Book Suggestions, Anyone?
Since surrendering my life to God on September 25th, 2006, I have received so much advice from other people that it’s almost overwhelming. Several different books have been recommended. In response to all of those recommendations I have:
Not read a single one of them!
Why not? Because the number is so large I have no idea where to start. So I’m bringing it here to my blog. Some readers were very helpful recommending music. Let’s see if you can now help me decide what books I should read.
Speaking of reading: I’ve always loved to read. Part of that reason is because my parents threw out the television for 7 years while I was growing up, not long after I started school. That had to have been one of the best things they ever did. Instead of filling my mind with random moving images that held no educational value, I filled my mind with random moving images created by my imagination in response to words I read on paper.
As part of the strengthening process, I am anxious to read something written by Christian authors. I’d like to start with something non-fiction. But it also needs to be interesting.
Anything come to mind?
I have a good one! How To Live Like A King’s Kid, by Harold Hill. To be honest, I haven’t finished reading it, but Cary keeps talking about it since he read it! I keep meaning to finish because what I’ve read is really good–just have trouble sitting down to concentrate on a book lately! This guy’s experiences with God are amazing, and he’s entertaining to read. Don’t know how easy it is to find the book, as it is copyrighted 1974, but I think you’d probably like it!
turns out it’s pretty easy to find–I found it on Amazon right away, cheap too!
One of my favorites, and my best friends favorite is:
“Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality” by Don Miller
He, like you has quite a bone to pick with traditional churches, and has many good ideas. It is a very entertaining, and quick read, but surprisingly deep.
“A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
“Your Best Life Now” by Joel Osteen
Donny, these two are amazing…
This is actually, for me, a no brainer…but you said non-fiction. Crap.
When you hit fiction, the first two you MUST start with are from Randy Alcorn, Deadline and the sequel Dominion. They are definitely fiction, but they are VERY researched, so they feel like non-fiction. There are a number of things from those two books that have shaped my faith and my relationships with others…not bad for fiction.
His website is http://www.epm.org if you want more info about Alcorn. He does write non-fiction as well and I think he is a great writer, so you might find something there you can identify with.
How ’bout the bible, non-fiction and I think it’s one of the most read books in the world.
Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson – Amazing book that takes a look at a lot of really good things that Christians should think about!
Simply Christian by N.T.Wright – the Mere Christianity for today (supposedly). I think NT Wright is an amazing writer and New Testament scholar.
Those are the two that I would highly recommend right off the bat.
I really liked The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Wendy probably has a copy of it, because Sherie was giving them out to everyone! If not, I have a copy you could have.
I gave Tracy permission to give you my email address. -Nancy
(I’ve been helped by so many good Christian books, but I won’t overwhelm you!)
Donny,
I recommend:
1) The Holy Bible
2) Heaven, by Randy Alcorn
3) A Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren
4) QuickVerse Platinum
I am never without my HP Pocket PC and QuickVerse Platinum. It is an incredible tool for Bible reading and study. It has a good selection of translations, commentaries, Bible history, and several other excellent resources.
- David
I agree with “Blue Like Jazz”. Good Stuff. A lot of books from relevantbooks.com are really good too. I have read a few of them myself.
Blake
I enjoy the CS Lewis stuff (not the Chronicles, but they’re good too). Mere Christianity, lots of small good ones.
Wisdom Hunter was life changing for me. And there is a book by “Brother Yun”, The Heavenly Man, that I’ve only heard really really great things about.
donny, i’ll keep this short.
1. Velvit Elvis…Rob Bell
2. Blue Like Jazz…Donald Miller
3. Wild at Heart…Jonathon Eldridge
and if you aren’t bored easy and like to have your brain stimulated…
Desire of the Everlasting Hills…Thomas Cahill
This book practically saved my life:
Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism: A Bishop Rethinks the Meaning of Scripture (Paperback)
by John Shelby Spong
http://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Bible-Fundamentalism-Rethinks-Scripture/dp/0060675187
SJ xx
Ummm after visiting the XXXChurch Donny, do yourself a big favour and read these:
# The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible’s Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love by John Shelby Spong
# Why Christianity Must Change or Die: A Bishop Speaks to Believers In Exile by John Shelby Spong
# A New Christianity for a New World: Why Traditional Faith is Dying & How a New Faith is Being Born by John Shelby Spong
# Liberating the Gospels: Reading the Bible with Jewish Eyes by John Shelby Spong
# Living in Sin?: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality by John Shelby Spong
3 votes for a purpose driven life by rick warren so far…
Donny,
Great to hear that Lord has rescued you. That is amazing.
