Early in 2012, I challenged the congregation of my church to read at least three books throughout the year, books having to do with some aspect of the Christian life. Many people shared those books with me, so now I want to share with them (and you) some of the best books on the Christian life that I encountered in 2012:
When I am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety (2010) - Edward T. Welch
Although meant to be a companion workbook to Welch’s Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God Rest, this short book actually stands on its own, covering what for many Christians are real problems: anxiety, worry, fear and depression. If you don’t want to tackle the larger book, or if you’re not sure how much anxiety, worry, fear and depression are a part of your life, this book is for you.
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream (2010) - David Platt
I have talked to Christians who both love and hate this book. Radical does have some problems and maybe could’ve been presented more carefully, but Platt is more concerned with challenging our ideas about the American Dream and helping others than he is with being too careful. Sometimes that approach works to his detriment, but for me, this book challenged the way I think about helping others and in particular how I think about missions.
A Praying Life (2009) - Paul E. Miller
Absolutely essential. This book has transformed my prayer life in ways I could never have imagined. Whether your own prayer life is solid, non-existent, or somewhere in between, read this book.
Lit! A Christian Guide to Reading Books (2011) - Tony Reinke
Anyone who loves reading will enjoy this book, Christian or not, but it is certainly geared toward Christians. The author’s passion for reading (and not just Christian literature) is evident on every page. Reinke addresses not only those who love to read, but those who hate to read, those who want to read more, those who read only Christian literature, and.... well, just about everybody else.
A Kingdom Called Desire: Confronted by the Love of a Risen King (2011) - Rick McKirley
“How?” is the question most Christians ask. The question we should be asking is “Why?” Not, for instance, “How do I get what I want?” but “Why do I want what I want?” This book will open your eyes to what you really desire most.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness (2012) - Timothy Keller
A short, but powerful look at what our lives should really be about, and it’s not ourselves: it’s others. Keller doesn’t mess around and he doesn’t mince words. A very short book you can read in an hour, but will stick with you long afterward.
This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence (2009) - John Piper
Anything by John Piper is worth your time and this book is no exception. We've often heard about marriage being a picture of Christ's love for the church, but that teaching is usually given in haste without a proper contemplation of all it implies. Piper corrects all that here. My only quibble is that Piper sometimes tends to belabor some points and rush through others. Still, an excellent resource on marriage.
Crying for a Vision and Other Essays (2007) - Steve Scott
British-born musician and poet Scott combines his deep love of Scripture with a deep love for the arts in a series of exceptional and sometimes challenging essays on how Christians should engage and support artistic endeavors.
Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach (2006) - Vern S. Poythress
I thought my head was going to explode during parts of this, but it was certainly worth the effort. Poythress is - odd as it may sound - a Christian with very high views of both Scripture and science. Christianity and science, says Poythress (with doctorates in theology and science), are not antagonistic, or at least shouldn’t be. An astounding book, but be prepared to expand your mind.
Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom & Discernment (2009) - Brian Godawa
Previous thoughts here.
Republocrat (NF 2010) - Carl R. Trueman
Previous thoughts here.
Real-Life Discipleship: Building Churches That Make Disciples (2010) - Jim Putnam
My good friend Trip gave me this book, which is an excellent examination on how to help people in and out of the church as they grow spiritually. Putnam puts all Christians into one of four categories: spiritual infants, spiritual children, spiritual young adults and spiritual parents. It’s a humbling read, but biblical and very practical for all Christians, not just those leading or mentoring others.
Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate (2012) - Justin Lee
I could write pages on this one. Whether you’re Christian, gay, both or neither, you should read this book. Honest and heartfelt, Lee delivers a stunning look at what it was like for him growing up both Christian and gay. I may not agree with all of Lee’s logic and Bible exegesis, but I greatly admire his courage, honesty and faith. Like me, you may not agree with Lee, but this book could very well become a needed bridge in understanding how to engage the gay community.
Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Plan for the World (2012) - Timothy Keller
Yes, Keller is good enough to place two books on my list. (I could’ve included a third!)
If you’ve ever wondered about how you can be a Christian and suffer through working for an absolute jerk, this book is for you. If you’ve thought that work is a necessary evil, this book is for you. If you love your work, this book is for you. No matter what your relationship to work, Keller’s book is an eye opener. (And any book that starts with a quote from John Coltrane can’t be bad.)
That’s it - the best books I read this year on Christianity. Let me know what you read.
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