I thought in this blog I would give you five books I regularly recommend to people. These are exceptional books that are written by thoughtful authors.
Note: The books are not listed in any particular order, except the first two by Keller.
1. Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical - Tim Keller
We are living in a world that is becoming more and more skeptical. You may have family members who have struggled with reasons to believe in God. Is it possible for a thinking person to believe in God? Keller gives a thoughtful and compelling argument for anyone who is seeking to believe in God without checking their brain at the door. This book is challenging.
“If you say you don’t believe in God but you do believe in the rights of every person and the requirement to care for all the weak and the poor, then you are still holding on to Christian beliefs, whether you will admit it or not. Why, for example, should you look at love and aggression—both parts of life, both rooted in our human nature—and choose one as good and reject one as bad? They are both part of life. Where do you get a standard to do that? If there is no God or supernatural realm, it doesn’t exist.” — Page 47-48
2. The Reason for God - Tim Keller
"Making Sense of God" lays the foundation for "The Reason for God." In this book, Keller deals with the many questions people have about faith, the Bible, suffering and the afterlife. His arguments are thoughtful and robust. Keller maintains a pastoral tone in his writing. This is a great book for a Christian to strengthen their faith. It will also help someone who is seeking after a power higher than themselves.
“The Biblical view of things is resurrection—not a future that is just a consolation for the life we never had but a restoration of the life you always wanted. This means that every horrible thing that ever happened will not only be undone and repaired but will in some way make the eventual glory and joy even greater.” — Page 30
3. Heaven - Randy Alcorn
Alcorn has written one of the most extensive books on the Biblical view of Heaven. This is a wonderful book that helps the Christian dream about what Heaven will be like. He has an engaging style while he answers many of the questions we often ask about Heaven. Alcorn is biblical and theologically sound in his writing. He also writes in an easy style. This is the best book I have read on Heaven, so far.
“Too often we’ve been taught that Heaven is a non-physical realm, which cannot have real gardens, cities, kingdoms, buildings, banquets, or bodies. So we fail to take seriously what Scripture tells us about Heaven as a familiar, physical, tangible place.” — Randy Alcorn, Heaven
4. With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God - Skye Jethani
Skye helps us look at our relationship with Jesus. He has found a way for us to examine why we are in a relationship with Him. This book will transform the way you view your relationship with Jesus. It will help you diagnose what role God plays in your life. It will help you see your life in a new light. This was an important book for me, I hope it will be for you. It is an easy and thoughtful read.
“…in many presentations of the Christian message, uniting with God (being reconciled through the cross) is divorced from any notion of treasuring God. As a result, many end up expressing faith in Christ so their sins can be forgiven, but they do so either as a ticket to heaven or as a pass out of hell, not because they actually desire God. When this happens we fall back into the trap of using God. In this popular understanding of the gospel, God becomes a means, a device, rather than the end and the treasure.” — Page 109
5. A Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God: Spirituality for the Rest of Us - Larry Osborne
Osborne has written a good book on the Christian faith that is both practical and informative. He goes through a number of myths about the Christian life and spiritual maturity. He answers questions like, “Is it a sin to be average?” “What happens when God becomes a cosmic consultant?” As you read this book you will be challenged to think through some of the assumptions you have made without knowing it. The book is well written and engaging. It’s the kind of book you will read a little, think a little and then read some more and think some more.
“Contrary to what many of us have been taught, it’s not the amount of faith that matters. What brings God’s favor and power is our willingness to obey and act upon whatever tiny bit of faith we have.” — Page 113
So there you have it - five good books that will challenge and grow your faith in God. Some are more challenging than others, but all will help you in your Christian journey. They are written by very gifted and thoughtful Christians who have done us a great service by using their gifts for His Kingdom. Read and be blessed.