The religious book phenomenon is looking like it has more staying power than many in the publishing industry believed. “The growth of Christian books outpaced the adult trade category in 2004, with sales expected to soar in coming years… Precise reasons for this jump in interest are hard to pin down, although the phenomenon coincides with the rise of evangelical Christianity and general anxiety over terrorism and the economy… Beyond that, Christian bookstores enjoy a special relationship with customers. The stores tend to blend a bit of ministry with retailing.”