writing and more than 500 step-by-step boxes that show how to accomplish any procedure in SPSS one step at a time. Students, even novices, can learn independently from this comprehensive and straightforward treatment.

Warren C. Trenchard, professor of New Testament and early Christian literature—Concise Dictionary of New Testament Greek

The project, a standard dictionary in alphabetical order, started in 1990 with a database of Greek vocabulary that was compiled to publish a Greek vocabulary textbook. The dictionary was published with Cambridge Press in July 2003. “This is a thorough, exhaustive analysis of the Greek New Testament vocabulary,” says John Jones, Ph.D., dean of La Sierra University’s School of Religion. “This will prove to be an indispensable resource for Christian students, scholars and pastors.”

V. Bailey Gillespie (with coauthors Michael J. Donahue, Ed Boyatt and Barry Gane), director, pre-seminary program and professor of theology and Christian personality—Ten Years Later: A Study of Two Generations

What are the “big things” we’ve learned in our research of Adventist youth? What’s the good news? What’s the flip side? How important is the family in a student’s quest for a spiritual life? Ten Years Later: A Study of Two Generations, answers these questions, and many more. A must read for youth pastors, educators, or parents who wants to have a positive impact on students and their journey of faith.