Some lists picked up at Credo House for you to consider. If you are a reader, a real student, these might be good ones to consider for your library.
10 BOOKS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD HAVE (MICHAEL’S LIST)
by C Michael Patton – Comments
The following is my objective, absolute, written in heaven, add it to the Bible list of the top ten books every Christian should have. The post is in response to our latest Theology Unplugged Podcast on the same subject. You can listen to the complete podcast by clicking the play button below:
Romans, John StottA wonderful commentary on what I believe to be the most important theological work ever written, the book the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans. Very influential in helping me begin to grasp this book.
Grace Awakening, Charles SwindollC.S. Lewis once said that the most unique things about Christianity is grace. Nothing can kill the Christian life quicker than the enemy of grace: legalism. I cannot tell you how important this book is for establishing an understanding of what grace is all about.
Mere Christianity, C.S. LewisI don’t think it would be possible to underestimate the impact this book has had on millions of Christians. C.S. Lewis provided us with a much needed, out of the box, defense of the Christian faith. You need this to understand the intellectual side of Christianity.
Pilgrim’s Progress, John BunyanA classic. In fact, one of the best selling books of all time. This is a fictional allegory that I suggest, not simply because of its historic stature, but because it will give you eyes to see your faith that is both entertaining and challenging.
The Cross of Christ, John StottThe cross is the apex of all of human history. While there are some great mysteries to what happened on the cross, there is a lot we do know. The Cross of Christ is a theological masterpiece on what the cross and salvation is all about.
How to Read the Bible for all its Worth, Gordon FeeDon’t forget: when you read the Bible you must know that it has to be interpreted. This is a easy to understand guide to interpreting the Bible. (Also suggested in this area is William Hendricks “Living by the Book.”)
“Canon” “Pseudopigrapha” “Calvinism” “Atonement” “Irenaeus”: These are all words and people you need to know. This is reference book that will guide you as you walk through the waters of theological terminology and concepts. A must have reference work.
Systematic Theology, Wayne GrudemSystematic theologies are like handbooks to the Bible and the Christian faith. Everyone should have one. I think that this one is the most accessible of all systematic theologies.
Everyone needs a multi-volume commentary to help them work through the more difficult issue that come up in interpreting the Bible. This set is the best-of in Evangelical scholarship, each contributing to their area of expertise. Confused by a particular passage of the Bible? Never fear. This set will help you in understanding and teaching the Bible.
The Story of Christianity (volume 1), Justo Gonzalez
We all need to know our roots. We stand on the shoulders of 2,000 years of Spirit indwelt Church history. Gonzalez’s two volume work is highly accessible and truly enjoyable. Instead of being bored your heart will be inflamed for your Savior.
The Story of Christianity (volume 2), Justo GonzalezWe all need to know our roots. We stand on the shoulders of 2,000 years of Spirit indwelt Church history. Gonzalez’s two volume work is highly accessible and truly enjoyable. Instead of being bored your heart will be inflamed for your Savior.
For a list of all my recommended books in many categories, see here.
10 BOOKS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD HAVE (TIM’S LIST)
by Tim Kimberley – Comments
While Michael’s list is silly and heavily subjective, here is my more level-headed list. The post is in response to our latest Theology Unplugged Podcast on the same subject. You can listen to the complete podcast by clicking the play button below:
ESV Study Bible, Crossway
A great companion for any student of the Bible. Deep enough to give you immense help as you read the Bible, yet concise enough to not overwhelm.
Archaeological Study Bible, Zondervan
Every 21st century reader of the Bible has a great historical gap they need to cross in order to more fully understand Scripture. We are not naturally aware of the world upon which the Bible first came. This study Bible does a great job making you aware of key historical nuggets to help you better understand what you’re reading.
Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
Michael and I both have this book on our list. If you’ve read it and hated it then read it again. A true gem, opened the eyes to many that you can love Jesus completely and also be as intellectual as anyone else. This book will continue to be appreciated until the return of our Savior.
Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
Bunyan spent decades in a prison cell. His punishment? Preaching about Jesus! He lived in a time and a place where it was illegal but he refused to stay silent about Christ. This amazing book, written from his cell, is one of the best selling books of human history.
The Story of Christianity (volume 1), Justo Gonzalez
We all need to know our roots. We stand on the shoulders of 2,000 years of Spirit indwelt Church history. Gonzalez’s two volume work is highly accessible and truly enjoyable. Instead of being bored your heart will be inflamed for your Savior.
The Story of Christianity (volume 2), Justo Gonzalez
We all need to know our roots. We stand on the shoulders of 2,000 years of Spirit indwelt Church history. Gonzalez’s two volume work is highly accessible and truly enjoyable. Instead of being bored your heart will be inflamed for your Savior.
Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem
What does the Bible say about ______. Whatever you put in that blank the odds are Wayne Grudem has done a lot of the heavy lifting for you. This is the best companion to help guide you through the Bible’s teaching on a ton of topics. A reference book that should be used by every Christian family.
Crazy Love or Forgotten God, by Francis Chan
I cheat a little bit on this one by giving you two options. If you feel like some of these meatier books are bogging you down at times you need to pull a book off the shelf that’s a super-fast read and will inspire you toward your God. I think these two are some of the best from this category.
Real Christianity, William Wilberforce
A little gem of a book written more than 200 years ago by one of the most influential Christians to have ever lived.
The Reason for God, Tim Keller
Keller is referred by many as the C.S. Lewis of our generation. His book Reason for God is a great one to read through or use as a reference. Basically any question you may have about God or questions you may be asked by a co-worker, family member, etc… is discussed in a concise yet rich manner.
