I'm asked often what books I'm reading, although I'm not sure if people want to know this to see where I'm getting my "damnable doctrine" as one person put it (ha), or if there is genuine interest. Either way, here goes. I try to read as many books as I can with as many different views as possible, as I don't want to be anyone's parrot. It's also important to note that I'm constantly reading the Text in various translations and paraphrases.
Recently Finished:
Primal [Mark Batterson] — by far the best book I've ever read… I read it twice, back-to-back
A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 [W. Phillip Keller] — third reading, awesome book
Outliers [Malcom Gladwell] — very good read, helps to affect change
Currently Reading:
Crazy Love [Francis Chan]
What Paul Meant [Garry Wills]
Everything Must Change [Brian D. McLaren]
Irresistible Revolution [Shane Claiborne]
New Covenant, New Community [Petrus J. Gräbe]
Wild Goose Chase [Mark Batterson]
I don't make it a practice to do book reviews, but I recommend that everyone who claims to be a disciple of Jesus read Primal and Crazy Love. If you're a pastor, or desire the office of pastor, I highly recommend A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23.
It would be great to see what you're reading as well. Feel free to post your book list.
Cool list. I am almost finished with Primal. Chan's book is in my queue.
ReplyDeleteHave you read anything by Tim Keller yet? You'd enjoy...
WHERE'S DAVID BERNARD'S PRACTICAL HOLINESS???? NATE WILSON'S BOND OF LOVE??? COME ON BRO
ReplyDelete@James: I've listened to some of Tim Keller's stuff, but haven't had a chance to read his writings yet. He's in my next list of authors.
ReplyDelete@JB: not a fan of Bernard's writings. Read Bond's of Love some time ago.
Monte,
ReplyDeleteStart with Prodigal God.
I like how you read things through multiple times (really good reads).
James
@James: i'm mildly dyslexic so i don't have much choice. if a book really grabs my attention i'll go at it several times.
ReplyDeletethanks for the recommend on Prodigal GOD. i'll add that to the Amazon queue even as we speak.
Reading right now:
ReplyDeleteHow to Read the Bible for All it's Worth by Stuart and Fee.
Just finished reading:
Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
Next on the list:
Prodigal God by Tim Keller
@Misty: adding the Stuart and Fee title to my queue. the other title sounds like fun. what's it about?
ReplyDelete@Misty -- great read by Fee there (Hermeneutics). Definitely a gem on the bookshelf. I also recommend Duvall & Hayes Grasping God's Word as a "light" alternative -- and it comes with exercises, reinforced learning techniques, and you can buy a workbook for it.
ReplyDeleteYour second book, a distant relative of mine? :)
Tim Chester is another good one. Gospel-centered Church I want to read. He was cited by Driscoll and Kalinowski on the subject of idolatry.
@Monte and James, the sippy cup book is a humorous take on being a first-time mommy. Nothing spiritual. LOL
ReplyDeleteMonte: Last night I spent a few minutes commenting on the above post... It turned out quite lengthy... probably due to the fact that I'm OCD when it comes to books... ANYWAY, I clicked on the post comment button and it got forever lost in cyber-space!! I wasn't a happy camper... especially since I couldn't remember everything I had typed... you know all the "perfect" quirky comments that only come along at the moment... lol
ReplyDeleteI decided to forget it and not post anything. I just added some of the above recommendations to my library request list (which stays at about 40+ all the time) Did I say I was OCD when it come to books, not to mention books that make you THINK!
But as you can see I changed my mind...
Books I'm reading right now:
I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Glenn Clark
Writing Down the Bones/Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg
Books I'm rereading right now are:
God's Reach by Glenn Clark
The Overcoming Life by Watchman Nee
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
I've read all of Malcolm Gladwell's book and I like them all for different reasons.
On another note:
My Dad used to say that preaching should either start a rebellion or a revolution and he taught us that we should always ask questions. We should know what and why we believe what we believe and to keep growing by challenging our own minds. The sheep know HIS voice... so we have the opportunity to let the Holy Ghost IN US discern not only the thoughts and intent of our hearts but also the thought and intent of the author. If the book does nothing else but prompt and challenge us to find out what we really believe ourselves... it worth the read..
Whoa ... I guess I remembered more than I thought! lol
I'm enjoying your posts... keep up the good work.
@Lori: i'm glad you're just OCD enough to come back and post anyway, ha.
ReplyDeletei'm a huge fan of Gladwell. often times—because of my dyslexia—i have to re-read a chapter several times, because his writing is thick, but i'm always challenged.
Watchman Nee is also a literary great. "Spiritual Authority" is still one of my favorites. I'll check out "The Overcoming Life".
CS Lewis... hmmm. i've never been a fan. give us a gist of what the book is about. the title intrigues me.
as to your dad's note, like what he said. in my latest blogpost i call for a revolution. i think its long overdue.
thanks for reading and commenting, it means a lot.
m