Yes – soak yourself in His Word.
There is a book by John Piper entitled, Desiring God, that might aid you in loving Jesus more.
Grace,
A
PS: I don’t recommend Spong.
Wow, a lot of great books have been mentioned, some that I have read, others that I own but have not read yet, and others that I have never heard of.
I have heard great things about “Blue Like Jazz” from some of my friends who read it and their lives totally changed. “Your Best Life Now” changed my own life as I read it while I was in a time of depression and couldn’t figure out why.
A book that I wish I currently had time to re-read is Kris’ book “The Supernatural Ways of Royalty”. He hinted at it a little bit tonight, but it is just about breaking the mindset Christians have about thinking they must be worthless. Contrary to what some people who haven’t read the book think, it isn’t about getting rich, it is about thinking about yourself the way that God thinks about you, which is a very good thing!
And one more book while I’m at it is Bill’s “When Heaven Invades Earth”. Now I love praying for people like we did tonight at church and I am thrilled that God healed a man that I prayed for tonight, but I am not content with just praying for people who are in church and came there to receive prayer. I want to step out and be bold in my faith everywhere that I go. I wish that I had read this book many years ago or had learned to be bold in sharing my faith from the day I got saved rather than having to try now to break my habit of being quiet.
I’ll second that reccomendation of John Piper’s book, and would also encourage you to avoid Spong.
I’ve literally been in church all day long. I left my house not long after writing this blog entry and I’ve literally been back home less than 5 minutes.
I had my laptop with me at church tonight, though. Bethel church has wireless internet. I’ve been reading the comments as the come in. Every comment goes to my inbox as well as appearing on this blog.
I picked up “A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Thanks to those who recommended it. And thanks to Nancy for mentioning Sherie. It turns out she had a copy of the book and let me take it home tonight.
After subtracting driving time, I spent 10 hours at church today. I’m exhausted. But it was a really good day.
Avoid anything by Spong like the plague. He denies the virgin birth, deity of Christ etc,etc, you get the picture.
Anything by John Piper, but start with ‘Future Grace’, it covers a lot of ground but is easy to read.
C J Mahaney’s book called ‘Humility’ is short, but very powerful and should be on every Christians bookshelf.
If you are serious about going deeper with God then don’t bother with Osteen either, waste of money and effort.
I agree Simply Christian (NT Wright) is a good book to start.
Of course the Bible too.
Just piling on here…
–Anything from CS Lewis
–John Piper is good too
–Wild at Heart – John Eldridge
Always a good idea to weigh what you read against Scripture.
Hey Donny,
not only as a fiction writer I have to say this: fictional christian literature often transports more spiritual/religious/whatever truth than christian guides. Most christian non-fiction books are boring, they drive you mad and prevent you from living your own life. There are a few exceptions, of course: books by Matthew Paul Turner, by John Eldredge and of course by C.S. Lewis.
But for the beginning I would recommend the novels by my friend Adrian Plass. “Ghosts” for example is a great book about ‘ghosts of the past’ and of course “The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass, Aged 37 3/4″ which is probably the funniest book EVER written about Christians…
http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Diary-Adrian-Plass-Aged/dp/0310269121/sr=8-2/qid=1161613909/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-2943644-1761609?ie=UTF8
wild at heart is a favourite of mine. it actually rekindled my love of reading…
a tale of three kings by gene edwards is also a good one. it is about the relationships between david, saul, and absalom. it speaks to those feeling embittered or hurt by people in the church..
these are a list of books recommended to me…i have yet to read all of any of them as i was trying to get through the books i own first…
The spiritual life by evelyn underhill – a lady who lived in the 1900’s. very simple yet profound 96 pages. a book that will leave you going–yes!
Let go by fenelon http://whitakerhouse.com (i found it at mardel…this one i will be starting today)
wow! also a short book 87 pages, but amazing–it’s a about “letting go” of our self. short chapters but you have to read it slowly to get it
seeking the face of God by Gary L. Thomas – a favorite of a trusted friend…he says ‘you will dig this book’
imitation of Christ by thomas a kempis – a classic–the only other book that has been published more than this one is the Bible. a must read. short chapters, 256 pages. very thought provoking.
Devotion classics edited by Richard Foster and james bryan smith – a great book because it is broken up into sections and you can read the best of an author both contemporary and classical. this one also has study questions and spiritual exercises.
“Most christian non-fiction books are boring”
This may be true as a huge generalization, but I haven’t found it to be true of the good authors (many of which have been listed here).
While I haven’t read Eldridge (yet), I have heard a lot of good things about him.
