Recommended Reading
This reading list reflects a list of books that Doug/Tim have read and/or recommend. We are not trying to create an exhaustive list of good books about the Christian life. We are trying to create a list that has a few books that we recommend the most for each topic. We are also able to lend many of them to you if you are interested!
For Those who Love to Read
I freely admit I might give a different list on any given year, but this is a good list. These books vary in style, accessibility, era, and content. They've impacted my life and the lives of many I know.
The Bible
Predictable, but you won’t do better. We must love God’s word if we’re to love Him and others.
Thinkers
The Reason For God by Tim Keller, The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard, and The Waiting Father by Helmut Thielicke
These books make a case for why Christianity is reasonable and beautiful (Keller), and for the extraordinary invitation to live as Jesus’ apprentices in His Kingdom (Willard/Thielicke). Albeit ‘heady’, they are worth the work and will leave you more grounded, wiser, and more in love with God.
Living As a Christian
Practicing The Way by Comer, The Prodigal God by Keller, What’s So Amazing About Grace by Yancey, Every Good Endeavour by Keller, Darkness is My Only Companion by Greene-McCreight, and Letters to the Church by Chan
Comer offers a clear and compelling introduction to what it means to be Christ’s disciple. Keller (Prodigal God) and Yancey elucidate the radical, scandalous love of God for sinners of all stripes (the “religious kind” and the “wayward kind”). Keller (Every Good Endeavour) nails the oft unexplored integration of our faith and our work. Greene-McCreight offers a stunning personal witness to and theological reflection on mental illness and suffering. Chan delivers a powerful critique of how we think about being a church and following Jesus.
A Deeper Walk With God
Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians by Lawson, Practicing the Presence of God by Lawrence, How to Hear God by Grieg, and Surprised by the Spirit by Deere
Lawson’s mini biographies will inspire you to hunger for a deeper life with God. Lawrence will offer you a pathway to that deeper life in Practicing the Presence of God. Grieg and Deere are even more accessible and point us to a deeper experience of knowing God personally and living empowered by His Spirit.
Story Time
Boxers to Bandits by Fortosis and Reid, Chasing the Dragon by Pullinger, and the Chronicles of Narnia by Lewis
Reading biographies and novels has been one of the most enjoyable spiritual practices I have. It has opened my eyes to the radical call to follow Christ in every era, and to the very human, normal people who do that.