Here is a list of books which I think are helpful for orthodox, especially younger, Christians. You'll notice that I include some secular literature; these sources are important for understanding the culture around us (and simply enjoyable). I have read all of the suggested books (which certainly does not mean I have thoroughly understood each text, although I'd like to think so). Some of these books I have written about here at Always Reforming. Check the archives to see what I thought.
- Aristotle's Poetics
- Aristotle represents one of the most influential voices in history. Poetics is a good place to start reading him.
- Augustine's Confessions
- Augustine, along with Aquinas and Origen, is the most influential of the church fathers. His impact on Calvin is inextricable, and from Calvin the flow of influence continues. Confessions offers an unique look into the conversion and daily struggles (and simply good literature) of Augustine, Bishop of Hippo.
- Counterfeit Gods
- I much enjoy Tim Keller as a teacher and preacher. This little book is often convicting as it exposes the many ways we tend to worship lesser gods, while neglecting the triune God of the Bible.
- Culture Shift
- Al Mohler's first book is compact and interesting. Culture Shift helpfully presents some of the issues which are of urgent concern for Christians today. If it has a short-coming, it's that the book is much diagnosis with little prescription.
- Evangelical Landscapes
- John Stackhouse gives a collection of essays on various issues within evangelicalism, from money to conservative scholarship. I found this brief book offers much biblical perspective.
- Five Sacred Crossings
- I am still excited about Craig Hazen's book. Five Sacred Crossings is a novel which interweaves a Christian apologetic. Hazen directly juxtaposes Christianity with various world religions and worldviews. Here's the thing, it's written well. (Always Reforming)
- God's Big Picture
- I highly recommend this book to everyone. Roberts' simple, easy-to-read book changed the way I approach reading Christian Scripture. Note, however, that God's Big Picture is more or less a "poor man's" Gospel and Kingdom. So some people may prefer to jump straight to Goldsworthy. But I would recommend reading Robert's first. (Always Reforming)
- How Should We Then Live
- Francis Schaeffer's book is a modern classic. Schaeffer critically analyzes many prevalent post-enlightenment worldviews, as well as offering a helpful analysis of history. I recommend reading and rereading this book.
- Is God on America's Side?
- This book impacted me greatly at the time I first read it. Working from the premise that we often pose the wrong question, and when should be asking "is America on God's side?," Erwin Lutzer faithfully put nationalism in its place. Namely, as secondary to God's Kingdom and Kingdom work. (Always Reforming)
- Jesus Under Fire
- I read Jesus Under Fire during my second year in college, and so at that time I was just learning about The Jesus Seminar and various other rejectors of the biblical (actual) Jesus. This book presents clear (though technical) historical and philosophical data supporting the historicity of Scripture's Jesus. Almost everyone will benefit from studying this book.
- Mere Christianity
- Most likely, anyone reading this is plenty familiar with C. S. Lewis's famous book. For those who haven't read it, read it--and really anything Lewis wrote.
- More Than a Carpenter
- As far as engaging with unbelievers concerning the validity of Christianity, there is not much I like about evidential (McDowell is Classical, I know) apologetics. But for believers, I think empirical arguments for the Christian faith are enormously helpful (for a number of reasons). And I have not read a more approachable collection of historical data than More Than a Carpenter.
- Plato on Socrates (Apology and Phaedo)
- In his "survey" of sophists and common people, Socrates offers much good and practical advise about the nature of those who think themselves "wise." Besides, everyone should read Plato.
- Read Shakespeare
- Shakespeare is one of those rare authors who, no matter how much acclaim his work receives, always surpasses his readers' expectation. If you live in an English speaking country, you need to read Shakespeare. His work is far too influential to be neglected.
- Rousseau's Confessions
- The first time I read through Roussuau's Confessions, I was shocked at the its relevance for today's Christianity. His idea that honesty is the highest virtue (today people use the word "transparency" or "real"), and that ultimately honesty would vindicate him resonates loudly with much of today's christianish/easternish/spirituality. (Note that the similarities in Rousseau's philosophy and that of Donald Miller are striking--but that's another discussion for another time.)
- The American Evangelical Story
- Here is a small, accessible book that gives its readers a brief, insightful, broad look at evangelical history in the States. As far as a definition may be fashioned, Sweeny (author) helpfully brings a semblance of clarity to the term "evangelical."
- The Count of Monte Cristo
- Perhaps this book has some theological significance. I don't know. It's one of my favorite books, so I included it in the list.
- The Reason for God
- Keller's The Reason for God is a must read for everyone. Every Christian should read this book. Every non Christian should read this book. Keller's arguments are accessible to most any reader from high school up, and the book's clear presentation presents a compelling offering of the Christian view. (Always Reforming)
- Velvet Elvis
- Rob Bell's first book is indicative of much of his teaching style, complete with all the features which draw some people to him and polarize some against him. I do not recommend "baby Christians" reading this book. However, I do recommend that those who are in the "church" world (meaning current or future church leaders--in whatever capacity) and those more grounded in sound doctrine read Velvet Elvis. (Always Reforming)
- Why We're Not Emergent
- Anyone who is vaguely familiar with the emergent/emerging church movement, should read Deyoung and Kluck's work. (Always Reforming)
