Things have been very busy, so I’m just now getting to my Best Christian Books of 2013. Some qualifiers:
All the works are non-fiction.
The books were read - but not necessarily published - in 2013.
I believe all of these books can be found in the SPEP Resource Center. (If you find that any of them are not, please let me know.)
I hope you find something on this list that will encourage, challenge, edify and strengthen you on your Christian walk. My Top 12 in alphabetical order by author’s last name:
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor's Journey Into Christian Faith (2012) Rosaria Champagne Butterfield
The story of a former tenured professor of English at Syracuse University and her conversion to Christianity is an excellent, intelligent read, but may contain perhaps a bit too much of an emphasis on the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America for some readers. Overall an excellent memoir.
Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church (2010) Kenda Creasy Dean
Dean’s book is based on the 2003-2005 National Study of Youth and Religion, examining why many American teens profess Christianity, yet seem so apathetic about it in their lives. Oxford University Press seems an odd publisher for this book, and the work does come across as somewhat academic at times, yet Dean fills each chapter with practical information as well as suggestions for prayerfully turning things around.
Her strongest theme throughout is the concept of building “behind the wall” conversations with teens. The idea comes from 2 Kings 18-19, which recounts Jerusalem being surrounded by the Assyrians. The Assyrian negotiator taunts Israel and God while Israel’s leaders are behind the wall, having conversations with God’s people, reminding them of who God is and His faithfulness to them.
Almost Christian is an essential read for youth leaders, church leaders, pastors and parents.
Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem (2013) Kevin DeYoung
If you feel like you don’t have time to read this book, you really should read this book! You may be surprised at some of the root causes of our busyness and the biblical solutions DeYoung offers in this short, excellent work.
Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality (2013) William Edgar
(This work is part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series which also includes works on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Wesley and an upcoming volume on John Calvin.)
Francis Schaeffer was a giant of Christian thinking in the 20th century, but reading his work can be a challenge. Producing any introductory work on Schaeffer is no easy task, but Edgar does a fine job of giving an overview of Schaeffer’s life and work. Please read more.
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World (2012) Bob Goff
A very simple, easy-to-read book that will change how you look at your spiritual life. Goff’s book may be a light, quick, often humorous hilarious read, but there’s a wealth of wisdom within its pages. Regardless of what we’ve been led to believe by the culture, love isn’t primarily about thoughts and feelings; it’s about doing. Here’s a book you can read in a day, but its lessons will stay with you for a lifetime.
Meaning at the Movies: Becoming a Discerning Viewer (2010) Grant Horner
You don’t have to be a movie fanatic (like me) to enjoy and learn from this book. Horner spends a good chunk of his introduction discussing movies, the concept of truth, the nature of our culture, and the authority of Scripture. This is essential for appreciating what he has to say about film and worldview. Meaning at the Movies has now become my “go-to” book on film and the Christian worldview.
Love Into Light: The Gospel, the Homosexual and the Church (2013) Peter Hubbard
I’ve read a few books on homosexuality and Christianity and perused several others. Most are not worth your time, but Hubbard’s short book manages to convey biblical truth with grace, gentleness and respect. Highly recommended.
The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God (2011) Timothy Keller
Putting a Tim Keller book on your Best of the Year list is a no-brainer. Essential reading for anyone, whether you’re married or not.
Reverberation: How God’s Word Brings Light, Freedom, and Action to His People (2011) Jonathan Leeman
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation (2000) Vern S. Poythress
Some writers and commentators avoid the Book of Revelation. Not Poythress. Please read more.
Sex & Money: Pleasures That Leave You Empty and Grace That Satisfies (2013) Paul David Tripp
“Pleasure. We live in a world obsessed with finding it, passionate about enjoying it, and desperate about maintaining it. Chief among such objects of affection are sex and money--two pleasures unequaled in their power to captivate our attention and demand our worship. In what is sure to become an instant classic, popular author Paul David Tripp pulls back the curtain on the lies of our flesh and the ways we distort God's good gifts, examining the insanity of our culture and exposing our tendency to fall prey to the hollow promises of this world. In exploring how God's grace frees us from futile pursuits, Tripp directs readers to the wisdom of God in Scripture and the liberating power of the gospel, offering practical guidance on finding true joy and enduring satisfaction.” (Goodreads)
Sexual Sanity for Men: Re-Creating Your Mind in a Crazy Culture (2012) David White
And also let me know what you read and enjoyed in 2013!