And I would also avoid Spong like the plague.
Donny, You Rock.
Band Recommendations:
(keep in mind these aren’t the mmmbop christian bands your xxxchurch friends play and the first few are screamo). Also most of these bands you can find on Itunes
mewithoutYou***** (post hardcore rock)
As Cities Burn (hardcore rock)
Underoath (hardcore rock)
The Chariot (hardcore rock)
Norma Jean (hardcore rock)
Cool Hand Luke (post hardcore indie rock)
Bernard (indie rock)
Forever Changed (indie rock)
-These are eight of the best christian bands out in my opinion and I was in a touring band for 3 years.
-Ron
My two favorite authors are John Eldredge and A W Tozer. John is newer, with books like Wild At Heart, but he’s got some others written previously that bear attention. The Sacred Romance: Drawing closer to the heart of God, The Journey of Desire and Waking the Dead. They all have journals/field manuals you can buy. The Journey of Desire spoke to my own heart regarding my employment, and pursuing what I truly love to do.
A W Tozer is a gentleman who died in the early 60’s, was never a trained theologian, but has more accurate statements about God, His nature, prayer, and Satan, than most “classically” trained pastors. He is difficult to read sometimes, meaning you have to engage your whole attention, but the insight you can gain is immesurable. I recommend you start with The Pursuit of God.
Velvet Elvis By Rob Bell is amazing, I think you will relate with alot of what he says. It is questioning your faith without losing your faith.
God Bless Brother
http://www.morefromthehart.com
Great choice: you already picked up the Warren book!!! I second “Blue Like Jazz” for its orginality and thoughtfulness.
Other than that: anything by Philip Yancey. Standouts are “What’s so amazing about Grace” and “The Jesus I never Knew” But anything will do. To me he’s the leading Christian writer bar none. He doesn’t spout the party line, thinks original thoughrs and does so with nothing but the greates reverence.
I’d highly recommend Mere Christianity by CS Lewis.
The Gutter (by Craig Gross, as I’m sure you know) is also an EXCELLENT book.
heh
I have to recommend
A Personal Tao
While Taoist in nature its not about a single religion as much as the importance of discovering acceptance in living, which is the core of all faith.
and
Anything from the christian seeker Joseph Campbell.
Campbell explored life and his christian faith from many angles and his work is incredible.
Campbell? Christian seeker? Get serious! Who are you trying to fool?
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott.
One of the best books out there.
Don’t waste your time with Joel Osteen. His inflated ego fills his pages with more shit than I care to filter through again. It’s a humanistic outlook with a nice spiritual mask.
Hi, Donny!
Congratulations on your new life!
I read Mere Christianity and Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis a few days ago. I thought they were good. Lewis has written some other books on Christianity too. You could check them out.
How about The Confessions by St. Augustine?
(I’m now reading “The Republic and other dialogues” by Plato. Seriously.
At first, I thought they would be boring, but now I find them interesting. They aren’t Christian, since Socrates and Plato lived in the BCs, but when you read them, you get a feeling that they were somehow anticipating a more complete version of their philosophy, i.e., Christianity)
Prayers for you!
Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram
Jesus Freaks by DC Talk
A New Way To Be Human by Charlie Peacock
Make It Home Before Dark by Crawford Loritts
How To Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out by Jim & Karen Covell with Victorya Michaels Rogers
Donny, you need to read Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Several folks have said Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Definitely.
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
God on Earth by Douglas Banister
God on Paper by Bryan Loritts
Fiction–Most books by Ted Dekker. Start with the Circle Trilogy: Black, Red, and White. Then Showdown, House, and Saint.
I have to add another vote for anything by CS Lewis. Mere Christianity is good, but Screwtape Letters is better (fiction, but speaks to real life in a very unique way). John Piper has some good stuff.
Of course the Bible is best. Modern authors aren’t always right, so it’s best to study the book that is. Plus, you want non-fiction.
Gee Donny, all these people warning you against reading a book…what are they afraid of?
SJ xx
Wow…your blog is awesome…I was addicted to porn for a long time and I’m now in recovery. Your blog has been a great inspiration for me. There’s a book out there called Out of the Depths of Sexual Sin by Steve Gallagher…it’s awesome…he has many books on the subject of sexual sin and they have been a great help for me…also check out his website at http://www.purelifeministries.org
Thanks for the blog and may God bless you always. Keep up the great work.
How about The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer or The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee? Both of those, aside from the Bible of course, have been the most inspirational to me in my walk. God bless.
I think you should read Max Lucado’s “3:16, Numbers of Hope”