I wouldn’t describe myself as an *avid* reader, but I have read a number of excellent Christian books over the last few years and I would love to share them with you. Most of these books are particularly relevant for our day and age, or they are on topics that are foundational to our faith and thus fitting for any point in history.
Of course, no human author is perfect but I have found mostly good in these offerings. I will seek to add to this list as time goes on. I hope you find some gems of your own here! These title are currently all available on Amazon.
Here they are, in no particular order, with title, author and a short description.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism
Author: Tim Keller
“…addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and non-believers bring to religion. Using literature, philosophy, anthropology, pop culture, and intellectual reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand against the backlash toward religion spawned by the Age of Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.”
Note: I would add that you should also read “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis – a foundational classic on Christian apologetics and reasoning.
The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality
Author: Glen Scrivener
“Is Christianity history? Or is Christian history the deepest explanation of the modern world?
Today in the west, many consider the church to be dead or dying. Christianity is seen as outdated, bigoted and responsible for many of society’s problems. This leaves many believers embarrassed about their faith and many outsiders wary of religion. But what if the Christian message is not the enemy of our modern Western values, but the very thing that makes sense of them?
In this fascinating book, Glen Scrivener takes readers on a journey to discover how the teachings of Jesus not only turned the ancient world upside down, but continue to underpin the way we think of life, worth, and meaning.”
Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith
Author: Michael Reeves
“Why is God love? Because God is a Trinity. Why can we be saved? Because God is a Trinity. How are we able to live the Christian life? Through the Trinity. In this lively book, we find an introduction to Christianity and the Christian life that is from start to finish rooted in our triune God―Father, Son and Spirit…
With wit and clarity, Reeves draws from church history down to the present referencing a wide range of notable teachers and preachers. Here is a rich and enjoyable portrayal of the basic beliefs of Christianity that opens up the profound and life-changing truths of our faith.”
Born Again this Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next
Author: Rachel Gilson
“In this powerful and personal book, author Rachel Gilson describes her own unexpected journey of coming out and coming to faith... and what came next. As she does so, she addresses many of the questions that Christians living with same-sex attraction are wrestling with: Am I consigned to a life of loneliness? How do I navigate my friendships? Will my desires ever change? Is there some greater purpose to all this?
Drawing on insights from the Bible and the experiences of others, Born Again This Way shows that it is possible for same-sex attracted Christians to live fulfilling lives while being faithful to the Bible's teaching on sexuality. It will provide assurance and encouragement for Christians with same-sex attraction, and paints a compelling picture of discipleship for every believer.”
You are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well
Authors: Jen Wilkin and J.T. English
“Theology can be intimidating. Perhaps questions like these have kept you from engaging with it: “What is theology?” “Who does theology?” “What happens if I get something wrong?” Theology can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether conversations about theology have felt out of reach, over your head, or irrelevant, consider this book an invitation to the dialogue.”
You Are a Theologian addresses theological questions such as:
Who is God? The Doctrine of the Trinity
What is God like? The Attributes of God
What is the Bible? The Doctrine of Scripture
Who are we? The Doctrine of Humanity
What went wrong? The Doctrine of Sin
What has God done? The Doctrines of Christology, Atonement, and Justification
To whom do we belong? The Doctrine of the Church
How does the story end? The Doctrine of Last Things
10 Things Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
Author: Rebecca McLaughlin
“Going to school, hanging out with friends, or scrolling through social media feeds, teenagers are sure to face real challenges to faith in Jesus Christ. And whether you consider yourself a Christ follower or not, these questions can seem like deal breakers.
Backed by state-of-the-art research, personal stories, Harry Potter illustrations (warning: spoilers!), and careful biblical study, this book doesn’t dodge tough questions. Instead, it invites teenagers to ask their hardest questions about Christianity and to find surprising, life-giving answers.”
Note: I am slowly working through this book with my 13 year old daughter and it is going well! Also, the adult version of this book is called “Confronting Christianity” and is by the same author.
The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters
Author: Sinclair B. Ferguson
“Since the days of the early church, Christians have wrestled with the relationship between law and gospel. If, as the apostle Paul says, salvation is by grace and the law cannot save, what relevance does the law have for Christians today?
By revisiting the Marrow Controversy―a famous but largely forgotten eighteenth-century debate related to the proper relationship between God’s grace and our works―Sinclair B. Ferguson sheds light on this central issue and why it still matters today. In doing so, he explains how our understanding of the relationship between law and gospel determines our approach to evangelism, our pursuit of sanctification, and even our understanding of God himself.
Ferguson shows us that the antidote to the poison of legalism on the one hand and antinomianism on the other is one and the same: the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ, in whom we are simultaneously justified by faith, freed for good works, and assured of salvation.”
Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage
Author: Gavin Ortlund
“In theology, just as in battle, some hills are worth dying on and others are not. But how do we know which ones? When should doctrine divide, and when should unity prevail? … Pastor Gavin Ortlund implores us to cultivate humility as we prioritize doctrine into four ranks―essential, urgent, important, and unimportant―so that we will be as effective as possible at advancing the gospel in our time.”
Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith (31-Day Devotionals for Life)
Author: Esther Smith
“Chronic illness disrupts lives and leads to innumerable losses. Physical symptoms and limitation change all aspects of life, leading to unique challenges that are difficult to navigate. Thankfully, God provides his presence, counsel, and eternal perspective to help people in times of physical and emotional suffering. This 31-day devotional by biblical counselor Esther Smith focuses heavily on practical application, showing people with illness how to release guilt and shame, ask for help, balance work and rest, and get through days of difficult symptoms. Throughout the devotional, she reminds readers to look to the unseen spiritual realities that surround them and to fix their hearts on eternity. You will be encouraged as you consider various ways God is using illness in sanctifying, kingdom-advancing ways to display his glory and work in the hearts of his people.”
Note: If your chronic illness relates to mental health, I have also written a short devotional (called Sufficient Grace) that addresses that specifically.
Christian History Made Easy
Author: Timothy Paul Jones
“Christian History Made Easy clearly lays out the most important events in the history of the church, from the time of Jesus to modern day. Christian History Made Easy explains early church history, the Church Councils, the Great Schism, the Crusades, Francis of Assisi, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation, and more. This incredible handbook presents key church history events and great Christian leaders everyone should know, along with full-color church history timelines, photos, pictures, and maps.”
Note: This is a great entry point (by an Evangelical author) into learning about our history and heritage as Christians.
Is Jesus Truly God?: How the Bible Teaches the Divinity of Christ
Author: Greg Lanier
“This book invites readers to explore the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ by looking at 6 key truths presented in the Scriptures and later developed in the ecumenical creeds.”
Note: Christianity hinges on the truth of this doctrine (the divinity of Jesus Christ). Lanier does an academic but easy to read treatment of it.
Surprised by Jesus: Subversive Grace in the Four Gospels
Author: Dane Ortlund
By the same author as Gentle and Lowly (another good book), comes this work focusing on how Jesus taught and showed grace in the four Gospels. Refreshing, comforting and fulfilling!
