I am often asked to make recommendations regarding books that I think are good reads, particularly in relation to the subjects of spiritual formation, Jesus, and church renewal. Entwined within these subjects, of course, is the more general topic of the Sociology of Religion.
I am uncertain as to the reasons folks seek out my recommendations on such things. Perhaps it is because I am a voracious reader and most people who know me are aware of this. Or maybe it has something to do with my writing and speaking. People may figure because I engage in these two activities I must read a lot. Where else would I be able to come up with all those things I talk about or write about?
Personally, and I have made this apparent through the postings on this blog as well as various articles, talks, and other venues, I believe this is a critical time in the history of the church. It is an era that future historians will describe as chaotic, confused, and challenging. Yet those same historians will also see that this period in the church’s long history was one of great opportunity – an era when much de-construction and re-construction took place. I firmly believe that a new “Reformation,” just as significant as the one that occurred in the 16th Century, is already in the birth canal. Yes, it is a challenging time but it is also an exciting time. As followers of Christ, if we are serious about our faith, it is vital that we dive in to this swiftly moving current and do our part to bring about a new, vital version of the Christian faith that is both transformational and incarnational. Part of equipping ourselves, in addition to the spiritual gifts God has provided, is to acquire a foundation of knowledge that will help us clarify our purpose and give us good, godly direction in whatever we are trying to accomplish for the kingdom.
Reading is foundational and there is plenty out there to choose from. The books listed below are writings that I recommend for those serious about deepening their walk of faith in these turbulent times and, in addition to that deepening, making a positive contribution to the new forms and directions the church may take.
With these thoughts in mind, here is a “Top Twenty-Five,” in no particular order. Instead, they represented great books I have read over the past few years:
The Way of Jesus: A Journey of Freedom for Pilgrims and Wanderers (Jonathan S. Campbell with Jennifer Campbell)
Wisdom Jesus (Cynthia Bourgeault)
Saving Jesus from the Church (Robin Meyers)
Chasing Daylight (Erwin Raphael McManus)
Wide Awake (Erwin Raphael McManus)
The Heart of Christianity (Marcus Borg)
The Mystic Heart (Wayne Teasdale)
Guerrilla Lovers: Changing the World With Revolutionary Compassion (Vince Antonucci)
A New Kind of Christian (Brian McLaren)
The Beautiful Fight (Gary Thomas)
The Great Omission (Dallas Willard)
Exiles (Michael Frost)
Starving Jesus (Craig Gross and J.R. Mahon)
Revolution (George Barna)
The End of Religion (Bruxey Cavey)
A Renegades Guide to God (David Foster)
UnChristian (David Kennaman and Gabe Lyons)
Christianity for the Rest of Us (Diane Butler Bass)
Soul Graffiti (Mark Scandrette)
Blue Like Jazz (Donald Miller)
Who Stole My Church (Gordon MacDonald)
After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters (N.T. Wright)
Fingerprints of God (Barbara Bradley Hagerty)
Death By Church: Rescuing Jesus from His Followers (Mike Erre)
The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical (Shane
Claiborne)
This list is far from exhaustive. There are plenty of great writers out there and, with the advent of the Internet and its growth, there are also blogs and other web-based venues to choose from. As for the books listed above, again, I would recommend any of them without reservation. In my own personal walk, each of them has been transformational in some vital and useful way.
Blessings,
Mick
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