TOP TEN MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ (BESIDE THE BIBLE)
Please note, these are the ten most influential books for me personally. I am not saying that I believe that these are the most influential books in Christianity. I am sure there are some big ones that are escaping my thoughts right now, but these are good.
Once you read them, I would like to see what makes your list.
10. What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. A wonderful illustration about what grace looks like in real life.
9. Proper Confidence by Leslie Newbigin. Helped establish a paradigm of thinking that was no longer tied to modernism and not so fearful of postmodernism.
8. The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind by Mark Noll. This book still hurts to read, but Noll provided a much needed mirror for us to look at. We should revisit this thesis until change happens.
7. Putting the Amazing back in Grace by Michael Horten. Placed the nail in the coffin of my reformed theology (ok, maybe not the best wording, but you know what I mean). Great book.
6. The Cross of Christ by John Stott. Simply a master piece about understanding what Christ did on the cross.
5. A Survivor’s Guide to Theology by M. James Sawyer. Jim, who has sense become a good friend, has written what I think is the best introduction to theology that is out there. Jim helped me to be comfortable criticizing my Evangelical faith, all the while remaining Evangelical. *Unfortunately it is out of print…Come on Zondervan! How could you give this jewel up? I’ll put a permanent link on this blog to the book if you pick it back up!
4. Through Gates of Splendor by Elizebeth Elliot. How can I judge the impact of the story Jim Elliot on myself and all of Evangelicalism. He is an iconic figure who serves to reorient me to what life is all about. If you have not read this story, shame on you.
3. Love Your God with All Your Mind by J.P. Moreland. Bridged the dichotomy of popular Evangelicalism between faith and reason. Gave me permission and a mandate to use my mind.
2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Of course. Who’s top ten does not include this? Helped me to open the door to an intellectual approach to Christianity when I was 21.
1. Grace Awakening by Chuck Swindoll. Life changing. Life changing. Life changing. The right book at the right time that set the tone for my ministry and, most importantly, my life. I will never be able to thank Chuck enough. The audio series is a must have also.
Honorable mention: Romans John Stott, The Hiding Place Corrie ten Boom, Twilight of Atheism by Alister McGrath.
TOP TEN BOOKS (SAM STORMS)
by Sam StormsFebruary 25th, 2011
10 Comments
Michael and Tim have given you their ultimate Top Ten list, so now it’s my turn.
1) Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Multnomah Press), by John Piper.
On a number of occasions I have commented on how powerfully this book has affected my life and thinking. The concept of Christian Hedonism can be reduced to three principles: First, the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. Second, the God of the Bible takes greater delight in meeting needs than in making demands. Third, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. No Christian should be permitted to depart this life without having read Piper. Newsflash! The 25th anniversary edition of Desiring God has just been released in hardback. Get it!
2) The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God(Multnomah Press), by John Piper. In this sequel to Desiring God, John sets forth another revolutionary thesis: “The chief end of God is to glorify God and enjoy Himself forever.” If you are interested in what ultimately pleases God, Piper will give you the answer.
3) Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards. The reason I didn’t list a particular publisher is that the Affections has been released in countless editions by a multitude of publishers over the past 300 years. The best (and most expensive) edition is undoubtedly the one from Yale University Press. If Edwards’ prose (and the price of the book) is a bit too much for you, you may want to start out by reading my book, Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards’ Religious Affections, published by Crossway in 2007.
4) Institutes of the Christian Religion (Westminster Press, 2 vols.), by John Calvin. Calvin’s writings were probably more influential in giving broad shape to my theology than anyone else. The Institutes are both profound and practical, both substantive and spiritual. Don’t be put off by what others may have told you about Calvin. These volumes are more than meat . . . they are filet mignon!
5) Most everything written by J. I. Packer, in particular Knowing God (IVP). Packer has often confessed he is still surprised that this book became as popular as it did. It isn’t flashy or flamboyant, but it is most assuredly worth your time and effort.
6) The Presence and the Power: The Significance of the Holy Spirit in the Life and Ministry of Jesus, by Gerald Hawthorne (who passed away in 2010) (initially published by Word, but recently re-released by another publisher; check it out on Amazon.com). I rank this book highly because of the way God used it to awaken me to the reality of how Jesus lived the life he lived and the implications for how I am to live the life I live, namely, in the power of the Spirit. My doctrine of the person and work of Christ was forever changed by what Hawthorne showed me in Scripture. This isn’t easy reading, but it will pay rich dividends for the work you put into it.
7) The Presence of the Future (Zondervan), by George Ladd. This book had the greatest influence on my views of the kingdom of God and the broader issues of eschatology. It is a devastating and irrefutable critique of classical dispensationalism.
8 ) Surprised by the Power of the Spirit (Zondervan), by Jack Deere. Jack’s book is the most thorough refutation of cessationism ever written. Regardless of where you come down on the issue of the nature and validity of spiritual gifts today, you should own and read (often) Jack’s treatment.
9) Chasing the Dragon, by Jackie Pullinger. The fact that this book appears toward the end of my list is no reflection on its value. I am tempted to place it number one, simply for the impact it continues to have on my understanding of what it means to take up your cross and follow Christ. If you have not yet read the life-story of Jackie Pullinger and her experiences in Hong Kong’s Walled City, don’t wait a day longer. It will change you forever.
10) Confessions, by Augustine. This classic by the late fourth, early fifth-century philosopher, theologian, and churchman is a testimony to the marvels of sovereign, saving grace. Most people talk about the so-called “classics” of the Christian faith, but very few read them. Take my word for it and read this one.
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